The SGPS is committed to better serving the needs of international students and highlighting the value of international scholarship. To that end, the SGPS has a commission dedicated to the needs of international students. As your student government, it is the SGPS’ job to advocate on your behalf. Should you want to get involved or have ideas for events or advocacy, contact the international student affairs commissioner directly (international@sgps.ca). You can also connect with this commission in their Facebook Group.
Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC)
This is the main support office for international students on campus. They offer consulting to international students and have a handy guidebook for how to get settled on campus and in Kingston. They also offer a variety of cross-cultural and language programming. Their website is home to a variety of resources that is useful for international students.
Website: https://quic.queensu.ca/
Contact: quic@queensu.ca
Address: Mitchell Hall, 208 (2nd floor)
The SGPS International Graduate Student Network (IGSN)
In an effort to create more soft infrastructure the SGPS has been working to launch an international graduate student network. This is a network of international students or representatives interested in international student affairs on and off-campus. The goal is to ensure that all departments have some representatives that are listening to the needs of international students and for students themselves to begin to forge more networking and communication between them. Should you want to join this network or find out how to be involved send an email to the international student affairs commissioner (international@sgps.ca). Should you have information that is pertinent to international students and would like it to reach the network, you can email them on this listserv (igsn@sgps.ca)
The International Student Working Group (ISWG)
This is a group of graduate students who are passionate about fairness for international graduate students. They tend to generate single-issue campaigns and have been working for the past two years on a campaign encouraging the university to make international graduate students’ payable fees the same as their domestic peers. If you want to find out more and/or would like to be involved in one of their campaigns you can connect with them using the information below.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/QueensISWG
Contact: iswg@sgps.ca
The Ban Righ Centre
While serving international students is not an explicit part of their mandate, the Ban Righ Centre is often thought of as a home away from home for many international students, particularly mature female students or those with children. They offer student advising, free lunches, and have access to emergency funds should you need them.
Website: https://banrighcentre.queensu.ca/
Contact: banrighcentre@queensu.ca
Address: 32 Bader Lane, Kingston
Student Academic Success Services (SASS)
SASS does an incredible amount of good work and is a resource for all graduate students on campus. They are particularly useful for international students who might need some English language support and help with time management. Book an individual appointment, join one of their workshops or make use of their numerous online resources by visiting their website.
Website: https://sass.queensu.ca/
Contact: academic.success@queensu.ca
Address: Joseph S. Stauffer Library
Career Services
If you are looking for employment opportunities outside of your department and/or TA and RA responsibilities then Career Services might have some options available to you. Career Services not only lists job opportunities available on campus but they have consultants who can help you bolster your CV and improve your interview skills.
Website: https://careers.queensu.ca/
Contact: mycareer@queensu.ca
Address: Gordon Hall, 3rd floor
PSAC 901
PSAC 901 is the local union that works on employment-related issues on campus. They work on bargaining and represent the interests of students who are working a Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, amongst others. PSAC 901 has been a vocal supporter and advocate for the fair treatment of international students and has also established an International Student Caucus to ensure that international students labour needs and concerns are being addressed.
Website: http://psac901.org/
Contact: info@psac901.org
Kingston Immigration Partnership (KIP)
KIP works to help newcomers to Kingston integrate into the community and offers a wide variety of cultural and language programming, and a bouquet of support services.
Website: https://kipcouncil.ca/
Contact: 613-544-4661 ext. 5156
Address: 263 Weller Avenue, Kingston
KEYS Job Centre
KEYS offers services to help community members look for work in Kingston and they have a variety of services for immigrants in particular.
Website: https://keys.ca/
Contact: info@keys.ca
Address: 182 Sydenham Street, Kingston