The theme of the 2024 event, "International Student Mental Health and Well-Being: A Collective Responsibility," addressed challenges facing international students in Canada, including food and housing insecurity, language and financial barriers, academic expectations and social integration. Hosted by the Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies and the Division of Student Success, the conference took place on February 29 at St. James Campus.
Marija Padjen, Director of the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH) and Chief Clinical Officer at CMHA Ontario, delivered the event's first keynote address, which outlined the factors that prompted CICMH to develop its International Student Mental Health Tool Kit. Maneet Chahal, Founder of Soch Mental Health, delivered the event's second keynote, outlining her organization's efforts to promote critical discussions around student mental health in the South Asian community.
The event included breakout sessions and workshops exploring topics related to international students' well-being, including human trafficking and loneliness. Attendees heard directly from international students during an afternoon panel discussion.
Participants explored a range of supports and resources, including:
- Ideas for professors regarding teaching strategies and program supports
- Innovative counselling approaches
- Successful peer support models
"Thank you to everyone who participated in and attended this year's conference. We are proud of the incredible lineup of speakers, sessions and networking opportunities this event provided and are confident everyone left with new tools and ideas on how better to support the mental health and well-being of international students," said Susan Toews, Dean of George Brown College's Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies.
"The high demand for this year’s conference reflects the urgency to address international students’ mental health and well-being. We are proud to lead critical dialogue and actions to support students at GBC and beyond."
