International Student Orientation covers important immigration, health insurance, and ice breakers sessions, as well as academic information specifically of interest to all new international students.
This program will give you the chance to learn important information for your studies, as well as to meet your new classmates. Please note that attendance is mandatory during the first day for international students unless you have made prior arrangements.
January 5th, 2020
Registration
GCSU Lounge - 9:45 a.m.
As you enter the Lounge, check-in with us, so we know you have arrived safely in Newfoundland. We will use this opportunity to ask you a couple of questions, provide some information about the rest of the day, and give you a name tag. If you are unsure where to go and are not able to find the signage, look for volunteers around campus.
Traditional Newfoundland Brunch
Dining Hall - 10:00 a.m.
Enjoy Newfoundland toutons made by staff members along with fruit and other snacks. Please advise of any dietary restrictions via email or at registration.
The Ins and Outs of Grenfell Campus: Student Panel
AS 378 - 10:45 a.m.
Learn about outside of the classroom learning opportunities and social events going on throughout the semester.
Ice Breakers
2nd floor of the AS Atrium - 11:15 a.m.
Play team-building games with other international students.
International Student Health Insurance and Immigration Compliance
AS 378 - 11:45 a.m.
Learn more about your health insurance coverage and start the application process for the Medical Care Plan (MCP) if you are eligible. We will also go over important immigration compliance information. The presentations will be followed by a game with prizes, so make sure you pay attention!
Overview of Online Resources
AS 378 - 12:15 p.m.
Learn how to use valuable resources and access key information online using Grenfell International Services Online Learning (Brightspace) and other tools.
Lunch
GCSU Lounge - 12:30 p.m.
The View From Here Video Competition
GCSU Lounge - 1:30 p.m.
Use your new surroundings to film a one-minute promotional video for Grenfell Campus using "the View from Here" as a tag line. The best team will win a prize.
Free time
Use this free time to have dinner at the Grove (Dining Hall), explore Corner Brook, get some rest in your room, use the Library, etc.
WelcomeNL Social at Retro Arcade + Sports Bar
AS Atrium - 6:30 p.m.
Come meet other international students and newcomers community and play pool and arcades. Transportation and finger food will be provided. This is a free event.
January 8th, 2020
Banking in Canada
To be determined
One of the first things you need to do when you get to Canada is open a bank account for your everyday needs. All banks will be closed on Sunday and on Monday. In order to make your life easier, we will have representatives from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) on campus to open bank accounts for international students. This way, you will not have to physically go to a branch. We have other banks in Corner Brook and you can open an account with any of those. Opening a bank account in Canada is optional.
There will be a group presentation at 3:30 p.m. about banking in Canada. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you don't open an account with a Canadian bank but you have questions.
Getting a Canadian Social Insurance Number
To be determined
If you plan to work in Canada during your studies or when you graduate, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). A Canadian government employee will come to campus to create SIN for new international students. You will be able to sign up for appointments online on a first come first serve basis. If there are remaining slots open, you will have an opportunity to sign up in person during orientation. Getting a SIN is optional.
There will be a group presentation at 4:00 p.m. about federal government services to which international students are entitled. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you don't plan on working in Canada.
January 10th, 2020
First Coffee House of the Semester
AS Airport Lounge - 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Join other students to share coffee/tea/hot chocolate and snacks each week to relax at the end of a busy week. It's also an excellent way to make or join weekend plans.
January 15th, 2020
"5 à 7" for Francophones and francophiles
GCSU Backlot - 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Coin franco, the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, and Grenfell International Services is hosting a short presentation on the history of the Francophonie in the province followed by the launch of the schedule of activities for the fall and a reception. Finger food and light refreshments will be served. French speakers from all countries, levels, and backgrounds, as well as people interested in learning French are welcome.
More information about the Grenfell Campus general orientation can be found online.