With 70,000 undergraduate students – a population that rivals some smaller Canadian cities – the University of Toronto can feel like a colossal institution.

But as several international students affirmed at a recent U of T Engineering Exchange Student Welcome Breakfast, the sheer size of the University is matched by the opportunities it offers.

“U of T…is enormous and gorgeous,” said Paula Pecanha Gonçalves, a Brazilian computer engineering student enrolled at U of T through the Science without Borders program. “It was amazing receiving my letter of acceptance. I started imagining things about the University, and when I came here for the first time, it was more than I expected.”

Each year, hundreds of exchange students like Gonçalves join U of T Engineering for the chance to expand the breadth of their education. In 2014 alone, the Faculty welcomed 57 international exchange and 301 Science without Borders (SwB) students. And year after year, U of T Engineering is the top program choice among SwB applicants.

At the welcome breakfast, Gonçalves said she chose U of T Engineering because of its academic reputation and desirable location. Born and raised in a small town in Brazil, she has found living in Toronto a unique experience because of the city’s diversity. “In every corner of the city you can find a person from a different part of the world…I hope to enjoy everything this city can offer and meet other cultures.”

Whether it’s bringing the world’s best and brightest to U of T Engineering, or sending the best of U of T Engineering into the world, the Faculty maintains its commitment to finding global solutions and earning its place on the world stage. The Faculty also aims to provide visiting students with a memorable experience.

“At U of T Engineering, you have boundless opportunities to learn from and work beside some of the most innovative professors and most talented students from Canada and across the globe,” said Dean Cristina Amon. “I encourage you to take part in our many student organizations, clubs, co-curricular and research activities. These will not only contribute to broaden your horizons, but help you forge lifelong ties with our Faculty.”

Another Science without Borders students, Joao Roberto Cavalcanti de Araujo, visiting from the Federal University of Campina Grande, said he found everything at U of T on a “higher level” than he was used to. When asked why he chose U of T Engineering, Cavalcanti de Araujo said, “I chose to take courses in my field of study that I wouldn’t be able to take in Brazil…I feel like I’ll certainly make use of what I’m learning here in the future.”

While his studies are currently front-of-mind, like many of his peers, while in Canada he hopes to learn how to ice skate, snowboard and “of course, play hockey.”

From winter sports or advanced calculus, no matter what Cavalcanti de Araujo, Gonçalves or other students joining from abroad aim to learn during their time at U of T Engineering – their experience at the University will be marked by collaboration with diverse and talented peers, unprecedented challenges and expert guidance from faculty.

Learn more about U of T Engineering’s newest cohort of undergraduates.