Describe a Carleton University student support service you have personally used, explain how it benefited you, and share why you would recommend it to other international students.

My favourite and most used Carleton University support service would be the International Student Services Office (ISSO). Arriving in Ottawa for the first time, I had the mind of an explorer. I wanted to see the city, know more about it, meet the people living there, and experience its rooted culture.

Not knowing where or how to begin, the orientations provided by ISSO helped me have a plan. I started exploring Ottawa with ISSO’s guided tours around the city. Art galleries, museums, farms, and much more were all covered. Being terrible with directions helped give me confidence in exploring the city myself.

I will always be grateful for this service and recommend that any newcomers take part in it!

A student support service I have personally used is Residence Counselling! Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of school, work and extracurricular activities, we forget to take care of our mental health. I like to book a monthly appointment with the counsellor for racialized students to talk about everything going on during the year, learn healthy coping techniques and have a safe space to vent how I am feeling! I would recommend it to international students because moving away from home can be difficult and it’s very helpful to have someone to talk to when things may become overwhelming.