Invite an international student over for the holidays

Cambrian College is encouraging Sudburians to invite international students who are spending the holiday season away from home to share in our northern Christmas and winter holiday traditions.

“More than 280 students have chosen to study at Cambrian and to learn about Canadian culture here in Sudbury, and we always strive to give them an authentic and welcoming experience,” said Venki Rajendiran, International Student Support co-ordinator at Cambrian College, in a press release.

“There are so many warm and friendly people in Sudbury. We’re asking them to consider opening their homes to a student or groups of students, so they may enjoy some northern holiday traditions and share their own traditions with Sudburians. Hosts might invite students to Christmas dinner, or to spend time with enjoying winter activities like sliding or ice fishing.

“It’s a great way to meet people from other cultures and to help international students feel connected over the holidays when they are thousands of miles away from their own families.”

Local volunteers are needed to make this initiative a success. “We are hoping people from the community will adopt one or two students for a day, or even for a few hours,” Rajendirain said. “We will match students and hosts based on their available dates, times, interests, and activities.”

Cambrian is home to students from more than 20 countries, including Bahamas, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, China, India, Jordan, Libya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Scotland, South Korea, Spain, Togo, USA, and Vietnam.

Those interested in hosting a student or learning more about the opportunities to meet international students may phone Venki Rajendiran at 705-566-8101, ext. 6940, email [email protected], or visit Cambrian’s International Office, located at 1400 Barrydowne Road, in room 1638.