Isaac Garcia-Sitton is a seasoned leader in higher education with more than 20 years experience in international relations, business development and diplomacy.
His work focuses on the intersection of international education, immigration policy and student success, advocating for policy reforms that enhance international student support and well-being.
His research examines the recruitment, retention, and post-graduation integration of international students in Canada, with a focus on improving immigration policies and institutional practices.
Garcia-Sitton actively contributes to global engagement through board and advisory roles with organizations such as the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the British Council and the Council of International Schools. He is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Experience
Garcia-Sitton actively contributes to global engagement through board and advisory roles with organizations such as the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the British Council and the Council of International Schools. He is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Memberships and Committees
Garcia-Sitton has held senior leadership roles at Toronto Metropolitan University, York University and McGill University. As the executive director of International Student Enrolment, Education & Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University, he leads initiatives that enhance international student support, enrolment strategies, and policy advocacy.
He previously served as director of International Education and York University’s English Language Institute, where he spearheaded internationalization efforts and strengthened institutional growth through global partnerships.
Garcia-Sitton also has a diplomatic background, having served as consul general of Panama in Montreal and vice-consul general in New Orleans.
Education
2023
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Education: Language, Culture & Teaching
York University
2016
Global Senior Management Program
University of Chicago Booth School of Business & Instituto de Empresa Business School, Madrid, Spain
2001
Master of Business Administration
International Business, Lindenwood University - St. Charles, U.S.A.
2000
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies and Biology
Lindenwood University - St. Charles, U.S.A.
Awards
2024
George L. Geis Dissertation Award
Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education
2024
Michel Laferrière Research Award
Comparative and International Education Society of Canada
2023
Top 50 Voices in International Education (North America)
Professionals in International Education
2020
RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award
Canadian Immigrant Magazine
2016:
10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians
TD Bank and the Hispanic Business Alliance
Research
Research interest
International education
Immigration policy
International student support
Publications
Garcia-Sitton, I. (2022, November 9). Canada identifies international students as ‘ideal immigrants’ but supports are lacking? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/canada-identifies-international-students-as-ideal-immigrants-but-supports-are-lacking-191105
Garcia-Sitton, I. (2022, April 22). The need for Indigenous education of international students in Canada. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/04/22/the-need-for-indigenous-education-of-international-students-in-canada.html