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 culture, conversations and more.
- Get support on your global experience applications.
Bring a piece of your culture to McMaster
World Stage at Mac
Submit your solo or group performance idea to be featured in our talent showcase on November 19. Sing, dance, play an instrument, recite a poem or surprise us with something totally unique. Submit your performance idea by October 30.
Taste of Home
Share a recipe that reminds you of home with the McMaster community for a chance to have it featured in La Piazza during the Holiday Market (November 23 to 27). Submit your dish by October 25.
Signature events
Exchange and Global Opportunities Fair
Thursday, November 19 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Drop-in | MUSC Atrium
Your next adventure starts here!
Explore opportunities to study, research, work, or volunteer abroad at the Exchange and Global Opportunities Fair. Learn about destinations, application requirements, and funding options, then connect with program representatives and students who have recently returned from abroad. Discover how a global experience can enrich your studies, expand your perspective, and help you achieve your goals.
World Stage at Mac
Thursday, November 19 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Drop-in | MUSC Atrium
Experience the world through the talents and stories of McMaster students.
World Stage at Mac is a multicultural showcase where students share their cultures, traditions, and lived experiences through music, dance, and more. Celebrate the diversity of the McMaster community, connect with cultures from around the world, and witness how artistic and cultural expression can foster belonging, intercultural learning, and meaningful community connections.
International Education Week events
McCall MacBain International Fellowship (MMIF): Peer-Facilitated Session
Monday, November 16 | 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Connect with McMaster students who recently completed international fellowships in countries including Japan, Sweden, Costa Rica, and Morocco. Learn about the MMIF opportunity through small-group discussions, ask questions, and explore whether this global experience is right for you.
Academic Exchange Information Session – Faculty of Science
Tuesday, November 17 | 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | BSB 104Discover how a global learning experience can complement your Science degree. Learn about exchange opportunities, application timelines, and academic planning considerations for studying abroad.
Academic Exchange Information Session – Faculty of Social Sciences
Tuesday, November 17 | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | VirtualThinking about studying abroad as a Social Sciences student? Learn about exchange opportunities, academic planning considerations, and the steps you can take to make an international experience part of your degree.
Academic Exchange Information Session – Engineering
Tuesday, November 17 | 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | VirtualExplore how studying abroad can fit within your engineering degree. This session will provide academic planning guidance, program information, and practical tips to help you decide if exchange is the right choice for you.
Travel and Work Abroad with the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program
Tuesday, November 17 | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | VirtualInterested in working and travelling abroad? Learn how Canadian students and recent graduates can access international work permits through the International Experience Canada program and hear directly from immigration experts about opportunities in more than 35 countries and territories.
Learn a Language Night
Tuesday, November 17 | 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | GH 110Experience the world through language and culture at this interactive peer-led event. Learn basic phrases in new languages, hear stories from international and exchange students, and connect with fellow students through shared curiosity and cultural exchange.
Academic Exchange Information Session – DeGroote School of Business
Wednesday, November 18 | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | VirtualLearn how you can incorporate a study abroad experience into your business degree. This session will cover exchange options, academic planning, and key considerations for DeGroote students interested in going abroad.
Cultural Misunderstandings: Exploring Cultural Communication Styles
Wednesday, November 18 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | VirtualMisunderstandings can arise when people from different cultural backgrounds communicate in different ways. This interactive session explores how cultural values, communication styles, and social norms impact everyday conversations.
Study Abroad Panel Discussion
Wednesday, November 18 | 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | The Hub, The Nest (Atrium)Hear firsthand from McMaster students who have studied abroad and learn how an international academic experience can shape your personal, academic, and career journey. Bring your questions and gain valuable insights during an interactive Q&A session.
Research Abroad Panel Discussion
Wednesday, November 18 | 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | The Hub, The Nest (Atrium)Interested in gaining international research experience? Hear from students who completed research placements abroad and learn about opportunities through programs such as ORA France, OBW Germany, MITACS, and independent research initiatives.
Travel Safety Pre-Trip & Emergency Support Information Session
Friday, November 20 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | VirtualPlanning to travel abroad through a McMaster program? Learn about the health, safety, and emergency support services available to you through HX Global, including 24/7 assistance, travel resources, and emergency response support while abroad.
Academic Exchange Information Session – Faculty of Humanities
Friday, November 27 | 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. | VirtualHumanities students interested in studying abroad can learn how exchange fits into their academic plan and degree requirements. Meet with the Faculty’s Study Abroad Academic Advisor and get guidance on preparing for an international experience.
Intercultural Learning Certificate
This experiential learning opportunity provides you with opportunities to build your intercultural competencies and gain valuable cross-cultural communication skills. Participate in events, workshops and programming on campus to earn a certificate recognizing your commitment to intercultural learning and growth. Not only will this help you connect with the people around you, but it will also give you a competitive edge in today’s workplace, where these skills are highly valued.
Open to all McMaster students.
McMaster Exchange Program (Study Abroad)
You don’t need to wait until you graduate to travel and explore your options abroad. Through a study abroad program, you can gain a global perspective while earning credits and staying on track to meet your goals. We offer more than 100 opportunities with leading universities around the world.
- Semester or year-long stays
- Short summer schools (less than 3 months)
- Funding available!
Attend an information session to learn more.
Visit our website for a list of McMaster exchange partners.
McMaster Exchange Program (Research Abroad)
Advance your applied research skills through an international research experience. Work on a lab or research project related to your academic study and expand your professional network. Be part of a team with a common purpose, understand how research is conducted in another country, all while exploring a new culture and community on your evenings and weekends.
- For-credit and experiential research options
- Semester and summer opportunities
- Funding available!
Attend an information session to learn more.
Visit our website for a list of McMaster exchange partners.
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.
- 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.
Global Learning Ambassador Award (Study and Research)
This award provides funding to support study/research abroad participants while creating an opportunity for self-reflection and skill-building following their global experience through participation in student mentorship/program promotion upon their return.
- Undergraduate students
- Study & research abroad experiences only
- Deadline to apply: July 15, 2027
Award Value:
- $500 Short Summer School (Min duration 2 weeks)
- $1,000 Research Abroad (Min duration 2 months)
- $1,500 General Semester or Year Abroad (Min duration 4 months)
- $2,000 Indigenous Semester or Year Abroad (Min duration 4 months – 2 available)
Apply on Awardspring.
McCall MacBain International Fellowship
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.
Apply by January 6, 2027.
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.
Career Conversations
These are one-time conversations with career professionals and McMaster alumni. They offer a simple, low-commitment way to engage with a mentor and seek guidance. Explore new career options, ask new questions and enhance your network.
Visit OSCARplus > Student Success Centre > Career Conversations to apply.
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.
Learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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.

