International and Exchange Student Experience

Welcome, international students! We’re glad you’re here. We value the knowledge and experiences you bring to our McMaster and Hamilton community. Discover how the International and Exchange Student Experience (IESE) team can support your success at McMaster and beyond.

Outside our live chat, we’re still here to help. Try our new chatbot for first-year incoming undergraduate international students, open Monday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET. Please note: Our chatbot is new and learning how to best answer your questions.

Stay up to date on iCent

Download the app for updates to support your journey at McMaster and beyond.

iCent app

NEWS AND EVENTS

Ignite Program students

Ignite Program

Ignite Program Event

Get your first year started with the Ignite Program We’re excited to welcome you to our McMaster community! We’re here...

Student volunteers holding a sign that says "We are from McMaster" welcoming International and Exchange students at the airport

Airport Welcome Program 

Airport Welcome Program  Event

Airport Welcome Program — more information coming soon Preparing for a big move to a new country, with all its...

SSC Staff with student

Pre-Arrival Orientation Webinars for International and Exchange Students

Pre-Arrival Orientation Webinars for International and Exchange Students Event

Get ready for university life in Canada Attend our webinars to meet your community of support and get answers to...

International students skating.

International Student Winter Socials

International Student Winter Socials Event

International students, let’s end the year with some cheer and festive fun! You’ve accomplished a lot this year. Now’s the...

EXPLORE

In-person drop-ins with the International and Exchange Student Experience team (No appointment needed)

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET (MUSC B118 )

Anyone can improve their writing and academic skills. Explore how our writing and academic skills services, programs and events can support your development in key areas, such as reading, writing and studying.

International Student Work Opportunity (ISWO)

The International Student Work Opportunity (ISWO) program is a joint initiative between the Student Success Centre and Student Financial Aid & Scholarships to help international students gain valuable Canadian work experience at McMaster and beyond.

The McMaster Office for the Development of English Language Learners (MODEL) is a free service designed to help both undergraduate and graduate students who may be struggling with the English language.