Canadian Universities Return to In-Person Learning in September

Source: Study International

As COVID-19 vaccines are being administered to Canadians across the country, a sense of normalcy is beginning to return. Universities, colleges, and other designated learning institutions now have the confidence to plan for Fall and Winter semesters that involve students on campus.

Institutions in different provinces must follow their own public safety guidelines before welcoming students back to classes at pre-pandemic levels. As a result of this, the re-opening of campuses is happening faster in some parts of Canada and more gradually in others.

While McGill University and the University of British Columbia expect the upcoming Fall semester to feature in-person classes, hybrid classroom models are being proposed elsewhere. Both the University of Windsor and the University of Ottawa will use online and regular classes when they welcome students again.

We encourage you to read the original article to see what more institutions intend to do later this year. If there are specific universities or colleges you are interested in, be sure to visit their websites for the most accurate information.

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Virtual Open Houses, The New Normal for Canadian Campuses?

First Ever Virtual Open Houses Organized By Montreal based Concordia University and Halifax’s Dalhousie University saw a huge success with prospective students logging in from all over the world

Open houses have been a long standing tradition at several campuses. Open houses and information sessions are one of the best ways to determine whether or not a university is the right fit for prospective students. Open houses are more than an exploration of a campus. They provide students with valuable insights into program options, university life and the overall campus experience. This year, as we all know COVID-19 has changed a lot of things. Under the current public health guidelines, most of the Canadian Universities are opting for Virtual Open Houses.

Among many others, one of the most recent Canadian campuses to host a virtual open house is Concordia University. Located in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Montreal, Quebec, Concordia University is one of Canada’s most innovative and diverse campuses. Concordia provides a wide range of innovative programs and courses that offer an unique and rewarding educational experience. Concordia boasts small classes, accessible and award-winning professors, and an affordable education. Concordia held its first-ever virtual undergraduate Open House on Saturday, October 24. Despite the switch to an online environment, the university says the open house was a massive success and participants shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. Attendees also had the opportunity to chat with recruiters and faculty members in real-time in addition to attending informational Zoom meetings. Out of the 2,300 prospective undergrads who attended the online event, about 35% of attendees were international students. And a total of 109 countries were represented in the University’s open house. The University also reported that students continue to visit the Open House web page for resources. All of the content  presentations, videos and documents are available online until November 23.

Another remarkable feat achieved by a Canadian campus in bringing the university community together to welcome prospective undergraduate students and give them a taste of life virtually is Dalhousie University. More than 3,400 students registered for the event. Prospective students also have the opportunity to view recorded and on-demand content over the next 30 days. While the university is thrilled with the incredible number of attendees, they’re even more excited by the resulting applications to the university.

“Open House is a significant opportunity to inspire prospective students to apply,” says Kristen Sutherland, associate registrar and director, student recruitment and undergraduate admissions. “It also provides applicants the ability to make strong connections and map their next steps on their path to Dalhousie. We are encouraged by the level of engagement at the event and delighted by the number of students who have chosen to apply. Virtual Open House has demonstrated that the Dalhousie community is committed to supporting future students in new and innovative ways.”

Montreal Wants Its International Students To Stay

Source: NHL, Study International

A new campaign “Je Choisis Montreal,” or “I Choose Montreal” in English, aims to help international students remain in the city upon their graduation. Montreal is already highly regarded among overseas students as a study destination, ranking atop multiple lists of cities to pursue an education in.

More than 33,000 international students were in Montreal in 2017, representing a 10% rise compared to the previous year. However many of them have been seen leaving Quebec after they graduate. With skilled labour in demand throughout the province, this campaign hopes to make the idea of staying more appealing to foreign students.