Durham College to present two sessions at CBIE conference in Québec City Nov. 2–5
Durham College’s International Education Office will present two sessions at the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Conference and Excellence Awards in Québec City from Nov. 2 to 5, covering community partnerships tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and coordinated support for international students.
The sessions outline current projects and practices at the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, including work with South African institutions and approaches to immigration advising for international students. Topics include community-based partnerships, digital learning transitions and coordination of student support across departments.
The first session, Rebalancing SDG Narratives: Co-Creating Sustainable Impact Through Meaningful Community-Centered Partnerships, will be presented by Jacqueline Towell, associate director, International Projects and Partnerships. It examines Durham College’s collaboration with the University of the Western Cape in South Africa and addresses community partnerships that include perspectives from the Global South and North, decolonization, power dynamics and participatory approaches.
“Our work shows that meaningful community engagement and international collaboration can have sustainable impacts while reflecting the lived experiences of diverse communities,” Towell said.
The session will also highlight a multi-year consulting project in which Durham College supported more than 10 colleges in South Africa in transitioning to digital learning.
The second session, Collaboration is Key: Coordinating Efforts in International Student Support and Immigration Advising, is a pre-conference workshop co-led by Sarah Edwards, an International Student Advisor at the college. The workshop will present case studies related to recent immigration updates, include interactive peer exchange and outline practical strategies to support international students academically, personally and through immigration processes.
“By building collaborative networks across departments and faculties, we ensure students receive coordinated guidance that supports both their academic success and personal well-being,” Edwards said.