Global Student Centre Events
At the Global Student Centre (GSC), International Services for Students offers an array of social events aimed at fostering connections among international students at SFU, cultivating an inclusive global community on campus, and celebrating intercultural diversity at SFU.
Who can participate in the GSC events?
Open to all 51猎奇入口students, the GSC events are catered specifically to students from international pathways, including international undergraduate and graduate students, study abroad and exchange students, and any other newcomer students from outside of Canada.
What are the benefits of participating in the GSC events?
A key part of your success at 51猎奇入口is in creating a supportive community around you. Our campus is home to students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds worldwide. We're truly a global hub. Don't miss out on the opportunity to connect with your peers from all around the world.
Get Started at SFU
Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page:
- Family Coffee Connect for Parents & Caregivers of International Students
- International Student Welcome Socials
- Social Insurance Number Clinic - Apply for Your SIN on Campus
Connect & Create
Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page:
- Creative Collective - Wellbeing through Creative Expressions
- Global Caf茅 - Chat and Connect
- Global Connect - Intercultural Socials with Global Cuisines
Support & Campus Resources
Use the links below to navigate to different sections on this page:
- Pop-Up Pantry - Free Groceries for 51猎奇入口Students
- Conversational English for the Canadian Workforce
- International/Multilingual Teaching Assistants Info Sessions
Get Started at SFU
Hosted by 51猎奇入口Student Recruitment & Admissions and 51猎奇入口International Services for Students, this event is free and open to families of international students.
While your student is attending Welcome Day activities, please join us at the Global Student Center. This is your chance to connect with other parents and caregivers, to ask our staff questions, to share stories, and also just to relax over refreshments.
Our doors will be open, so please drop by, even just to say hi and experience this dedicated space that has international multilingual students in mind.
Date: September 8
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Welcome (and welcome back) to SFU! Whether you are a new or returning international student, we invite you to kick off the new semester with the International Student Welcome Socials. We are excited to offer special snacks each day to energize and cheer you on as you start the semester.
Our friendly team will be there to welcome you, share what events and services we have lined up for you at our centre, and answer any questions you might have.
You鈥檙e welcome to join any of the welcome socials that fit your schedule.
Date:
51猎奇入口Burnaby:
- Date: September 17
- Time: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
- Drop in anytime
- Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
51猎奇入口Surrey:
- Date: September 15
- Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Drop in anytime
- Location: Mezzanine, Surrey Centre Building
Service Canada is coming to 51猎奇入口to help you obtain your SIN on campus. Please note that this event is open to ALL 51猎奇入口students. Family members and partners of 51猎奇入口students are also welcome to attend. Individual registration is required.
Dates:
51猎奇入口Burnaby:
- Dates: September 10
- Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
51猎奇入口Surrey:
- Date: September 9
- Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Location: Mezzanine, Surrey Centre Building
Connect & Create
In collaboration with 51猎奇入口Health and Counselling and the Global Student Centre, "Creative Collective" is a safe and inclusive space for students to hang out, meet new people, eat lunch together, and participate in fun and creative activities, including crafts and games.
Creative Collective uses the as a guide, we explore different kinds of activities to maintain our well-being through creative learning and expression - however that looks to you.
No Material? No Problem!
We will supply all the materials. All activities are optional - you can enjoy doing crafts or simply hang out and connect with others.
Please Note:
- The session is free and open to all 51猎奇入口students
- Registration is encouraged for you to receive reminders and supply planning; drop-ins are always welcome.
- Refreshments and snacks will be served throughout the event.
- You have the flexibility to come and go from the event anytime from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
Dates & Activities:
- September 23 - DIY Bulletin Boards
- October 6 - Shrink Art (aka: Shrinky Dinks)
- October 21 - Minute to Win it Games + Puzzles & Board Games
- November 3 - Individual Canvas Painting
- November 18 - Ojo Dios Weaving Art
- December 1 - Crafty Card Creations
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Drop in anytime
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free
Join the Global Caf茅 to:
- Meet new international & domestic students across different faculties.
- Share tips about life and school
- Learn from each other's life experiences.
- Enjoy special cafe snacks & drinks
The Global Student Center (GSC) has a relaxed atmosphere and welcoming vibes so drop by as we鈥檇 love to share time together!
Sample discussion topics:
- Adapting to your new life in Canada
- Making friends and social connections in Canada
- Dealing with the feeling of homesickness in Canada
Dates & Times:
- September 24 | 12:30 - 2 PM
- October 7 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM
- October 20 | 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Drop in anytime
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free
Join us for a fun and welcoming event series that brings students together through culture, food, and connection. Each event features authentic flavours from around the world, along with engaging activities and great prizes.
At these events, you can:
- Meet and connect with fellow 51猎奇入口students
- Take part in fun, interactive activities
- Enjoy snacks, refreshments, and a chance to win prizes
Come experience the diversity of our 51猎奇入口community鈥攅veryone is welcome!
Dates & Themes:
- To be announced
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free
STAY TUNED FOR FALL 2026 DATES
Support & Campus Resources
Global Student Centre is partnering with to support students at SFU! Thanks to the generosity of Inlet United Church and Greater Vancouver Food Bank, many of the food donations, including fresh produce, will be available this term.
We understand that food insecurity can be a challenge, and we're here to help ease that burden. Join us at the Global Student Centre to pick up some essentials.
Please Note:
- Free groceries will be offered throughout the event until supplies last.
- This event is free and open to all undergraduate and graduate 51猎奇入口students, including international, exchange, and study abroad, and students from international pathways.
Dates:
- September 15
- October 13 Note: Location at BLU 11901
- November 10
- December 8
Time: 12 PM - 1 PM
Drop in anytime
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free
Conversational English for the Canadian Workforce sessions at the Global Student Centre helps students whose first language is not English practice speaking English in job interview and networking situations.
Each session includes supportive, low-pressure activities such as short role plays, sample interview questions, small-group conversations, and useful workplace expressions. Students gain confidence using English in professional contexts while discussing cultural expectations, communication styles, and common challenges faced by newcomers.
This is a conversation practice workshop鈥攏ot a r茅sum茅 or job search seminar. Facilitators provide structure and language support so students can speak more clearly, confidently, and professionally.
Dates & Times:
- September 29
- October 6
- October 27
- November 10
- November 17
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free
In collaboration with the Centre for Educational Excellence, we will offer sessions designed for graduate students at the Global Student Centre.
By participating in 3 of these workshops over 2 semesters, you will receive a letter of completion from ISS/CEE. Further details will be shared in the workshops.
Session Topics:
How to Apply to be a TA
Are you interested in becoming a Teaching Assistant but are unsure how the application process works? This session will give you the key information you need. In the first part, we will explain where to find TA job postings, what to include in your application, and how to make your r茅sum茅 clear, targeted, and easy to read.
We will also show examples of transferable skills and teaching experience you can highlight, as well as share the online supports available on Canvas to help you prepare.
The last part is a Q & A, where you can ask questions and get practical advice for your own situation.
By the end of this workshop, you will be able to:
- Identify where and how to find current TA job postings.
- Understand what makes a strong, clear, and focused TA application.
- Recognize which of your skills and experiences to highlight to strengthen your application.
This session is a helpful starting point for anyone thinking about applying to be a TA鈥攏o previous teaching experience needed.
Language for Facilitating Tutorials
Calling all multilingual Teaching Assistants: Do you need some support for when you are preparing to lead tutorial discussions or labs?鈥� Would you like to practice facilitation skills for these sessions?
Join other multilingual graduate students in this workshop鈥痶o鈥痚xplore language for鈥痵tarting conversations, giving instructions, navigating tricky situations, transitioning between鈥痶opics,鈥痑nd using strong questions to promote understanding鈥痠n your tutorials and labs.鈥痀ou will learn some strategies and practices that you can apply right away that will help in your development as a confident and competent TA!
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Describe and select a range of contextualized facilitation strategies
- Produce context-specific language to support your teaching roles
- Identify concrete ways to build your confidence as a TA
- Explain the connection between TA clarity and student learning
Facilitating Tricky Situations in Tutorials
Calling all multilingual Teaching Assistants: Do you want to feel more comfortable in handling tricky tutorial situations, such as when none of your students are participating, or when one person dominates discussion? Would you like to practice how to facilitate a session when the discussion gets heated, or when an inappropriate comment is made? Join other multilingual graduate students in this workshop to practice some common scenarios and become more comfortable in applying facilitation skills to a range of situations.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Increase your comfort levels in addressing common 鈥淲hat do I do when鈥︹�� tutorial scenarios using appropriate language
- Identify ways to motivate students to participate when no one is
- Serve as a role model for the conduct you expect from students
Marking and Providing Feedback
Calling all multilingual Teaching Assistants: Do鈥痽ou have questions about marking and providing feedback on student assignments? Are you interested鈥痠n鈥痩earning and applying some鈥痶ime-saving strategies for effective marking and feedback?鈥疛oin other multilingual graduate students in this workshop to鈥痩earn, explore,鈥痑nd share鈥痶ips鈥痠ncluding鈥痷sing鈥痳ubrics, practicing equitable鈥痬arking,鈥痑nd efficient feedback that supports student learning.
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Identify steps to support students鈥� learning when marking assignments and assessments
- Use key strategies to mark a written assignment
- Identify and select appropriate equitable approaches to marking assessments
- Explain where to find procedural grading support
Facilitators:
EAL Consultants Eilidh Singh and Amanda Wallace from the Centre for Educational Excellence will be facilitating the session.
Topics & Dates:
- September 24 - How to Apply to be a TA
- October 8 - Language for Facilitating Tutorials
- October 22 - Language for Facilitating Tricky Situations in Tutorial
- November 5 - Marking and Providing Feedback
Location: Global Student Centre (AQ 2013)
Cost: Free