Durham College (DC) International is making sure the international student experience comes first with the launch of a pioneering mobile application for those looking to study in Canada. The Durham Assist app is a one-stop shop for students, providing all the information they need to know about studying in Canada and at DC.

Developed in partnership with Canadian developer Maple Assist Inc. and three other Canadian colleges, the Durham Assist app is currently being piloted with potential and new students coming from India. The application provides international students with relevant, comprehensive information about studying in Canada and the DC student experience specifically. 

The app is designed to streamline communication between the college and international students, simplify the application and study permit process, ensure students are better prepared for the cultural and academic transition to Canada and support transportation and arrival planning and services.

Sponsors of the project include Air Canada, Scotiabank and India-based HDFC Bank. These and other sponsors have committed to providing student users with special offers for items such as flights, bank fees, exchange rates and arrival packages that include bedding and other early arrival needs.

Students in India can download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play.  Once the pilot is complete, the app will be made available more broadly.

DC’s international team opted for a mobile application to improve student service based on the ever-increasing prevalence of smartphones around the world. Based on the success of the pilot project in India, the college will look at expanding the app to other countries with students looking to pursue post-secondary education in Canada.

As of January 2018, DC is home to more than 1,445 international students, representing 61 countries from around the world.