International Student Aid: The New Arrival Support Program

Being an international student may pose challenges, but you can rest assured that Ontario Tech is here to assist you. Our international student community offers a dedicated assistance initiative known as the New Arrival Support Program (NASP), tailored specifically to your needs. The program is designed to provide guidance and support to new international students, whether they are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, by facilitating their adjustment to life at Ontario Tech and in Oshawa. We're here to provide assistance in various ways. Take a look at the following list of offerings:

Campus Tours

We've organized a comprehensive campus tour to ensure you become familiar with every aspect of our university. During the tour, we'll guide you through all the buildings and facilities, in addition to discussing the wide range of support and services available to you at Ontario Tech. This is an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss.

Getting a Phone Plan

Opening a Bank Account

We understand that the abundance of banks and the complexity of account choices can make this a challenging decision. However, our support goes beyond mere guidance. We will be there with you every step of the way, physically accompanying you to ensure that you open a bank account perfectly tailored to your unique needs and preferences. You can count on our dedicated assistance throughout the entire process.

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

This is a crucial requirement for employment in Canada, and we provide this service on specific days and times right here on campus. Alternatively, we can connect you with external services that can assist you with this process. Rest assured, we will promptly notify you about the scheduled sessions or external options so that you can make the necessary arrangements.

Using Durham Transit

Navigating the transit system can indeed be a significant challenge, and I've personally had to figure it out too. Questions like where to meet your bus, how to scan your pass, and when and where to get off can be confusing. However, we're here to put your mind at ease. We'll go a step further by accompanying you on a bus ride, giving you a firsthand tour of Oshawa and demonstrating how to use the bus system. Our aim is to ensure you feel at ease and confident when using public transportation.

Shopping

This service extends to different types of shopping, be it for groceries or clothing. As the winter season approaches, ensuring you have suitable warm clothing is essential. We're here to take you to the stores of your choice, offering hands-on support in making your purchases and guiding you through the store locations. 

Other

While the services mentioned here cover a range of your needs, we understand that there might be additional assistance you require. If there's something not listed here that you need help with, please don't hesitate to inform us, and we'll do our best to provide support. In fact, I recall assisting a couple of students in applying for jobs once. We visited Oshawa Centre where they had their resumes printed, and together, we visited various stores to submit their applications. It turned out to be a fantastic and effective idea!

If you believe that these services align with your needs or preferences, please note that registration is necessary. New spots will become available in January, and you can access the registration below, which will be updated at that time.

Register Here

Welcome to Canada and Ontario Tech!