Dordt University has a long legacy of connection with Canadian students, alumni, and more.
Our neighbors to the north continue to make a lasting impact on our campus—and beyond. From the dorms of the 1970s to today’s vibrant classrooms and alumni networks, Dordt has shared a deep and meaningful connection with Canada. Whether it’s through long-standing Christian Reformed Church ties or new partnerships that make cross-border education possible, the bond between Dordt and Canada remains strong.
Dordt’s Canadian connection runs deep. In past decades, it wasn’t uncommon for Canadian students to make up a significant portion of the student body. “It felt like half the dorm floor was from Alberta or Ontario,” recalls one alumnus. In fact, in 1995, 14.1% of Dordt's student body included Canadians. Over the years, students have come to Dordt from every Canadian province--from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island--to study.
These Canadian students brought with them a shared faith, a distinct cultural perspective, and a deep commitment to Christian education—traits that have enriched the Dordt community for generations.
Rooted in CRC networks and strengthened by shared values, Dordt’s cross-border ties helped the university establish itself as a welcoming destination for students from across Canada.
That legacy continues: last year Dordt welcomed its largest incoming Canadian class in recent memory. Students hailing from British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario (along with other provinces) have chosen to study at Dordt.
Plus, the university’s commitment to Canadian students is tangible:
Increased financial aid tailored to Canadian students
Canadian-specific scholarships
Adjustments to the Canadian student grant in response to exchange rate fluctuations
Expanded travel aid (now $500 for campus visits)
Dordt also continues to have a strong presence in Canada. For example, Dordt hosts recruiting events in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta multiple times each year so prospective students and their families can learn about the unique opportunities here at Dordt—in fact, our admissions team has spent more than 200 days visiting Canadian high schools over the past decade.
"One of the most meaningful parts of my time here has been the relationships I’ve built. The professors and staff genuinely care about each student. Each of my professors has supported, guided, and walked alongside me in both my challenges as well as successes. I’ve also formed strong friendships that I know will last a lifetime."
Marja Burgsma, education major from Londesborough, Ontario
The Canadian impact at Dordt isn’t limited to students—faculty and staff from Canada play an important role in shaping the university’s programs and culture. This includes Sara de Waal, associate professor of English and a children’s book author, who recently completed a book tour throughout the Vancouver area for her second publication. She is from British Columbia originally. Fred Verwoerd, vice president for campus operations who grew up in Ontario, brings strategic vision and a steady presence to Dordt’s physical campus.
These colleagues, among others, reflect Dordt’s enduring commitment to academic and operational excellence enriched by Canadian voices.
I am originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, and my Canadian heritage has helped me serve the Canadian students enrolled in Dordt's master's degrees. We have a lot of Canadians enrolled in our Master of Social Work and Master of Education programs. My familiarity with Canadian transcripts and licensing regulations has helped us serve our Canadian students better.
I think Dordt appeals to Canadians who are looking for a Christian education rooted in Reformed doctrine. The broader Canadian culture has become increasingly more hostile to Christian values. Reformed Christians are looking for an institution that prepares them for their career while supporting their spiritual walk in the Reformed faith.
Dordt is a place that welcomes Canadians. Going to a Dordt hockey game or celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving in the Commons may seem like small things, but they show Canadians that Dordt is a place where they can find belonging.
My parents are first-generation immigrants from the Netherlands to Canada, so at an early age, I thought about what it means to belong.
I’ve taken that mindset from my hometown of Langley, British Columbia, to here in Sioux Center. I intentionally put out in front of my office little tastes of home – whether a ‘CANADA’ sign on my door or a Tim Horton’s mug in hand – so that Canadian students can recognize that they’re not alone here. Even if we never speak, they can recognize that I understand where they’re coming from.”
I think sometimes people who have lived in one place all their life don’t fully understand how hard it can be to be not from here. That’s why I think it’s always good for everybody to live somewhere else for a little bit. College is great time of life for that: you’re in a new place, you’re trying to figure out where you do belong, and how you can live out God’s calling for your life.
Having grown up in Burlington, Ontario, I think I can benefit our campus visitors from Canada. Prospective students from Canada are concerned about getting into professional schools in Canada, but I can show them that Dordt has a strong academic reputation and a strong track record of getting students into Canadian professional schools.
If their alternative is a large Canadian university, they see the value of not only a Christian education but also the personal interactions our students have with their professors, neither of which they would get at a large university.
There are cultural differences between the US and Canada, to be sure--and even the Midwest versus other parts of the US. Students grow up thinking everyone else thinks similarly to them, and they need to learn that different regions may value things differently. When I speak with Canadian students, I can show them that I understand where they’re coming from and their situation.
Dordt graduates from Canada are serving Christ in a variety of vocations—across provinces and professions.
Even amid recent challenges—like shifting immigration policies and tense political rhetoric—Dordt has remained committed to its Canadian students.
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"Even as we face various challenges, we are called to love God above all—and love our neighbors as ourselves. That’s what we strive for at Dordt—and we’re grateful to be able to do that work alongside you."
President Erik Hoekstra
You probably have questions. (We hope so!) Contact one of our friendly Admissions Counselors to learn more about Dordt or request specific information. And remember, no question is a bad question.
The Dordt University Alumni Choir will give a concert at First CRC on Thursday, June 12, before departing on their international tour to the Netherlands and Germany.
Dordt University's MSW program has been recognized as one of the top programs in Iowa, ranked #2 statewide by Counseling Psychology. Designed with working professionals in mind, the program stands out for its excellent quality, affordability, and student support.
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