Lead. Mentor. Inspire.
The NorQuest International Emerging Leaders Program is a one-term leadership development opportunity for international students who are ready to take the next step after volunteering. As an Emerging Leader, you will support new international students, help lead campus events, build community, and develop practical leadership skills through hands-on experience. Students who are new to campus involvement should begin by joining the NQI Volunteer Program first. The Emerging Leaders Program is the next step for students who have completed at least one term as an NQI volunteer.
What you'll gain
As an Emerging Leader, you'll gain practical leadership experience while making a meaningful impact on the international student community. Through peer mentoring, event leadership, and hands-on projects, you'll strengthen your communication, teamwork, mentoring, problem-solving, and leadership skills in real-world settings.
Participants also receive exclusive access to professional leadership training workshops, coaching, and ongoing support from the NorQuest International team. Along the way, you'll build confidence, expand your professional network, and develop experiences that can strengthen future employment, scholarship, and volunteer applications.
Students who successfully complete the program and fulfill the minimum service requirements by the end of the term will receive:
- A NorQuest International Leadership Certificate
- An honorarium in recognition of their contributions
- Access to leadership training and coaching
- Eligibility to request a reference letter for employment
What Emerging Leaders do
Each term, we select up to 15 students who are eager to lead and support their peers. As an Emerging Leader, you’ll take on a variety of meaningful roles such as:
- Mentoring 1 to 5 new international students during the term
- Helping new students adjust to life at NorQuest and in Canada
- Supporting or leading campus events, workshops, and student activities
- Helping volunteers during event shifts
- Completing a small student-led capstone project
- Celebrating your achievements as a group in team mingles and Term End Recognition events
Emerging Leaders receive guidance, coaching, and leadership development support from the NorQuest International team throughout the term.
Program commitment
Emerging Leaders are expected to complete a minimum of 16 hours of leadership and peer mentoring per term. Students who want to stay more involved may complete up to a maximum of 36 hours.
Program includes orientation, leadership training, peer mentoring, event leadership, workshop support, monthly meetings, and capstone project planning.
The program is designed to be flexible to involve everyone’s perspective and to meet students where they are at. Students will work with the NorQuest International team to select leadership opportunities that align with their availability while balancing coursework, practicums, part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments.
Capstone project
As part of the Emerging Leaders Program, students complete a small capstone project during the term.
The capstone project gives Emerging Leaders the opportunity to apply their leadership skills in a real campus setting. Projects may include planning or supporting a small event, leading part of a student engagement activity, supporting a monthly mingle, or helping create a meaningful experience for international students.
The project is designed to be practical and manageable. Emerging Leaders will receive guidance from the NorQuest International team and may work with other Emerging Leaders or volunteers.
At the end of the term, Emerging Leaders may be invited to share a short reflection or presentation about their capstone project.
Who can apply?
The Emerging Leaders Program is currently available to international students at NorQuest College.
To apply, students must:
- Be a current international student at NorQuest College
- Have successfully completed at least one term in the NQI Volunteer program or another recognized volunteer program on campus
- Be interested in mentoring and supporting other students
- Be committed to participate for one full term
- Demonstrate reliability, communication skills, and a commitment to community building
Application process
The Emerging Leaders Program is a competitive, two-step selection process.
Step 1: Application screening
All applicants will first be evaluated based on their written responses in the application form. Applications may be reviewed based on leadership reflection and experience, cultural sensitivity, communication skills, motivation for joining, reliability, time management, and previous involvement in the NQI Volunteer Program.
Step 2: Interview stage
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief interview with the NorQuest International team. The interview may focus on mentorship, communication style, problem-solving, working in diverse environments, and availability for the term.
Final decisions will be based on both the written application and interview performance.
How to apply
Applications usually open twice per year:
- Fall term intake: Applications open in July
- Winter term intake: Applications open in December
Selected students will be invited to attend a mandatory orientation at the beginning of the term.
Questions?
Email getinvolved@norquest.caif you have questions about the Emerging Leaders Program or the NQI Volunteer Program.