Seneca campuses remain open today but day and evening in-person classes will move online where possible, due to snowfall. Read more
Over the past three decades at Seneca Polytechnic, I have had the privilege of supporting international students from all around the world. What began as a professional duty gradually evolved into a deeply personal journey—one that reshaped my understanding of resilience, community, and the meaning of success.
Working at Seneca Polytechnic for the past 30 years has provided me with countless memories. I have cherished the trips I took with international students and the events my department organized for them. My journey started when I was an international student, and later, I started supporting international students from around the world. I have been shaped by the remarkable individuals I've had the privilege to meet during each event and field trip.
My first week in Canada surprised me. Even though classes were exciting, once the last lecture would end, the day felt empty for me. Back home, there was always noise; family, friends dropping by, or even someone asking if I had eaten. Here, after a long commute, I would unlock my room, heat up a quick meal, and realize I hadn’t spoken to anyone in hours.
Over the past thirty years, the experience of being an international student at Seneca has transformed in many ways. Advances in technology, changes in communication, and the globalization of education have reshaped how students study abroad. However, despite these developments, some aspects of the international student experience remain unchanged.
International students arriving in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) bring excitement, ambition, and hope for a better future. Unfortunately, this also makes them attractive targets for scammers who prey on unfamiliarity with local systems. Understanding the most common fraud schemes can help students stay safe.
When people think of international students, they often imagine exciting opportunities, cultural diversity, and academic success. Brochures often depict smiling students strolling across beautiful campuses, forging a bright future in a new country.
When I first heard about Accessible Learning Services at Seneca, I assumed it wasn’t for me. Back home, learning support services weren’t something we talked about. If you struggled, you were expected to work harder, not ask for accommodations. So when I saw information about Accessible Learning Services, I thought it was only for students with visible disabilities or serious learning challenges, something that didn’t apply to me.
Honestly, counselling was never something I thought I would need. In my mind, counselling was for people facing serious situations: crisis, trauma, or something clearly overwhelming. When I first came to Canada as an international student, I assumed everything I was feeling was just part of the process: homesickness, stress, loneliness, pressure to do well, and figuring life out in a new country. Everyone goes through this, right? So, I told myself I just needed to be stronger and push through.
When: 8/26/2026 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ()
WED. AUGUST 26, 2026 | 2 P.M. TO 3 P.M. EDT | TORONTO 101 Toronto essentials for international students! This session introduces international students to the vibrant city of Toronto. Discover popular destinations, local dining, shopping, and practical ti...
When: 9/3/2026 1:30 AM - 3:30 AM ()
CAMPUS WELCOME DAY | THUR, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Welcome to Seneca! Join us on campus to meet fellow students, take a campus tour and discover the services, supports and resources available to you. You will get in-person enrolment support ...
When: 9/8/2026 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM ()
SIN (SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER) CLINIC @YORK UNIVERSITY | TUE. SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. In Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work. We are bringing Service Canada to you. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) in-...
When: 9/15/2026 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM ()
SIN (SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER) CLINIC @YORK UNIVERSITY | TUE. SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. In Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work. We are bringing Service Canada to you. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) in...
When: 9/23/2026 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM ()
SIN (SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER) CLINIC @NEWNHAM CAMPUS | WED. SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 | 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. In Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work. We are bringing Service Canada to you. Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) in-...
When: 10/8/2026 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM ()
TORONTO CULTURAL BUS TOUR | THUR. OCTOBER 8, 2026 | 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M. This guided bus tour is a fantastic opportunity for international students to experience Toronto’s vibrant cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks. Starting from Newnham Campus, thi...
6/8/2026 ⋅ 0
Meet Nafiu and Oscar, international students sharing their experience with Canadian Classroom Culture.
To connect with an immigration specialist or PR strategist virtually, you can book an appointment. You can also book or view the status of your appointment by logging in to The Service Hub, selecting My Services tab and My Appointments.
Appointments are encouraged but drop-ins are also available at our Newnham campus. In-person support is available between 9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday. Please expect a wait time for drop-ins.
Note: Students at King and Seneca@York campuses can request to be connected with an immigration specialist via virtual on call. Drop-in at The Service Hub of the campus and request to meet with a specialist virtually. No appointments are required.
Seneca Polytechnic has teamed up with BorderPass to provide international students with free*, comprehensive application support. This partnership offers free access to expert legal guidance to streamline visa applications, including study permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits, spousal permits and pathways to permanent residency, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to your educational journey in Canada.
This safe, nationally recognized service helps you submit your study permit application quickly and accurately. The BorderPass team of Canadian immigration lawyers will review and submit your application to the Canadian Government, ensuring it is complete.
Get started with BorderPass.
*Terms and conditions apply
Support with Housing, Health Insurance and Settlement
At Seneca, we are here to support you make the transition to study and live in Canada. If you need assistance with housing, health insurance or settlement support, you can book an appointment with our team. You can also book or view the status of your appointment by logging in to The Service Hub, selecting My Services tab and My Appointments.
Drop-in support is also available at the Service Hub at Newnham Campus.
Morcare (Alumo) Benefit Plan Office
Have questions about your plan or a recent claim? A Morcare (Alumo) representative is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Newnham Campus in The Service Hub in Building D for personalized drop-in support.
Extended Health & Dental ClaimSecure Claim-Process must be submited by mail. Pre-labelled envelopes and stamps are available at the Morcare (Alumo) Benefit Plan Office at The Service Hub, Newnham Campus.
Watch Morcare webinar from January 2026 HERE.
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