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.
Exchange and Global Experiences Fair — explore ways to make your global dreams come true
October 29, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | MUSC Marketplace
Are you interested in studying, researching, working or volunteering abroad? Come and chat with representatives from different global programs that can help you go abroad during your time at McMaster. Learn about eligibility, available destinations and scholarship opportunities to help fund your global experience. We’ll also have returned and current exchange students available to chat at country tables from various destinations around the world.
Academic Exchange Information Sessions (Faculty Specific)
October 27 to 30 (Various) | VirtualAre you an undergraduate student thinking of studying abroad next year? Come to this session to get Faculty-specific information and tips about academic planning for an exchange abroad.
Study Abroad Panel Discussion
October 27, 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. | VirtualAre you interested in studying abroad with the McMaster Exchange Program in summer 2026 or academic year 2026–2027? Come out to this session to learn more about how to apply and destination updates, and learn from returning exchange students about their experiences overseas.
We also encourage you to attend academic exchange information sessions to get more tailored advice on academic credit transfer and exchange information that’s specific to your Faculty.
Study in France: Université Grenoble Alpes
October 28, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | TSH 122Meet Université Grenoble Alpes during McMaster’s International Education Week!
Are you interested in study and research abroad? Curious about French culture? Come to the Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) presentation to learn about exciting opportunities for study abroad, exchange, and exploring French language and culture. Meet representatives who can share information including programs at UGA, eligibility requirements, and the enriching experiences of studying in France. Whether you’re curious about academics, student life, or cultural immersion, this is a great chance to discover what makes UGA an incredible destination in your learning journey.
International Youth Internship Program Information Session
October 28, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Gilmour Hall 110Learn about the opportunity for McMaster students and alumni to travel to West Africa (Liberia and Ghana) to complete a funded research internship through the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP). Learn from your McMaster IYIP peers and ask your questions. This will be an interactive session where you can explore whether this global experience may be the right fit for you. Use this event as an opportunity to explore applying to join the next cohort, which will depart Canada in May 2026. This is an in-person event with limited participant capacity. Registration is required.
Language Café
October 28, 05:45 p.m. to 08:00 p.m. | CIBC HallJoin us for an evening of cultural connection and language exploration! Language Café brings together the diverse languages spoken at McMaster University and gives you the chance to learn directly from your peers in a fun, friendly setting.
This event is open to all students.
McCall MacBain International Fellowship: Overview and Student Panel
October 30, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | VirtualJoin us for a brief overview of the McCall MacBain International Fellowship, with focused attention on a student panel of McMaster Fellows from 2024–2025 sharing their experiences and engaging in a Q&A session with interested potential applicants.
Why Culture Matters: How Culture Shapes the Way We Live, Work and Think
October 30, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | PGCLL M25Join us for an interactive workshop to gain a deeper understanding of what culture is and how it influences the way we live and communicate with others. Participation counts towards the Intercultural Learning Certificate.
Are You Afraid of Study Abroad?
October 30, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | MUSC B118Stop by during our drop-in hours to chat one-on-one with returning exchange students who have just returned (and enjoy some Halloween candy!).
International Boardgame Night
October 30, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | MUSC B118Come hang out, play some games and enjoy a chill evening with good company. Whether you’re into strategy games, party games or just want to try something new, we’ve got a great selection to choose from. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and a bit of competitive spirit (or not, that’s cool, too!). We’ll have plenty of games on hand, but you’re also welcome to bring your own favorites. Everyone’s welcome — bring a friend or come solo.
Inbound Research and Study Scholarship Opportunities with Global Affairs Canada
October 31, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | VirtualExplore exciting Global Affairs Canada (GAC) scholarships for inbound exchange and research students in 2026–2027. These programs support McMaster’s internationalization goals, boost student mobility and enrich our campus with global perspectives. Learn about three key scholarships — ELAP, SEED and SIC — including eligibility, funding, timelines and how McMaster departments support applicants. Don’t miss this chance to discover how these opportunities benefit both students and the McMaster community.
Travel Safety Pre-Trip and Emergency Support Info Session
October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | VirtualMcMaster will be hosting a virtual information session facilitated by our partner HX Global, 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 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.
Research Abroad Panel Discussion
October 31, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. | PG M25Are you interested in international research abroad opportunities in summer 2026? Learn more about the France (ORA) and Germany (OBW) placement, independent research opportunities and the MITACS program. Learn directly from students who successfully completed their research abroad placements last summer. Information about funding and travel grants will also be provided.
Campus France Toronto
October 31, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | VirtualAre you heading to France on exchange? Learn more about the study visa process and the documentation required, and gain tips on how to submit your application. Hosted by Salomé LIMERY, Project Manager, Campus France Toronto.
Graduate Inbound Exchange Students and How to Register Them
October 27, 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. | VirtualAre you a graduate program administrator wanting to better understand McMaster’s Exchange Program, student roles and registration step? This session will clarify the differences between exchange and visiting students, outline key responsibilities and guide you through registering inbound exchange students on Slate.
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently support exchange students at McMaster.
Advancing International Collaboration Through Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program and Mitacs Globalink Research Awards
October 28, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | VirtualThis session will provide an overview of two key opportunities for advancing international collaboration. Through the Faculty Mobility for Partnership Building Program, attendees will learn about engaging in short-term research and teaching activities in Latin America and the Caribbean. The session will also explore the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA), which supports research collaborations between Canada and eligible countries for students under the joint supervision of a home and host professors.
Brought to you by McMaster’s Mitacs Advisor and Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Navigating the International Student Journey
October 30, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | VirtualDo you support or teach international undergraduate students? Have you wondered about their unique journey 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, immigration requirements and considerations throughout their time at McMaster.
Travel Safety Pre-Trip and Emergency Support Info Session
October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | VirtualMcMaster will be hosting a virtual information session facilitated by our partner HX Global, 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 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.
McMaster Exchange Program (Study 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 or year-long exchange: January 23, 2026
- Summer study programs: February 20, 2026
- Late program deadline: April 30 (DeGroote) / July 12, 2026
View our opportunities to find out which pathways are available at each of our university partners.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Intercultural learning opportunities open to all McMaster students
One of McMaster’s greatest strengths comes from the diversity of our campus community. We have so much to learn from another, but it can sometimes be challenging to leave our comfort zone and have meaningful cross-cultural conversations. 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, including undergraduate, graduate, domestic, international and exchange students.
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.

