North Island College recently welcomed 10 students from Libya.
The students, all of whom are employees of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) and already have undergraduate degrees, will study at NIC for the next two years, enhancing their English language skills and completing a post-degree diploma in accounting.
“North Island College is extremely excited to be working in partnership with NOC, and Libya, as it moves forward with reconstruction in the post-Gaddafi era,” said Colleen Hanley, associate director of NIC International. “Libya views Canada as a great friend, and is looking to Canada for assistance in building its civil society.”
“Most Libyan people think Canada is the most ideal place to live. In Canada all different cultures and religions are respected,” explained Nabil Laswed, one of the students. “Canada has a lot to offer us as we build our new country after the revolution.
"We hope we can build good relationships, established on respect for each other, and hope we can transfer the knowledge which will be helpful in rebuilding our country.”
The students and their families will reside in the Comox Valley and their children will attend schools and pre-schools within the School District 71 catchment area.
“We are working to ensure that the students and their families feel welcome as they settle into their new community,” Hanley added. “The students have expressed great curiosity in regards to learning about Canadian culture and have an equally strong interest in sharing their culture with us.”
All of the students commented on how beautiful Canada is and the assistance they have received thus far.
“Canadian people are lovely and helpful. They smile when they see you and help when you need help,” said Naser Ali Elbadwi, another of the students.
NIC International welcomed over 150 students from 29 different countries this past year.
While the Libyan students will concentrate their studies in business and accounting, other international students are enrolled in a diverse array of programming, ranging from fine arts and graphic design, to engineering, university studies and tourism.
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC), established in 1970, carries out exploration, development, production, oil and gas processing and refining. Its subsidiary service companies also carry out drilling activities.
NOC is also affiliated with a petroleum research centre which undertakes research and technical studies related to the oil industry.
For further information about NIC International, visit www.international.nic.bc.ca.
— North Island College