AQPC

Authors:
Lorraine Forbes, language consultant - Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface
Nicole Harder, teacher and coordinator -  Business Department at École technique et professionnelle
Robin Rooke, coordinator - International Office, Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface
Charlotte Walkty, Director - École technique et professionnelle

This article showcases an innovative endeavour at the École technique et professionnelle (ETP) of Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface in Manitoba, following the strategic decision to open the college to international students.  The authors begin with a general presentation of ETP, with its different expansion phases and the evolution of its student clientele, which has become increasingly diversified over the years.  This change in clientele led to the implementation of more student-oriented strategies and measures: orientation week, welcome booklet, various meetings, tutorials, socio-cultural activities, etc.  It also led to setting up a ‘Diversity Committee’ to help teaching personnel create an inclusive learning environment through meetings, activities and documentation. Drawing from their experience in the field, the authors offer a number of practical tips for teachers with international students in their class.  In ending, they specify what is at stake in light of this demographic transformation and underline the creativity of the University College in dealing with it.