Domestic and international students, this section is for you! Taking part in co-curricular programs, clubs, events, activities or sports enhances your learning experience. Durham College offers many fun opportunities to get involved and make new friends. I had a great experience studying at Durham College! It was a very enriching experience that allowed me to gain new perspectives and knowledge that will serve me well in both my professional and personal life. The diversity in my classroom and the activities organized by the college gave me the privilege of learning from different cultures. I'm deeply grateful to the professors in the Addictions and Mental Health program. Their dedication to teaching and guiding us through the learning process was evident in every class. I'm also immensely thankful to the International Education Office for their support. As a newly arrived international student, their assistance was invaluable. Later, as a member of their team through on-campus work, I continued to receive their support. The journey as an international student can be fraught with doubts, unfamiliarity, and uncertainty, which is normal and to be expected. However, having a team of professionals willing to support and guide us through this process is immensely helpful and provides a great sense of relief. Lissette Jaramillo Student from Ecuador, Addictions and Mental Health program BECOME A VOLUNTEER My journey at Durham College has been transformative. Achieving my networking certifications, with the college's support, stands out as a major milestone. Thom MacDonald, the dean of my program, played a pivotal role during a challenging phase, offering unwavering guidance and belief. Volunteering at the IT expo expanded my network and opened doors to hands-on experience. The bonds I've built on campus are profound; they've been instrumental in my professional trajectory, leading to my first college job. The DC IWorks program broadened my horizons. Working across diverse departments, and now in International Education, I've amassed a rich skill set. The camaraderie and support I've encountered are unparalleled, fostering both my mental and physical resilience. In essence, Durham College hasn't just been an educational institution for me but a foundation for personal and professional growth. Grateful for this journey, I'm Aaditya Sikka, proudly carrying forward the Durham legacy. Aaditya Sikka Computer System Technology VOLUNTEER WITH DURHAM COLLEGE There are many volunteer opportunities available to you at Durham College or in the region. Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your campus or community, and can also help you gain valuable skills that will serve you well in your part-time job search. If you are compassionate, patient, enthusiastic, outgoing or want to gain these skills, sign up to be part of the DC Crew here. On-campus volunteers help new students feel comfortable and welcomed into the DC family, share their experiences to help and direct new students, promote engagement by encouraging new international students to stay connected to the International Education office and foster a positive atmosphere by pumping up new students and being enthusiastic about activities. VOLUNTEER WITH THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE Are you looking for a flexible opportunity to get involved with opportunities both on campus and off? The International Education Office is looking for enthusiastic IEO Volunteers to help support a variety of opportunities throughout the academic year. IEO Volunteers support events like international student orientation, fall open house, cultural festivals/celebrations and general events, including, international development week, Pangea, and more! What we offer Flexible commitment Opportunities to attend events for free Why volunteer with us? Connect and engage with your community Make meaningful contributions across campus It’s fun! To apply to the IEO Volunteer team please fill out our online registration form below. If you have any questions about the program please contact us. VOLUNTEER OFF-CAMPUS Interested in volunteering off-campus? Before you engage in volunteer activities, it is your responsibility to review the meaning of work as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This is because some volunteer work may be considered a type of work for which you are required to have a work permit. Therefore, it is your responsibility to always check and follow the regulations when planning to work as a volunteer. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (ISMP) The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) provides welcoming mentorship opportunities to first semester international students by matching first semester students with an upper year mentor, who acts as a resource to answer questions, connects mentees with campus resources and services, and offers social support to ease students’ transition to Durham College. Students are matched based on their program of study, common interests or both. The goal of the program is to help new students feel welcomed and supported while developing skills they will need to be successful at DC. The program aims to build confidence through meaningful connections between mentors and their mentee(s), encourage using campus resources/services, and contribute to a fulfilling college experience for all participants. Participating in the International Student Mentorship Program was truly a rewarding experience for me. As an international student, I know that navigating a new educational system and cultural landscape can be daunting, but this program provided invaluable support and guidance every step of the way. Being a mentor in this program allowed me to lend my support and guidance to my mentees during their adjustment period at school. Through this program, I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge, offer advice, and provide a supportive ear for my mentees facing various challenges. Seeing their triumph over challenges and flourishing in their new surroundings fills me with a deep sense of pride, and witnessing their growth, both academically and personally, is truly inspiring. Partaking in this program made me feel blessed, as it allowed me to make a meaningful difference in my mentees’ lives. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a transformative program that fosters diversity, inclusivity, and personal growth. I wholeheartedly urge anyone who wants to make a positive impact and develop deep relationships with international students to apply to be a mentor in the International Student Mentorship Program. Kristine Jarabelo Student from the Philippines, HR-Business HOW CAN THE ISMP HELP ME? A Peer mentor can assist with some or all of the following: Answer questions about Durham College Getting involved on campus Develop strategies to successfully transition into college life in Canada Understand the supports and services available for personal and academic success Create a sense of belonging within the DC community ISMP BENEFITS Serving with the ISMP is a valuable experience that directly impacts the college community. By volunteering your time, enthusiasm and knowledge, you contribute to the success of first year international students by helping them achieve a sense of belonging at Durham College. This experience does not only benefit the mentee. Peer mentors also get the opportunity to meet new people, make meaningful connections, and learn about different cultures and backgrounds. COMMITMENT Mentors and mentees are asked to meet (physically, virtually, email, etc.) at least 3 times in the Fall 2025 term (September to December). They may choose to meet more than that if they wish. We understand that life as a student has many responsibilities and can be busy, and for that reason our mentorship program is flexible and provides mentors and their mentee(s) with an opportunity to determine their own schedule. We encourage mentors and mentees to use communication methods that best work with their needs and are agreed upon by both parties, from emails or phone calls, connections via text or social media, or perhaps meetings in person. The way participants decide to interact is between mentor and mentee(s). We will keep the applications open to be mentors for the Fall 2025 term until September 30th, 2025. Mentee applications are open year-round. BENEFIT TO YOU If a mentor completes their commitment by meeting their assigned mentee(s) at least three times during a particular term, we will offer enrolment into a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, offered by the Career Development office at Durham College. Self-awareness is the first step to personal and professional growth. The MBTI instrument helps individuals understand their strengths, preferred working styles, and helps them see their potential. This is valued at $30 CAD. DC STUDENT LIFE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES The International Education office offers a number of events, activities and workshops each semester to help you navigate the student experience and have fun while doing so. See what’s happening this fall. UPCOMING DC EVENTS Check out Durham College’s calendar of events. DURHAM COLLEGE STUDENT ASSOCIATION Durham College Student Association (DCSA) is your student association, providing high quality campus engagement and services for all Durham College full-time students. Read more about your student association here. SPORTS AND RECREATION Whether you want to unwind after a long day of classes, are simply looking to work up a sweat, or are a high performing athlete looking to compete, Durham College offers a wide variety of athletic and recreational services. Read more here and visit the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre website. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from the ISAs, SEIT Faculty, SALS, professors, classmates, and friends throughout my journey at Durham College and in Canada. Your efforts to create a friendly and welcoming community for international students like me have made all the difference. At the beginning, I faced significant challenges—being separated from my family and uncertain about the future. With the consistent support of the ISAs, my wife’s visa was processed, and we were finally reunited. Working as a peer tutor under SALS gave me my first work experience on a Canadian campus, while collaborating and volunteering with the SEIT Faculty and professors provided invaluable career insights. Working alongside my classmates and friends has also established lasting friendships. You are not alone. At Durham College, you’ll find unwavering support from ISAs, faculty, professors, and peers to help guide you every step of the way. A heartfelt thank you to the ISAs, SEIT Faculty, professors, and classmates who have supported me along the way! Tailong Cheng International Student from China, Data Analytics for Business Decision Making and Cloud Computing
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