On March 16, Ontario’s colleges released a new set of common sector-wide standards to strengthen programs and supports for international students. Conestoga is one of 23 public colleges that have signed on to begin the compliance process immediately.
The standards build on existing programs and services and cover everything from the marketing of programs in other countries to targeted assistance to help students adapt to life in Ontario.
The commitments for each signatory college include:
- Ensuring the marketing of programs to international students is accurate and transparent.
- Requiring international agents working for Ontario’s colleges to have completed a sector-endorsed agent training program.
- Ensuring information on services, supports and facilities are provided to students before they arrive in Ontario and once they are in the province. This would include information on mental well-being, student housing and employment opportunities.
- Providing targeted assistance to help international students adjust to a new environment.
In coming months, the college sector will provide details about its quality assurance process to conduct regular audits of each signatory college’s fulfilment of the standards.
“Ontario needs more college graduates to help address the rapidly growing labour shortage in key sectors,” said Conestoga President John Tibbits. “We remain committed to providing our international students with support services and integration within the college and broader community to help address current and emerging workforce needs.”
To view the standards, visit Colleges Ontario.