News, opportunities, and updates with an international focus
Welcome to the International Insights newsletter — a monthly roundup of news, opportunities and updates with an international focus, curated by Western International for the Western community.
Western scholars recognized with 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards
Western students were recognized among the best in the world through the 2025 Global Undergraduate Awards – an international academic competition celebrating exceptional undergraduate research and creative work.
This year, Western achieved top global standing, ranking first in North America and second worldwide for “highly commended” students. The university also tied for second place with Brown University for regional winners and second in North America for global winners, alongside four other institutions.
Among this year’s winners, classical studies student Jadyn Zajac earned the title of global winner in the Classical Studies and Archaeology category – selected as the top undergraduate paper in the world in her field. It marks the third consecutive year a Western student has earned the global award in this category.
Meet the Global & Regional Winners
"I was in complete shock when I found out I won. When the earlier announcements came out, I saw names from Ivy League universities and had more or less accepted defeat. To win the global award felt like the perfect conclusion to my time as an undergraduate.” - Jadyn Zajac, a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and the Global Winner in the Classical Studies & Archaeology Category
"I got an email suggesting that I submit my paper, and I decided to go for it because I’ve been trying to push myself to put my work out there more. It’s a bit intimidating, but I think that’s an important part of being a good student. You have to take those chances that feel a bit scary." - David Johnson, a fifth-year student in the Faculty of Science and the Regional Winner in the Mathematics & Physics Category
"To find out that I’d actually won the regional category was unexpected and incredibly validating. It reminded me that even when results aren’t perfect, the research process itself – and the effort to tackle complex problems – matters a lot." - Sarah You, HBA'25 and Regional Winner in the Computer Science Category
"There’s huge value in programs like this – especially for students who want to go into research. The process teaches you how to think critically, refine your writing, and communicate research at a professional level. For me, this experience helped me grow as both a researcher and a writer." - Renee Guerville, BSc’25 and Regional Winner in the Psychology Category
Save the date: International Week
Join colleagues and students from across campus to celebrate Western’s global community during International Week, November 17–21. The week will feature opportunities to explore international learning, intercultural engagement, and global collaboration at Western.
The full schedule will be available soon, but be sure to mark your calendars for the Cultural Showcase on November 17, 1:30–4 pm - our annual kick-off event celebrating culture and community through music, dance, and performance.
CBIE International Student Survey
Western and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) are inviting international students and recent alumni to take part in the 2025 International Student Survey.
The survey, conducted at institutions across Canada, provides students with an opportunity to share valuable feedback on their educational experience.
Please encourage students (main campus, undergraduate and graduate) to complete the survey by Nov. 26 for a chance to win $1,000.
Mitacs Globalink Research Award: New Fully Funded Opportunities
Mitacs has expanded funding for the Globalink Research Award (GRA) program — offering fully funded trainee mobility awards (no co-funding required) for 12–48 week international research projects.
Faculty may submit unlimited applications by January 30, 2026, with awards of $6,000–$12,000 CAD supporting inbound or outbound research mobility for students, postdocs, and faculty.
Learn more on the Mitacs GRA webpage.
Contacts: Joseph Santarelli (Engineering) and Wilson Luo (all other Faculties)
Megan Sager: Five Things About Me
I am the Director of International Student Services, and I lead the team that provides a wide range of services to support international student well-being and success, including regulated immigration advising through our licensed International Student Advising team and activities that foster a sense of belonging across diverse groups on campus.
- I grew up in the United States, and lived and worked in China and South Korea before moving to Canada in 2013.
- I love train travel! When I lived in China, I took the train from Urumqi west to Kashgar to explore the Silk Road, and another trip from Chengdu to Lhasa. When I became a Canadian Citizen, I took “The Canadian” Via Rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver, with stops in Jasper and Banff. Pro tip: ViaRail is discounted half off the year you become a citizen – it’s an amazing way to explore Canada!
- I once starred in a Dairy Queen commercial.
- Fun Fact: I love K-Dramas and trivia.
Did you know?
More than 1,200 students recently attended our annual Go Abroad Fair in the UCC Atrium to learn more about education abroad opportunities - including exchange, internships and research. Most applications for next academic year are due in December or January.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
