Your June 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.
Celebrating our newest alumni
This month, we celebrate the many achievements of our graduating international students and Western International volunteers from a range of faculties and programs.
In addition to inviting them to stop by the Western International office for photos and treats, we also highlighted many of them on our social channels and website.
Read about some of their favourite Western memories, plans for the future and advice for new students.
Meet Shagun and Wajd, International Orientation Assistants
This summer, recent graduates, previous orientation volunteers and incoming graduate students Shagun and Wajd are supporting Western International staff in planning an even more robust International Student Orientation program for new students that aims to support both newly arrived international students, as well as those who have been in Canada for some time.
Shagun is a student in Health Sciences. She has created wonderful memories and formed fantastic friendships through volunteer work and looks forward to welcoming new Mustangs.
Throughout her time as a Medical Sciences student, Wajd has volunteered for Western International and made many friends. She says it makes her happy to be helping and meeting incoming students.
Fun fact: Shagun and Wajd have been friends since grade 9 and take a selfie every time they meet!
International Student Orientation Programming and Collaborations
In January, Western International piloted a hybrid format for International Student Orientation, with traditional in-person information sessions moving online in the form of enhanced pre-arrival modules, a three-part webinar series, and a dedicated New Students page to help international students prepare, connect, and learn more about the important campus resources that exist to help them thrive both academically and personally.
Self-serve resources were paired with opportunities to connect “live” with Western International staff and volunteers, both virtually and in-person at a Welcome Centre, and at signature social events throughout their first month.
This summer, the planning team will continue to build on the success of the new hybrid model while working with colleagues across campus to align communication, enhance resources, and collaborate on joint programming where possible.
The planning team is keen to hear from campus partners and work with you to ensure all new international students feel connected and supported at Western. If your unit is not already in contact with them and you want to learn more, please contact Alyssa Lampkin, Program Coordinator Student Arrivals & Orientation at alampkin@uwo.ca.
Faculty & Staff Toolkit: Supporting Outbound Exchange Students
If you or someone you know is involved in or interested in an outbound exchange program, there is a newly developed resource available.
Within this guide are details about supports that are offered to students before, during, and after their international learning experience, including course approval infomration to safety abroad and much more.
Student Spotlight: Meet Donald
Donald is a third-year Faculty of Health Sciences student who recently completed an exchange at Stockholm University, where he studied and volunteered in the community as an English tutor and learned Swedish by working with locals and living in the city.
”I highly recommend looking into international experiences, as this has been everything I’ve hoped for and more. The opportunities to network and meet professionals in a new country and continent, to travel and see new parts of the world, and to form a new diverse friend group have been highlights of the exchange for me.“ - Donald
Watch Donald and other students who have gone abroad do takeovers of Western International's Instagram Stories.
Did you know?
Western International supports students for up to six months after graduation. Recent graduates can meet with International Student Advisors to discuss immigration questions and other resources and services.
If you have ideas, suggestions or opportunities with an international focus to share, please let us know at wicomms@uwo.ca.
