Brock’s International Student Ambassadors for the 2017-18 academic year include, front row, from left, Ana Caldeira Rua, Skylar Grote, Ana Ferreira and Shanen D’Souza. And back row, from left, Santiago Negret Rey, Marcelo Muniz Correa, Evans Boadi, Xia Xiaoyang and Ze Liu.Making the decision to study abroad can be intimidating.
To help create a sense of comfort among international students considering Brock to further their education, the University annually enlists 10 outstanding students to answer questions and share their experiences.
The International Student Ambassador Award Program recognizes international students each academic year who exemplify the mission and vision of Brock, as a result of high academic achievements and/or community engagement, both on and off campus. The search is now on for students to represent the school for the 2018-19 academic year.
“Being an ambassador is an honour and a responsibility,” said Ana Sofia Caldeira Rua, a second-year Economics and Business student from Portugal whose time in the ambassador role comes to an end in April. “You are representing Brock in everything that you do.”
The student ambassadors work with Brock International to share with prospective students from around the world what life is like at the University, both inside and outside of the classroom. They spend time describing life in Niagara, why they chose Brock and how it has helped them to prepare for their upcoming career.
“I’m constantly posting on my social media about the opportunities Brock has provided that I would not have had otherwise,” said Skylar Grote, a first-year Business Administration student from the U.S. who also represented the University for 2017-18.
While on campus, ambassadors raise awareness among current students about the specialized programs, events and opportunities offered by Brock International.
“It has always been my intention to help others and create a greater international community within Brock University,” said Yi Xiang Chen, a 2017-18 student ambassador and second-year Business Administration student from Malaysia.
Chen added that his goal is to connect international students to an “already present Brock community with hopes that there will be a stronger bond between International students and Canadian students at Brock in the future.”
Selected students will have their international tuition fees reduced to the domestic rate — a discount of about $16,000.
Students who want to share their Brock passion with the world can apply to be an International Student Ambassador for the 2018-19 academic year.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, April 1 for consideration.
More information is available on the Brock International website.
