Your March 2025 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.
Students experience new cultures during Reading Week
This February, 50 students from Western’s main campus spent their Reading Week abroad, immersing themselves in new cultures, broadening their perspectives, and building global connections as part of their academic programs.
Students participated in three faculty-led trips to Cuba, Mexico, and El Salvador, organized by faculty and staff. Each program provided hands-on international and community-engaged learning (CEL) experiences designed to enhance their studies and deepen their understanding of global issues.
“As a student standing at the edge of graduation, this trip was more than an academic experience. It was a reminder that even at the end of one journey, there is always room for new beginnings, new people, and new ways to see the world. I can say with complete certainty that this trip changed me. It gave me moments I’ll carry for a lifetime, friendships that will stay with me long after this semester, and a deep, resounding gratitude for taking that leap into the unknown.” – Parin Jitana, fourth-year student in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and trip participant
Unified Services at Western International
To better support students and the campus community, Western International is unifying our services under a refreshed, streamlined brand. Effective March 17, 2025, the International and Exchange Student Centre (IESC) name has officially been retired. Moving forward, this unit will be known as International Student Services (ISS).
The new name reflects our ongoing mission to enhance the student experience and provide a clear point of contact for international students at Western.
Safety Abroad Resources
Students, staff, and faculty planning international travel are encouraged to research their destination and take appropriate precautions to stay healthy and safe while abroad.
Before departing, travellers should review the steps for travel on the Safety Abroad website and become familiar with International SOS (ISOS), a 24/7 global service offering emergency assistance to Western community members overseas
It is also essential to ensure immigration documents are valid, particularly for non-Canadian citizens and those travelling with a work or study permit.
Student Spotlight: Meet Kayla
Kayla Charles is a first-year student in the Faculty of Social Science from St. Lucia.
"My experience at Western has been really positive. I enjoy my classes, and my professors make a genuine effort to engage with students during lectures, which helps me grasp concepts on a deeper level. Outside of academics, I’m part of the Caribbean Students' Organization (CSO), which has been a great way to connect with people who share similar backgrounds and experiences." - Kayla
Ana Helena Caldas: Five Things About Me
I am an International Student Advisor and a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA). In this role, I guide and support international students through their immigration journey, ensuring they understand regulations and have a smooth experience studying in Canada.
I am Brazilian and originally moved to Canada in 2017 for a sabbatical year. I decided to stay, and became a Canadian citizen last year.
I am passionate about international education. My first experience working with international students was as a volunteer student ambassador at the ESL school I attended. Years later, I started my career in the field at the same institution.
I have a law degree from my home country, which has given me a strong foundation in regulations and legislation. This background helps me navigate complex immigration policies and provide informed advice to students.
Fun fact: During the pandemic, I rescued a stray cat for emotional support—but now she has separation anxiety, and I’ve become her emotional support!
Did you know?
In addition to regular student advising, our international student advisors offer a Permanent Residency (PR) Clinic where current students and graduates of less than a year can drop by for an opportunity to meet (5-10 min) one-on-one with advisors/Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) to ask general questions on different pathways to PR.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
