Canadore College in North Bay has welcomed six international students – five from the Philippines and one from Brazil – as part of two Global Affairs Canada exchange programs aimed at fostering international collaboration and academic development. The students’ arrival underscores Canadore’s commitment to internationalization as a cornerstone of its strategic vision, enriching the academic and campus environment with diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive learning experience.
The students are participating in the Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).
SEED is a partnership between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that seeks to reduce poverty in ASEAN’s developing countries and support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By facilitating scholarships and educational exchanges, SEED contributes to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals while strengthening ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region.
ELAP, launched in 2009 under Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program, is a short-term exchange initiative designed to develop future leaders and enhance collaboration between Canadian and international post-secondary institutions.
International students express ‘love’ for Canadore, North Bay and Canada
“I wanted to come to Canada because it has always been a dream of mine to explore new opportunities, learn new things, and experience a culture so different from the Philippines,” said Hencez Heart Miral Taborno, a SEED recipient enrolled in business programs at Canadore.
“Coming to Canada is also a dream that my mother has carried in her heart since she was young. I feel so blessed knowing I am fulfilling that dream for her.”
Jun Arthur Acil Binayao, another SEED recipient studying in the Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program, highlighted his interest in learning about Truth and Reconciliation practices in Canada, in Canadore’s news release.
“The Indigenous peoples in Canada have been revitalizing their culture. These best practices will enable me to apply what works in the context of our community,” he said.
Bruno Ferreira Da Silva, an ELAP student enrolled in the Computer Programming program, shared his aspirations for professional growth in the release.
“I wanted to come to Canada to explore different perspectives, methodologies, and techniques in the IT field that would help me grow both as a professional and as a person,” he said.
“Living with my Indigenous friends from the Philippines, participating in Indigenous activities hosted by Canadore College and engaging with Canadians in everyday life will help me learn to appreciate diversity and respect differences.”
New partnerships made
This marks the first time academic partners from Brazil’s University of Tocantins and the Philippines’ Northern Bukidnon State College have submitted applications for these short-term exchange programs.
“Brazil and the Philippines are not new markets for Canada,” said Laura Solano Moya, Director of Canadore International.
“The six students are bringing with them a world of new experiences and stories to share with the Canadore community, but perhaps the most impactful is that they will broaden the Canadore community’s world perspective with their different customs and languages.”
Canadore College, which offers over 80 full-time programs and serves students from nearly 400 Canadian communities and 25 international countries, said it emphasizes applied learning, leadership and innovation. Each year, approximately 1,000 students graduate from the post-secondary institution, joining a global network of 78,000 alumni with the college contributes $402.5 million annually to the Nipissing-Parry Sound area’s economy.
Canadore also noted that it receives less than 50 per cent of its traditional funding from the provincial Ministry of Colleges and Universities, relying on innovation, entrepreneurial endeavours, and donor support to bridge the gap.
The school said that the arrival of these international students reflects Canadore’s ongoing efforts to strengthen global connections and provide transformative educational experiences for both domestic and international learners. Canadore College recognizes internationalization as a fundamental aspect of its strategic vision. The presence of international students enriches the academic and campus environment, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning experience for all.
