Monique Brown happily traded in the tropical climate and sandy beaches of Jamaica for a Canadian winter and the opportunity to study at Brock University.

From Manchester, Jamaica, Brown came to her decision after completing extensive online research. Her pursuit of a career in the medical field led her to enrolling in Brock’s Bachelor of Public Health.

Brown, who hopes to become a doctor, says the Med Plus program, where students can gain practical, first-hand experience while completing their studies, sealed her decision. 

“There’s no one way to reach a destination,” said Brown, who noted that she can one day see herself teaching medical students. “You can go different routes and arrive at the same place, as long as your dreams are being achieved.”

Brown was one of 130 international students from 28 countries in attendance at Sunday’s orientation, an event for new students to learn the ins and outs of their new school.

The event marked a record for the University, which saw the highest enrolment of international students for a January start date in its history. The newest cohort contribute to the growing number of international students from more than 100 countries that have made the Niagara region their destination of choice to further their studies.

The orientation officially welcomes newly arrived international students in undergraduate and graduate programming from across all Faculties to campus.

The session kicked off with a vendor fair, where students had the opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow international students, and commemorate their first day on campus with a picture in a photo booth.

Students then took in a presentation from Brock International Services, which highlighted important services offered on campus. This included support available for those who might be feeling homesick, challenged by language or cultural barriers, or just interested in becoming more involved at Brock and in the local community.

The day finished off with a tour of campus provided by Brock International Student Ambassadors, and a shopping trip to learn where they can pick-up essentials while living in St. Catharines.

Brock International Services has also added to a comprehensive list of Frost Week activities to welcome international students to Niagara and ensure they adjust to life in Canada.

Among them, Brown is looking forward to attending her first varsity game as a Badger at the Paint the Meridian Centre Red basketball game this Saturday, Jan 11. For a complete list of events and workshops offered by Brock International Services, students are encouraged to check out ExperienceBU.