THUNDER BAY - Temperatures weren’t even in the double digits when a number of international students made their arrival in Thunder Bay on Wednesday.
“Some of them got in at 4 a.m… thought it was a little bit cold earlier this morning, but the sun is out and we have the chance to give them a true Thunder Bay welcome,” said vice provost James Aldridge.
It may not be a warm welcome, but it’s better than no welcome at all, and on Tuesday a number of first-year international students got their first exposure to Lakehead University.
More than 700 students from 65 countries took part in this year’s international orientation.
Students as far as Spain, Bangladesh, and Yemen took part in the festivities. The day provided students with the chance to interact with new friends and interact with university and community organizations.
“We have a community fair where everybody from cell phone providers, to social service workers, and anything you can think of. They’re all here to welcome our students and understand some of the things that are available for them,” Aldridge said.
Lakehead hosts 1,500 international students in total, which Aldridge says is “about middle of the road” in comparison to other universities across the province.
“They’re attracted by something that’s a little unconventional, a little off the beaten path,” he continued. “For students who have any interest in the outdoors, Thunder Bay is a great place.”
One shining example is Ankit Raj.
“Thunder Bay is way more than concrete. Mountains, lakes, everywhere to hike…In two years I have done all the possible trails in Thunder Bay.”
A third-year masters student in computer science, Raj has spent the last two years at Lakehead after travelling from India.
“India is full of nature, but it’s full of people,” he continued. “In Thunder Bay, we have a lot of private spots where I can be myself.”
Although a day of celebration, the lack of roughly 100 students from Saudi Arabia was the result of a frustrating situation according to Aldridge.
“We were pretty much just waiting every day to see what the update is. To date, there’s really been no change in the student situation.”
Aldridge noted that while some self-funded Saudi students remain at Lakehead, roughly 100 of the 120 students will not be attending the university in the fall.
“The good news is that we have the largest group of international students we’ve ever welcomed at the orientation.”
