As life begins to return to usual following the pandemic, OCENET has returned to providing in-person orientation week activities to help prepare newly arrived international students with opportunities to get to know other students as well as learn about preparing for living and studying in Ottawa.
The orientation programs are comprehensive and prepare students with key information and the confidence to be successful in their homestay and school placements.
Throughout the week of August 28 th to September 1 st , OCENET organized a series of presentations and activities that ranged from how to use the transit system, access health care and insurance information, and learning about Canadian customs and culture. Students heard from local OCDSB students and educators as well as participated in a Beach Day at Britannia Park and the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill.
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On Friday, September 1 st , students gathered in the auditorium at OCENET’s headquarters at 440 Albert Street to hear from representatives from Canada Homestay International to learn about the important role that their homestay family has in their success as an international student and meet some of the homestay co-ordinators and the liaison services they provide to support the international students. Following the
presentation from Canada Homestay International, students heard from OCENET Executive Director Geoff Best about tickets for an upcoming Friday evening football game with the Ottawa Redblacks. The international students then had an opportunity to play one of over 20 drum and percussion instruments in a workshop directed by local musician, Krish Sundaram, who led a student group drumming experience that was
enjoyed by all. The afternoon session concluded with a presentation by RBC on how to set up a bank account, budgeting essentials and money management.
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Throughout the Orientation Week events, the new international students got to know many of their peers and make new friends, have their many questions answered, and feel confident in taking their first steps towards success in their new school.