Grad Step Up

Grad Step Up events will be held online for 2020.

Grad Step Up is an extended orientation program designed to support your transition to U of T as an incoming international graduate student by connecting you to key information, resources and communities on campus.

Join our Facebook Group to meet other students, find resources and ask questions.

Be sure to also check out other grad orientations!

For more information, contact gradstepup@utoronto.ca.

Program Eligibility
How The Program Works

After attending the Essentials for International Grad Students orientation webinar, join us for smaller sessions facilitated by returning international graduate students. Find session descriptions and registration details under Program Registration.

These interactive sessions will provide you with opportunities to meet other international students, engage in discussions about the international graduate student experience and ask all of your questions in a welcoming environment.
Program Student Team
Maryam

Preferred Pronoun: She/her/hers

Role on Team: Grad Step Up Facilitator

Best Thing About This Program: I believe this program helps the incoming international students to connect with each other, learn more about U of T and Toronto, and engage with extracurricular activities.

Status: graduate

Program of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Year of Study: 3rd year PhD

Interest(s):

Reading books (real Harry Potter fan)

Cooking (trying to master Asian cuisine)

Listening to music (especially soundtracks, Hans Zimmer rocks!)

Learn more about Maryam
Shashank

Preferred Pronoun: He/him/his

Role on Team: Grad Step Up Facilitator

Best Thing About This Program: Being an international student myself, I understand how overwhelming moving to a new place can be. I’m here to help incoming students from around the globe transition smoothly to U of T and Toronto.

Status: graduate

Program of Study: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Year of Study: 2nd year PhD

Interest(s):

Big foodie

Outdoor adventures

Anything tech

Learn more about Shashank
Program Registration

Grad Step Up 2020 Program

Registration opens August 1!

Essentials for International Grad Students

August 24, 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join us for this essential webinar that will cover information about your immigration responsibilities and working in Canada, different health insurance plans, and tips on living in Toronto as an international graduate student. This session will be presented by Centre for International Experience (CIE) staff, Graduate Union (GSU) staff and returning international graduate students.

A recording of this webinar will be available after the event.

Networking for International Grad Students

August 25, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

September 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

September 24, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

In this interactive session, you will learn about what networking is (and isn’t) and explore strategies to make it easier so you can start building meaningful relationships at U of T. Then you’ll get to put those strategies to practice and meet other international graduate students in a fun and informal setting. This session will be facilitated by a Career Educator or Centre for International Experience (CIE) staff and returning international graduate students.

Navigating U of T Systems, Resources and Your Own Expectations

October 21, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

October 29, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Join us for a session that will help you navigate your new experience at U of T as an international graduate student. Gain valuable tips and insights from returning international students on where to find what you need and learn from their experience. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own expectations and share your concerns and questions with other international students.

Effective Communication Skills for Diverse Platforms and Environments

November 18, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

November 26, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Join us for this interactive session where you will have the chance to explore your communication styles and preferences, and develop strategies to adapt them for different in-person and online platforms and environments. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your own experience and share your concerns and questions. This session will be facilitated by returning international graduate students.