IEC hosts annual Thrive-In conference for international students
Attendees learned about navigating student life through panel discussions and networking.
On October 1, the University of Toronto Mississauga’s (UTM) International Education Centre (IEC) hosted its annual Thrive-In conference, a networking and panel event targeted towards first- and second-year international students.
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees gathered in room DV 3140 of the William G. Davis Building to meet peers and learn about student life. The session started with an “international bingo” icebreaker to help participants ease up and get to know each other. The session then continued with talks about academic practices, guidelines, and standards at the University of Toronto (U of T).
Presenters discussed essential information about academic integrity, grade point average, and program of study (POSt). They also discussed mentorship and student support resources students can access, such as International Student Success Coaching and the International Student Mentorship Program.
The event was divided by a dinner break, whereupon participants mingled over complimentary rice, potato slices, kebabs, salad, and dessert from campus catering. Overall, the atmosphere was light and easygoing, perfect for casual conversation between students and staff.
The second segment of the event focused on more information-heavy topics, such as visas, immigration, career planning, and exchange and study abroad programs. IEC Student Advisor Arshdeep Bindra went in-depth about international students’ legal rights, visa requirements, study permits, and future immigration opportunities.
Then followed Lucille Yi, Employment Strategist at the Career Centre. She provided an overview of on- and off-campus opportunities available to students, including work-study, research positions, and internships, among others. She also shed light on Career Centre resources like one-on-one appointments to help students develop their résumés and cover letters.
Lastly, two students who personally underwent the study abroad and exchange programs shared their experiences. They shared information about the application procedure and financial support for students.
The Medium interviewed attendees after Thrive-In for their thoughts on the evening’s proceedings.
Enjhkhuslen Terbish, a second-year international student planning to specialize in psychology, said she thinks that the IEC should host such events because many students are overwhelmed and confused about what resources are available to them.
“I did not even know that I had to file taxes as a student, I had no idea about POSt either. The confusion with study permits was also another big hassle, so in order to tackle these things, students need to have the right information, which can be given through these events,” Terbish shared.
First-year international student and aspiring microbiology specialist Giovanna Ravagnani de Oliveira expressed that she found Thrive-in to be comforting. “Being here at U of T has been a dream of mine since I was 10, but actually living the dream and it being something that I’m not used to is unsettling,” she shared. “Being here, though, makes it easier. Knowing that there are people in the same situation as me is comforting, making it easier for me to connect with them.”
She also praised Yi’s insights. “Lucy made it easier for me to understand and grasp, using satirical and candid language to help me get a better idea. I didn’t know that there were so many opportunities on campus with so much flexibility.” She concluded that she was feeling more prepared for university thanks to the event.
Students who attended the event were each given a co-curricular record credit and a success package, which included a LinkedIn certificate. Event organizers also provided free IEC-themed notepads, pens, and stickers featuring an anthropomorphic deer in a red suit.
The IEC will host its next event, a Diwali-themed Dinner and Dialogues, on October 9. The full list of IEC events and program offerings can be found on their website, on the “Program & Events” page.
