globe highlighting location of ChinaA Jan. 26 discussion of Chinese culture is intended to help faculty and staff better support international students.

Presentation to explore Chinese culture

An online session will introduce the customs, cuisine, geography — and more — of China at noon Wednesday, Jan. 26.

This free event is presented by the International Student Centre as part of its ISC Culture Series, intended to help staff and faculty deepen their understanding of, and provide better support to, students from around the world.

“The purpose is to engage our campus community in learning more about the cultures of the students who are most prominent here,” says ISC director Beth Oakley.

Students who have picked Windsor over other global institutions merit a high level of support, says program co-ordinator Romi Saraswat, international student advising consultant.

“Only when we have an enhanced understanding of their cultures, which reflects in their behaviour and mannerisms, can we form proper connections with these valued members of our community,” she says.

The series was previously offered as “brown bag lunch” in-person sessions; it will now be conducted as one-hour noontime webinars on Microsoft Teams.

Deena Wang, manager of international recruitment and partnerships, will lead the discussion via Microsoft Teams. Join the webinar here.

Sessions later this semester will focus on Indigenous cultures, Vietnam, and Nigeria, with dates and presenters to be announced later.

Sign up to express interest and receive an email reminder about future events.

The centre has also produced support materials for staff and faculty, including a handbook for incoming international students, tips on understanding their experiences, and a guide to providing them with support outside of the classroom.