International students revel at end-of-year gathering

What beats good food and an electrifying dance party during the season of holidays? The answer: nothing. That’s why, the annual Waterloo tradition recently attracted more than 300 international students who came together to celebrate the winter break and to give back to their fellow Warriors.

For only $5, international students from across our campuses were treated to a two-course festive dinner and later crowded the dance floor at Fed Hall during the end-of-year gathering.

Held in partnership with the Student Success Office (SSO), Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) and the Graduate Student Association, the dinner underscores the importance of building strong ties within the international student community at Waterloo.

"Events like these are designed to combat the loneliness and isolation some students experience during the winter,” said Candace Brown, international student experience manager with the SSO. “Many international students are unable to visit family or return to their home countries after the semester ends, and with limited campus services available, it’s vital that we create these spaces and opportunities so they can lean on one another for support and comradery during the winter break."

All proceeds from the event are directed back WUSA’s Food Support Service.

In addition to the holiday dinner, international students can opt-in to participate in UWinterloo — an SSO-run program that connects students to other festivities, services and events across Waterloo region. Students also receive a giftbag with a handwritten card from a UWaterloo staff or faculty member.

"These types of events for international students who are away from their families are really enjoyable," one international student in attendance said. "It was really great to have a space for other international students to connect at this time. I hope I can come again next year."