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.
Register for sessions on Folio:
Workshop: Resisting Messages that Your English “Isn’t Good Enough”
Have you ever been told – or felt – that your written or spoken English is inadequate? This workshop challenges the cultural messages of “good” versus “bad” forms of English and explores the language’s history as a diverse linguistic practice with numerous dialects and accents that are equally valid.
- Recognize the key differences between “English” and “Englishing”.
- Identify how language ideologies negatively impact English as an additional language (EAL) users.
- Reconsider accents as speech patterns – not problems – in communication.
- Brainstorm mindset practices to reduce self-criticism and perfectionism.
Register on Folio:
Workshop: Strategies for Expressing Your Ideas in Group Discussions
As a user of English as an additional language (EAL), do you sometimes find it challenging to express yourself due to the speed of group conversations? In this interactive workshop, reflect on how to activate your confidence while speaking with your peers during classroom and lab activities.
- Identify the causes of your nervousness while talking with classmates and instructors.
- Recognize your existing strengths contributing to group discussions.
- Brainstorm ways to get involved instantly in a conversation beyond spoken words.
- Set personal goals that are achievable and realistic for your academic activities.
Register on Folio:
Workshop: Your First Language as an Asset in Academic Learning
As a user of English as an additional language (EAL), you might have been encouraged to think and speak in “English-only” during your studies. While this might be one useful approach, this workshop features authentic narratives from past and current U of T students who have integrated their first language(s) while developing personalized and effective learning strategies.
- Weigh the benefits and limitations of using multilingual versus English-only strategies.
- Describe how translanguaging (i.e., using multiple languages) can support your learning in academic English.
- Create an “idiolect map,” representing your own unique and personal language.
- Consider how using all your languages including English can support confidence and motivation.
Register on Folio:
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.
This event will take place during the Winter 2026 semester.
Unable to attend an event?
Feel free to reach out to Yaseen Ali (he/him), Learning Strategist, Community & Intercultural Learning, for a one-on-one learning strategist appointment: yaseen.ali@utoronto.ca.
