ISE Student Advisory Committee
The International Student Experience Student Advisory Committee (ISESAC) provides advice and feedback to staff representatives from the Centre for International Experience (CIE) on the strategic direction, services, physical space, and programming related to international student experience on the U of T St. George campus.
The responsibilities of the committee are to:
- Advise on and recommend improvements to international student experience (ISE) services and programs (health insurance, legal status services, building community, understanding U of T and enrichment programs)
- Advise on student outreach efforts throughout the University
- Assist with identifying new programs and initiatives
- Recommend future directions and possible areas for development
The advisory committee meets up to 6 times in an academic year (approximately 1-2 times per semester).
ISESAC consists of up to 10 registered U of T St. George campus students:
- At least two international students* in an undergraduate program studying full-time or part-time
- At least two international students in a professional faculty or graduate program studying full-time or part-time
ISESAC aims to include representation from a range of home countries, programs, and experiences. Applications from racialized students, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation university students, and students with disabilities are highly encouraged.
All representatives serve for a one-year term. For 2023-2024, the term will run from April to April. A student may be reappointed for up to one additional year.
If a student resigns from the committee prior to the end of term, the vacancy will be filled by a new applicant.
Students will earn CCR recognition for participating in the committee. Please note that students must attend at least 4 meetings a year in order to qualify for CCR recognition.
*Priority is given to international students, but domestic students with relevant experience may be considered (e.g. those with refugee status, recent newcomers).
Applications are now open for the 2023-2024 term!
To apply, please fill out the Microsoft Form before April 2nd, 10:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact cie.information@utoronto.ca.
Azadeh
Year and program of study: 4th year PhD candidate at Rehabilitation Science Institute.
From the first year I started my PhD here at UofT, I became involved in international student communities such as ISESAC. This was because I myself encountered many challenges along the way and saw room for improvement with the support of the university. I attended different workshops and events offered by CIE and saw how hard they were working to help international students. At CIE, they know being an international student is not easy and that it takes a lot of courage to make a decision to leave your home country and all the knowns for better opportunities and many unknowns. Joining ISESAC is probably my last opportunity to help make changes for international students before I graduate next year. I hope in this position, I can help improve the international student experience at UofT so that they feel belonged and know that they are valued and applauded for their courage and for being proactive every step of the way.
Charlotte
Year and program of study: Second year undergraduate, Psychology Specialist and Education & Society Minor.
As international students, we often face additional challenges apart from academics such as language barriers, cultural differences, and living alone. In the past two years, the pandemic has made the whole situation more complicated and worse. Many international students described the process as “a tough transition”. Being a member of ISESAC allows me to give comments and feedback based on my own experience and observations to the CIE directly, especially in ways to promote resources to more international students. Ultimately, I hope to create a welcoming environment for all international students and a positive, vibrant community at the University of Toronto.
Frances
Year and program of study: Year 2, Master of Social Work.
I am dedicated to sharing perspectives on international student programs and services and enhancing international student engagement on the campus. I need to hold the University accountable and responsive to international students and their concerns. I would also hope to foster a supportive intercultural learning community among international students and be an accessible and visible resource for the community.
Juliana
After having a great first year at UofT as an international student, I decided to join ISESAC with the hope of giving back to the community that has welcomed me whilst also working towards programs and changes that can facilitate the international student experience. Moving far away from home to engage and discover the opportunities the university has to offer comes with a series of challenges that can go unnoticed by many. I aspire to shine light upon issues such as home sickness, imposter syndrome as well as any language barriers that might come into play. Most importantly, however, I want to create and improve access to support for international students who must adjust to and navigate a campus, country and culture that is foreign to them. I hope to work collaboratively in the committee to achieve quantifiable results that benefit international students directly.
Viet Minh Nguyen (Michael)
Year and program of study: 2nd year Chemical Engineering.
As an international student myself, I received many supports from the CIE, especially info sessions on Study Permit, SIN number, Tax, etc. I joined ISESAC with the hope to represent international students by providing feedback on the currently provided resources and help spread this useful information to other international students at UofT. I also look forward to contributing to the development of new programs/activities for the CIE in the upcoming year.
wendy
Year and Program of Study: 1st year; Master of Education in Curriculum and Pedagogy
As an international student who came to Canada in 2016, Xinyue has been exposed to a diverse student body before she came to U of T. Through long-term commitment as a mentor for international students, Xinyue has been aware of most challenges faced by international students in a Canadian university. This year, she feels very honored to join ISESAC, where she can advise on and recommend future directions on programs and initiatives related to international student experience.
Wenxing
Year and program of study: 4th year, Economics & Political Science.
As an international student going abroad alone, I am well aware of the hardship and loneliness along the journey. I joined ISESAC out of the wish to make more international students’ lives easier and more enjoyable. I hope to provide helpful advice to U of T on programs and policies that benefit international students. I wanted to call for the promotion of equal rights and opportunities for international students with their local colleagues. I wish to draw U of T’s attention to international students’ mental health, especially those transitioning to university alone. I hope to urge the University to care for international students whose home countries are suffering from war, political injustice, and non-humanitarian acts, providing them with necessary assistance.
Coming soon