I am an international student here in Winnipeg, Manitoba at Red River College Polytechnic. I am Latin.

 I am Israel Sanchez, and this is my story.

Several years ago, I was living in my home country, Mexico, and I felt sad about the situation that my country was going through. That situation helped me to decide to leave my home country to look for a better place to live with my wife and the future children that we planned to have. That led me to do exhaustive research on places to live around the world; places with good levels of security, good lifestyles, a firm government and currency, and a high sense of belonging for immigrants. When I found all the benefits and multicultural opportunities that Canada offers for newcomers in its immigration programs, I decided that it was the right place for me and my family.

After deciding to come to Canada, it was time for me to look for the best place to complete my studies. With the help and unconditional support of my wife, we found RRC Polytech in Winnipeg as the best option for me to get a diploma. We saw that RRC Polytech offers its graduates opportunities to work in high-demand professions in Manitoba while making a positive impact in our society as active members.

When I came here to Winnipeg, I came with many dreams to accomplish as a newcomer and international student. However, one of the first challenges that I had to face was coming alone. Due to immigration laws in October 2021, my wife had to stay in Mexico. That pushed me to make an extra effort to improve my English and complete my term successfully.

As the days went by, I was getting used to my new community, looking for new ways to adapt to the Canadian culture and customs. As an outgoing person, I tried to motivate my classmates and friends that I was making in college to adapt to our new home. Doing things like going out to the park, sitting on a bench and talking to Canadians, shopping for groceries or going to the mall and talking to people and making new friends while practicing my English. I was doing those kinds of things every single day. I really experienced the ‘friendly’ in “Friendly Manitoba” and that is one of the reasons that I love Winnipeg so much.

I was alone for 8 months until my wife could come to Winnipeg. It was a hard time for me. However, it was also a beautiful period for me to become a better person. I became more emphatic and aware of the ways that I can support others in my international community, especially my Latin community within the College. What I love the most is learning from others’ experiences and passing the recommendations to other newcomers to avoid the same situations. Being directly involved in the international community, I was able to understand more and more every day about the struggles that not only I, but many newcomers face when moving to another country.

As a student of the Social Innovation and Community Development program, I made great personal progress. Through this program, I connected with exceptional instructors and classmates from different backgrounds with lots of knowledge and with the same wishes and feelings of contributing something to our community. This led to us creating the first Latin club under the umbrella of the Students Association within Red River College Polytech. By creating the Latin Identity Club, we were able to reach many students at the College and make alliances with other clubs to help others.

Coming to Canada has been a life changing experience for my family, and we appreciate the opportunities that Canada has given us. To my loved college, I feel very proud and grateful to be allowed to perform as a student here. The best part of this dream coming true is having the chance to give something back to my beautiful community and feeling useful to those in my new home. I would love to be able to help as many people as I can by providing needed information, assisting when the situation arises, and giving advice based on our own and others’ experiences.

What I love to say is, if I can plant the seed in one person and if that person can affect ten more people in a positive way, we could be surrounded by good people in a short period. Good people always attract good people. Everyone working together towards an amazing and strong community.

Lauren Philips, Acting Dean of the School of Education, Arts and Sciences at RRC Polytech shares a warm Welcoming Week message.

The week of September 8^th to September 15^th is Welcoming Week. This is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community. Students at the Centre for Newcomer Integration were asked to reflect on the ways that they were welcomed since arriving in Canada, and to share stories about the people who have helped them along the way. Keep reading to see what they said: 

“After I arrived at the Winnipeg airport, my friend came to pick me up and bring me to his house, and then helped with everything I could need.” Eyob 

“I want to talk about my teacher Maxine. She is a professional and her main characteristic is patience. She is very patient and helps all of us.” Oleksandr 

“I am currently studying English and Math as well as computers. I would like to thank you for opportunity.” Yonas    

“I was welcomed by a church who was like my family when I was here.” Herve 

“Actually, we didn’t have any friends here before we came to Winnipeg.  Then, we joined a chat group and rented a room in a house where two other families were living. They helped me a lot. They made me feel warm and I want to say thank you.” Xiangxian 

“I am grateful to the government of Canada for having established a special CUAET [Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel] program, thanks to which I was able to come to Canada.”  Sofiia  

“One woman drove me from the Canadian border to Winnipeg. She was very kind.” Simon 

“At this time, Red River College Polytechnic is helping me to learn.”  Samuel 

“I want to thank everyone who helped me. When I came to the airport, my sponsor came to get me and take me to her house. I stayed there for two weeks before renting an apartment with my friends. Also, the people at Manitoba Start helped me to come to learn at RRC Polytechnic. I am so proud to be here with my teacher.” Yahya 

“I am grateful to all employees of organizations and institutions and ordinary Canadians, who show understanding, tact, calmness and kind attitude towards us. This is the biggest and brightest impression of Canada. Ukrainians are very grateful to Canada for financial and material assistance for Ukraine and refugees from Ukraine. I hope that through our work, we will help Canadians in the development and prosperity of their beautiful country.”   Oleksii 

Through these stories, we see that everyone has an important role to play in helping others to feel welcome.  

Continue to check the LTC News for more messages about Welcoming Week.  

Hosted by the Academic Success Centre, students are invited to join the weekly English Conversation Circle to strengthen speaking skills and build connections and confidence through communication practice.

No registration required, just drop in and join the conversation! 

Sessions will run for 12 weeks, starting the week of September 5th. 

• Tuesdays | 12-1pm (Sept. 5-Nov. 21) Exchange District Campus, P204
• Thursdays | 12-1pm (Sept. 7-Nov. 23) Notre Dame Campus, Global Connections Room, D208
• Fridays | 12-1pm (Sept. 8-Nov. 24) Online >> Clink this link to join (log in with your RRC Polytech email address)

Each week, the English Conversation Circle will practice different conversational speaking skills, including:

• Starting a Conversation
• Closing a Conversation
• Interrupting
• Resuming after an interruption
• Giving opinions
• Asking personal questions
• Keeping the Conversation Going
• Checking Comprehension

Conversation skills will be practiced around topics of interest to the group, including:

• Family & Friends
• Seasonal activities
• Cultural practices
• Getting to know one another
• Getting to know Winnipeg

To learn more, contact ealsupport@rrc.ca, or join our first sessions to participate!   

Did you know that September 8th – 15th is IRCC ‘s Welcoming Week?

Welcoming Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that help everyone feel welcome and that they belong in their local community. These values are important at the Centre for Newcomer Integration (CNI) and RRC Polytech.

Help celebrate Welcoming Week by participating in a variety of activities this week, including:

• Watching this website throughout the week for messages from the RRC Polytech and CNI leadership team
• Reading stories by students that will be posted here
• Participating in the Welcoming Week Community Resource Fair on Sept 8 (from 10:00AM-1:00PM and Sept. 14 (from 6:00PM-9:00PM) in the Roundhouse (E240)
  • Stop by to meet representatives from community organizations and to learn about the programs and services that they offer
  • Meet CNI staff
  • Enjoy some free refreshments and snacks
  • Write a welcome message/word, take a selfie at our Welcoming Week photo booth

Let’s celebrate some of the things that make RRC Polytech, the Centre for Newcomer Integration and Canada great at Welcoming Week 2023!

Get ready for a spectacular Outdoor Color Party – a vibrant and exhilarating celebration inspired by the joyous festival of Holi! Get ready to immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and pure excitement.

• Friday, September 1
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus, Bus Loop Field (Dalton Cres.)

Prepare to be drenched in an explosion of colors as we provide an array of vibrant and eco-friendly color powders while dancing to the rhythm of EDM beats. These colors symbolize the triumph of good over evil and are sure to create a breathtaking atmosphere. Come dressed in white clothing to fully embrace the joy of colors during the event!

This event is all-ages and FREE for everyone to attend. Please register in advance.

This workshop combines the practice of meditation with the creation of mandalas, a form of ancient, circular art. Participants will be guided through a meditative process to access their inner artist, and then given the tools to create their own mandala. This practice can help to reduce stress and promote healing.

REGISTER – Exchange District Campus: Tuesday, Sept 5, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, P107, The Roblin Centre, Exchange District Campus

Contact Kristi, Recreation and Wellness Coordinator with questions and accessibility needs. Subscribe or visit the Campus Well-Being blog for ongoing event and activities information. Full September programming launching soon!

Explore new employment and career opportunities at this live event!

You’ll be able to engage one-on-one with hiring managers and apply directly to jobs and career opportunities.

Date: Wednesday, August 30th

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Location: RBC Convention Centre, 375 York Avenue, North Building

Cost: FREE!

Click here for more information.

Recognition Counts August information sessions will be held on August 22^nd at 2:00-3:30PM and August 24^th at 6:00-7:30PM.

Join Recognition Counts Information Session to learn about character-based loan and how it can help you complete your qualification recognition process. 

To register, click on the LINK .

The session includes information about:

• Recognition Counts loans
• Your eligibility
• Acceptable usage of the loan
• Some statistics and share stories of newcomers who have been successful in getting back to their careers

Recognition Counts partners with Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU) to deliver the loans. The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program and the Province of Manitoba. 

• Do you want to meet new friends?

• Are you looking for an opportunity to practice your English language skills outside of the classroom?

• Do you want to become part of the the biggest contemporary arts and culture celebration in Manitoba?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, consider volunteering with Nuit Blanche Winnipeg.

Nuit Blanche Winnipeg (NBW) is a free evening exploration and celebration of contemporary art that takes place on the opening Saturday of Culture Days. Held annually since 2010, the events and exhibits attract thousands of people to Downtown, The Forks, St Boniface, and the Exchange District. NBW 2023 will take place on Saturday, September 23rd.

Click here to fill out a volunteer application form.