Your April 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.
Indigenous students embark on a transformative journey in Costa Rica
Cheyenne Morris never imagined she would spend her spring break in another country, with a group of strangers, learning about Indigenous culture.
Now, the second-year student in the Faculty of Social Science says being selected as a participant in the Global Connect program and taking a trip to Costa Rica was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with other Indigenous peoples, make lifelong friends and explore new things.
“When I learned about the program, I thought the Indigenous aspect was unique. I’m Indigenous, but I grew up off the reserve, so it’s been difficult for me reconnect with my culture. Where I’m from, opportunities like this don’t exist. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity and I’ve learned so much.”
For the past year, Western International has offered Global Connect Study Tours – short-term, inperson, group-based experiential international learning opportunities. In February, the program offered two streams, one which focused on biodiversity and the one Morris participated in, which was Indigenous-themed.
While in Costa Rica, the group connected with local Indigenous community members and heard from guest lecturers on topics including the historical and contemporary social movements of Indigenous people in Costa Rica, and Indigenous rights and advocacy. They also toured museums, took part in canoe trips, and learned about medicinal plants, cacao and local food.
Students make connections ahead of going abroad
Nearly 200 students registered to go abroad over the next year gathered in the International and Graduate Affairs Building Atrium for an information session and social event earlier this month.
“We like to bring participants together so students can make connections before they travel, where possible, and so our staff team can be available to answer any questions they have,” said Eunjung Riauka, director of international learning at Western.
“We are thrilled to see how many students are planning to take part in an international learning experience. We will have more than 2,000 students heading out on international programs this summer and next academic year.”
Student Spotlight: Meet Rafaela
Rafaela Passos de Souza was awarded a scholarship from Global Affairs Canada to spend six months at Western as a visiting research only student, working with faculty in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the Department of Biomedical Engineering as part of the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP).
"If I could give advice to others, I would say to be brave and don't be afraid to go to a different country. When I was in my city in Brazil, I was feeling a little bit stuck. Then I came here, and I realized that I’m able to do anything I put my effort into. I came by myself without my family, and I thought it would be more difficult to get used to the new environment. But it was an incredible and life-changing experience for me.” - Rafaela
International Student Orientation
Orientation programming is underway for new international students beginning at Western in May!
Whether they are 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.
Did you know?
Western International's immigration advisors are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and able to provide students with support and advice during their time at Western and for up to six months after they graduate.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
