Global Community & Belonging

Building Connections, Leadership and Intercultural Understanding

Western International creates opportunities for students to build meaningful connections and engage across cultures. Through community-building initiatives, peer programs, volunteer opportunities and campus-wide events, international students, domestic students and students preparing for global learning experiences are supported in building relationships, developing leadership skills and strengthening intercultural understanding.

Volunteering and making friends from around the world have been major highlights of my time at Western. Through my volunteer roles with Western International, I’ve had the opportunity to support new students, connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute to building an inclusive and welcoming campus community.

Aanchal

Student volunteer

Building Community Connections

Community Connections at a Glance

• Hosted Global Café throughout the academic year, welcoming an average of approximately 100 participants each week. Nearly one-quarter of attendees were domestic students, creating meaningful opportunities for intercultural connection, conversation and peer learning.
• Collaborated with more than 20 student clubs and organizations, expanding opportunities for students to share cultures, perspectives and experiences through Global Café.
• Brought together approximately 200 students preparing for global learning experiences through a pre-departure social, helping participants connect with peers and staff before departure.
• Continued to offer the English Conversation Program (ECP), which engaged 412 participants through 528 facilitated sessions that helped students build confidence in their communication skills while creating meaningful cross-cultural connections.
• Expanded opportunities for engagement through ECP Extra and other community-building activities that encouraged conversation, cultural exchange and peer-to-peer learning.
• Supported international students, spouses, partners and families through Family Friday programming, creating opportunities for connection, community and peer support.

A huge part of my experience at Western was becoming involved with Global Café. When I first moved from India to Canada, I felt very lonely and didn’t really know anyone. Joining Global Café completely changed that for me. I made so many meaningful friendships and connections there, and many of those friendships are still a big part of my life today.

Sugandha

Global Café participant

Student Leadership & Peer Engagement

Leadership & Engagement at a Glance

• More than 200 student volunteers contributed more than 5,000 hours supporting orientation, community-building activities, International Week, peer engagement initiatives and other programs that enhance the student experience.
• The International Peer Guide Network helped new international students navigate their transition to Western and life in Canada with support from upper-year student volunteers.
• English Conversation Program leaders facilitated 528 conversation sessions, helping participants build confidence while fostering meaningful intercultural connections.
• International Learning Ambassadors and other student leaders shared their experiences, encouraged participation in global learning opportunities and helped foster peer-to-peer learning and engagement.

Being part of the Peer Guide Program gives students a sense of belonging within the university community. It brings together students from different countries and helps new students learn about campus life. It is a truly welcoming and meaningful first step toward getting involved.

Silvia

Peer Guide participant

Campus-Wide Engagement & Events

Campus & Community Engagement

• Collaborated with student organizations, faculties, campus departments and community partners to deliver programs that fostered intercultural understanding and global awareness.
• International Week expanded to two weeks of programming, creating additional opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage with global issues, cultures and perspectives.
• Strengthened connections between Western and the broader community by partnering with local organizations and cultural groups to expand opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

I’ve loved supporting students as they attend their first events, watching them form their first friendships and knowing I played a small role in helping them feel comfortable and included.

Akshaya

Peer Guide volunteer