A global search for up to 10 international students who are ready to represent Brock on the world stage is now underway.

The annual International Student Ambassador Award program 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.

“This scholarship has given me the opportunity to really deepen my roots in Brock and Canada,” said Hamed Karagahi, a current International Student Ambassador from Iran who’s studying Public Health. “I have formed so many meaningful relationships and connections that will go on to benefit me and my future career for years.”

The ambassador program offers some assistance towards the cost of studying in Canada. Selected students have their international tuition fees reduced to the domestic rate — a discount of more than $23,000 annually.

“The pandemic brought a new level of economic uncertainty and this scholarship really helped me to worry a lot less about financial matters and focus more on my courses and extracurriculars at Brock,” Karagahi said.

Student ambassadors typically work with Brock International for the academic year by meeting 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.

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

Although the COVID-19 pandemic meant a different experience for the current group of ambassadors, it allowed them to shift their participation to more virtual initiatives such as online webinars with prospective students.

“I could see that they had the same worries I used to have before coming to Brock,” Karagahi said of the potential Badgers he encountered. “I reassured them that Brock is a school that can be their new home in Canada and that they can excel and progress here in various ways.”

Karagahi, who also works as a Gender and Sexual Violence Mentor with Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity, used his experience to make a meaningful impact within the Brock community.

“I really felt proud when I was able to blend both of my roles together with events that were aimed at educating our international students on very important topics,” he said.

Karagahi encouraged all eligible international students to apply for the ambassador program, even if they’ve tried before and were unsuccessful.

“I definitely feel like I have found my place within the Brock community through this opportunity,” he said. “It’s not just about the deduction in tuition rates; It provides you with valuable experience that can be applied to any future jobs that you may have.”

Students who want to share their passion for Brock with the world can apply to be an International Student Ambassador for the 2021-22 academic year. Applications must be submitted by Monday, April 1 for consideration.

More information on application requirements is available here.