Workshops & Sessions for International/Multilingual Students

We offer workshops and events for international and multilingual students at U of T.

Q&A Sessions: Learning at U of T as an International Student

Are you a first-year or returning international student? Join informal sessions facilitated by friendly student peer mentors from the Centre for Learning Strategy Support and the Centre for International Experience. After a short presentation, feel free to ask follow-up questions anonymously.

The Q&A Sessions will take place in August 2025.

Workshop: Strategies for Expressing Your Ideas in Group Discussions

As a multilingual student, do you sometimes find it challenging to express yourself with your peers due to feelings of nervousness or the speed of conversations? Would you like to feel more confident while participating in group activities and projects?

In this interactive workshop, explore how to manage nervousness and perfectionism while collaborating with others. And together, we’ll co-develop practical strategies that you can immediately apply in your classroom and lab activities.

Through group discussions and short activities:

• Identify the causes of nervousness while talking with peers.
• Recognize your existing strengths and abilities in group discussions.
• Brainstorm ways to get involved instantly in a conversation.
• Set personal goals that are achievable and realistic.

Please note: This workshop is designed for students who identify as users of English as an additional language (EAL). However, if you are a student who uses English as a first language and would find these strategies useful, you are also welcome to participate.

Register for sessions on Folio:

• Wednesday, January 22, 6 – 7:15 p.m. ET (Undergraduate Students, Virtual)
• Wednesday, January 29, 6 – 7:15 p.m. ET (Graduate Students, Virtual)

Workshop: Overcoming the Messaging that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough”

As a multilingual student, are there times when you feel that your English “isn’t good enough”? Have you ever been corrected without permission? Do you find yourself staying quiet during conversations or apologizing when you speak up?

Through storytelling and open discussion, this workshop will address the impacts of these experiences on users of English as an additional language (EAL), and critically examine where negative messages about varieties of English come from.

Also learn about:

• Englishes used around the world (e.g., forms, dialects, accents).
• Language practices such as “Englishing”.
• Ways to challenge accent-related discrimination.
• Mindset practices to reduce self-criticism and perfectionism.
• Strategies to engage your audience without apologizing.

Please note: This workshop is designed for students who identify as users of English as an additional language (EAL).

Register for sessions on Folio:

• Wednesday, February 5, 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET (Undergraduate Students, Virtual)
• Wednesday, February 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m. ET (Graduate Students, Virtual)

Connect & Reflect: International Student Dinner

Join other international students at U of T to expand your networks, receive advice from upper-year mentors and enjoy a hot dinner.

Reflect upon your learning and professional goals through both guided activities and informal discussion in person. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to participate.

Student staff and peer mentors will also be present and happy to share their strategies with you about:

• Juggling academics, co-curricular activities and personal interests
• Making meaningful social connections and finding a community at U of T
• Working in Canada, planning ahead for graduation and imagining what’s next

This event is presented in partnership with the Centre for International Experience.

Thursday, February 6, 6 – 8 p.m. ET
Main Activity Hall, Multi-Faith Centre (569 Spadina Crescent)
Register for Connect & Reflect: International Student Dinner on Folio.