International Students Beyond Numbers: A Conversation With Jo Krisko
Statistics matter, but what’s beyond the numbers? What is the role of the 1,841 international students who populate the halls and walk the campuses of Lakehead University, and how do they shape and enrich the broader campus community? Jo Krisko, Interim Vice-Provost, International, underscores the significant impact international students have on both university culture and local communities.
For many international students, this marks the first time they have moved away from home, requiring them to adjust to a new country and deal with multiple changes. These include adapting to a different culture, climate, educational system, and even legal and financial structures, all while coping with potential feelings of homesickness and isolation. Therefore, to ensure they are well-prepared for their arrival in Canada, their journey begins three months before they even set foot on campus “Lakehead International offers a pre-arrival and onboarding program for first-year international students, covering essential areas such as travel and immigration support, housing and accommodations, academic resources and regulations, and much more,” mentions Krisko.
Additionally, every first-year international student is given the opportunity to connect with a peer mentor, who provides valuable support and guidance as they navigate their new academic and cultural environment. “Peer mentors are typically upper-year students, often from the same program or faculty, who serve as a key point of contact for questions about student life on campus and within the community,” acknowledges Krisko. To further support this connection and help students settle into campus life, the International Student Services team also hosts weekly events designed to foster community and engagement. As part of the Lakehead International team, there are five licensed International Student Advisors (four in Thunder Bay and one in Orillia), who work closely with students to understand the unique challenges they face and find tailored avenues of support. Krisko adds that Lakehead International also offers emergency bursaries to assist students in meeting unexpected financial challenges and a competitive entrance scholarship program for first-year non-Canadian citizen students, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from achieving success.
Beyond academic and social support, creating meaningful cultural connections benefits not just international students but the entire campus community. Krisko highlights the importance of engaging with student-led cultural events like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Diwali, emphasizing that these celebrations provide an opportunity for learning, appreciation, and connection. These events offer students a platform to share their diverse and vibrant cultures, fostering a deeper sense of belonging while enriching campus life for everyone.
“Approximately 19.8% of the university’s student population are international students” mentions Krisko. These students come from countries as diverse as India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iran, Ghana, and Pakistan, among many others. Their presence is not just about numbers; it’s about the cross-cultural exchange that adds a rich layer to the lakehead community. The presence of these students helps shape Lakehead University as a global hub of learning, making it not only a place for academic growth but also a vibrant, multicultural community that mirrors the world at large.
As international students continue to shape the fabric of Lakehead University, their experiences remind us that education is not just about textbooks and exams—it’s about fostering a global community where diverse perspectives thrive. Through support systems, cultural exchanges, and the shared commitment to learning, these students contribute far beyond the classroom. As they navigate their new lives at Lakehead, they are not only enriching the university’s atmosphere but also helping build a stronger, more connected global future. In the end, it’s this cultural richness and the exchange of ideas that truly make Lakehead University a place where every student’s journey helps shape a powerful, collective legacy.