Your November 2024 edition
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.
Pictured above: Some of the more than 120 undergraduate and graduate students who volunteered at promotions and activity booths and supported events as part of International Week 2024.
Celebrating International Week at Western
Western students, faculty and staff explored new cultures, celebrated diversity and learned about global opportunities during International Week 2024.
From a cooking competition to a showcase of cultural talent, campus was alive with events and activities Nov. 18 to 22 to highlight international students and Western collaborations around the world.
Western News recently shared a few photo highlights from the week and videos featuring students celebrating and exploring cultures from around the world were shared on our social channels.
Support for international students navigating immigration changes
Recent changes to the International Student Program in Canada have resulted in questions and concerns from our international students, as well as others in our community.
If you know someone who requires assistance understanding policy changes, reviewing their personal situation, or considering their options for the future, please encourage them to reach out to our Western International team. Our advisors are here to help!
Specific questions are not required to have a conversation with an advisor and students can book an online appointment, attend a drop-in session, or participate in one of our FAQ Friday sessions.
Changes to the number of hours international students can work off campus
As of November 8, 2024, students who are registered as full-time are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students should ensure they meet the other requirements for working while they study and reach out to our advisors if they have any questions.
REMINDER: Faculty/Staff Session: Co-Op Work Permits for International Students
The session will provide faculty and staff with an overview of government regulations pertaining to international students whose programs include work experience (co-op, internships, placements, work integrated learning, etc.) as part of their curriculum. Presenters will discuss who can apply for co-op work permits and eligibility criteria.
December 3, 3-4 pm
Zoom
Welcoming new international students at Winter International Student Orientation
Winter International Student Orientation will kick off next week with pre-arrival information sessions for all incoming international students. Our hybrid orientation program will continue in the first week of January with the opening of our Welcome Centre and will include virtual information sessions as well as in-person social events taking place throughout January.
New students are encouraged to visit the New Students website, attend online information sessions and take part in signature events including a New Student Celebration Dinner, Special Edition Global Café and a Lunch for International Families.
The planning team is keen to work with campus partners and to ensure all new international students feel connected and supported at Western. If your unit is not already in contact with them and you are interested in having a presence at one of our in-person events in January, please contact iesc@uwo.ca.
Meet Kobby and hear how his education abroad experience impacted him
Third-year medical sciences student Kobby Paintsil recently completed a summer exchange program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This year, he has been volunteering as an International Learning Ambassador with Western International and hopes to inspire other students to consider an education abroad experience.
“I hope to be a person that has a lot of world experience because I want that kind of richness to be present in my everyday life.” - Kobby
Did you know?
Western International offers a number of special scholarship programs to go abroad that provide unique learning experiences for outstanding students, and the funding to experience them, including: University of St Andrews and the Killam Fellowship Exchange.
Program applications are open and available for the 2025-26 academic year with deadlines fast approaching.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
