CANADA Education Report

Situated on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario in Oshawa, Ontario, Durham College is known for its robust science, engineering, and health sciences programs. The college specializes in diplomas and postgraduate certificates, but also offers university pathway programs to neighboring schools such as the University of Ontario Institution of Technology (UOIT). This strategic partnership gives students access to an impressive array of state-of-the-art science and technology facilities.

 

“Durham College is very strong in health sciences and in the fields of science and engineering. That is where we see the majority of our international students studying,” stated Durham College Executive Director of International Education, Dr. Fiona Richards.

 

The college hosts more than 500 international students, approximately 50 coming from Brazil, and the majority take part in the Science without Borders program.

 

“We are excited to have Brazilian students on campus,” explained Dr. Richards. “For us, they are fun students; they are good students. Brazilian students add to our diversity and are a very important part of our community.”

 

International students enjoy the approachable faculty and the Canadian college model that promotes industry experience and internships. Most programs include job placements, providing an edge to students in the job market after graduation.

 

The college also strives to incorporate hands-on learning on campus. The newly opened Centre for Food building houses the “field-to-fork” themed hospitality and culinary programs. In these innovative programs, agriculture and horticulture students grow food, culinary students prepare it, and it is served in a restaurant run by hospitality students.

 

“Sustainable growing and eating seasonally and locally are becoming important global issues. Our field-to-fork programs are very much built on those ideas,” concluded Dr. Richards.

 

Engaged in a number of developmental projects in Peru and in the Philippines, Durham is in the early stages of building an outgoing international program. The college is also very enthusiastic to welcome more Brazilian students to join the vibrant Durham community.