GBC increases supports and services for international students

Students walking and one student driving an electric wheelchair in front of the International Centre at St. James Campus.

Are you an international student looking for support? We’re here for you. 

George Brown College recently increased the number of supports and services available to international students, including more one-on-one advising both online and in-person. 

“We’re excited to have more international students on campus this fall, and we’ve increased the number of international student-focused employees to ensure everyone feels supported and set up for success,” said Melissa Gallo, George Brown’s Director of Student Engagement and Career Success. 

We’ve added additional International Student Advisors to provide guidance on matters related to your experience at George Brown and to answer questions about immigration applications. 

Our International Student Advisors are available for one-on-one appointments either in-person or online. The advisors also host virtual drop-ins and welcome students for afternoon in-person drop-ins (no appointment necessary).  

Visit georgebrown.ca/international/current-students to learn more. 

International Student Advisors 

  • Ali Agha: Centre for Hospitality & Culinary Arts, Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies 
  • Michelle Choi: Centre for Construction & Engineering Technologies, School of Fashion & Jewellery 
  • MJ Kim: School of Design, School of Performing Arts, School of Media, Community Services, Health Sciences, School of ESL 
  • Mariana Razzak: School of Computer Technology, School of Early Childhood 
  • Grace Yi: Centre for Business 

How to contact your advisor  

We're here for you

We continually adjust, improve and expand the services we provide to reflect changing needs and situations. Over the last three years, we’ve made other upgrades including: 

“International students contribute so much to the George Brown community, and we value the perspectives and energy they bring to class and other college activities,” said David Begg, George Brown’s Associate Vice-President of Global Partnerships and Education.  

“After what’s been a challenging two and a half years, we remain committed to adapting services to meet evolving needs and adding new student supports in a timely and thoughtful way.” 

Other services available to international students 

George Brown provides several supports for international students. They include: 

Make connections this fall 

Student Success events 

The Student Success team organizes a wide range of events, some specifically for international students, including virtual drop-ins with international advisors, and learning sessions on topics like financial literacy and time management. 

These events are a great way to learn something new and connect with others. 

And be sure to follow @gbcollegeinternational on Instagram. 

Events calendar 

School of ESL events 

The team at the School of English as a Second Language hosts great events for both international and domestic ESL students, including outings, workshops and on-campus events. 

Follow the School of ESL on Instagram to learn more @gbcesl. 

Say My Name 

We launched the Say My Name campaign during the Fall 2022 semester to ensure every member of the GBC community feels welcomed and included. This campaign provides a way for students to share the correct pronunciation of their name with the college community. Look out for student submissions on our social media channels. 

Learn more 

Join a conversation circle 

Practice your speaking skills and meet new people by joining a Conversation Circle hosted by the Tutoring and Learning Centre. Students can register online by choosing the “Group Conversation Fall 2022” category. 

Register for a session 

Land Acknowledgement

Land Acknowledgement

George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.

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