Kavishkumar Bhekharee (Mauritius) - Civil Engineering

Hello, my name is Kavishkumar Bhekharee, I’m 20 years old. I’m from Goodlands village in Mauritius Island. I went to Mapou State Secondary School and I’m currently enrolled in the Civil Engineering Technology programat Algonquin College in Ottawa. I’m actually doing my second semester.

First and foremost, I chose to do the Civil Engineering program because it is basically one of the best programs we may find in colleges. Civil Engineering Technologists are also in great demand all across Canada. And, I chose Algonquin College because it is a highly recognised college as well as one of the best colleges in Ottawa. Algonquin College is found in the capital city of Canada which is a very huge advantage for international students because there are many facilities and we get everything.

So far, my studies are going on pretty well. I adore Ottawa very much because it is a small city and the people here are very nice. Also, the winter in Ottawa is pretty cool…. Anyway, I started loving the winter in Canada.

I would highly recommend people to come study at Algonquin College. 

With departmental approval, Kavish will complete two optional paid full-time co-op work terms during the Spring/Summer months. Co-op education involves alternating periods of academic studies with paid work experience in the appropriate field. 

Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)

Students at the Algonquin College Civil Engineering program focus on advanced topics including project administration, civil estimating, design of steel structures, and highway and environmental engineering. In addition, students broaden their skills in other civil engineering sub-disciplines, such as statics, structural analysis, hydraulics, GIS, water and waste water technology and geotechnical materials. This porgram is offered at the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) where other programs such as the Applied Bachelor of Building Science, Bachelor of Applied Arts - Interior Design, Architectural Technology, Electrical Engineering and the postgraduate certificate in Green Architecture are offered. 

Lucas Capalbo (Brasil) - Algonquin College - Gestão de Eventos

Eu escolhi Algonquin College em Ottawa para estudar Gestão de Eventos porque senti confiança nas informações que recebi sobre o College. Não houve nenhum email que mandei para eles fazendo perguntas que não me foi respondido (ao contrário de outros colleges e universidades). Fiz diversas pesquisas sobre escolas, preços e cursos, ao final, decidi vir para cá pois AC correspondia todas as minhas exigências. Muitos me perguntam "Por que Ottawa e não Toronto ou Vancouver?" Na minha opinião e que essas cidades já estão "manjadas", cheias de estrangeiros e creio que a verdadeira cultura canadense se perdeu um pouco. Ottawa e um pouco menor do que as duas cidades, mas ainda e a capital do pais, ou seja, grandes decisões são tomadas aqui, gerando varias oportunidades e chamando a atenção do resto do Canada. Sem falar que a cultura canadense e mais viva por essas bandas!

Meu primeiro mês no College for extraordinário! Tantas oportunidades são oferecidas que fica até difícil de escolher o que participar. Os canadenses tem um cuidado e dedicação tão grande com o seu sucesso que fazem de tudo para fazer com que você tenha a melhor experiência universitária possível. Para vocês terem idéia da forca dos alunos por aqui, a Associação de estudantes (que e independente do College e dirigido pelos alunos) construiu um prédio de milhões de dólares para nós o utilizarmos para diversos fins.

Como somos estrangeiros, as vezes nos sentimos mais acuados de erguermos nossa voz em certas coisas, mas como o ditado já diz "não deixe o medo impedir que você vença". Quando algumas oportunidades me apareceram, confesso que meu coração bateu mais forte, minhas mãos tremeram, minha mente foi a mil perguntando a mim mesmo "mas e se eles não me entenderem? mas e se eu não entende-los? mas... mas...) Eu deixei os "mas" para trás e corri atrás dos meus objetivos! 

Em praticamente dois meses que estou aqui já consegui grandes conquistas. Fui tão bem recebido e aceito pelos meus colegas que fui até eleito o representante de classe, consegui um trabalho no campus, ajudo a Associação de estudantes a promover eventos e descobrir a necessidade dos universitários, voluntariei em diversos projetos, criei um clube de estudantes latino americanos , até já me fantasiei de mascote para animar a torcida nos jogos da atlética (que por sinal é muito boa) e um monte de coisa que já tenho em vista, mas que ainda não se concretizaram. Que saber? Mandei bem em ter vindo para cá!!!

Federico Saretzki - Event Management

Federico Saretzki has been placed in the Dean's list and will be graduating with honours from Algonquin College's postgraduate certificate in Event Management.

Federico is a Colombian philosopher from Universidad de los Andes and a recognized DJ. He has knowledge in design, planning, management and execution of artistic production models.

He took the time to answer the following questions about his experience at Algonquin in Ottawa.


1. What influenced your decision to take the Event Management with Algonquin's School of Hospitality and Tourism ?
I have been working in events for more than 12 years and needed to move forward, a step ahead in my career and learn the managerial skills that I was missing in order to pursue my personal and professional projects.

2. Why did you choose Ottawa and Algonquin College?
Ottawa is a safe, nice and manageable city. Algonquin College offers one of the best courses in the world of event management; Canada is a great country that offers opportunities for international students.

3. What has worked for you throughout this time?
Networking and getting contacts in the field and industry, having the opportunity to work on site in different events and showing my talents and expertise in my coop positions and volunteering. Pursuing in my talents and strengths and having enough time to re-invent myself, do a lot of things that you miss when you are not a student.

4. Why should other Colombian/Latin students come to Ottawa and Algonquin?
Living abroad is the best learning experience. Algonquin is a great college with hands on experience, international view and moreover, also an institution that makes the student follows their path, learn in a friendly environment in order to follow their own dreams. Having the opportunity to study again in a multicultural environment is the biggest challenge ever, but this challenge makes you a better citizen of the world.

5. Any other positive anecdotes you would like to share
Having the chance of relearning, re-inventing and re-interpreting my life, learning different views on how to do events, and moreover, developing my talents and strengths with a multicultural group.  Having the chance to volunteer in events, fundraise among others are part of this success.

Thank you Federico and congratulations! 

Kenya connection: Nursing student from Kenya to graduate with Canadian credentials

BY LUCY MORRISSEY


This fall, 70 students were recruited from Africa and enrolled at Algonquin College to pursue an education that will earn them a career of their choice. Martin Kahia, 22, from Nairobi, Kenya, is in his final semester of the two-year nursing program at Algonquin, evading some challenges he would otherwise face in Africa.


For the full article by Lucy Morrisey, read the Algonquin Times here. 

Algonquin College in India

Algonquin College has opened its doors in India in response to increased demand from Indian students to study abroad. Algonquin has expanded its presence on the ground in New Delhi by opening an office and hiring a dedicated person to assist potential students with their inquiries, study plans and applications to Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. Algonquin College is a polytechnic college with a focus on career-oriented degrees, diplomas and graduate certificate programs in business, advanced technology, health and community studies, media/design and hospitality.

Situated in the prestigious district of Saket, New Delhi, the new office increases Algonquin’s international presence and shows its commitment to creating an awareness and branding in India. The college will provide student support services that include application guidance, pre-departure sessions and outreach counseling.

Ms. Debjani Moitra is the dedicated representative on the ground for Algonquin College, with the support of Mr. Vinay Chaudhry, CEO of Maple Leaf EduConnect. For more information, contact:

Algonquin College – India Office

Ms. Debjani Moitra

Unit #121, Square One

Plot C-2, District Centre

Saket, New Delhi – 110017, India

Mobile No: +91 8800796767

Email: india@algonquincollege.com

Daliso Nguluwe Bulwani (Lusaka – Zambia) “This is an opportunity to really experience life”

When Daliso came to Ottawa from Lusaka she still remembers the warm welcome she felt. Not only was it friendlier, but it was cheaper too. “It’s a city you have to get to know,” she says. “In Ottawa, you can walk to places. Everything is within reach.” She still doesn’t like winter very much, but that’s just because it is so much warmer back home in Zambia. Daliso had given the UK a try before that. “I was miserable in Birmingham,” she says. “It was rainy and grey every day.” She now lives here with her cousin. Her brother will join her in January, 2012. 

Daliso graduated from the Springfield Coaching Centre after attending Rhodes Park High School. “My life began at 17 when I moved to the UK”. She thinks that many Zambian students want to experience the world, and studying abroad is a great opportunity. Daliso is taking the 3-year advance diploma in Business Administration with an emphasis on International Business. Her plan is to finish her degree at the University of Ottawa next year after she graduates from Algonquin.

“Education is a priority in Zambia” and she’s happy she chose college education to start. “I wouldn’t have been able to handle the work load and pressure at university…. It would’ve been a lot harder.” She thinks the small classroom environment at Algonquin is great to help students succeed. Her favorite professor is Mr. Norman Hotchkiss.

David Mulandabulwa Ng'Ambi: “In Canada, you make the opportunity yourself”

David Ng'Ambi came to Ottawa from Kitwe to study Mechanical Engineering in 2006. Today he’s completing his advanced diploma in Architectural Technology at Algonquin College, spending much of his time at Algonquin’s new ACEE building. He calls it a “state of the art facility”, where students can learn just by walking along its hallways.

A graduate of Mpelembe High School, David believes college education prepares students to get into the industry. “Here you learn stuff, you learn what to do.” His father inspired him to come to Canada because he had Canadian education himself. David agrees that post-secondary education in Ontario is amongst the best. He always liked technical drawing, and design was his passion. That’s why, after completing his first engineering diploma at Algonquin, he decided to join the architectural field. 

When David first arrived in Ottawa he was part of the homestay program, living with a Canadian family. “It teaches you”, he says “helps you to settle in.” He felt he wanted to fit in from the beginning, not to isolate himself from his new host country. At the first opportunity, he moved in with a mixed group of friends from Canada and all over the world. 

He thinks Ottawa is “quiet and not complicated… everybody is willing to help”. He says it wasn’t difficult for him to adjust to Canada’s capital city because “one has to be open to learning, open minded.” As his friend once told him, “Don’t think in a straight line, if there are different directions”.

David is very happy to be at Algonquin College and says he has two homes now. 

George Huang - It's all about talent!

George - Zheng Huang, from China, is doing his second program at Algonquin this year.  

He first  completed Event Management where he worked on a special fundraising event for the Children's Wish Foundation. 

Check this article: Childrens wishes granted thanks to Algonquin program

George is now in the Food and Nutrition Management program.

Before coming to Ottawa, George studied in Switzerland and can speak French very well.  He also sings and plays guitar.  He sang Hotel California at the last Chinese New Year event at the College and is featured in a CBC news clip about the Chinese New Year.  

It's all about talent, and George's got it!!! 

We value all that Aboriginal students bring to our communities

Meet current College Student Kaylynn Thompson and share her thoughts about the Mamidosewin Native Centre.

About CITIZENS OF NOWHERE

I recently finished reading CITIZENS OF NOWHERE, From Refugee Camp to Canadian campus by Debi Goodwin. It was a gift from my dear friend Nadia. This is a fantastic, if sad, recount of the lives of 11 Somali students from Kenyan refugee camps and their journey into different Canadian institutions. Goodwin knits contrasting snapshots of life during their first school year in different corners of the country (from Victoria to Halifax). Goodwin tells this story with compassion and detail, at times bringing tears and excitement to a concentrated reader. I not only recommend the book (Anchor Canada/Random House) but would also like to reflect on an issue that concerns me. That is the way students cope and adjust to their new circumstances once they have bravely left their home countries to venture into what they expect to be a better life (at least one with plenty of opportunities). Most of the young women and men in Citizens of Nowhere have left their roots, families and hostile realities to face new challenges on their own. In a way, their journey is very similar to that of any international student. While it is true that most international students in Canada come from more privilege contexts, their process of adjustment to a new environment remains equally difficult.

Goodwin is a documentary producer and former CBC journalist. Her documentary “The lucky ones” inspired this book. You can hear from Debi and two of the students at: CBC.ca | The Sunday Edition | Somalia - Chimps - Emily Dickinson

For more info on the program developed by The World University Service of Canada, you can visit this link: (WUSC)

Jay Barnard's Story - Asking for Help

How to Ask for Help
"Getting help is often the solution, but asking for help can be difficult. Some feel like it will bruise their ego to ask for help, while others are just too shy or feel awkward. Learn to take the pressure off yourself and ask for what is needed. You'll save yourself from stress and gain more time" (for the rest of this article, please click here). At Algonquin College you can talk to a Student Success Specialist. They are here to assist you, inspire you and guide you!

Khairoon Abbas - Tanzania

Algonquin Program: Graduate Certificate in Scriptwriting
Year of graduation: 2006

1. How did you first hear about Algonquin College (and your program of studies)?

I lived in Ottawa since 2002, and had known about Algonquin College while I was studying at Carleton University. I also had a friend at Algonquin and through her, I realized how practical the programs were. I learnt about Scriptwriting through the college website. I liked what I read, I contacted the coordinator and shortly thereafter I was accepted into the program within a matter of days!

2. How would you describe your experience at Algonquin College? Did your program (including professors, classmates, facilities, resources) meet your expectations? – Please explain.

I had the time of my life and Algonquin. The professors were always helpful; they responded to emails on time, met with students whenever help was needed. I really enjoyed my time there. The program more than exceeded my expectations. The assignments were really helpful in preparing me for the market, and it was really enjoyable. Most of all, the program allowed me to see where my passion lies, and that is in journalism.After my program at Algonquin, I landed my dream job as a writer/journalist for Algonquin College's Small World Big Picture Expedition Africa project, and I know I only got that job because of my training at Algonquin! I was also the recipient of the School of Media and Design's Dean's Award and that was the highlight of my time at Algonquin College!

3. What are you doing today? Are you working, studying or looking for employment? How did your studies at Algonquin contribute to your life today?

I am currently working with the United Nations Environment Programme's Regional Office for North America in Washington D.C., United States, as a Communications Consultant. I have been working here since May 2009, and my contract ends in February 2010. I do a lot of communications work, writing, outreach and so forth. My studies in Algonquin contribute to my life today because at Algonquin, I learnt how to write for different audiences in different formats (i.e. broadcast vs. non-broadcast); At Algonquin, I learnt about how to write for websites, and how to write for theatre audiences. It is this experience that allowed me to know how to write.

4. How can the Algonquin International Student Centre continue to support you in the achievement of your personal goals?

In many ways: first, by inviting Alumni to the College on a regular basis to unite with other International Students, or perhaps by linking up alumni who are around the world. This way we can connect and help each other grow professionally and personally. I think alumni can really act as mentors to each other...you can even link up international alumni to current students or prospective students - this way, not only do alumni get to share their love for their alma mater, but also, they get to help others. I think it also allows us, as alumni, to feel like we are making a difference, and that Algonquin College is part of our lives continuously.