25 October 2018
FREDERICTON – Frigid temperatures, icy sidewalks and heavy snowfall are all part of a typical Canadian winter – maybe not the most pleasant conditions, but easily overcome by warm, insulated layers of clothing and sturdy footwear. But many international students who are spending their first winter in Canada don’t have the gear or the know-how to make it through the cold season in comfort.
At the Fredericton Campus of New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), the Local Campus Governance Union (LCU) held an event to make sure international students had access to warm coats, mitts, scarves and hats, as well as to the knowledge they need to make the most of a New Brunswick winter.
“We had students and staff donate coats, snowsuits, hats…..everything you’d need to keep warm,” said Angela Price, Student Life Officer at the Fredericton Campus. “We also had a display with everything you should have in a 72-hour emergency kit, things you should keep in your car during the winter, and different equipment for winter sports.”
As international students tried on coats and hats, their fellow learners modelled winter gear and answered questions about frostbite and wind chill. All students in need of warm winter clothing, for themselves and their families, were encouraged to help themselves to the donated items, free of charge.
“I was needing this,” said international learner James George, as he looked over the scarves, eventually picking out a pink fleece neck warmer. “I have a daughter; this is going to be good for her.”
NBCC has welcomed historic numbers of international learners in recent years. More than 50 different countries are represented at NBCC’s six campuses this academic year, the result of a targeted recruitment effort aimed at welcoming more learners to NBCC.
With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. NBCC offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: www.nbcc.ca.
