International Students Resources
International Student Services (ISS)
International Student Services (ISS) at Student Success Center is an on-campus team offering a variety of professional support and programs for international and exchange students. If you seek any support for academics, employment, or immigration, the ISS website is there to help. ISS also organizes events to enrich international students’ extracurricular activities. Stay tuned for their emails - that’s where they announce the upcoming events. You can also find all of their events on OscarPlus.
Hamilton International Students (HIS)
Hamilton International Students (HIS) is a welcoming and friendly local community to help international students thrive in all aspects of life. Their most exciting event is the monthly community dinner, where you get to try delicious food and meet students from other countries. In friendship meals, you will be invited to a Canadian home to try their family dished and learn more about the local culture. HIS also offers programs such as leadership seminars and Speaking of English. Make sure you sign up for their newsletters for upcoming events.
Co-op
It could be challenging for international students to work in a foreign country. You might need to put in extra effort to make your resume and cover letter stand out. You might have to spend more time practicing the interview questions to sound more fluent. No matter how hard you try to blend into your team, there might still be times you feel like you are an outsider. However, once you go through all these struggles, you will be well-equipped for your future career. Co-op definitely gives you a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Here are some useful tips and resources to help you succeed in co-op hunting:
1. Apply for your work permit (if you haven’t)
The Immigration Advising page from ISS shows how to apply for the work permit step by step.
2. The Fireball Academy knows it all (definitely check it out)
The Fireball Academy page provides helpful tips on job search, written applications, and interviews. There are also resume and cover letter samples written by students as great references.
3. Book an appointment with The Engineering Co-op & Career Services (ECCS)
In in-person or virtual appointments, ECCS offers services from helping you develop your resume and cover letter to giving you tips on how to ace an interview and much more. The staff are super nice and helpful!
Appointments can be booked under OSCARplus —> Engineering —> Appointments
4. Also, feel free to reach out to me or the co-op team! We are more than willing to help!
VP International Student Affairs (ISA): huany190@mcmaster.ca
VP Co-op: gills100@mcmaster.ca
Contact information
MSE Society:
Email: msesocty@mcmaster.ca
Instagram: macmatlssociety
Anonymous Reporting Form
With two suitcases, one bag, and a mixed feeling of anxiety and excitement, I arrived at the land of Canada on my study permit. As my stay in Canada extended, I started to appreciate the kindness of people, the beauty of nature, and the diversity embedded in the culture more and more. But, on the other hand, I realized the difficulty of mastering another language and the huge gap between the two cultures. Sometimes, I am just tired of moving around and don’t have a place to settle down. Sometimes, I wonder how can I shine as bright as other students. Sometimes, I doubt if I can pay my parents back for the expensive tuition.
The struggle of being an international student could be unlimited. However, as difficult as it is, we continue, we fight, we grow, we learn, and we work hard. To all international/exchange students, regardless of the country you come from, we praise you and celebrate you. You are amazing enough to start a new life, as a student, in a foreign place with only two suitcases, one bag and a brave heart!