Develop and expand your global perspective through a week of events, activities and more
This International Education Week, we’re encouraging you to think globally and consider the ways you can add intercultural learning to your university experience, whether at McMaster or abroad. Let’s celebrate the ways our global experiences and perspectives help make the McMaster community a more diverse, inclusive place to live and learn.
Join us for events, workshops and activities during International Education Week to:
- Learn about global experiences like studying, researching, working or volunteering abroad, and how they can fit with your university journey.
- Learn about McMaster’s diverse community through food, culture, language and more.
- Get support on your global experience applications.
An Analysis of Internationalization at McMaster: Current Status and Ways Forward
November 6, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (L.R. Wilson)In the last few months, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) has engaged in environmental and institutional scans to gain an understanding of the internationalization landscape within McMaster and compared with its U15 peers.
For International Education Week, the OIA invites McMaster faculty and staff to join the OIA town hall where we will share the outcomes of these scans.
Exchange Information Session 2024–25
November 6, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET (Virtual)Interested in studying abroad with the McMaster Exchange Program in 2024–2025? This information session will explain the types of opportunities offered, how to apply, and scholarships available.
Exchange and Global Experiences Fair
November 7, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET (MUSC Marketplace)The Exchange Fair is your opportunity to discover ways to expand your university journey across borders. Come to this event to chat with returned and current exchange students about their experiences studying abroad. Plus, learn how you can get started on your own global experience with the McMaster Exchange Program.
MSU Cultural Fest
November 8, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET (MUSC Marketplace)The McMaster Students Union (MSU) has more than 300 clubs. Check out this fair to learn more about some of the cultural clubs on campus as part of International Education Week.
Making Global Experiences Accessible
November 8, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET (Virtual)Learn more about the exciting global opportunities available to McMaster students. This virtual session will explore global opportunities coming up in 2024 presented by the MACLeads program, McMaster Exchange Program and the Global Experience Program.
Learn about MACLeads trips in Africa and the Caribbean, the 100+ university partners through the McMaster Exchange Program and travel funding provided by the Global Experience Award.
We’ll also discuss various opportunities for your personal and academic growth. Join us and be part of the global education community.
Campus France: Study Abroad in France! (Non-Exchange)
November 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Are you interested in studying abroad in France outside a formal McMaster Exchange Program? Campus France will host a presentation on the Higher Education landscape in France and current scholarship opportunities to study abroad (non-exchange).
How to Highlight Your Global Experience
November 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET (Gilmour Hall 110)Have you recently participated in a global experience studying, researching, working or volunteering abroad? Join us for a session to learn how to showcase these experiences on your resume and cover letter. We’ll share some practical tips on how to highlight your global skills to impress employers and hiring managers.
Social Sciences Exchange Info Session
November 9, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ETJoin this info session to learn more about studying abroad as a Social Sciences student.
Campus France: Study Abroad in France! (Exchange)
November 9, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ET (MUSC B118)Going Global Workshop: International Opportunities and Available Funding
November 9, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET (Gilmour Hall 110)Meet the SSC’s new global experience coordinator and explore different ways you can gain intercultural skills and global competencies (through virtual and in-person opportunities) to help improve your successful labour market integration. Learn about how you can apply for funding to help make your global dreams a reality.
Cultural Conversations
November 10, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET (Gilmour Hall 110)Have you ever wanted to learn about a new culture? Are you curious about the different norms and etiquette around the world? Cultural Conversations is a monthly series that provides an opportunity for you to meet with other students and learn about one another’s culture by sharing and discussing how things are done in a different cultural setting.
McCall MacBain International Fellowships: Info Session
November 10, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ETDo you want to fully immerse yourself in another language and culture for an entire year? Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the 2024 McCall MacBain International Fellowships. There are up to 10 fellowships available to McMaster students. Fellows receive up to $30,000 in funding to pursue a full year abroad, including an immersive language term, an academic term, and a work term. Attend this information session to learn more about the program and get tips on preparing your application.
Applications are now open until January 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
McMaster Exchange Program (Study and Research Abroad)
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/year: Go on a semester- or year-long exchange.
- Summer: Spend two weeks or two months over the summer studying abroad.
- Research: Contribute to a research project with a host supervisor overseas.
- Virtual: Take part in an online course or virtual research stay.
View our opportunities to find out which pathways are available at each of our university partners.
McCall MacBain International Fellowships
Do you want to fully immerse yourself in another language and culture for an entire year? Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the 2024 McCall MacBain International Fellowships. There are up to 10 fellowships available to McMaster students. Fellows receive up to $30,000 in funding to pursue a full year abroad, including an immersive language term, an academic term, and a work term. Attend this information session to learn more about the program and get tips on preparing your application.
Applications are now open until January 12, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Global Experience Program (Work and Volunteer Abroad)
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.
Global Experience Award
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.
U21 Sustainable Micro-Internships
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.
WACE Global Challenge
WACE has partnered with edtech start-up Practera to launch a Global Challenge student-industry project program. This program activates a global network of universities and teams of diverse students to assist organizations in advancing initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The WACE Global Challenge brings together students from across the globe into multidisciplinary teams to work on real industry problems that will have social and economic impacts. The program is implemented in English and in a virtual format.
Career Conversations
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!
CBIE International Student Survey
The survey is designed to study the international student experience in Canada. Therefore, students enrolled (on a full-time or part-time basis) in post-secondary institutions studying for their full degree/diploma/certificate in Canada are invited to complete the survey. This includes international students studying in Canada with a student study permit, visitor’s visa, or undertaking research on a work permit. Given the scope of this research, international exchange students are not meant to be included in this survey sample.
Global Impact at Home
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.
You don’t have to travel abroad to develop and expand your global perspective. Thinking globally is also about reflecting on issues than span country divides and considering how you can take action. This International Education Week, we’re reflecting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations.