Your September 2022 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.
Western Heads East: From grassroots to global impact
Twenty years ago, a powerful speech inspired a small group of Western faculty and staff to find a way to help communities facing a staggering HIV/AIDS crisis on the other side of the globe.
Building on the work of Western researchers, the group connected with African partners to create Western Heads East, a community development project centered on probiotic yogurt social enterprises.
Since then, the grassroots program which combines global partnerships with local leadership, experiential learning, research, teaching and service has made lasting impact on the lives of people in Africa and here at home, while addressing each of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This year, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the program continues to evolve and expand to respond to the needs of the communities it serves.
“When we heard Stephen Lewis (then UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa) speak on campus in 2002 about what was happening with the HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, and his struggle to get the world’s attention about how many were dying, you could hear a pin drop in the room,” said Bob Gough, director of international internships and development and Western Heads East.
“Universities have a critical role to play in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals and we have resources and incredible researchers. That speech inspired us to ask, ‘What can we bring to bear on this important global problem?’ And today, we continue to ask those questions about other global issues as well.”
Western Heads East Anniversary Webinar Series
As part of the anniversary celebration, Western Heads East is hosting a series of webinars this fall. Don't miss this opportunity to connect and engage with faculty and staff members at Western and international partners and learn about areas for research collaboration.
- Oct. 5: Social Enterprise: Changing Lives of Women and Youth
- Oct. 19: Social Enterprise and ‘Kitchens of Freedom’
- Nov. 9: Bringing probiotic yogurt to vulnerable populations in London, Ontario
Thank you to our generous sponsors for this series, Research Western, Lawson Health Research Institute and Brescia University College. Recordings will also be available on the 20th anniversary website.
Expanded International Student Orientation: Four Days of Welcoming New Mustangs
A team of Western International staff and student volunteers welcomed nearly 1,000 new undergraduate, graduate and exchange students to campus during International Student Orientation between August 31 and September 3.
Students who were not able to attend events in person are able to access resources related to services across campus and presentations that were shared throughout orientation on our International Student Orientation website.
By the Numbers:
- 28 events were delivered over 4 days
- 436 students accessed virtual training modules
- 700-800 attendees joined the largest event
- 96 student and staff volunteers supported the week's events
- 91 different countries were represented in the registration data
Global and Intercultural Engagment Honour Expands
Beginning in January 2023, Western's Global and Intercultural Engagement Honour will be available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Honour recognizes and rewards students' experience and engagement in curricular and extracurricular activities that promote global and intercultural competencies during their time at Western. The program also recently updated criteria for one of its categories to include opportunities for global learning at home.
Students awarded this Honour will be global-ready graduates, with the skills required to navigate and succeed in an increasingly globalized reality, both professionally and personally. Once achieved, the Honour appears on the student's official transcript upon graduation.
Faculty-Led International Programs Information & Networking Event
Join us to learn about faculty-led international programs, support and steps to create international programs, safety abroad, financial considerations and more!
There will also be an opportunity to hear from academic colleagues with experience in building and operating successful international programs.
Presentations will be followed by a Q & A session and informal networking. Refreshments will be served. Registration is required.
October 26, 3-4:30 pm, Chu Centre, International and Graduate Affairs Building
International Week - Nov. 21-25
Save the date for International Week! It's the 10th anniversary of this annual celebration of all things international at Western - students, learning experiences, research, partnerships, collaborations and more!
Watch for stories, plan to attend events and be part of this exciting week focused on the many pieces that make up our #GlobalWesternU!
Did you know?
Western offers more than 170 international learning programs in more than 40 countries for students to choose from.
Interested students can drop in to weekly sessions held every Tuesday from 12:30-1:30 pm, or one of our special regional sessions to learn about all the opportunities to go abroad and to participate in remote experiences at home.
Staff and volunteers are available to provide information and answer questions about the application process.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
