Guide to International Student Success

1. Guide to
International
Student Success
International Student Support (ISS)
LAURIER INTERNATIONAL

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3. What is
Laurier International?
Laurier International is a centre of activity
and information for international and domestic
students. Our programs, events and initiatives
seek to promote and expand intercultural
engagement across the Laurier community and
to provide all students with the educational,
social and cultural opportunities that will help
them become global citizens. We invite you to
visit our office and find the best ways to become
an active part of the Laurier community.
What does
International Student
Support do for you?
The International Student Support (ISS)
department is the main resource for international
students to get everything they need related
to living and studying in Canada. ISS also offers
programs and services to expand on your academic
learning, increase your community engagement
and develop the skills you need for a life of
leadership and purpose.
From immigration requirements and life necessities
to making a successful academic transition and
supporting your health and well-being, the ISS
team is here to provide you with any guidance
and resources you may need to make your time at
Laurier happy, healthy and successful.
Get to know our friendly, dedicated team on page 9.
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5. You have worked hard to get to Laurier and we want to see you build on that success.
With ISS, you can find multiple ways to strengthen your academic performance and
develop academic skills while gaining a better understanding of the expectations
and requirements at Laurier.
Meet with an International Student Advisor (ISA) to discuss your academic transition,
learn about university procedures and regulations, get advice on career development,
and to have all your questions and concerns addressed. Participate in an Academic
Transition Workshop and gain skills in note-taking, writing, effective reading, group
work and more. Join us for a SPEAK session and discuss topics like university culture,
campus life and health at school while developing your cultural awareness and language
skills, all in a comfortable and informal setting. ISS offers opportunities and guidance to
students in all years and programs of study to help you achieve academic success.
ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS:
• Academic transition program
• First-language tutoring
• International Headstart
• International orientation
• International student advising
• International student emergency bursary
• SPEAK program
• Graduate student support
Discover opportunities
for success.
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ELVIRA SATHURNI
DUBAI
Third year Health Sciences
“ Laurier is my home because
of its resourceful tight knit
community, the support
services available on campus
from academics to navigating
yourself independently, and
the diverse opportunities to
get involved!”

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7. University is an exciting time in your life and studying in a different country means
establishing a new home for yourself. Through ISS, you can find a variety of social,
cultural and athletic pursuits to become involved with the community, meet people
with shared interests, and discover the activities and events that will really make
Laurier your home away from home.
Join the cricket team and compete in the Canadian College Cricket League against 12
other universities and colleges. Meet new people, share your cultural experiences and
enjoy great food at the Global Kitchen. Become a member of the International Student
Association and organize trips, events and activities while promoting cross-cultural
communication and awareness across the Laurier community. With so many options,
we’re confident you’ll find the best ways to truly feel at home at Laurier.
ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS:
• Athletics and recreation (intramurals, cricket, ping pong)
• Coffee club
• Cooking and nutrition courses
• Drop-in lunches
• Global kitchen community space
• Holiday host program
• Laurier international filmmakers guild
• International Student Association
• International Students in Residence liaison
(supporting LEAF students)
• Multicultural gala
• Speak your language (student wellness)
• Weekly newsletter
Make Laurier your
home away from home.
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ROSALINE NOVELIA
INDONESIA
Fourth year Economics with
Management Option
“ I am a Peer Mentor for
international students, which
I’ve done since my second year
at Laurier. Laurier International
has given me the opportunity to
embrace my passion of helping
other students.”

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9. At Laurier, you will do more than just earn your degree. You will also have
opportunities for professional development and learning beyond the classroom that
will help give you a complete and well-rounded student experience. ISS provides a
variety of programs that you can access as you progress through university and plan
for the years after graduation.
Join the International Student Leadership program and develop leadership and
communication skills needed to become an International Student Leader and provide
guidance and support to international students who are new to Laurier. Participate in
the International Student Work Experience program to gain valuable work experience
while completing your degree. Take advantage of our immigration advising service and
tax information sessions to help you fully understand and prepare for life in Canada.
Come by to see us about these and the many other programs available to you.
ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS:
• Career development strategy
• Engaging with Canadian culture
• Immigration advising
• International student work experience program
• International student leadership program
• Outdoor experience program
• Tax information session
• UHIP/health insurance support
Get the complete
student experience.
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TALHA NAEEM
PAKISTAN
Third year Digital Media
and Journalism
“ With the right support and
mentoring I was able to get
involved in community and
volunteer work as early as in my
first year and this enhanced my
learning experience by a great
extent. Later, all these experiences
helped me to meet job market
requirements and get employed.”

10. BEN YANG
Director, Global Engagments
As a former international student from China, I have first-hand experience with making
a successful transition to university in Canada. In moving from a service user to a service
provider, I have worked with thousands of international students to help them find their
own success in university. I look forward to the ways I can help you be successful while
at Laurier.
PETER DONAHUE, RISIA
Associate Director, International Student Support
I have been working with international students for close to 25 years and currently I am
the Chair of the Waterloo Region’s Immigration Partnership.I look forward to meeting
you during the various community events organized by International Student Support.
MIKE AGUIAR
International Student Advisor: Student Engagement (Waterloo)
I’m a graduate of Laurier Brantford myself so I know firsthand what a special place
Laurier is to study. When I finished my undergrad, I taught in Korea for a year and I’ve
been involved in international education ever since. Stop by my office to chat about
academics, ways to get involved with the Laurier community, transition into a new
culture or Marvel movies.
TEEBA ALSAFAR
International Student Advisor (Brantford)
In my role I focus on assisting international students with their cultural and academic
transition. I also plan and implement programming that is geared to those outcomes.
I help students with questions about immigration, academics, and life plans. I have been
in the field of international education for over 9 years and have received an MEd
(Counselling Psychology) degree from Memorial University.
CLAIRE D’ALTON
Administrative Assistant/Receptionist (Waterloo)
Welcome to Laurier International. I am the first face you will be greeted with when you
come into our office. I have been with Laurier International since January 2013 and have
loved every minute of meeting our new international students.
INTERNATIONALSTUDENTSUPPORTSTAFF
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CHARLENE MAK
International Student Advisor: Immigration and Regulations (Waterloo) I’m a first
generation Canadian with parents from Hong Kong. I grew up seeing the struggles and
barriers that newcomers face and am never surprised by the strength and courage people
have when faced with these challenges. I learned how to bridge the gap between the
Chinese and Canadian cultures and am trying to do the same for my children. Depending
on the day you ask me I will either be Canadian or Chinese but I will always say yes to sushi.
Looking forward to getting to know you and hear about your successes.
CARLA MANGAHIS
Administrative Assistant/Receptionist (Brantford)
I was born and raised in Philippines and moved to Canada when I was 7 years old. I’m a
recent graduate of the Concurrent Education program at Laurier. As a student, I was
involved with the Students’ Union, the school’s bookstore, the Department of Residence,
and Laurier International. In my free time, I enjoy trying new food, reading good stories and
spending time with my friends and family.
JUNIOR RAMSORAM
International Graduate Student Assistant (Waterloo)
I am a Masters student and one of the many student staff here to help create meaningful
bridges between students, staff and other units on campus. I work closely with students,
providing pre-arrival support and assisting with the preparation and organization of
events and workshops to support students. I am passionate about connecting, navigating
and building relationships that will foster support for graduate students and Laurier. You
can find me at Laurier International or Veritas Café, looking for a coffee!
CANDACE STEWART-SMITH
International Student Academic Transition Advisor (Waterloo)
I am a former international student at both the undergraduate and graduate level so I
personally relate to the various feelings you have when thinking about your journey to a
new country and to an academic system that brings new challenges and opportunities. I
enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories on life so I hope that you will come to meet
me. I have your best interests at heart and I wish you a warm welcome to your new life!

12. wlu.ca/laurier-international
LINT-1571-JUL17
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
WATERLOO | BRANTFORD | Kitchener | Toronto
WATERLOO
75 University Avenue W
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3C5
Arts Building, 2A01
T 519.884.0710 x2227
laurierinternational@wlu.ca
BRANTFORD
73 George Street
Brantford, Ontario
Canada N3T 2Y3
Dalhousie Centre 138
T 519.756.8228 x5418
lbinternational@wlu.ca
WilfridLaurierInternationalStudents