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A series of workshops and social events designed to help international students adapt to their new life at Queen’s has wrapped up for the semester.

The World Link program’s final event, held last week, focused on culture, identity, and inclusivity. Stephanie Simpson, Director of the Human Rights Office, led the session, and talked about how identity may be interpreted in Canada while providing tips and resources for navigating difficult circumstances.

The program is facilitated by the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) and is delivered in partnership with Student Wellness Services, the Student Experience Office, and the Human Rights Office. It will be offered again in the winter term.

The World Link program was enhanced this year to focus on intercultural communication skills and competencies, resiliency, and the appreciation of diverse cultures. The events are co-led by students fostering peer-to-peer engagement and learning.  

QUIC Director Jyoti Kotecha says undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students in all years and programs, both international and domestic, are invited to participate. All events are drop-in and registration is not required.

“The World Link discussions and activities help students develop skills, ease cultural transitions, and enhance knowledge and perspectives,” she says. “It is great to see students leave the sessions feeling empowered and confident in their ability to successfully bridge cultural differences, and to feel better prepared to fully engage in student life at Queen’s.”  

Jing Wang (Con.Ed’18) is a teacher candidate in concurrent education who volunteers with World Link. She grew up in Toronto, went to high school in Shanghai, and spent a semester on exchange in Germany.

"The workshops and events that the World Link program hold help both domestic and international students learn from and support one another. And so, while our events are designed to promote intercultural awareness, they are also an opportunity to make new friends, and we have been pleased to see many returning attendees at our events and workshops. Having the social support from other peers can make a big difference in one's transition into another country and also enrich one's university experience in general," she says.

For more information on World Link or other Queen’s events, visit .