Your August 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.
South Korean university students take part in human rights program at Western
A group of university students from South Korea recently travelled to Western for a new summer learning program with a focus on human rights in Canada.
Over the course of two weeks in August, 19 students and one staff member from Kyung Hee University engaged in workshops, lectures, hands-on learning activities and social and cultural events, both on campus and in the London, Ont. community.
Led by Western International, the pilot program was carefully designed in consultation with both internal and external partners, as well as experts on human rights in Canada. Topics included a wide range of subjects, including Indigenous leadership, ageism, anti-oppression, comparing Canadian and international human rights and food sovereignty.
Check out our Amazing Race video series! Videos feature our International Orientation Assistants exploring various spots on campus! Episodes one and two of four are live now!
Welcoming new international students at Orientation
With the opening of our Welcome Centre this week, we are looking forward to welcoming nearly 2,000 new international and exchange students, and their parents and supporters, to Western and to supporting them as they settle in, meet friends and find resources and services.
In addition to an expanded schedule that runs throughout September and an updated New Students website, we are also making some other changes, including online information sessions, a Special Global Café on September 5, and supports for parents and families of new students at our Welcome Centre and on our website.
If you have questions about the orientation program, please contact iesc@uwo.ca.
English Conversation Program open to the Western Community
Any Western students, staff and faculty members interested in improving and enhancing their spoken English are invited to join the English Conversation Program. Sessions take place weekly and are facilitated by trained student volunteers in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Facilitators prepare conversation topics, activities, or games based on the interests of each participant.
Peer Guide Program offers support to new international students
All new international students are invited to apply for an International Peer Guide, an upper-year Western student (graduate and undergraduate) who will connect new students to the Western community, answer questions, and provide support to help them settle into life in Canada and at Western.
Save the date: International Week 2024 - November 18-22
Mark your calendars for International Week! This annual event celebrates all things international at Western, including our diverse community, global opportunities, partnerships abroad and much more!
Events will include:
- Cultural Showcase (November 18)
- Go Abroad Fair (November 19)
- Songs of Many Lands (November 22)
Watch for details on how to get involved and the schedule to come.
International News Highlights
In photos: Around the world with Western
Student trips and field research took Western community members all over the globe this summer
Did you know?
Western International offers drop-in appointments for students to speak with International Student Advisors or International Learning Coordinators, Monday to Friday, 1-4 pm.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
