A friendly group of students, with hometowns ranging from Norway to New Zealand, were keen to learn more about their new country of residence as they chatted over pizza in the McCain courtyard last Friday.
The inquisitive conversation covered a spectrum from classroom etiquette to sales tax to Kraft Dinner during Transitions 2012—an orientation for incoming international undergrads that took place last week.
“The orientation is meant to present the students with essential information about Dalhousie and the Halifax community in a way that is engaging,” said Margaret Anne Mulrooney, event planner for international orientation and who works at Dal’s International Centre.
So why did these students choose to make the journey to Halifax?
“It reminded me of my hometown,” said Johnny Scallender, a history and politics student from Scotland.
An international reputation for quality education doesn’t hurt either.
“Dalhousie is famous,” said engineering freshman Jidin Stephen of India. “There is a chance for research here.”
Canadian crash course
Focus groups within the four faculties with the highest percentage of international students (computer science, engineering, management and science) helped decide the programming for this year’s international orientation.
Off-campus housing and financial management were two hot topics that made this year’s list of presentations by popular demand.
Also, by request, 2012 offered the first orientation that separated undergrads from graduate students.
“Individual students, no matter where they are from, have individual needs,” said Mulrooney, who recently completed her MA in history. “The best way to make an event inclusive is to listen and respond to student feedback regarding their needs as new students.”
Four elements of orientation were made mandatory this year: academic success, health care, Canadian immigration, and Dal essentials. These topics aimed to acquaint new students with available support services.
“Orientation has helped us to make connections,” said Pravish Jankee, a first-year engineering student from Mauritius.
As for general first impressions of Dal and Halifax, most students mentioned friendly people and helpful profs.
Good vibes
“Orientation has such a positive vibe,” said Pam Williams, director of Dalhousie’s International Centre.
The International Centre offers plenty of programming for international students throughout the year as well. Besides the usual trips to Peggy’s Cove and Point Pleasant, there will be intercultural competency courses offered this year in the form of small group work sessions.
The Dalhousie International Student Association (DISA) will also host events such as International Night during the school year. (Check out their “Dalvengers” orientation video.)
Williams complimented the student volunteers who make international orientation possible. Many are international students themselves.
“They’ve had such a positive experience that they want to give back,” she said. “They’re our biggest advocates.”
Volunteer Shawn Simamba came from Zambia to attend Dalhousie and has just finished her degree in international development and business.
“I get to meet all these wonderful people,” she said when explaining why she volunteers for international orientation. “You only get this opportunity in a setting like this.”
Meeting new friends
Williams also stresses that international students enjoy interacting with domestic students at campus events.
“We really try to be inclusive and encourage domestic students to be involved. It’s a wonderful opportunity for domestic students to test out doing an exchange.”
As a domestic student herself, Mulrooney sees the benefits of interacting with her international peers.
“The best part has definitely been meeting many of the new students. It’s great to see them enjoying the events, meeting other students and making new friends.”
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