By Shruti Menon Seeboo
Carleton University, located in Ottawa, Canada, is a renowned institution that attracts international students with its diverse programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and robust student support services. As an International Admissions and Recruitment Officer at Carleton University, Leah Odada plays a crucial role in guiding prospective students, especially from regions like Mauritius, through the admissions process and helping them understand the unique opportunities offered by the university. In this interview, Leah shares insights into what makes Carleton University an attractive destination for international students, the diverse programs available, and how the university supports students as they adapt to academic life in Canada.
Research opportunities at Carleton University
One of the standout features of Carleton University is its ability to offer unique research opportunities, particularly for students interested in fields like public affairs, international relations, and political science. Leah emphasises the advantage of Carleton’s location in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, as it provides students with direct access to government departments, international organisations, and embassies. “The Capital Advantage is a major draw for international students,” Leah explains. “Being in Ottawa gives our students the unique opportunity to engage with the international policy community, directly benefitting from research, networking, and internship opportunities.”
Carleton University is home to renowned faculties such as the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), which is considered Canada’s top graduate program in international affairs. “NPSIA offers globally recognised excellence in teaching, research, and policy engagement,” Leah says. “It covers areas like diplomacy, global health, conflict management, and economic and social development, which are areas of great interest to students from around the world.” With its interdisciplinary approach and a strong focus on real-world policy issues, the Norman Paterson School provides a dynamic environment for students interested in shaping the future of international relations.
In addition to NPSIA, Carleton’s Faculty of Public and Global Affairs (FPGA) is another flagship department that attracts future leaders in diplomacy, government, journalism, and economics. Leah highlights how these programs equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to work at the highest levels of government and international organisations. “Our programs in public affairs and global affairs are unique in Canada,” Leah explains. “We offer students not only the academic knowledge they need, but also real-world opportunities for job placements and study abroad programs that give them invaluable experience in international environments.”
Support for international students
For international students, transitioning to university life in a new country can be challenging. Carleton University recognises the importance of supporting its diverse student body and offers a comprehensive range of services to help students succeed both academically and personally. Leah speaks highly of the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for international students. “Our Carleton community is diverse, caring, and inclusive,” she says. “We make it our mission to provide safe and supportive spaces for everyone, ensuring that all students feel welcome and are able to thrive.”
One of the key services Carleton offers is the International Student Services Office (ISSO), which helps students adjust to life in Canada and navigate the complexities of university life. Carleton’s support systems extend beyond just academic assistance, as the university actively fosters social and cultural integration. Leah shares a quote from one of their current Mauritian students, Nishtha, who speaks highly of the student services at Carleton:
“The plethora of Student Services at Carleton University is great! Being able to get a job in a new country and getting around a new work culture might be difficult. To go beyond these hurdles, the career service equips me with the required resources to be able to get into the Canadian work industry. They were very helpful in making my Resume and Cover Letter correspond to the expectations of employers. Beyond Career services, I have also attended several events of the ISSO which allow me to meet other international students who became good friends of mine. These events have also allowed me to visit staples of Ottawa as well as having the Canadian experience.”
Co-op and internship programs
In addition to academic excellence, Carleton University offers outstanding opportunities for students to gain work experience while studying. Leah highlights Carleton’s co-op and internship programs as key assets for international students seeking to gain practical experience in their field of study. “Carleton offers a variety of co-op programs that combine in-class learning with paid work terms,” she explains. “Students can alternate between study terms and work terms that last anywhere from four to sixteen months, depending on the program.”
The university’s Co-operative Education (Co-op) program is open to students in most undergraduate programs and some graduate programs. Leah notes that students who complete the required work terms can earn a co-op designation, which further enhances their employability upon graduation. “The benefits of co-op programs are numerous,” Leah says. “They help students develop employability skills, explore different career paths, earn money to help reduce student debt, and build a network of industry professionals.”
For international students from Mauritius like Nishtha, a 2nd year BA (Hons) Sociology student, the experience is invaluable. She shares her story of landing a junior research analyst internship at Nanos Research in Canada, saying: “After three rounds of interviews, I received an email confirming my internship. My job search began over the summer by exploring Carleton University’s MySuccess job board to find positions that aligned with my sociology major. I visited Carleton’s Career Services to have my resume and cover letter reviewed. Securing this internship was a challenging process, but for the past month, I’ve been thriving at Nanos Research, constantly building new skills that align perfectly with my future career goals.”
Nishtha’s experience reflects how Carleton’s support services, including career counselling and job placement assistance, are designed to help international students succeed in both their studies and their professional lives.
Cultural diversity and inclusion at Carleton
Carleton University’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion is another important factor that makes it an attractive choice for international students. “We have several initiatives in place to promote equity and inclusion within our student body,” Leah says. “We believe in fostering an environment where all students feel valued and where diversity is celebrated.”
One such initiative is the Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) program, which aims to foster an inclusive university culture. “EIC offers programming that helps students develop personal competencies and structural elements for an inclusive culture,” Leah explains. “We also provide unconscious bias training and cultural competency education for both students and staff, helping to ensure that the campus is a welcoming environment for everyone.”
Carleton’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan is another significant initiative. This comprehensive plan focuses on enhancing student support, revising curricular practices, and creating leadership development opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Leah mentions that Carleton celebrates diversity through events such as International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and National Indigenous Peoples Day, which further contributes to the university’s inclusive atmosphere.
Support for academic success
Adapting to the Canadian education system can be challenging for international students, but Carleton University offers extensive support to help students navigate the academic system. Leah highlights the various academic support services provided by the university, such as personalised academic advising and immigration support. “Carleton provides services to ensure that students understand academic expectations, course selection, and degree requirements,” Leah says. “We also offer workshops and training sessions to help international students improve their English language skills and adapt to the Canadian academic environment.”
The International Student Services Office (ISSO) plays a vital role in assisting students with cultural adjustment and providing practical information about living in Ottawa. “From helping students with their study permits to organising social events and cultural activities, ISSO ensures that international students feel supported throughout their journey at Carleton,” Leah adds.
Scholarships and financial aid
For Mauritian students seeking financial assistance, Carleton University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options. “We offer undergraduate entrance scholarships to all students who meet our academic and language requirements,” Leah explains. “These merit-based scholarships are renewable, provided the student maintains an A- standing throughout their studies.” Carleton also offers Prestige Scholarships, which are highly competitive awards given to students with outstanding academic achievements and extracurricular leadership experience. “The value of these scholarships can go up to $30,000,” Leah says. “In addition, we offer bursaries for students who demonstrate financial need.”
The university’s financial aid options aim to support students in achieving their academic and professional goals without being burdened by financial stress. Carleton University’s comprehensive support services, diverse academic programs, and strong focus on research and experiential learning make it an ideal destination for international students. As Leah Odada notes, Carleton’s strategic location in Ottawa, with its close proximity to government organisations and international institutions, offers unique opportunities for students in fields like international relations, political science, and public affairs. The university’s emphasis on inclusivity, cultural diversity, and providing a seamless transition for international students ensures that all students can succeed academically and socially.
Carleton University continues to set the bar for Canadian universities by fostering an environment that is not only academically rigorous but also culturally enriching. For international students, particularly those from Mauritius, Carleton presents a world-class education, with ample opportunities for career development, cultural integration, and academic success.
