The international team at Northern Lights College (NLC) is a small but mighty force at the college’s Dawson Creek campus. And two of those team members, Kevin Hernandez, International Recruitment and Business Development Coordinator, and Mathew Okumu, International Enrolment and Mobility Specialist, have had an extra special journey to their roles– arriving first as international graduate students.

Originally hailing from Venezuela, and working as an accountant in Chile, Kevin came to study at NLC after deciding between BC and PEI. “BC is so beautiful, which helped make the decision,” says Kevin. “After graduation, my wife and I decided to stay because Dawson Creek is affordable, but more importantly we’ve quickly built a community here,” he says.

As a recruiter, Kevin works with agents from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, and coordinates study abroad partnership opportunities for NLC. “What I like most about working at NLC is the diversity. Dawson Creek only has 13,000 people. And yet every day I meet people from around the world. Even in a small part of this province we get to experience so many cultures,” he concludes.

Like Kevin, Mathew always dreamed of coming to Canada. Originally from Kenya, Mathew knew he wanted to complete a graduate degree in BC because he found the province’s graduate degree programs “second to none.” After graduation he knew he wanted to stay on board at NLC to help other international students navigate life in Northern BC. In his role, Mathew acts as the main point of contact for international students interested in coming to the college. He ensures the recruitment process is smooth for them so by the time they arrive at the college they know everything they need to know.

“Both Kevin and Mathew have brought incredible energy, creativity, and dedication to our international education team,” says Tony Mei, Director of International Education at NLC. Their contributions have helped revitalize our work and enhance the college’s global engagement,” he concludes.

For Kevin and Mathew, their international student journey at NLC may have ended but their work in the sector is just beginning. “There’s a joy that comes with living in a small city, where everyone knows everyone and international students are given a warm welcome,” says Mathew.