Guide to First Year
International Students
Did you know that one in four U of T Engineering students are from outside of Canada? Toronto and U of T are truly global communities where the world comes together.
Brianna MacDonald, First Year Advisor, Intercultural Learning and Experience, and Irma Berardi, Undergraduate Student Advisor, Years 1 & 2 (International), Engineering Science, are available to help you transition successfully as you navigate this exciting time. In addition to academic advising, they can help you grow your intercultural understanding and global awareness through:
- The First-Year E-Buddy Program is an optional peer-mentorship program that supports your transition to the Fall Term. Our E-Buddies are upper-year students who can answer your questions about life at U of T Engineering. You will get to know a friendly face before classes start and connect with fellow students. All international students will be invited to participate in sessions in June. The program will be offered online and will involve informative workshops and informal meet-ups.
- Exploring your cultural and global identities as a domestic or international student, and recognizing how culture can influence behaviour and expectations in academic and personal contexts.
- Applying frameworks of intercultural communication to how you can successfully collaborate in teams.
- Creating intercultural competency and global learning goals to better engage with local and global communities.
To connect with Brianna, send an email to firstyear@engineering.utoronto.ca. To connect with Irma Berardi, email engsci12.intl@utoronto.ca.
If you studied at a Canadian high school on a secondary institution study permit, you should apply for a post-secondary study permit. You can begin your studies at U of T with a secondary institution study permit if it is still valid: uofteng.ca/immigration
Centre for International Experience
Located close to the engineering buildings on the south side of campus is the University of Toronto’s Centre for International Experience (CIE). The CIE supports our diverse community of international students and facilitates experiences for all students looking to go abroad. Throughout the year, CIE hosts a number of events that will connect you with other students and services at U of T. CIE events are posted at the Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network’s website.
Here are some CIE resources that you might wish to explore in the summer months:
Pre-Arrival
Before you arrive in Toronto, there are some things you’ll need to prepare for — everything from organizing your travel documents to finding a place to live. Check out the CIE’s Pre-Arrival information to ensure you’re prepared.
Advising for International Students
CIE’s advisors can provide personalized consultation to international students on immigration and transition to life as a U of T student.
International Student Experience Ambassador
Health Insurance
International students are automatically enrolled in two separate health care plans: your basic healthcare plan — University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) — and your Supplementary Healthcare Plan.
Health care in Canada can be expensive, but UHIP will help cover the costs of medical services at clinics and hospitals, such as visits to a doctor or emergency room, blood tests, X-rays and more.