Perspectives from around the world were brought together recently for a two-day conference in Mitchell Hall. Open to faculty, students, and staff from across Queen’s, the Global Education Conference explored the impact of international education and celebrated the university’s global community.

“Throughout the history of universities, international students have always been at the heart of higher education,” says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane, who delivered remarks and spoke with participants at a lunchtime reception. “Universities provide space for people from around the world to gather and exchange ideas so it’s essential for us to reflect on the importance of the global community at Queen’s and consider ways in which we can better support international students. As someone who first came to Canada as an international student, I know how important it is to feel welcome and supported while studying on a campus in a new country.”

The conference was co-hosted by Student Academic Success Services (SASS) and the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), units in Student Affairs, and supported by the Office of the Vice-Provost (Global Engagement). Sessions focused on a wide range of topics, including inclusive listening, skill building abroad, linguistic justice in assessment, and student visions for the future of international education. Some were designed for individuals in teaching and student support roles while others were tailored to help international students succeed in the Canadian educational context.

“International students bring so many strengths to their pursuit of higher education in Canada, and we’re always striving to learn from one another and to listen to the students themselves to find new ways to improve our services,” says Susan Korba, Director, SASS. “So many inspiring perspectives and ideas were shared at the conference that will help us to build a truly global environment at Queen’s in which our international students can thrive.”

The conference also provided attendees opportunities to celebrate the global community at Queen’s and for international students to share their diverse perspectives.

“International students bring the world to Queen’s,” says Sultan Almajil, Director, QUIC. “We have so much to learn from the perspectives and experiences they have to share with our community, and it was great to see that celebrated at the conference. At QUIC, we have been expanding our services in recent years to better help international students build a community when they get here and feel at home. Providing a forum where conversations like these can happen is part of that work.”

Learn more about supports for international students at Queen’s on the QUIC website.

Global Engagement Strategy

Queen’s Global Engagement Strategic Plan aims to create a global knowledge community in which international faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, students, and staff are respected, valued, and can thrive. The plan provides a framework for fostering international cooperation and collaboration – both necessary aspects of a thriving academic institution. It was launched in May 2023.

To learn more about Queen’s wide-ranging global engagement efforts, visit the Global Engagement website.