Are you a graduate program administrator seeking to understand more about McMaster’s exchange program, the role of an exchange student, and the registration process? Or perhaps you want to clarify the differences between a visiting student and an exchange student? If so, you’re in the right place! This presentation is designed to support graduate program administrators in registering inbound exchange students at McMaster. 

Presented by:

• Marisa Bachetti, Global Learning Coordinator, International and Exchange Student Experience, Student Success Centre
• Yufei Zhang, International Graduate Student Advisor, School of Graduate Studies

Do you support or teach international undergraduate students?

Have you wondered about their unique journey getting to McMaster? If so, we invite you to join us at this webinar that will take you through the international undergraduate student journey from the time they accept their offer to McMaster University until they physically arrive in Ontario.   

This webinar will provide information and answer any questions you may have about unique aspects of the international undergraduate student journey to and at McMaster, including:   

• Pre-Arrival and Transition programming 
• UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan)  
• Immigration requirements and considerations throughout their time at McMaster University 

McMaster will be hosting a virtual information session facilitated by our partner HX Global.  HX Global is a leader in medical, safety and travel assistance worldwide.  This program is designed to keep our faculty, staff and students healthy, safe and secure while they are travelling or living abroad within a McMaster capacity.   With HX Global’s comprehensive and integrated solutions, you benefit from having a single point of contact to access care when needed, wherever you are globally, 24/7/365.  One call will instantly provide you with access to medical and security professionals for real time information, advice and support.   HX Global will review supports available to those travelling on McMaster business (emergency assistance line, website, travel oracle app, e-learnings and more). 

Presented by: 

• Stacie Cameron, Specialist University Health and Safety Programs, University Health and Safety (UHS),
• Colette Canney, Vice President – Account Management, Healix Global
• Brian Fackrell, Vice President of Sales, Healix Global

Join us in our new space for international, exchange, and globally-minded students on campus! The International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE), a division of the Student Success Centre within Student Affairs, manages a comprehensive portfolio offering dedicated support for incoming international and exchange students as well as outbound McMaster students pursing opportunities for study and research abroad.

Explore our new installation of international and exchange student art, learn about developments and expanded use of the International Centre (iCent) online app, and spend time in our international student lounge. Staff will be available to chat about our programs and services, offered both within the IESE team as well as broadly within the Student Success Centre. Coffee and light breakfast will be provided!   

Join our presentation on GAC Short-Term Scholarships for 2025-26! Discover the exciting opportunities offered by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through their short-term scholarships for inbound exchange and visiting students in the 2025-26 academic year. These scholarships play a crucial role in advancing McMaster University’s internationalization efforts, enhancing student mobility, and promoting both Canada and McMaster as premier study destinations.

Presented by: 

• Antonella Masciantonio, Scholarships and Awards Officer, School of Graduate Studies
• Adelina Sylaj, Grants and Projects Office, Office of International Affairs
• Marisa Bachetti, Global Learning Coordinator, International & Exchange Student Experience, Student Success Centre

Curious about the McMaster Exchange Program and McMaster’s portfolio of international exchange agreements? This session is for faculty leaders, members and staff to learn about the exchange agreement creation process. Presenters will discuss how partner institutions are chosen, alignment with McMaster’s Global Engagement Strategy, reciprocity considerations, and support for students choosing to study abroad through the McMaster Exchange Program. The session will conclude with a discussion period to receive questions and further input from faculties on additional considerations for the exchange agreement process. 

Presented by: 

• Paul Leegsma, Manager Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects, The Office of International Affairs 
• Jenna Levi, Global Learning Coordinator, International and Exchange Student Experience, Student Success Centre 

Limited in-person registration available. Online attendance is also available.    

The Equity and Inclusion Office’s new asynchronous training module, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Fundamentals, is a 5-part module designed by the Inclusion and Anti-Racism Education Program to provide the community with accessible multi-media formats to learning about EDIA, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression with a spot light on Anti-Black Racism in Higher Education.  

Each “part” is thematically organized to contain a mixture of narrative, video and audio-narrated slide deck content, with activities to ground your learning in a flexible and digestible fashion. Upon completion, participants can receive a certificate of completion and attendance should they wish to add this to resume or other certificate level learning.

Brought to you by the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

What kind of global experience are you searching for? We can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision. The McMaster Exchange Program offers the following global pathways:

• Semester or year-long exchange: January 21, 2025
• Summer study programs: February 19, 2025
• Late program deadline: April 30 (DSB) / July 15, 2025

View our opportunities to find out which pathways are available at each of our university partners.

Live in a new country. Learn a new language. Work in a new culture. Applications are now open for the McCall MacBain International Fellowships. Up to $30,000 of funding is available per fellowship, with up to 10 fellowships available for McMaster students. Design your year abroad now.

Do you want to build intercultural skills and gain international experience? You can do this by working or volunteering abroad. Or, you can embark on a virtual global experience from home. Browse our global opportunities — getting involved is easier than you might think.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate seeking global work or volunteer experience? Consider applying for the Global Experience Award to help make your dream a reality.

About the award

• Preference will be given to non-traditional cultural experiences.
• Applications will be accepted all year, no later than one month prior to the opportunity start date.
• This award is open to returning students completing their academic studies.
• Opportunities must be at least seven days long.

McMaster University is a member of U21, a unique global network of 29 world-leading, research-intensive universities that share a common belief in the value of collaboration and internationalization. U21 member-led initiatives and programs are designed to benefit staff, students and member institutions, through sharing resources, learning together and co-designing solutions to common challenges.

Career conversations offer final-year university students a unique platform to expand their professional network and gain firsthand knowledge of professional school and graduate school programs. These conversations serve as a vital resource in terms of further education decision-making, application completion and confidence in the navigation of the post-graduation journey.

If you are interested in participating, visit OSCARplus / Student Success Centre / Career Conversation and fill out an application profile! 

Joining a club, participating in a virtual exchange or internship, working with peers to solve an industry challenge or volunteering with a local organization with a global focus are just some of the ways you can make a global impact at home. These opportunities can help you better understand the people and world around you, relate to local and global issues and develop in-demand employability skills.