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.

Expanded recruitment team eyes new opportunities 

Despite the many challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the international student recruitment team at Western is focused on expanding, evolving and exploring new opportunities to attract the world’s brightest minds to Western.

In addition to traditional tactics, such as recruitment fairs and school visits, the newly redeveloped team is also incorporating targeted digital campaigns, increased consultation with faculties and working with reputable agencies around the world. 

International travel requirements and restrictions

Western International is continuing to support students who choose to travel to Canada from abroad. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the guidelines and steps on our International Arrival website to ensure they complete all the necessary steps before travelling and when they arrive, including completing a pre-departure COVID-19 test and registering their quarantine plan with us in advance. 

Western student Selena Guo named a Class of 2022 Schwarzman Scholar

Selena Guo, a third-year media, information and technology student in the Faculty of Information & Media Studies, was recently named a Schwarzman Scholar.

The prestigious scholarship will allow her to pursue a master’s degree in global affairs at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing, beginning in August 2021. She was one of only five recipients chosen from a Canadian university this year.

Guo, who is among 154 students chosen from a pool of 3,600 applicants, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Her outstanding academic and personal achievements won her the scholarship, but her background and history will help her draw additional value from the experience.

AAAS Annual Meeting

Registration is now open for the virtual 2021 AAAS Annual Meeting, taking place February 8-11. This year's theme is 'Understanding Dynamic Ecosystems," and will feature diverse ways of understanding the complexities and dynamics of biological, physical, social, and economic systems across scales, as well as strengthening and activating new connections to address underlying problems in various spheres. 

The schedule includes a keynote session by Anthony S. Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

Global Affairs Canada Scholarship Program - apply now

Global Affairs Canada launched its 2021-2022 call for the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program, which provides an opportunity for international students from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to conduct short-term study or research in Canada. 

Western International administers applications for these scholarship programs on behalf of Western University. If your faculty is interested or planning to host a candidate, please refer to our Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program webpage for further details.

Contact the International Learning team at goabroad@uwo.ca with any questions.

Students can still apply for 2021 Mitacs Global Research Award 

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) program provides opportunities for Canadian senior undergraduate and graduate students (Master’s or PhD), and postdoctoral fellows to gain international research experience with universities located in Mitacs partner and eligible countries, and for international senior undergraduate and graduate students (Master’s or PhD) and postdoctoral fellows to gain research experience with eligible Canadian universities.

As a Western faculty member, you may be eligible to support a Western student conduct research abroad or host an international student contact research at Western as their Canadian University supervisor.

• 12-24 week research projects abroad
• open to senior undergraduate and graduate students
• $6,000 in support funding
• develop research skills, cultural awareness, and professional networks
• research placements in more than 20 countries

Did You Know?

Western International offers many resources to support new international students as they transition to Western, including graduate students who begin their studies in the Winter Term. Students can join our English Conversation Program, sign up for a Peer Guide, and take part in virtual events.

If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.