Your March 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.
International Student Summer Orientation
Plans are being finalized for an exciting International Student Orientation for students beginning their studies at Western in May.
Whether a student is new to Canada or they've been here for a while already, they won't want to miss this program, featuring a mix of virtual and in-person information sessions, as well as exciting in-person social events designed to help them meet new friends and feel welcome at Western.
If you know a new student, encourage them to take part. Highlights include:
- Pre-arrival modules
- Welcome Centre (May 6, May 7 or May 8)
- Virtual webinar series (May 9, May 14 and May 22)
- New Student Celebration (May 10)
- Pizza Lunch for New Students & Families (May 17)
"Having been part of the Undergraduate Awards, I am passionate now about encouraging other students to submit their work. It's a wonderful way to be recognized internationally." - James, 2023 Global Winner and fourth-year student in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, completing a double major in classical and medieval studies
Global Undergraduate Awards 2024
Do you know an undergraduate student who completed outstanding coursework this year? Encourage them to submit it to The Global Undergraduate Awards, the world’s largest pan-discipline academic awards program that identifies leading creative thinkers through their undergraduate coursework.
It's free to enter and they could earn international recognition and a trip to Dublin, Ireland for the UA Global Summit!
Deadline to submit is June 7
Student Spotlight: Meet Sarah
Sarah is a fourth-year student in DAN Management & Organizational Studies and an International Learning Ambassador.
"Going abroad in my third year was probably the highlight of my undergrad. I went abroad intending to see more of the world and to learn from others who grew up in different environments. What I never predicted was the impact it would have on me as a person. I learned how to adapt, discovered true independence, found self-confidence, and came back with stories, experiences and connections that I will take with me throughout the rest of my life.” - Sarah
Deadline Reminder: Radboud-Western Collaborations Fund
Applications for the Radboud-Western Fund for 2024-25 are being accepted until April 1, 2024. Interested in learning more? Find a recording of our information session on our website.
Radboud University (The Netherlands) and Western have created a Collaboration Fund to facilitate and support joint initiatives that will strengthen the two universities’ strategic priorities through innovative education as well as multidisciplinary leading-edge research to create academic and societal impact.
The Collaboration Fund encourages proposals for one-year joint projects (up to $25,000 CAD) in the areas of research and learning & teaching (education) as well as opportunities for short-term mobility visits.
ICYMI: Western strengthens collaborations with Makerere University
To further strengthen Western’s long-standing partnership with Makerere University, a delegation led by President Alan Shepard recently travelled to Uganda and signed a memorandum of understanding in Kampala with Uganda’s largest and oldest institution of higher learning.
Did you know?
Western International hosts social events for students who will be going abroad to provide an opportunity for them to make connections with other students who will be travelling to the same region before they leave.
Our next Outbound Social will take place on March 27, with more than 100 students registered for an upcoming international learning experience invited to attend.
Watch our Instagram channel to see content and takeovers with an international learning focus!
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
