Welcome to the International Education Centre (IEC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga! We are dedicated to supporting our international students by offering a wide range of services, programs, and events designed to enhance your academic and personal experience. From immigration support and health services to global learning opportunities and intercultural events, the IEC is here to help you thrive in your new environment. Explore our resources and connect with our community to make the most of your time at UTM.
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Programs & Events
The International Education Centre (IEC) at the University of Toronto Mississauga is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that promotes student engagement, global fluency, and intercultural understanding. We curate a diverse array of programs and events tailored for both domestic and international students, recognizing the unique perspectives and experiences they bring to our campus. From the Global and Intercultural Fluency Training Series (GIFTS) that cultivates cross-cultural competencies, to the International Student Mentorship Program that facilitates peer connections, our offerings create opportunities for meaningful interactions, personal growth, and the development of a global mindset. By actively engaging students from all backgrounds, we strive to build a supportive environment where individuals can explore their identities, embrace diversity, and thrive as global citizens.
Click here to see all programs and events offered by the IEC!
The Global and Intercultural Fluency Training Series (GIFTS) will help students to develop their leadership and communication skills in facilitating cultural relations. In our rapidly changing and interconnected world, learning and understanding how to work and build relationships with diverse and intercultural environments are imperative skills for success. These sessions will guide students through critical reflection on their personal self-identity and their relationship and impact on local, national, and global scales. Join in on the deep discussions, activities, and personal and professional growth opportunities! GIFTS is offered through different formats (frequency of delivery: condensed vs. weekly or modality: in-person vs. virtual). Please check below for the format.
Program Schedule:
- Tuesday, June 25th, 10am - 2pm
- Wednesday, June 26th, time TBD
- Thursday, June 27th, 12pm - 3pm
Students will receive the following upon completion of the program:
- Certificate of Participation
- Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI) Assessment (value of $20) and an individual coaching session
- CCR recognition*
- Celebration lunch
- Off-campus volunteer experience
*To receive CCR recognition, participants MUST complete ALL of the following requirements:
- Attend ALL 3 sessions
Join the International Education Centre (IEC), along with on-campus partners, UofT faculty and community members during International Education Week (IEW) to celebrate all things global! Students will be able to meet new people, develop a global and intercultural mindset, and learn about the benefits of internationalizing their student experience! Come and attend the various events that will be taking place through the week of November 13th to November 18th. Register for these amazing events on CLNx now and join the IEC in celebrating diversity, culture and international education at UTM!
Want to Earn Co-Curricular Record (CCR)?
UTM Students who attend 3 or more events during the week of IEW can submit a 1-2 page reflection paper answering any of the following questions in order to earn CCR:
- Why is interculturalism important to our society?
- What are the benefits of having a global mindset and how will you use it in your everyday life?
- What is 1 new thing you learned about yourself, culture, and international education from participating in IEW 2023?
Reflections can be submitted via email to: rebeca.mahadeo@utoronto.ca by December 1st, 2023.
IEW 2023 Events
Monday, November 13th
Exchange Stories
Zumba Dancing with the Latin Students Association - Registration CLOSED
Taste of Cultures - Registration CLOSED
UTM International Education Centre and Hart House co-present a multi-session journey to explore and expand our understanding of how food informs culture and wellness. Each session will be an interactive conversation, led by a food and culture expert who will share a recipe that is significant to their culture and personal history.
Students, staff, faculty and alumni from all U of T campuses are encouraged to join us to explore the many ways food teaches us about culture and how food creates community, while also learning a tasty recipe and skills to help you in the kitchen.
This session is 2 hours long and will include a live cooking demonstration, recipe sharing, open discussion, cooking tips and tricks and of course indulging in a delicious meal!
Tuesday, November 14th
L'Image Exhibit
Caribbean Lyme: Steel Pan Event - Registration CLOSED
International Movie Night - Registration CLOSED
Wednesday, November 15th
International Education Fair - Visit us in the CCT atrium from 11am - 2pm to delight in the cultures of our campus!
Learn to Play: Lacrosse - Registration CLOSED
Come learn how to play Canada's summer sport: Lacrosse! This is a movement-based event, come ready to participate!
Thursday, November 16th:
Embracing Linguistic Diversity - Registration CLOSED
Language is intimately tied to your identity. Whether it be the phonology, the inventory of words, or the structure of sentences that you have, language is a communicator of who you are as a person. In this lecture, we will explore how there is no "right" way to be a language user. No variety of language is "broken": All varieties of language have systematic rules. Come find out how various languages work from a scientific perspective and experience how complex, dynamic, and intriguing the linguistic expression of self can be.
International Sports Trivia - Registration CLOSED
This is a fun and social event to test your knowledge in a friendly competition on international sports! Refreshments will be served.
Saturday, November 18th:
Hart House Farm Trip: Culture and Wellness - POSTPONED until further notice
Please join us for a day in an outdoor restorative retreat at the Hart House Farm! Our Outdoor Wellness Retreat will be focusing on the connection between Culture and Wellness. This initiative is brought to you by: Hart House, The UTSG Centre for International Experience, and the UTM International Education Centre, along with the Well Being Collective @ Hart House for Indigenous, Black and Racialized students. Students will be exposed to the outdoors, connect with nature and spirituality through reflective meditations and non-Western cultural wellness activities, while building community.
Specific itinerary details will be provided shortly. The bus will pick up students outside of Convocation Hall at 8:45 a.m. for those close to UTSG.
For those closer to UTM campus, the bus will pick up in front of the RAWC and drop students back on- campus at around 6:30 p.m. Registration is $10 and meals and snacks will be provided.
The Dinner and Dialogues Series invites you to explore cultural celebrations through food and dialogue. Each event in this series offers an opportunity to taste authentic dishes from diverse cultures while engaging in meaningful conversations about traditions, values, and community. Join us as we celebrate cultural diversity, foster intercultural understanding, and create connections that transcend borders.
Registration Information:
Registration Fee: Participants are required to pay a $10 fee to register for each event.
Registration details for each event will be updated closer to the date. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate in these enriching cultural experiences!
Caribbean Carnival
Date: February 2025 (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Immerse yourself in Caribbean culture through flavorful dishes and festive vibes celebrating Caribana. Experience the spirit of Caribbean traditions and enjoy lively discussions with fellow participants.
Christmas
Dates: December 5th or 6th (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Celebrate the holiday season with diverse Christmas traditions and culinary delights from around the world. Join us for a festive feast and meaningful discussions on global holiday traditions.
Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25th each year. It's a time for religious observance, joyful gatherings with family and friends, gift-giving, and festive decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. Santa Claus, caroling, and holiday movies are also integral parts of the celebration.
Diwali
Dates: October 17th or 24th (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Experience the vibrant festival of lights with traditional Diwali dishes and engaging conversations. Discover the cultural significance of Diwali through shared stories and dialogue.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is among the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated worldwide. Lasting five days, it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People decorate their homes with diyas (oil lamps), burst fireworks, exchange sweets, and perform prayers to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Lunar New Year
Dates: January 18th or 25th (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Ring in the Lunar New Year with special dishes symbolizing prosperity and cultural significance. Explore the flavours and traditions of the Lunar New Year while engaging in cultural conversations.
Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in many Asian cultures. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. It is celebrated with family reunions, feasting on symbolic foods like dumplings and fish, giving red envelopes (hongbao) with money, and participating in colourful parades and dragon dances.
Eid and Navrus
Date: April 3rd (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Commemorate Eid and Navrus with traditional delicacies and engaging discussions on cultural heritage. Delve into the culinary delights and cultural significance of Eid and Navrus in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nawruz, also spelled Nowruz, is the Persian New Year celebrated by various communities in the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. It marks the arrival of spring and is observed with festivities that include cleaning homes, visiting family and friends, preparing special foods, and participating in rituals that symbolize renewal and rebirth. On the other hand, Eid refers to Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two major Islamic holidays. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, fasting month, with prayers, feasting, and charity. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and involves prayers, animal sacrifice, and sharing meat with the less fortunate. Both Nawruz and Eid are joyous occasions marked by cultural traditions, community gatherings, and acts of generosity.
Thanksgiving or Fall Feast
Dates: October 3rd or 10th (TBD)
Time and Location: To be determined
Description: Join us for a festive gathering celebrating Thanksgiving or Fall Feast with a focus on cultural cuisine and meaningful dialogues. Experience a diverse spread of cultural dishes and engage in enriching conversations!
Outbound Exchange
Why study abroad?
The UTM Exchange program offers students the incredible opportunity to study at over 140 partner institutions in more than 60 countries. You can choose to study abroad for one semester, a full academic year, or even up to three semesters, all while paying your regular U of T tuition fees. This program allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures, gain international experience, and earn credits towards your degree. Whether you are looking to enhance your academic journey or broaden your global perspective, the UTM Exchange program is designed to help you achieve your goals.
UTM Abroad
Travel
Experience
Learn
At UTM Abroad, we believe that international experiences can change your life. So, we created two streams of short-term international experiences that will build your global awareness, connect you to a network of like-minded peers and give you a space to develop personally, professionally & academically. And, they fit within your regular UTM semester. Both our Academic and Co-Curricular Experiences offer in-person and virtual options to explore the world in a variety of ways.
Why UTM Abroad?
| The short-term experiences offered by UTM Abroad fit within your study breaks, so you can continue to take your regular UTM courses uninterrupted. |
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| One international component fee covers flights, transportation, accommodation, meals and in-country activities associated with the course. |
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| Travel with a UTM Staff member with crisis response and first aid training to support your health and well-being abroad. |
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| 24hr on-call support in Canada from the International Education Centre's on-call representative during travel periods. |
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| One-on-one advising pre- and post-trip to support your participation in these experiences. |
