Niagara College International

From May 8 to 10, Niagara College hosted over 40 global recruitment partners from more than 25 countries during the 2025 Familiarization (FAM) Tour.

Similar to NC’s Spring and Fall Open Houses, this annual event offered an immersive experience of the College’s campuses, programs, and community. This opportunity helped strengthen their ability to support prospective international students in making informed decisions about their education.

“By immersing themselves in the ncLIFE and the richness of the Niagara Region, our partners left with authentic insights to support and inspire future students”, said NC’s Senior Director, Global Business Development Gary Torraville. “The 2025 FAM Tour was a celebration of global collaboration and the College’s commitment to inclusive, high-quality education.”

The FAM Tour offered participants a dynamic itinerary that showcased both the academic environment and cultural vibrancy of the region. Partners explored both campuses, gaining firsthand insight into the learning spaces and student support services that define the NC experience. The tour also featured an immersive walking tour of Niagara Falls and a welcome reception, including special greetings from Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and NC’s Vice-President, International, Sean Coote.

Discovering NC’s learning enterprises

At the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the Lake, recruitment partners experienced NC’s culinary, wine, hospitality, environmental, and business programs, gaining insights into the College’s experiential learning model through its on-campus enterprises.

“In Nepal, programs in the fields of horticulture, viticulture, culinary arts, and health and wellness are rare or unavailable,” said Bhuwan Chhetri, Managing Director of Target International Education. “It was eye-opening to witness NC’s hands-on learning approach.”

“With Post Graduation Work Permit eligible programs, strong industry ties, and co-op opportunities, the college is an excellent choice for students seeking a practical and purposeful education in Canada,” added Chhetri.

As part of their experience at the DJP Campus, recruitment partners also had the opportunity to engage directly with Niagara College President Sean Kennedy during a special reception held at Benchmark Restaurant, one of NC’s signature learning enterprises.

The event offered a unique setting for meaningful conversations and further reinforced the College’s commitment to industry-connected education. Members of the NC team at the event presented themselves and shared their personal experiences, highlighting the impact of their time at the College, either as students or employees.

Exploring innovative labs and services

At the Welland Campus, the group explored Niagara College’s facilities for programs in trades, technology, health, community services, media, and more through interactive sessions that reflect NC’s innovative, career-focused approach.

“Seeing how students immerse in hands-on learning and are supported by passionate employees truly brought NC’s commitment to career readiness to life,” said Veronica Maldonado Chillon, CEO of the agency Time to Canada, based in Vancouver with offices in Latin America.

“What stood out to me is how well NC blends academic excellence and applied learning. Programs in fields like engineering, technology, healthcare, and more are a game-changer for international students”, added Chillon.

In addition to exploring campus spaces and learning environments, the tour offered valuable opportunities for direct engagement with faculty, staff, and fellow recruitment professionals–reinforcing NC’s collaborative approach to global education.

“One of the most memorable moments was connecting with employees, and witnessing their genuine passion and pride for NC,” said Natalia Labastia, Educational Counselor at CI Canada, based in Toronto.

“It was inspiring to see how many of them were once international students who chose to stay and become part of the College community. Hearing stories about how supported they felt during their studies was incredibly moving,” added Labastia.

The event concluded with a vibrant Student Services Fair, highlighting Niagara College’s comprehensive support ecosystem and its role in empowering students throughout their journey.

Participating services included Alumni Relations; Athletics and Student Engagement; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Global Pathways; Health, Wellness and Accessibility Services; International Student Services; Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC); Research and Innovation; Student Rights and Responsibilities; and Sustainability.

The FAM Tour reinforced Niagara College’s role as a leading global college in Canada, sparking collaboration to inspire the next generation of learners.