Global Learning & Safety Abroad

Expanding Access to Transformative Global Experiences

Western International continued to expand access to global learning opportunities that support students’ academic, personal and professional growth. Through exchange, international internships, faculty-led programs, research abroad and intercultural programming, students engaged in experiences designed to build global competencies, career readiness and cross-cultural understanding.

Student Mobility & Participation

• Exchange participation rebounded, with applications increasing by 70% and placements increasing by 52%, reflecting strong student interest in studying abroad.
• International internship participation continued to grow, with virtual internship participation doubling and in-person participation increasing by 19%, expanding opportunities for students to gain international professional experience.
• Participation in undergraduate research abroad increased by 28%, creating additional opportunities for students to engage in international research and academic collaboration.
• A total of 42 faculty-led and cohort-based programs provided structured global learning experiences in destinations around the world.

I participated in a summer exchange program in Hong Kong, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences I had during university. It was my first time travelling alone, so it really helped me mature and become more independent. I loved the people I met and the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and environment.

Kobby

Summer exchange participant

Preparing Students for Safe & Successful Global Experiences

• The Go Abroad Fair welcomed 1,040 attendees, connecting students with global learning opportunities, current exchange students, previous global learning experience participants and campus partners.
• More than 1,000 students participated in pre-departure programming, helping them prepare academically, culturally and practically for their experiences abroad.
• Travel Registry compliance remained above 90%, supporting student safety, risk management and institutional accountability.
• Promoted International SOS services and Safety Abroad resources to ensure students had access to health, safety and security support while travelling internationally.

Expanding Access to Global Learning Opportunities

Expanding Access & Growing Awareness

• More than 700 students from 11 faculties and schools engaged through information sessions and outreach activities, helping broaden awareness of global learning opportunities across campus.
• Targeted outreach, promotional activities and peer-to-peer engagement contributed to growing student interest in international experiences.
• Continued to reduce barriers to participation by connecting students with funding opportunities, scholarships and alternative global learning opportunities such as virtual internships and resources.
• Applications to one international internship stream nearly tripled, reflecting growing interest in career-focused global experiences.

Recognizing Global Learning & Engagement

• The Global Honour program received 125 applications and recognized 77 student completions, demonstrating continued student interest in globally focused learning and intercultural competence.
• Student presentations and storytelling initiatives helped participants share their experiences and inspire others to pursue global learning opportunities.
• Eighteen International Learning Ambassadors and other student leaders played an important role in promoting global learning opportunities and helping students explore pathways to international engagement.
• Undergraduate students were recognized through initiatives such as the Global Undergraduate Awards, an international competition in which Western achieved outstanding results. Western ranked first in North America and second worldwide for Highly Commended students, while also tying for second place globally for regional winners and ranking second in North America for global winners.

Completing the Global Honour helped me connect my academic interests to tangible, real-world outcomes and build skills I’ve carried forward with me.

Michael

Global Honour recipient