INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Are you looking to volunteer on campus and get involved in the College community?
Then the International Student Ambassador program may be for you!

The International Centre is looking for energetic and enthusiastic ambassadors to

help make our events and initiatives a success!

The Ambassador program is intended to provide students with:

• The opportunity to get involved in the George Brown

College community

• The chance to meet new friends

• Valuable Canadian volunteer experience
As an International Student Ambassador, you will be required to assist with
volunteering opportunities throughout the academic year. Opportunities could
include International Student Orientation, Smart Start, Welcome Desk and other
events throughout the year run by the International Centre.

By becoming an International Student Ambassador, and being an active volunteer

in at least 15 hours* throughout the semester, our ambassadors will receive a
certificate and signed letter from the Director, and a monetary honorarium.
*
Please Note: hours will be tracked from start to end of each semester.

Interested in joining? Please email Emily Jin at Emily.Jin@georgebrown.ca

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVISING

The International Centre offers advising for international students covering a variety of topics to support you during
your time at GBC. To make an appointment, email the International Student Advisor for your program area.
If you are a student in

• Hospitality and Culinary Arts • Business

• Preparatory and Liberal Studies • Community Services and Health Sciences
• Construction and Engineering Technologies • Early Childhood
• Arts, Design and Information Technology • School of ESL
Email Charissa Hu at chu@georgebrown.ca Email Michelle Choi at mchoi@georgebrown.ca

An International Student Advisor is also available at Casa Loma campus every Wednesday and Thursday in D313
from 9:30 until 4:30 for drop in office hours.

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ACTIVATE GEORGE BROWN EMAIL

Please note that your George Brown email account is the official method of communication with the College.
Hence you must ensure that your George Brown email account has been activated. You should also send all future
correspondence to us from there. To access your George Brown email account go to mail.georgebrown.ca.
To log in, enter your Student ID number as your User Name, and your STU-View password.

SCHOLARSHIPS INFORMATION
DIPLOMA/DEGREE SCHOLARSHIPS CERTIFICATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Thirty-one scholarships to be awarded to eligible
returning students in full-time post-secondary
programs (diploma or degree) as follows:
• Fall competition—14 worth $5,000 and
17 worth $1,000
• Winter competition—6 worth $5,000 and
9 worth $1,000
Deadline: Please visit georgebrown.ca/international/currentstudents/scholarships
The award is available to eligible returning students in
full-time post-secondary Certificate or Post Graduate
Certificate program (2 or 3 semesters) as follows:
Scholarships of $2,000:
• 12 awards for January start
• 7 awards for May start
• 15 awards for September start

To qualify an applicant must: The following criteria must be met by the applicant:
• be an international student with a valid Study Permit • Student must be an international student
• be registered in a full-time 2, 3 or 4-year diploma or • Minimum GPA of 3.5
degree program • The student must be actively involved in the
• have completed at least two consecutive semesters Community (college and/or external)
of study with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5
prior to current semester
• have participated in activities that have made a
contribution to other students, their academic
department and/or the College community in general
• has not previously been awarded a scholarship through
the George Brown College International Centre
To apply: Please apply online for International Centre scholarships through STU-VIEW and be enrolled full-time in
a program as an International Student. Here is the following link: stuview.georgebrown.ca

Award decision: Successful scholarship award recipients will be selected by a committee established by the
College; the committee will have representation from academic divisions. The decision of the committee is final
and cannot be appealed. Only the recipients of the scholarships will be notified by email. If you have any
questions about individual awards or the application process, please contact us at awards@georgebrown.ca.

For the Externally Funded Scholarships, Please visit georgebrown.ca/international/currentstudents/scholarships

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COUNSELLING

WHY WOULD I MEET WITH A COUNSELLOR?

Most students experience difficulties at one time or
another while at George Brown College. As an
international student, you may experience some that
are unique or more intense because you have the added
pressure of adjusting to a new culture, language, and
different academic environment. If you want to talk in a
one-on-one private setting, individual counselling is
available. A counsellor will meet with you on a regular
basis and listen to you and help you with your concerns.

Here are some examples of what you might like to talk

to a counselor about:
• Understanding and adjusting to Canadian culture
• Separation from family and friends
• Language difficulties
• Academic pressures
• Finding time to meet family commitments

We are here to listen and support!!

and obligations

• Relationship concerns
WHAT IS COUNSELLING? • Career indecision
Transitions always present challenges that can be both • Dating people from different cultures
exciting and difficult. This is especially true when one is • Adjusting to new roommates
far from one’s natural support systems. Counselors • Making new friends
recognize these challenges and have provided assistance
IS COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?
to many international students. Some international
Participation in counselling is private and confidential.
students have a clear idea of what their concerns are
This means that the counsellor will not provide anyone
before seeking help; many others simply feel that some
with information about you (or even that you came to
things are not going as well as they had hoped. Either
counselling) to anyone without your written permission.
way, counsellors are here to help. Although counselling
Information about seeking help from Counselling
is not a common practice in many countries and
Services does NOT go into the student’s academic record
cultures, in Canada it is increasingly used as a resource
and will NOT be given to parents, employers, or any
for dealing with personal stress and difficulties. Meeting
governments. The only exceptions where others need to
with a professional counsellor allows a person the
be contacted are those rare occasions when:
opportunity to discuss concerns and problems with
• it is clear that a person’s life is in danger,

someone in a safe, private, and friendly environment. including your own

All racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientations, • a child appears to be at risk of being harmed

and age differences are fully respected. or neglected

• information is subpoenaed by a court of law

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 STUDY PERMIT SUBMISSION AND
A counsellor is also obligated to report to a regulatory ENROLLMENT LETTER REQUEST
body instances of sexual abuse from a health professional
covered by the Regulated Health Professions Act (i.e., a
doctor, nurse, dentist, etc.) to their patient. Students are
encouraged to discuss any concerns they have about
confidentiality with their counsellor.

HOW TO SCHEDULE A COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT

Please e-mail letstalk@georgebrown.ca (If you do not
receive a timely reply, please phone) or visit the counsel-
ling office at your campus.

St. James Campus

200 King St. E., Room 582C
Phone: 416-415-5000 ext. 2107

Waterfront Campus
New International Students are required to submit a
51 Dockside Dr., Rm. 225
copy of their study permit electronically to the
Phone: 416-415-5000 ext. 5370
International Centre. Please visit
Casa Loma Campus applynow.georgebrown.ca/International/
160 Kendal Ave., E.,Room C317 studypermitupload
Phone: 416-415-5000 ext. 4585 to upload a copy of your study permit and enter a

Ryerson Campus few pieces of information from your permit. You will

visit room JOR 07C receive a notification once it has been accepted by

International Centre staff.

OTHER COUNSELLING SERVICES AVAILABLE:

International student letter requests can also be

Good 2 Talk (1-866-925-5454): Free, professional, and

requested online and emailed directly to your email

anonymous counselling support for Ontario post-sec­

address. No more having to visit the International

ondary students available 24/7 over the phone.

Centre to request and pick up a letter. Please request

Aspiria Student Assistance Program (1-877-234-5327): your letter by visiting applynow.georgebrown.ca/

Free, multi-lingual, confidential crisis counselling and International/letterrequest

support available 24/7. Services offered over the

Standard letters will be emailed within 2 business days.

telephone or in person at a location near you.

Any questions or concerns?

Tranqool (www.tranqool.com): Professional, multi-lingual,

Email us at intladmissions@georgebrown.ca.

confidential video counselling. Costs are partially covered

by the International Student Health Insurance Plan.

4
STUDY PERMIT INFORMATION
INITIAL STUDY PERMIT
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp
STUDY PERMIT EXTENSION
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-extend.asp
WORK PERMIT
1. On-Campus Work Permit
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-oncampus.asp
2. Off-Campus Work Permit
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp
3. Co-op Work Permit
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-coop.asp
4. Post-graduation Work Permit
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp
TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (WITH VALID
STATUS—STUDY OR WORK PERMIT)
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/cpp-o-apply.asp
Check the IRCC website (www.cic.gc.ca) to confirm or
clarify all immigration-related information.
Please note that George Brown College staff are not authorized to
provide advice or guidance on immigration-related matters. Students
are solely responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations at all
times during their studies and while in Canada, including any medical or
study and work permit-related requirements. Applicants and students of
George Brown College are recommended to consult the IRCC website at
www.cic.gc.ca or consult the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to
confirm or clarify immigration-related information and requirements.
5
ONTARIO IDENTIFICATION CARD
It’s not always a good idea to carry your passport as
your every day photo I.D. as passports are very important
and can be difficult and expensive to replace if they
are ever lost or stolen. Therefore, you may want to
consider getting a Ontario Photo Card! It is considered
to be government issued identification and can be
used in Ontario as an official photo I.D card.
An Ontario Photo Card is a wallet sized card that
provides government-issued identification to those
Ontarians who do not have a driver’s licence, making
it easier for them to do things such as open a bank
account, and perform any other activities that require
official identification.
You can apply for an Ontario Photo Card if you:
• do not drive
• are a resident of Ontario, and
• are 16 years of age and older
You will need to bring to a ServiceOntario centre:
• original identity documents to prove your legal
name, date of birth and signature
• your marriage certificate, if you are applying under
your married name
Note: If you have a driver’s licence and want to get an
Ontario Photo Card, you have to give up your licence.
Your driver’s licence will be cancelled when you apply
for your Photo Card.
Cost: $35
For more information, please visit www.ontario.ca/
government/ontario-photo-card
QUICK REFERENCES CL = Casa Loma SJ = St. James WF = Waterfront RY = Ryerson

ACADEMIC ADVOCACY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS OFFICE PEERCONNECT

Student Association program that provides support The Community Partnerships Office creates, Helps students hone their skills, professional
and guidance for students who face conflict with develops, and implements programs that growth, and build their resilience through
instructors over grades or are dissatisfied with their contribute to the social and economic fabric of developing their essential employability skills.
in-classroom experience. our communities. www.georgebrown.ca/peerconnect/
Contact Location Locations
Phone Hotline ext. 6320 SJ 264B Adelaide St. E. (ext. 3100) CL Room D313 (ext. 6328)
Email academicadvocacy@sagbc.ca CONTACT CENTRE SJ Room B121 (ext. 3856)
ASSESSMENT CENTRE Call Centre that offers assistance on program WF Room Lower Concourse (ext. 5065)
Conducts placement tests to determine the and course inquiries, web navigation for STUDENT ASSOCIATION
appropriate English and/or math course a online registration, password assistance Independent organization representing the
student should be placed in. and general inquiries. interests of students offering programs, events
www.georgebrown.ca/assessment Contact (416) 415-2000 and activities that include Student Health Plan
Locations Toll Free 1-800-265-2002 and more. www.sagbc.ca
CL Room C343 (ext. 4565) TTY 1-877-515-5559 Locations
SJ Room 275 (ext. 4921) CL Room E100 (ext. 4730)
WF Room 532 (ext. 5751) COURSE EXEMPTIONS SJ Room 147(ext. 2455)
Students should consult their Program Coordinator WF Room 033 (ext. 5360)
ATHLETICS & RECREATION to see if they qualify for a course exemption.
Provides access to the gym and Fitness Centre. RY Room 614 (ext. 4049)
Contact
www.georgebrown.ca/athletics For a list of Locations and Contacts Information STUDENT LIFE
Locations
for the Academic Departments visit www. Offers everything from student activities and
CL Building C – Lower Level (4627 and/or ext.
georgebrown.ca/registernow/documents/ politics, to athletics, housing support, to a
4714)
locations_and_contacts_information_for_ range of clubs giving students the opportunity.
SJ 6th Floor (ext.3336 and/or ext. 3335)
the_academic_departments.pdf www.georgebrown.ca/studentlife/
BLACKBOARD campuslife/
ACCESSIBLE LEARNING SERVICES Location SJ (Room B130)
Blackboard is where you can check up on many Provides education, offers assistance and
of your current classes. Students will have arranges academic accommodations that may STUDENT PHOTO ID CARDS
access to Blackboard on their first day of class. be required because of a medical, physical, Students obtaining their new student photo
bb-gbc.blackboard.com mental health, or learning disability. I.D. card must present personal identification
Contact Locations and proof of registration/payment.
For more information on how to access and CL Room C317 SJ Room 582C Visit www.georgebrown.ca/studentcard
use Blackboard visit WF Room 225 RY SHE Room 597 for more information
www.georgebrown.ca/orientation/BB_ Locations
Help.aspx DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING SERVICES CL Library Learning Commons, Room C330
Offers educational support services to Deaf, SJ Library Learning Commons, Room B137,
BOOKSTORE deafened, or hard-of-hearing applicants and
Order, pay for and view books, items and
WF Library Learning Commons, Room 618
students in order to help them access GBC courses.
materials that are for sale.
Location STUDENT SERVICE CENTRES
Locations
SJ Room 173B-A (ext. 4654) One stop shop that assists students with their
CL 2nd Floor across from the cafeteria (ext.
registration needs.
4440)
LIBRARY AND LEARNING COMMONS Locations
SJ Main Floor across from the Security Desk
Provides services to help students with their CL C Building 3rd Floor
(ext. 2722)
studies and research. www.georgebrown.ca/ SJ Lower Level
WF Main Level across from the Security Desk
llc/ WF Concourse Level
(ext. 5865)
Locations
CL Room C330 (ext. 4634) TTC DISCOUNTED METROPASS PROGRAM
CAREER SERVICES SJ Room 121 (ext. 2173) TTC passes go on sale the last five school days
Receive support on career planning, interview WF Room 618 (ext. 5765) of each month at the Student Association.
skills, developing an e-portfolio, resume writing RY Room 677 (ext. 2977) Locations
and participate in career development workshops CL across from the student lounge E116
www.georgebrown.ca/current_students/ LOCKERS SJ Room 147
career_services/ Students can register for a locker online WF Basement near the SA lounge
Locations through STU-VIEW, under Student Support
Services — Rent a Locker. TUTORING AND LEARNING CENTRE
CL Room C317 (ext. 4100) Provides academic services to support students.
SJ Room B155 (ext. 3818) Contact
For more information email www.georgebrown.ca/tlc/
WF Room 017 (ext. 5301) Locations
lockers@georgebrown.ca or contact the
Welcome Desk CL Room 310D (ext. 4047)
CL E Building, Main Lobby, ext. 2878 SJ Room 430A (ext. 4053)
SJ A Building, Main Lobby, ext. 2020 WF Library (ext. 5743)
WF Main Lobby, ext. 5528

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ROAD MAP FOR SUCCESS
George Brown College has many exciting services available to you to be successful. Complete the roadmap by
attending or participating in the tasks outlined below. You can complete tasks in any order your wish.

WIN PRIZES!
• First 20 students to complete 5 tasks / stamps will be given $5 Tim Hortons gift card.
• Completion of 8 tasks / stamps will be entered in a draw for a chance to win $50 gift card (4 prizes).
• Completion of 12 tasks / stamps will be entered in a draw for a chance to win a metropass (2 prizes).

1 2 3 4 5
Pick up your Health
Submit a copy of your Insurance card at your Attend Tutoring and
study permit to the Attend an International Attend the Financial Student Association office Learning Centre (TLC)
International Centre Student Social Event Literacy workshop* at your home campus workshop

6 7 8 9
10
Attend a career
Attend PeerConnect workshop offered
Sign up for a GBC workshop or meet with through Career Attend the Alumni
Attend the

athletics membership peer coach Services Networking event*

Immigration workshop*

11
12 13 14
Volunteer on campus Attend general
(International Student campus tours
Attend the Health Ambassador, Student The International www.georgebrown.ca/
Insurance workshop Leadership Academy, etc.) Student Orientation campus_tours/

Workshop registration details are available at gbcintl.eventbrite.ca

This activity is eligible for:
• students who are in first year (first and second semester ONLY)
• students who enrolled in full-time program of George Brown College with valid study permit

IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is your responsibility to ask staff at each service area to stamp your roadmap at the time you complete the task.
Make sure to keep your roadmap safe — if you misplace it you will have to begin again!
Please detach this page and submit your roadmap by Friday of week 14 to International Centre

Your Name Student ID

Email