Your May 2022 edition
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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.
Students eager for international learning opportunities
This summer, nearly 150 Western students will expand their perspectives and hone new skills while travelling abroad on international learning experiences, as part of programs coordinated through Western International and various Faculties.
In addition to engineering-focused internships offered in Cuba and Western Heads East internships in Kenya, students on faculty-led trips are travelling to Scandinavia, Tuscany, Spain, Italy and Rwanda in May and June, to immerse themselves in language, culture, history and improve their global awareness and cross-cultural skills. Other students are participating in international internships, and research placements around the world this summer, as well.
"This experience was the fastest two weeks of my life but I would sign up in a heartbeat if I had the chance to do it again," said Bridget Koza, a third-year student in the School for Advanced Studies in Arts & Humanities (SASAH) and Visual Arts who participated in Summer in Seville, a linguistics course abroad led by Olga Tararova, Faculty of Arts & Humanities.
"I was truly challenged while being immersed in a language and culture different from my own and I feel that this experience has made me more confident and skillful in academia and overall as a person. You can't go wrong in visiting Sevilla - the history, the food, the dancing, the excursions - everything was absolutely worth it."
Enhanced safety information for international students
Unfortunately, we know international students are frequently the targets of scams and fraud, and can be at risk for other safety issues during their time at Western. Western International has recently expanded the safety information on our website regarding scams, personal safety, safety in the community, as well as supports and emergency contacts. Explore the resources at iesc.uwo.ca/student_life/safety and be sure to refer international students to this site!
Join us for the World's Challenge Challenge Global Final
Members of the Western community, representatives and community members from our partner institutions, past program participants, supporters and friends are invited to attend these special events taking place as part of the 2022 World's Challenge Challenge Global Final.
Opening Celebration & Keynote
Alex Kopacz, Olympic Gold Medalist
June 6, 2022, 1 pm EDT
Global Final Competition
June 9, 2022, 9 am - 1 pm EDT
Global Final Awards Ceremony
June 9, 2022, 4:30-6 pm EDT
Save the Date: 20th Anniversary Western Heads East
Mark your calendars for October 6, 2022, from 4 to 6 pm for a celebration marking 20 years of changemakers through Western Heads East!
This special anniversary event will bring together community partner organizations, research partners, past interns and supporters at Western and in London who have created a strong, sustainable future for so many through probiotics and social enterprise.
Special guest speaker: Maimuna Kanyamala, Director, Mikono Yetu, Mwanza, Tanzania. Stay tuned for opportunities throughout the fall term to learn about and celebrate the impact of Western Heads East, including a webinar series beginning September 21.
Did you know?
Western International staff and volunteers host a weekly drop-in event called Global Café, which is open to all students - international and Canadian.
With different activities and themes, plus free refreshments, these events offer an opportunity for students to connect, have fun and meet people from around the world.
This summer, Global Café events will be held every other Thursday from 3-5 pm at various outdoor locations on campus.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
