Everyone knows that winter in Winnipeg can be a long, cold and sometimes dreary season. It can be especially difficult for someone experiencing the season for the first time. For many international and immigrant students at Red River College, adapting to the weather in Winnipeg can be a real challenge. The days are short, the air is cold, the sidewalks are slippery… Just getting to class everyday can seem like a struggle. However, in Diversity and Intercultural Services, we believe that the best way to get used to Winnipeg winters is to fully immerse yourself in the experience. We encourage students to put on their toques, tie up their skates and get out in the community to enjoy the numerous winter activities that Winnipeg has to offer. In the past two months, students have had the opportunity to participate in numerous activities organized by Diversity and Intercultural Services.  The following are some of the highlights:

Skating at the Forks

As part of the Canadian Connections and New Roots Programs, over 100 students had the opportunity to try out their skating skills at The Forks on two different days. As we all know, Winnipeg winter can be unpredictable. The students who went skating on January 30th as part of the Canadian Connections Program were treated to some mild winter weather for their outing. The Language Training Centre students who went skating on February 13^th through the New Roots Program were not so lucky! These students experienced a ‘true’ Winnipeg winter day with windchills nearing -35 degrees Celsius! However, the students braved the cold and enjoyed the activity. They especially enjoyed the free hot chocolate and mini-doughnuts provided at the end of the day!

Diversity and Intercultural Services would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped to make the skating activities a success. A special thanks to the Diversity Ambassadors and Hospitality and Tourism volunteers.

Festival du Voyageur 

The Canadian Connection Program organized a group outing to one of Winnipeg’s largest outdoor winter festivals. On Saturday, Feb 13^th, Student Integration Coordinator, Lauren Konrad along with 52 immigrant and International students bundled up to brave the cold and explore the Festival du Voyageur. Volunteers from the Intercultural Mentorship Program, Diversity Ambassador Program and Hospitality and Tourism Program showed up to take part in the day.

The Festival celebrates the French-Canadian and Metis heritage in Manitoba. With live music, French/Metis cuisine, arts, crafts and activities, the day is always full of cross-cultural learning and new experiences. Students were largely impressed by the competitive ice sculptures that take shape every year. For many students, visually understanding that pressed snow can become art or used to make maple syrup candy, quickly becomes a unique Canadian lesson.

The -35 degree temperatures did not interrupt a day of outdoor fun. The all-day passes provided gave students the opportunity to see both sides of the festival, as most returned at night to experience the evening line-up of entertainment and festivities.

Winnipeg Jets Community Practice 

Thanks to the Manitoba Council for International Education, almost 200 students were able to see the Winnipeg Jets during a community open practice at the MTS Centre. Students were treated to free refreshments and snacks and of course the exciting opportunity to watch the Winnipeg Jets in action!

Here is what a few students from the Intensive English for International Students Program at the Language Training Centre had to say about the experience:

“I felt excited when the players skated very quickly and hit the puck into the net. My heart beat faster when a player held another opponent and stole the puck to score a goal. I really like this game. If I have more money, I will see a real competition.” (Thi My Duyen Nguyen)                                              

“Before the practice, my friend told me that Canadians like to talk about hockey. It’s like talking about the weather. Through the Jets practice, I discovered that this is a fact. I can see that Canadians ardently love hockey! Now, I also love this exciting sport and I want to see a real hockey game.” (Xiang Gao)

“In the future I would like to practice this sport and learn how to use the hockey stick and shoot the puck to make a lot of goals but first I need to buy my equipment and find someone who will show me how to skate.” (Francisco Eduardo Barragan Rodriguez)

“Although only a practice, the players were still very serious. Through watching the Jets practice, I realized it is important to have tough spirit to face everything in our life.” (Bolin Liu)

Although the end of winter is drawing near and the snow is disappearing, the students who participated in these activities are left with memories of their first winters in Winnipeg that will last a lifetime.