In 2022-23, the Centre for International Experience (CIE) piloted the Community Welcome Program —a visionary project aimed at enhancing peer-to-peer and peer-to-alumni engagement to cultivate a sense of inclusion, growth and community across U of T’s global campus.
Working in partnership with the Faculty of Arts and Science (FAS) and the FAS colleges, this dynamic initiative connected first-year international students new to Canada who were living off campus with (FAS) alumni. This unique connection not only empowered students to navigate the vibrant city of Toronto but also facilitated the building of robust networks amongst themselves and with college alumni.
Students connected with experienced alumni and each other to form housemate groups and registered for U of T welcome events. In addition to the initial late August weekend, the group convened four times over the year (Thanksgiving, winter break, February reading week and end of academic year). Since its August inception, the program grew to include more than 20 alumni and more than 50 students.
“…the team did a wonderful job at making us the international students feel more connected and welcomed at U of T especially some of us, like myself, who are commuters.“