A promise fulfilled: LaSalle College’s commitment to student success 

This special feature is sponsored by LaSalle College Montréal, a member of LCI Education.

"After two years of studying at LaSalle College, graduation day finally arrived," says Juliana Garzon. Originally from Colombia, Juliana graduated in May from LaSalle's Business Management programme.

"The sun was shining, and the weather was perfect for a celebration. I got ready early in the morning, and as the ceremony approached, I felt a mix of emotions: happiness for completing my programme, pride in studying in another language, and nostalgia from being far from my family.

The ceremony took place in the Old Port [in Montreal], and the location looked amazing. The students and their families were all dressed up, which made the atmosphere even more special. After a few words of advice, we were ready, and the ceremony began. Everything happened so quickly, and the mood was joyful and light.

After the ceremony, we moved to the bar area. It was a fantastic moment — we enjoyed drinks on the terrace and had the chance to meet our friends’ families. The atmosphere and the beautiful weather made it perfect for taking pictures and creating lasting memories.

Seeing my classmates again helped me realize that this chapter is ending. Looking back on my time at the College, I can say that even though it was sometimes challenging, most of the time was filled with great moments. My teachers and friends supported me and helped make this experience truly special."

Juliana's story perfectly reflects the student journey that is at the heart of international education. And, increasingly, that journey is marked by a series of decisions that lead a student to a particular destination or institution to pursue their studies but also their larger career goals.

In the most recent edition of its Emerging Futures survey programme, IDP asked prospective international students why they were considering studying in Canada. Two out of three respondents (67%) said they were focused on career development.

"Education quality" was the next most-common factor cited among responding students. But, interestingly, most students also said that they measure the quality of institutions first and foremost by the outcomes they provide – in particular, the graduate employment rate.

Because return on investment from study abroad – especially the career readiness and employment outcomes of graduates – is such a key driver for international students, many institutions in Canada are now placing a renewed emphasis on student success.

LaSalle College, however, puts its commitment to great graduate outcomes in writing with a detailed statement: "Our Promise of Success".

“Our promise is simple and clear: we put our students’ academic and personal success at the heart of our mission," says the college. "Student achievement [at LaSalle] is driven by a concrete plan, personalised guidance, comprehensive 360° services, and direct industry connections."

In practice, that Promise shows through in a number of key student services, including:

• Success Centers that provide additional tutoring services in languages, math, and computer science. And Student Success Workshops that provide additional practical skills and guidance.

• Personal and academic advising that provides individual support and promotes student wellness and sound programme and career planning.

• Career services that are offered from the first day of studies onward and that provide networking events, internship fairs, employer conferences, and access to LaSalle's exclusive Portfolios Platform - a dedicated online space where students and graduates can showcase their creativity and skills. Students use Portfolios to publish their CVs, projects, and creations, and apply for targeted job and internship opportunities.

The impact of those wraparound supports come through loud and clear in a second story from the May 2025 graduation ceremony, this time from Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning graduate Felipe Cordero, who came to LaSalle from Chile.

"On 16 May, I graduated. The day before, I received a call from my now great friend, Émile Trottier-Dufour, Student Life Advisor. He asked for my family’s names and told me they would have a special place at the ceremony. And for me, many surprises – but ones he couldn’t reveal yet.

The day arrived, and from the very beginning, my family and I were surrounded by such warmth and affection. Émile arranged a special spot for them and treated them as if they were part of his own family. Elisa Schaeffer, Dean of Technology, was also kind and thoughtful, making sure my family felt welcomed and well cared for.

Then, after a few moments, Alban Baldacchino, from Air Canada began to speak about an academic excellence scholarship. Seconds later, Émile came to stand beside me, and that’s when I started shaking. A minute later, they announced my name. I couldn’t hold back the emotion, but there was Émile, giving me the warmest and most heartfelt hug I’ve received in a long time. 'You deserve it, my friend!' he said.

"The emotion was overwhelming. I cried as I shared a few words with those present. This journey has been anything but easy. Two years ago, leaving my country and immigrating to Canada with my family was one of the most difficult things we’ve ever done. But it’s also here that I’ve realized more than ever that God’s kindness has always been with me and my loved ones.

Afterward, there were more hugs and kind words. Thank you, LaSalle College and Air Canada, for this recognition. Thank you to my friends and classmates. To my wife and children, who deserve this recognition even more than I do."

You can learn more about the student experience at LaSalle College through the following video.

Please visit the LaSalle website to learn more about the college's Promise of Success.