For many international students, arriving in Canada can feel overwhelming. New classes, new faces, and an unfamiliar city, all come together to create an environment that can be challenging to navigate without the support of family and friends. Thanks to a $100,000 donation from GuardMe International Insurance, Langara College is working to ease that transition.
GuardMe, a leader in health and wellness insurance for international students, recently presented the donation to the Langara College Foundation. The funds will go toward supporting the Academic Success Centre (ASC) and developing a new Cultural Transitions Program aimed at helping international students adjust to life in Vancouver.
The cheque was presented by Clark Hortsing, Vice-President of Strategic Partnerships at GuardMe, who shared his passion for helping students succeed:
"For me, the greatest reward is knowing that this support is helping students achieve their full potential."
Clark Hortsing
A career spent supporting international students has been a natural fit for Horsting, who has a background in cultural anthropology and began his career at York University.
"My educational background is in understanding other cultures and ways of living, so it made sense to dedicate my career to helping international students thrive here in Canada," he explains.
Langara College President and CEO Dr. Paula Burns accepted the cheque on behalf of the Langara College Foundation. She emphasized the importance of focusing on student success:
"When we centre student success in our mission, we will all succeed."
Dr. Paula Burns
The donation will expand the ASC's tutoring programs and learning skills development programs, while also providing employment opportunities for international students to work as peer tutors helping them build leadership skills and make valuable connections.
With over 4,500 international students from 80 different countries, Langara's international student body is a vital part of the campus community. Prabh Deep Kaur, an international student and peer tutor at the ASC, spoke about the importance of creating connections. "Being a tutor has helped me meet new people, which is important because it can be lonely for international students. It's also great for upgrading your resume," says Kaur.
"The best moments are always when you can help someone succeed."
Prabh Deep Kaur
