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.
Celebrating International Week at Western
Western students, faculty and staff explored new cultures, celebrated diversity and learned about global opportunities during International Week 2025.
From workshops and career and immigration sessions, to a cooking competition and cultural performances, campus was alive with events and activities to highlight international students and Western collaborations around the world.
OBW Faculty Research Exchange – Apply by January 15
Western faculty can now apply for the Ontario/Baden-Württemberg (OBW) Faculty Research Exchange, which supports 1–6-month research visits to partner universities in Germany and helps fund living and relocation costs.
Download the application form and view full details on the OBW FRE website. Completed applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026.
Questions? Contact Agnes Poleszczuk (apoleszczuk@ouinternational.ca) or connect with Western International for general inquiries.
Immigration Update
As you may know, the Government of Canada has announced upcoming changes to the country’s immigration system. Beginning January 1, 2026, students applying for study permits for graduate programs at public institutions will no longer require a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Western International’s registered immigration advisors are monitoring the updates and are available to support students and the Western community as details continue to be confirmed. Updated information and instructions will be posted on our website as they become available.
For questions, please contact our international student advisors at iss@uwo.ca.
Sandra Pehilj: Five Things About Me
- I am an International Student Advisor and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). I support international students with immigration-related inquiries. I also co-coordinate the Visiting Research Only (VRO) student program and the International Family Fridays program.
- I studied at the University of Regensburg, Germany, as an international student many years ago and will always be nostalgic for this medieval city in Bavaria known for its ancient Roman history.
- I am passionate about helping international students succeed at Western. I am happy when I receive students’ reflections on how support from an international student advisor or participation in our programming changed their time at Western and was instrumental for personal growth.
- I used to play the main character in all high school productions. My friends thought I would enroll in acting classes and embark on a career as an actress.
- My passions are antique furniture, interior design, and baking! I love the smell of freshly baked cake, which brings smiles and happiness to my family and friends, especially when served on beautiful antique plates.
Coming Up: Winter International Student Orientation
Winter International Student Orientation will begin in early January, with the Welcome Centre opening on January 5. Throughout the month, incoming international students can participate in a hybrid program that includes virtual information sessions and in-person social events to help them settle in, make connections, and learn about the supports available at Western.
New students are encouraged to visit the New Students page, join online information sessions, and participate in events throughout January, including the New Student Celebration, a special edition of Global Café, and a Lunch for International Families.
Students Prepare to Go Abroad
Earlier this month, more than 100 students preparing to study abroad in the winter and summer terms joined us in the IGAB Atrium for a pre-departure social. The event offered students a chance to meet peers heading to the same regions, ask questions, and start building their global network before leaving campus.
To date, more than 250 students have been confirmed to participate in education abroad programs between January and August 2026, with more expected to be confirmed for summer in the coming months.
Application deadlines for Summer 2026 and Fall/Winter 2026–27 are as early as December 1, with the latest closing January 15.
"Learning about a new culture was really interesting to me. I love traveling. I love meeting new people and exploring. So, I thought going on an exchange would be a great opportunity and probably life-changing. I’m nervous but excited at the same time.” - Sana, fourth-year BMOS student, going on exchange to Barbados
“I’m excited to really connect with the country and the people, and to keep learning Spanish. I’m also planning to travel around Europe and take in the scenery. Years from now, I know I’ll look back and be grateful that I took this opportunity." - Jhosh, fourth-year computer science student, going on exchange to Spain
Did you know?
Several special scholarship and partnership opportunities are now open for applications, including the University of St Andrews Scholarship and the Killam Fellowship. These high-impact programs provide exceptional global learning and research experiences. Please share with students who may benefit.
Key deadlines (2025–26):
- Japanese Exchange Program – Dec. 1, 2025
- ORA & OBW Summer Research Programs – Dec. 10, 2025
- Killam Fellowship – Jan. 1, 2026
- General Exchange & Research Programs (2027–28) – Jan. 15, 2026
More details and application instructions are available on the Western International website and in Atlas.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
