Month: February 2026

Photo by Ben Welland.

Welcome to Algonquin College! We’re so excited for you to join us. Before you embark on your journey, you’ll need to know what to expect when you arrive.

Here’s a look at your first few days at AC:

Arrival and Orientation Support

Timing is everything when you’re moving abroad! Start planning early to account for unforeseen administrative delays.

Preparing for take-off
Before boarding your flight, make sure to keep your important documents like your passport and Letter of Acceptance on hand. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the airport will ask you for these documents, so it’s important to stay organized.

The officers might ask you questions that are not related to your studies. This can be stressful, but it’s standard procedure and should be expected. Do your best to stay calm and answer their questions honestly.

Touchdown
Arrival services are provided for free through SAC Services; all you have to do is register! Services include airport, bus, or train station pickup, assistance with finding housing, opening a bank account, and getting initial groceries.

We strongly encourage you to make arrival arrangements as soon as you get your Letter of Acceptance.

Get your bearings
Once you’re settled in, it’s time to learn the basics! AC offers different orientation activities and webinars to help you prepare for life as a student.

Session topics range from finding accommodations to preparing for life in Ottawa and adjusting to Canadian culture it’s important to attend all of them to discover important information and learn about the services available to you. These sessions are free and provide an excellent opportunity to meet other international students like you!

Friendly faces
Speaking of which, you may find it comforting to make a few friends before you land. Goin’ is AC’s exclusive social network for international students, designed to facilitate connections with future classmates. You’ll receive an invitation to join the community before beginning your studies.

Social Connections and Community

Making friends can be intimidating, but that’s what the International Education Centre (IEC) events and activities are for!

Join the club

Clubs are another easy way to meet like-minded individuals. Whether you’re into cooking, movies, sports, or music, there’s a club for everyone here. If nothing is piquing your interest, you can always start your own!

Never a dull moment
AC is proud to host plenty of events and activities every week! From soccer games to strawberry picking, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends, explore and have fun!

We’ve got your back
It’s normal to feel a bit lonely or homesick when you first arrive, but you’ve got tons a of support here. AC’s personal support and mental health and wellness services are available if you need them.

Academic and Learning Support

AC’s support also extends to your academic journey! Students have access to tutoring, writing help and learning strategies.

If you need one-on-one tutoring, small group coaching sessions, English lessons, a space to practice your presentations or academic accommodations, look no further than the Student Learning Centre.

Career Preparation from Day One

We’re rooting for you even after you graduate! If you’re looking for career guidance or how to prepare for life after school, our Co-op and Career Centre is here for you.

The basics
Our team can help you draft a strong resume or cover letter, assist you on your job hunt, and coach you through the perfect interview. They’ll also help you navigate through work placement options or on-campus job opportunities and support you through the interviewing and hiring steps.

Planning for the future
Career Services can also help you determine your next career move after graduation or find immigration pathways so you can kick off your career in Canada or around the globe.

One giant leap

Living and learning in a new country is a life-changing opportunity, and it’s so exciting that you’ve taken the leap! It can be intimidating, but you’ll have support every step of the way. From the airport terminal to the convocation stage, we’re cheering you on. Start your adventure today.

Photo by Ben Welland.

Are you an international learner looking to make the most of your experience? Algonquin College has you covered! Here, you’ll get more than just a recognized credential; you’ll graduate fully prepared for whatever the workforce or your life has in store.

Here are four reasons why we think Algonquin College could help your career thrive:

1. Enroll in career-focused programs with real-world learning

Algonquin College’s programs emphasize experiential learning. This means you’re in for a hands-on, learn-by-doing experience, more commonly known as work-integrated learning.

Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Here, international students have the opportunity to gain relevant Canadian work experience while they study. Algonquin College has loads of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programs that include co-op placements , clinical placements, applied research, immersive projects, simulated environments and field placements.

WIL enables students to learn the way things work, attend lectures and theory lessons, and then apply that knowledge in a professional setting.

2. Foster connections with employers and industry professionals

Speaking of professionals, did you know AC has partnerships with Ottawa’s tech, healthcare, business and government sectors? Algonquin College programs have hundreds of co-op employment partners including Nokia, Kinaxis, JD Irving, The Ottawa Police, City of Ottawa, Curtiss-Wright Corporation, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, RBC and Warner Brothers Discovery.

Friends in high places

Co-op placements are one of the best ways to meet people who can help you break into the job market after you graduate. This is an opportunity to make connections in your field and potentially bridge into the position permanently before you graduate. International grads often stay and work in Canada because of Ottawa’s demand for skilled talent.

Put Your Skills to Work—Literally!
Employers can’t wait to work with our motivated international students who bring talent and enthusiasm to every role. We’ll help you line up an interview, and then you take it from there. When you’re hired, you’ll dive into real projects, collaborate with professionals, and build experience that sets you apart.

You’ll gain valuable work experience, collaborate with industry experts, foster professional relationships and gain career advice from your peers.

3. Open doors around the globe with Canadian work experience

With strong employer connections and personalized support, students graduate with both the skills and Canadian work experience they need to succeed.

It’s the real deal
The combination of a globally respected credential and hands-on training opens doors to career opportunities in Canada, back home, or anywhere in the world. Algonquin College credentials are recognized globally and give you a competitive edge in any workforce.

Boost your stats
Employers can agree that Canadian work experience looks great on a resume. The work you do at co-op or part-time jobs strengthens your resume and increases your employability tenfold. Adding a glowing reference to the mix improves your odds even more! (What Do Canadian Employers Want, Settlement.org)

Watch out, world!
Graduates are free to pursue careers in their home country, stay in Canada through the PGWP, or work abroad with confidence in their skills and experience. Wherever you end up, your career is sure to thrive!

4. Learn the basics and get support every step of the way

Gaining work experience before you graduate is a game-changer! Not only will your resume look great, but you’ll also be career-ready thanks to your relevant work experience. Co-op programs empower you to apply what you’re learning in class to the real world and be better prepared for the workforce when you graduate.

Self-marketing 101
Before you launch your career, it’s important to build a solid foundation. Our Career Services team can help you craft the perfect resume or cover letter, assist you on your job hunt, and coach you to be the ideal candidate for any interview.

Advice and guidance
If you’re looking for more guidance, our Co-op and Career Centre is here for you. This team helps prepare you for the workforce and find your perfect placement. Our co-op advisors help students navigate through work placement options and support them through the interviewing, hiring and onboarding steps.

More than meets the eye

Your diploma, certificate or degree is more than just a piece of paper: it’s an experience. At AC, you’ll build a solid foundation of knowledge, cultivate working relationships, hone your skills, and put them to the test. Work-integrated learning means you’ll be ready for anything and have the resume to prove it.

Kick off your career and learn more about international education today.

If you’re researching international education, Ottawa is the place to be! From safe city streets to a thriving job market, to friendly citizens, to high-quality education, living and learning in Canada’s capital is one of the best decisions you could make.

Here are four reasons why we think Ottawa could be the right fit for you:

1. Ottawa is a safe, inclusive and multicultural city

A diverse international population and inclusive public services empower new students to feel at home quickly!

Safety first

Ottawa stands out as one of the safest cities in the country, offering residents and visitors alike a sense of comfort and ease. With its low crime index and high safety index, you can feel confident knowing you’re in good hands, whether you’re exploring downtown, wandering through its parks, or simply enjoying the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

All are welcome here

The city also has a reputation for being welcoming and diverse! Ottawa is a true melting pot of culture with every one in four residents being an immigrant (City of Ottawa, 2025). Every newcomer brings something special to the city and Ottawa welcomes all.

Culture shock? More like “cultures rock”!

With such a diverse population, it’s only fitting that cultural celebrations are commonplace here! Ottawans host dozens of cultural events each year, including the Lebanese festival, Dumpling Fest, the Filipino-Canadian festival, Greek Fest and more. International students are never far from home in this city.

2. Ottawa provides affordable and high-quality living

Moving abroad can be expensive, but you’ll be glad to know that Ottawa offers lower rent, food and transportation costs compared to bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Rent
Being a smaller city has its advantages; the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Ottawa is between $1,200 and $1,500, whereas Toronto and Vancouver’s rental prices are significantly higher.

Food
Groceries cost less here. A single Ottawa resident can live on $400 of groceries a month. Meanwhile, in larger cities, students could spend $500-700 per month on food alone.If you’d rather eat out, you’ll appreciate Ottawa’s lower restaurant costs. Here, two can dine for around $80 at most mid-range eateries.

Transportation
Algonquin College in Ottawa is conveniently located with easy access to reliable public transit, making it simple for students to navigate the city. Several major bus routes and the nearby O-Train Line 1 connect the campus to popular neighbourhoods, shopping areas, and downtown Ottawa. Whether you’re commuting to class or exploring the city, transit options are frequent, affordable, and student friendly.

3. Ottawa offers work-integrated learning and career opportunities

Every penny counts when you’re a student. That’s why Ottawa’s strong economy and significant economic prosperity make all the difference.

Work-integrated learning
Some educational institutions, like Algonquin College, give students the opportunity to gain relevant Canadian work experience while they study.

Algonquin College has tons of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programs that include co-op and field placements. Students can find work in sectors like tech, health, business, and government.

4. Ottawa’s diverse job market

Ottawa is a hub for government jobs, tech companies (Silicon Valley North), and international organizations, providing plenty of part-time jobs, internships, and post-graduation employment opportunities.

Speaking of the workforce, did you know that 86% of AC graduates find employment within six months of graduating? (Algonquin College, 2024)

The best of the best
AC’s faculty is comprised of industry leaders, and its facilities are equipped with top-of-the-line equipment. Regardless of your program, you’ll get to use state-of-the-art technology and industry-standard equipment to emerge fully prepared for the workforce. Algonquin College’s International grads benefit from being job-ready and often stay and work in Canada.

A great place to live and learn

Ottawa is home to reliable public transit, beautiful walkable neighbourhoods, multicultural food options and sprawling green spaces and hiking trails. Budget-friendly entertainment, student discounts and an easy-going pace make Ottawa an excellent place to study and live. Learn more about international education.