Lambton College is touting the benefit that international students bring to the Sarnia-Lambton community.
There are currently 772 from other nations enrolled at the college, compared to 472 last year.
President Judith Morris says they can fill the gap in the local workforce.
Right now, 21.2 per cent of Sarnia residents are over age 65 and the number of workers have declined in the past five years.
"We are in a situation where our population could decline more," says Morris. "But, we have a great opportunity with NOVA now so there are more jobs and opportunities coming. I think our students will be more able to see that they can find a job in Sarnia-Lambton and stay and grow as part of our community because they do make it richer."
"They come with this diversity of thought, and a broader mindset that allows our community to grow, I think, as a community and become more globally relevant. I think that draws in more businesses and makes us better human beings," Morris said.
She says there's a great economic benefit to having international students here.
"They shop at our businesses, utilize local services, and their kids will go to school which will help combat declining enrollment."
Lambton College hopes to welcome as many as 1,200 international students to campus next year as it works to expand programming.
