International students studying at Lambton College this fall now have an additional resource to help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
The college recently launched "Staying Safe in Canada" which provides important information to new students coming from out of the country.
Quality Assurance Officer Ruth Drewitt said the online course has six main areas of focus.
"It looks at mental health, addiction and suicide, housing and the laws that protect international students," said Drewitt. "It also focuses on consent and sexual assault, labour exploitation and financial difficulties, cyber security and identity theft, and general safety tips such as water, fire, pedestrian and bike safety."
Drewitt said the course is part of a multi-year strategy launched by the college 12 months ago to take further action to protect and support international students during their time in Canada.
"This new tool, being online and accessible to all right on our outside website, means that international students can watch it with their families before departure, watch it at the airport before their flight, and watch it again two to three times when specific issues come up and reference it."
The course is in addition to three orientation courses that international students are already required to complete before starting their first class.
Lambton College has also increased international travel medical insurance coverage for its students and added additional housing supports across all their campuses to help students secure safe living accommodations.
Drewitt said they just had their orientation week for international students, and many are thrilled to start their academic careers in Canada.
"They need someone in their corner to help fight for them and protect their rights," she said. "We know that many of the challenges and barriers to their success exist, and we're actioning solution-based strategies to address those areas of concern. It's our role as a college to be proactive in identifying problems and providing solutions. Our international students deserve that."
The total three hour course is available online at www.lambtoncollege.ca/stayingsafe
