New beginnings for new arrivals

International tour of campus — Fiona McConnell-Radford, a fourth-year psychology student and Queen's tour guide, leads a group of international students through Mackintosh-Corry Hall. (University Communications)

Newly-arrived international students have been getting an early look around Queen’s University as they prepare for the winter term.

The ��˴�Ƭ International Centre (QUIC) has been welcoming the new arrivals with its International Welcome and Orientation activities, including tours of campus and downtown, social events, and information sessions presented by QUIC leaders.

On Jan. 2 and 3, QUIC offered guided tours, showing international students how to make their way around campus and locate important resources, while also providing information about some of the main buildings and history of the university.

Brazil’s Paola Dantonio took part in the QUIC tour and found it helpful in finding out more about campus.

She arrives at Queen’s to pursue a PhD in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Studies.

International students who have arrived for the winter term start a campus tour offered by QUIC at Mitchell Hall. (University Communications)

“I came to Queen’s because of my supervisor, Dr. Lynne Postovit. I was in Edmonton at the University of Alberta with her for my master’s,” she explains. “This is her alma mater and she came back to Queen’s earlier this year as the head of the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Studies. I wanted to work with her and she told me a lot of good things about Queen’s such as the high quality of the students and she said it was a good university.”

Located in Mitchell Hall, QUIC supports the student experience at Queen’s and hosts events throughout the year.

Support activities for international students continue throughout the winter term in collaboration with various Division of Student Affairs and faculty units, including advising, information sessions, learning workshops, drop-in assistance, the QUIC English Conversation Program, and intercultural training.

QUIC also hosts events such as a games night, a movie night and trips to help students make connections and gain a more Canadian experience.

“Over the past few days, we have enjoyed welcoming new international students to Queen’s and welcoming back returning students,” says Amanda Gray, QUIC International Student Advisor. “ Campus can be pretty quiet over the winter break and it has been great to connect with returning students through our extended hours and social events. We look forward to supporting new and returning students during the Winter 2020 Term.”

Find out more about these events on the .

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