International Student Experiences

Issue

Queen's University is grappling with a critical shortfall in both the influx of international students and the participation of Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) undergraduates in international mobility experiences. Alarmingly, the numbers reveal a stark reality: merely 200 to 275 students venture into international programs annually, a figure glaringly inadequate when the exceptional circumstances of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic are excluded. This situation underscores a profound deficit in global engagement and intercultural exchange within the student community. 

Key challenges include:

• A preference among students to remain with their cohorts.
• The perception of having already travelled by relocating to Kingston.
• Financial constraints.
• The necessity for students to work during summer, which is when many international opportunities are available.
• While the outbound mobility is more satisfactory at the graduate level thanks to international research collaborations and conference participation, the undergraduate scenario requires attention. 

Vision

At the heart of our vision is our belief in the transformative power of global learning in cultivating critical and innovative thinkers who can make a positive difference on our increasingly interconnected world.  

Aligned with the university’s strategic global engagement plan, our goal is to see 40% of FAS students participate in learning experiences abroad. By investing in international student experiences, we can not only increase outbound mobility, but also equip students with critical skills necessary in a globalized workforce.  

Together, we can shape a future where our graduates lead with cultural fluency, empathy, and a profound understanding of the world's complexities. 

The Opportunity

To realize this vision, and address the challenges currently faced, we invite you to support our strategic approach in developing group travel courses and expanding other hands-on international experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

These courses, designed to be short and intense, would be scheduled during academic breaks such as reading week, post-exams, or late August, allowing students to travel without sacrificing employment opportunities. Building upon successful models in disciplines such as Global Development Studies, Art History, Geography, and Geology, your support will enable us to expand the offering of these travel-oriented courses and empower more students to embark on life-changing international experiences. 

Make an Impact

Expanding our offering of travel-oriented courses requires overcoming financial hurdles, both for students and faculty involved.  

Donors play a critical role in bridging the financial gap that hinders the expansion of international experiences for students. Contributions towards scholarships and stipends can significantly reduce the financial burden on students who wish to participate in these invaluable experiences. Additionally, supporting faculty travel expenses, which cannot be covered by student course fees, would enable more departments to offer such courses without financial constraints.  

By investing in international experiences, you will not only shape the future of our students and support the strategic goals of FAS and the university, but also contribute to a more globally engaged and culturally enriched community.

Together, let's invest in the expansion of international experiences and empower students to drive meaningful engagement and transformations across borders. 

Donate Today

Contact KP Anand, Executive Director of Development, to explore how you can contribute to International Student Experiences and discuss the various options available for making a meaningful difference through your donation. To give more generally to international experiences, donate directly to our Arts and Science International Fund.

Contact KP Anand

Donate Directly to our International Fund

Global Impact and Innovation

Addressing the world's most pressing challenges through transformative ideas, collaborative partnerships, and innovative solutions, as we strengthen Queen’s impact on a global scale.

This initiative is in harmony with the university’s strategic global engagement plan and the metrics outlined in the Principal’s strategic framework. It underscores FAS’s commitment to increasing international opportunities for its students, fostering a more interconnected and globally aware community. 

More about Global Impact and Innovation