Your August 2025 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.
We’re excited to share our inaugural Annual Impact Report, a reflection of Western International’s achievements in 2024-2025 and our collective efforts to advance global engagement across campus.
From supporting nearly 5,000 international students to enabling close to 1,900 global learning experiences, the report highlights key accomplishments in student support, education abroad, international partnerships, community building, and more. These initiatives align closely with Western’s Strategic Plan and Global Engagement Plan, reinforcing our commitment to global citizenship, inclusive excellence, and academic collaboration.
We invite you to explore both the Annual Impact Report and Facts & Figures Highlights Overview and learn how our shared work is helping to build a globally connected and vibrant campus community.
Western students explore the world through faculty-led study abroad
Since May, more than 300 Western students have spent part of their summer immersed in new cultures, broadening their perspectives and building global connections through academically focused travel.
As part of 13 faculty-led programs across 16 countries, students explored diverse topics—from engineering in Germany and archaeology in Greece to health care in Scandinavia. Each program offered hands-on, community-engaged learning experiences that enriched their academic studies and deepened their understanding of global issues.
Welcoming new international students at Orientation
Fall International Student Orientation kicks off August 25 with the opening of our Welcome Centre, followed by a full schedule of events and programming throughout September.
Undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students are encouraged to attend orientation activities designed to help them transition to life at Western.
If you have questions about the orientation program, contact iss@uwo.ca.
Mark Your Calendars: Fall Events
Go Abroad Fair – October 9
This year’s Go Abroad Fair will be held earlier in the term, giving students more time to explore global learning options and plan their international experiences. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and offer guidance. Full details coming soon.
International Week – November 17–21
Celebrate global learning, diversity, and intercultural sharing during International Week! Don’t miss our Cultural Showcase kick-off event on November 17 and a variety of activities throughout the week.
Kobby Paintsil: Five Things About Me
I am an International Orientation Assistant at Western International this summer. I'm part of the team that will plan and execute Fall Orientation for incoming international students.
My family is originally from Ghana, although I was born in the U.S. We've been living in Canada for 19 years, and specifically in London for 9 years.
I'm going into my fourth (and hopefully final) year of my undergraduate degree. I'm doing a double major in One Health and Pathology.
I love listening to music! I appreciate all kinds of music, and I'm always looking for new albums to listen to. A song I've had on repeat for the past month is 'Overjoyed' by Stevie Wonder.
I love cats, but I'm also very allergic to them.
Did you know?
Western International’s peer mentorship program connecting new international students with experienced peers is back with a new name and new hybrid format!
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
