Georgian College

The international student population, as well as Georgian's reputation as a popular destination for studying in Canada, is growing. More than 600 students from 43 countries choose Georgian for their post- secondary studies. And they really like it here. Georgian received the highest ranking in the 2012 International Student Barometer survey, the world's largest survey on international student satisfaction. More than 209,000 students from 200 institutions were surveyed. Georgian's top finish is thanks to the quality of its academics, living, arrival and support services. The homestay program is part of what makes Georgian, and the communities where it has campuses, feel like home to international students. Jerry Bellefeuille and his partner Mona Sheppard have welcomed 11 international students into their home over the past three years. They find it very rewarding to teach others Canadian culture and in exchange, learn from students about other parts of the world. "It's more than just bringing someone in to rent a room. The students become new members of our family," says Bellefeuille. He adds that he, Sheppard and her daughter Tabetha take time to fully explain themselves in English, make sure the students eat properly and engage them in events and traditions like Easter egg hunts and Canada Day. Their students come from around the world. Emmanuel Gaston Codigoni is from Agentina and is studying Digital Photography and Imaging; JingJun Han (Jim) is from China and is in the English for Academic Purposes program; and Keiko Saito is from Japan and is studying Business Marketing. What made you want to study at Georgian College? Emmanuel: My country's situation isn't very good. I wanted to make a smart, economical decision for my future. Keiko: I wanted to get Canadian work experience and Georgian has co-op programs. I met George Dangerfield, (retired Georgian Recruitment Specialist for East Asia), at a study fair in Tokyo and I thought if people in Barrie have as nice a character as George then it would be a good place to live. What made you choose the homestay program? Emmanuel: My intention was to find an apartment but after I talked to the International Student Service Officer I thought this would be a better option to practise my English instead of living alone. Jim: Living in an apartment is not helpful to learning English. What is the best thing about the homestay program? Emmanuel: It's a daily challenge because I learn something new every day. Jim: Jerry and Mona are helping to improve my English. I have to speak English with them for one hour a day. Keiko: It is fun to speak English at home. I am not nervous about being wrong in front of Jerry and Mona. What Canadian customs have you learned? Emmanuel: You don't wear shoes in the house. Jim: No cell phones at the dinner table. Keiko: Canadians barbecue in the snow. Bringing the world to you: Georgian's international homestay program A blended family. From left to right, Jerry Bellefeuille, Mona Sheppard, Keiko Saito, Tabetha Sheppard, Emmanuel Gaston Godigoni and Jingjun Han. Are you interested in becoming a homestay host? The Georgian College Homestay program is looking for friendly families or individuals within walking distance of its Barrie and Orillia campuses or along the bus routes in either city. We place international students in local homes year round. Students pay a competitive monthly fee and stay from two months to a year or more. For more information visit www.georgiancollege. ca/international/ future-students/ services or e-mail homestayprogram@ georgiancollege.ca. GeorgianView 2012/13 | 23

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