Daniel Zwart (Student Representative)

178 Alway Rd Grimsby, Ontario L3M4G3 T (905)-912-0205 dan.zwart@gmail.com

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7 October, 2013 Ms. Brenda Bronson International Student Housing Coordinator Niagara College Canada 300 Woodlawn Rd, Welland, Ontario

Dear Brenda, My name is Daniel Zwart and I am a second year student in the International Commerce Program at Niagara College. I am representing a small number of students that wish to bring forward a number of issues concerning our International Students. These students have conveyed that moving to Canada feels overwhelming, our student group has a number of suggestions that we feel could help international students further. The issues that we narrowed down include: language barriers, class assistance, transportation, housing, and the international ofce. While English as a second language classes are available (ESL), many foreign students felt that they struggled with understand concepts and learning objectives in class because of weak English. To compliment this, some students were looking for assistance from other students, preferably who spoke their native language, to tutor and hold learning assistance sessions. We feel that this is possible. Transportation and housing can be difcult in St.Catherines, we feel that Niagara College can offer better options for international students and create partnerships with local companies to alleviate the housing and transportation strain. Finally, through our group meetings and informal conversations with new international students, the students have expressed concern in with the international ofce. Students felt that there is not enough staff to assist with our high population of international students. In response to this letter, our group of students would like to conduct an interview with you to discuss our ideas and solutions to help our international students. We feel that with our current and continuing education here at Niagara College, that we can offer a plan from a student perspective through which international and local students would all benet. I sincerely thank you for your time in reading this letter. My contact information can be found above, in the right hand corner of this letter Sincerely yours,

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Daniel Zwart