International Student Services

Rebecca Fitzgerald serves as the International Advising Assistant at ISS. She is responsible for facilitating the integration of international students into the academic and social life of the university, providing information and advice regarding Canadian immigration policy and law, and assisting students to adapt to life in Canada. In addition to serving as an advisor, she also helps to oversee student staff and volunteers, and supports special programming at ISS such as event facilitation, student activities and initiatives. Rebecca is a liaison for both internal and external partners to strengthen collective service delivery for international students. Her knowledge of adult education theory and practices are used to analyze and report on the learning experiences of international students in the annual International Student Survey.

Raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Rebecca's life experiences have made her a strong advocate for the value of international education. She holds a Masters of Education in Adult Education and Community Development from the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, where she specialized in Comparative, International and Development Education. She also holds an honours Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from Saint Mary's University. Like international students studying at Ryerson, Rebecca has experienced studying and living abroad. During her undergrad she studied in Hakodate, Japan. She also participated in CIDA's International Youth Internship Program, which gave her the opportunity to work with UNICEF in Asmara, Eritrea. Before moving to Toronto, Rebecca worked for several years as a Project Manager at the International Activities Office of Saint Mary's University, where she managed various projects and initiatives that helped connect students, faculty, staff and alumni to international opportunities. She brings to her advising role at ISS personal insight into the unique needs shared by international students..

Rebecca is excited to meet with international students on campus, and to work with the ISS team to ensure that all students enjoy a successful and rewarding academic experience, take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved in the university community, and develop positive and lasting memories of their time at Ryerson University. In her words, "ISS is here to support you throughout your time in Canada and at Ryerson. We care about your experience and have information and many specialized services to help you. Don't hesitate to visit our office - we look forward to meeting you!"