Brock international students with a passion for their home away from home have the chance to represent the University, sharing their experience with peers around the world.

The search is on for 10 outstanding students to participate in the annual International Student Ambassador Award Program for the 2019-20 academic year. The initiative recognizes international students who exemplify the mission and vision of Brock, as a result of high academic achievements and/or community engagement, both on and off campus.

“Being an ambassador means embodying Brock’s spirit and showcasing it to the world,” said third-year Biotechnology student Marcelo Correa, an International Student Ambassador from Brazil.

It also means relief from significant financial burden. Selected students having their international tuition fees reduced to the domestic rate — a discount of about $18,000.

Now entering its third year, the program annually enlists students to share their experiences and answer questions for prospective students abroad.

“The ambassador award has been so much more than just a scholarship to me,” said International Student Ambassador Ana Ferreira, a second-year Kinesiology student from Trinidad and Tobago. “I have loved every moment of getting to connect with students and representing the school I love.”

The student ambassadors work with Brock International to meet with prospective students from around the world, highlighting 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 their University experience has helped them prepare for their upcoming career.

Correa has spent a great deal of time working with Brock’s Latin America recruitment team, offering advice about possible school visits and tips on approaching Brazilian students based on the country’s current political and economic climate.

While on campus, ambassadors raise awareness among current students about specialized programs, events and opportunities offered by Brock International.

Ferreira’s proudest moment as an ambassador was working on Celebration of Nations, an annual showcase of Brock’s multicultural community.

“It was amazing to put in so much hard work and see it all come to fruition,” she said of the weeklong initiative that took place last month. “I am incredibly proud of the outreach we have been able to accomplish on social media.”

Now in his second year as an ambassador, Correa’s proudest moment was a chance encounter with an international student he helped recruit a year prior.

“Seeing that they are making the best of their Brock experience by meeting new friends, participating in events and supporting fellow Badgers at sporting events meant a lot,” he said.

Students who want to share their Brock passion with the world can apply to be an International Student Ambassador for the 2019-20 academic year. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 1 for consideration.

More information on application requirements is available on Brock International’s website.