Announcement: Looking for Faculty or Staff to open their homes
to International Students over the holidays
Date: December 20, 2008 - January 5, 2009
More Information: Cheryl Gonsalves 416-946-8509
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SHARE your CHEER –
Host an International Student during the Holidays!
The International Student Centre at the University of Toronto is looking for Holiday Hosts over the Winter Holiday break. From December 20th until January 5th the University of Toronto closes for the holiday. Most International Students, many of whom have only just arrived, are unable to return home during this short break and must find alternative accommodation as their on-campus residences close during this period.
We are looking for UofT Staff or Faculty (or referrals from the university community) who would be willing to open up their hearts and homes to our international students for a meal, a day out in the city, or to join you and your family in celebrating your holiday traditions.
Not only would you be providing international students with an incredibly valuable life and cultural experience, but you could play a vital role in the adjustment to their new life in Toronto and in Canada. This is also a great opportunity to learn about other cultural traditions and to develop rewarding friendships.
The university has close to 8000 International Students from over 150 different countries, and welcomes the support of the community, especially over the holidays, to help some of these students through a potentially lonely and isolating time.
Last year we had an incredible response from UofT Staff and Faculty who joined the program. The experience for both the hosts and the students was amazing and I would be more than happy to provide more information or connect you with some of last year’s hosts.
Share the spirit of the season and invite some of our students to join you over this period! For more information please contact the International Student Advisors' office, at 416.946.8509 by Friday, November 28, 2008.
Cheryl Gonsalves
International Student Advisor
International Student Centre (Room 204)
33 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2E3
Telephone: 416 946 8509
Fax: 416 978 4090
Email: cheryl.gonsalves@utoronto.ca
www.isc.utoronto.ca