Network of support for international students

International students bring a wealth of experience and insight to the University of Waterloo campus, but studying in a new country far from home can be challenging.

“As an international student from Malaysia, it was tough being miles away from home and getting settled down to living alone and coping with university,” said Avin Low (3A, Economics). He is among more than 4,300 students from over 90 countries outside Canada enrolled at Waterloo.

Whether international students decide to stay in Canada or return home after they graduate, their diverse perspectives, expertise and skills help Waterloo grow its global connections and drive innovation.

With the numbers expected to rise, helping those students succeed is a key focus for the university’s International Student Experience (ISE) team. The team offers a range of services for international undergraduate and graduate students and their families. 

The majority of the ISE team’s time is spent speaking with students in person, via email or on the phone. Staff members offer advice on a wide range of issues, including:

·       immigration matters, including study and work permits

·       temporary resident visas

·       visitor visas

·       financial resources

·       medical coverage

·       tax preparation for the student and often their spouse.

“So far this year, we have held over 9,000 advising sessions,” said Darlene Ryan, manager, international education, advising and support. “We review students’ immigration applications and accompanying documents before they send them to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. We inform students of CIC immigration regulations and the criteria they must follow to retain legal status in Canada.”

Not long after arriving at Waterloo, Low started working with the ISE team’s airport bus pick-up program that welcomes incoming students from around the world.

The team also holds workshops and runs programs to help students learn about Canadian culture and the Waterloo community, improve their conversation skills and even find another Waterloo student from their homeland.

Low said his experience with ISE team at Waterloo has helped him to expand his network and work with great people.

The ISE team continues to support the success of international students as they study, and often work, within our community to build connections for the future.