First 48 Hours: Doc about U of T international students now streaming on YouTube

Published: November 20, 2024

A 22-minute documentary, International Students: First 48 Hours in Canada, directed by Cal Campos and shot at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, is now streaming on YouTube.

The film follows international students' journeys to the University of Toronto using cell phone footage and sit-down interviews. A joint partnership between U of T's Centre for International Experience and the Innovation Hub in the division of Student Life, the documentary was screened across U of T's three campuses in October and November.

Julia Allworth, the Innovation Hub's manager of innovation projects, says the goal was to shine a light on the multitude of diverse global perspectives that make up nearly a third of the university's student body.

"We wanted to zoom in on what it's like for students when they first arrive in Canada. What challenges do they face as they step off the plane and into Canada? What decisions do they need to make along the way? International students bring tremendous value to the university."

Read more about the project