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.
Fall International Student Orientation Success
New Mustangs from around the world are being welcomed to campus this month through Western International’s month-long International Student Orientation program.
Undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students have had opportunities to connect, learn, and socialize through webinars, the Welcome Centre, social events for students and their families, and one-on-one advising appointments.
Highlights include:
- Nearly 600 students visited the Welcome Centre
- More than 250 students, staff, and volunteers attended the New Student Celebration Dinner
- Over 50 student volunteers and colleagues across campus played a vital role in making new students feel at home
New students who missed International Student Orientation are encouraged to visit our New Students page and book an appointment with an International Student Advisor to learn more about available programs and services.
"When I arrived at Western last year, Western International played a vital role in helping me feel at home. Through its resources and events, I not only found valuable information but also made many friends who became my community away from home. As one of this year’s International Orientation Assistants, I was very happy to extend the same warm welcome I once received to new students." - Carlos, second-year PhD student in the Faculty of Education (pictured back row, far right)
“Orientation gave me a welcoming space to meet friends, feel included, and take a break from class stress. The volunteers made sure no one was left out, helping me feel at home at Western.” - Nashra, first-year student in the Faculty of Health Sciences from Saudi Arabia
“Orientation is so important because it gives you a sense of where you are and helps you network. I met incredible people, built community, and even joined a WhatsApp group that’s kept us connected.” - Chenille, first-year master's student in biology from Jamaica (pictured fourth from the left)
Funding Opportunity: International Mobility Award for Research in Europe
Applications are being accepted for the Mitacs-Horizon Europe International Mobility Award (IMA), a new Canadian funding program providing up to $10,000 CAD for faculty to travel to Europe and build research consortia for the Horizon Europe Pillar II funding program.
Questions can be directed to: researchoffice@uwo.ca
Application deadline: September 29
Go Abroad Information for Students
With more than 170 programs available, students have plenty of opportunities to add a global experience to their degree.
If you know a student considering going abroad, please encourage them to:
- Visit the Go Abroad Fair on October 9 in the UCC Atrium
- Attend one of our Go Abroad Info Sessions happening throughout the fall
- Stop by our office during drop-in hours (Monday to Friday, 1-4 pm)
Students interested in building intercultural and global experience can also explore other opportunities on our Global Engagement page.
Faculty-Led Information Session & Networking Event
Join us to learn about faculty-led international programs, supports, safety abroad, financial considerations and more!
Hear from academic colleagues with experience in building and operating successful international programs. Presentations to be followed by a Q&A session and informal networking. Refreshments will be served.
October 29, 3-4:30 pm
Chu Centre, IGAB
Teddy Loukas: Five Things About Me
- I’m the Digital Engagement Web Specialist for Western International. I manage our website, design our user interface and develop programs/ scripts as needed.
- I’m from Kingston, Ontario, the first capital city of Canada and filming location for series like Reacher, Mayor of Kingstown and Star Trek.
- I lived in Osaka, Japan for 3 years and while I was there, I was the host of an educational game show for learning English.
- A highlight of my work with Western International is creating interesting and engaging web pages. Additionally, I was a judge for last year’s Cultural Cooking Showdown during International Week. I was able to eat different dishes from around the world and they were delicious!
- Fun fact: I enjoy travelling. I’ve been to Greece, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, China, Mexico, Saint Martin, Cuba, and more.
Did you know?
Western International staff have proficiency in 23 languages and lived experience in 43 countries. This collective expertise informs everything from immigration advising to education abroad support and program design.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
