A new year, new university, and new country. Over 200 international exchange students have arrived for the winter term, and they have had a week of welcoming events to help get settled on campus.

These exchange students come from all over the world, including China, Sweden, Australia, Chile, and dozens of other countries, to study in almost every faculty.

The highlight of the week was the Exchange Student Orientation on Thursday, Jan. 4. The students received their tri-colour mittens and scarves to help them adjust to the cold, learned about the support available from the university and their respective faculties, and listened to representatives from the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC), the International Programs Office, and the Division of Student Affairs.

Students also learned about the Queen’s Winter Coat Exchange, and how to make the most of their time on exchange from a fifth-year Queen’s student.

Other events throughout the week facilitated by the QUIC included games night, tours of the Athletics & Recreation Centre and campus student services, a flu shot clinic, and an information session on how to stay healthy and warm during the upcoming winter months.

Events continue throughout the winter semester, including reading and writing workshops facilitated by the Student Academic Success Services (SASS), and QUIC’s English peer conversation groups, a ramen night social, immigration information sessions, a bus trip to Ottawa, and intercultural awareness training. Find out more about these events on the QUIC events page.