College of Technology Alberta believes in providing the best support and services to our students that have come across the overseas to receive their education and experience the overseas culture. Moving overseas can be very challenging for new students so the CTA have laid out clear policies and guidelines to capture all the needs of the international students.
Student Services
The International Student Services Office plays a crucial role in providing support and resources for international students. The key areas covered are:
Settlement Support:
- Resources and assistance to help students adapt to their new environment.
- Information on local culture, customs, and community services.
Applying for Social Insurance Number (SIN):
- Guidance on the process of acquiring a Social Insurance Number, which is often necessary for employment and other purposes.
Tax Filing Assistance:
- Information and support regarding the filing of taxes, which can be a complex process for international students.
Public Transportation Guidance:
- Assistance with understanding and using public transportation systems, such as the Edmonton Transit System. This can be crucial for students who may not be familiar with the local transportation infrastructure.
Banking:
- Information and assistance on how to open a bank account in the host country, including any documentation or requirements.
General Information:
- Addressing common queries and providing information on various topics that international student may encounter during their stay.
The International Student Services Office seems to serve as a comprehensive resource center, aiming to enhance the overall experience of international students by addressing practical concerns and helping them navigate life in a new country. This type of support can significantly contribute to the well-being and success of international students during their studies.
International Student Orientation
College of Technology Alberta hosts pre-arrival webinars and orientation sessions. These provide you with tools, resources, and information that will ease your transition to student life. Attending orientation is mandatory and essential for student success. The Orientation dates are published on the website and communicated to the students through Student Newsletters. During this orientation, you will meet the International Office along with staff members from other departments, connect more with other international, and exchange students from all over the world.
The orientation includes information on the following:
Settlement Guidance:
- Assistance with visa and immigration-related queries.
- Guidance on maintaining legal status in the host country.
Settlement Support:
- Resources and assistance to help students adapt to their new environment.
- Information on local culture, customs, and community services.
- Provide information about housing, career and counselling services
Important Dates:
- Inform the students about important dates and deadlines to remember regarding last days to withdraw course, Breaks, Canadian holidays etc.
Health Insurance:
- Provide students the information about Health Care and Alberta Health Care Card.
Additional Support:
- Discussion of topics related to everyday needs like Cellphones, Banking, Public Transportation, Social Insurance Numbers, etc.
Tips:
- Discussion of important tips for a Successful Study Experience in Canada. Topics also include about Edmonton Weather, dressing up right for the weather, Things to do in Edmonton, Places to visit etc. to ensure the international students feel welcomed.
Additional Support:
- College of Technology Alberta understands that moving to a new country is very challenging and take responsibility to help students experience the best by providing the best services and support required.
Housing Support
College of Technology Alberta does not offer on or off-campus housing, however we offer a list of resources for housing options, including, homestay, rentals, and student housing.
Please note that College of Technology Alberta is not affiliated with any of these companies. We cannot guarantee the quality of service or accommodation.
Settlement Guidance:
- rentals.ca
- rentfaster.ca
- rentcanada.com
- rentboard.ca
- rentseeker.ca
- canadahomeshare.com
- Matches older adult home providers (55+) with students who pay reduced rent while providing companionship and/or up to seven (7) hours per week of assistance around the home.
- Facebook Marketplace
- Kjiji.ca
Counselling Services
The College of Technology in Alberta provides free counseling services to its students. The availability of short-term personal counseling and specialized group workshops can be invaluable for students dealing with various challenges.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
- Free Counseling Services: The fact that counseling services are offered free of charge is a significant benefit for students, as it ensures that mental health support is accessible to all.
- Short-Term Personal Counseling: Providing short-term personal counseling suggests that the focus is on addressing immediate concerns and offering support during critical times.
- Special Group Workshops: The availability of group workshops for study skills, exam anxiety, and time management indicates a proactive approach to addressing common academic challenges.
- Academic Support from Professors: The students are encouraged to first seek help from their professors for academic matters. It reinforces the importance of building a strong student-instructor relationship.
- Instructor Support on a Smaller Campus: Our smaller campus provides a more intimate learning environment, making it easier for students to access support from instructors. This can contribute to a sense of community and personalized assistance.
By combining academic and mental health support, the College of Technology is fostering a holistic approach to student well-being. This can positively affect students' overall experience and contribute to their success academically and personally.
Career Services
Career Services at the College of Technology Alberta plays a crucial role in supporting students, graduates, and alumni in their career development
Here is an overview of the comprehensive services we provide:
- Targeted Career Planning: Assisting individuals in identifying and planning their career paths based on their skills, interests, and goals.
- Personality Testing: Providing tools like personality tests to help individuals gain insights into their strengths and preferences, which can inform career decisions.
- Job Search Strategies: Offering guidance on effective job search techniques, helping individuals navigate the competitive job market.
- Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Offering support in creating professional and impactful resumes and cover letters to make a strong impression on potential employers.
- Professional Portfolio Development: Assisting individuals in developing comprehensive professional portfolios that showcase their skills, achievements, and qualifications.
- Interview Preparation: Conducting mock interviews and providing tips to help individuals prepare for job interviews, increasing their confidence and readiness.
- Labour Market Information: Keeping individuals informed about trends in the job market, helping them make informed career decisions.
- Transition from School to Work: Supporting students in transitioning from academic life to the professional workforce.
- Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections between students and industry professionals through networking events and clubs.
- Career and Volunteer Fairs: Organizing events that bring together potential employers and individuals seeking career opportunities or volunteer experiences.
- Employment and Volunteer Postings: Providing a platform for individuals to access job and volunteer opportunities relevant to their career goals.
By offering such a diverse range of services, Career Services is contributing significantly to the success and professional development of students and alumni. This holistic approach prepares individuals not only for finding employment but also for building fulfilling and rewarding careers
Social Engagement Services (Leadership, Volunteering, and more)
The International Office is actively organizing special events and providing support to enhance the experience of international students. The International Student Engagement Officer provides dedicated support to help them transition into the Canadian education setting, adjusting to a new culture, and integrating into Canadian society.
- Special Events Throughout the Academic Year: Hosting gatherings and events that create opportunities for international students to connect, share experiences, and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Personal Connections and Cross-Cultural Communication: Fostering an environment where students can personally connect with each other, enhance cross-cultural communication skills, and build a sense of community.
- Cultural Adjustment and Community Building: Supporting students in their cultural adjustment process and providing a platform for them to form a community, share experiences, and discuss challenges.
- Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Organizing events that allow students to celebrate and showcase their own cultures, fostering an appreciation for diversity within the College of Technology Alberta community.
- Support for Homesickness and Building Connections: Offering assistance for international students dealing with homesickness and helping them build connections with others, both within the international student community and the broader campus.
- Leadership Skills Development: Providing opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, empowering them to take on active roles within the community.
- Information on Student Programs and Activities: Keeping students informed about various programs, events, and activities on campus, including volunteering, the Peer Mentorship program, and Campus Meet-Ups.
This holistic approach to supporting international students goes beyond academic assistance, focusing on their overall well-being, cultural integration, and community building. These initiatives contribute to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students during their time at the College of Technology Alberta.
International Student Contact Center
International Students can contact international student center in multiple ways for general inquiries and/or any additonal information.
Alberta Health Care Insurance
- The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is provincial health care insurance that covers the costs of insured hospital and physician services in Alberta for all eligible Alberta residents.
- Each individual has a personal health care number that is used to claim for coverage eligible medical services through the provincial health care system.
- College of Technology Alberta Health Insurance Plan provides coverage for international students, and their families who reside in Canada but are not eligible for provincial health coverage. The College has contracted with a Private Insurance Company to provide the insurance plan available for International Students.
Health Care Resources in the Community
Alberta Health Services
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is province-wide, integrated health system, responsible for delivering health services to people in Alberta. Programs and services are offered at more than 900 facilities throughout the province, including hospitals, clinics, continuing care facilities, cancer centres, mental health facilities and community health sites.
- Health Link 811
- For health related advise or information, call Health Link 24/7 by calling 811 or visit website MyHealth Alberta.
- Health Link can provide advise in finding a healthcare provider, addiction and medical health, rehabilitation and nutrition information.
- It also helps provide support to new mothers and newborn babies.
- To access the Alberta Health Services in time of need, please refer to Help in Tough Times for more information.
Health Care Centers
Finding a right physician can be challenging, especially if the student has moved from a different town or province or internationally. Here are some resources to help to find the walk-in clinics in the City of Edmonton:
In case of Emergency, major hospitals in Edmonton can be found on this link: Hospitals & Facilities.
