International Postdoctoral Scholars

As an international postdoctoral scholar, there are several programs and services available to you.

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Student Development Centre (International and Exchange Student Centre)

The Student Development Centre organizes several events for international students and postdoctoral scholars:  For example:

• English Conversation Program (http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/int/services/index.html?ecp)

The English Conversation Program provides an opportunity to non-native English speakers to enhance their spoken English skills and to increase their confidence in using conversational English.

The SDC offer 2 types of programs:

1. English Conversation Circles are small in size. An English Conversation Circle Leader works with 3 to 5 participants. Circles meet for 1.5 hours a week for 8 weeks during a term.
2. English Conversation Groups are very similar to the Circles but are larger in size. An English Conversation Group Leader works with 6 to 9 participants. Groups meet for 2 hours each week for 8 weeks during each term.

Both programs are conducted in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Our English Conversation Circles and Group Leaders are volunteers who have been carefully selected and trained to facilitate the Circle and Groups.

How do I register?

If you would like to participate in the English Conversation Program, come to SDC's International and Exchange Student Centre (in the Western Student Services Building, 2120). You will have to complete a registration form and make an appointment to attend a brief interview (not a test) with the Program Coordinator. Registrations are accepted in September for the Fall term, January for the Winter term, and in May for the Summer term. There is a $5 program registration fee each term(this fee is non-refundable).

Registration Dates and Times:

• January 10 - 14, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• January 17 - 20, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SIGN UP EARLY! Demand is high and space is limited. Space is based on the availability of volunteers.

Sessions are held in different locations across campus.

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The Teaching Support Centre

There are many programs open and available to postdoctoral scholars through the Teaching Support Centre.

International Programs

• Communication in the Canadian Classroom
• Pathways to Canadian Academia
• Pronunciation in the Canadian Classroom
• Fluency in English Pronunciation for University Lecturers
• Teaching in the Canadian Classroom

Preparation for University Teaching

• Future Professor Workshop Series (22 sessions on various topics throughout the year)
• Winter Conference on Teaching (January)
• Spring and Fall Perspectives on Teaching (1 day conference for Faculty, May and August)

Mentoring at Critical Stages and Transition Points

• Mentoring Women
• Faculty Mentor Program: Preparation of the Research Grant Proposal

Career Development

• Graduate Career Day (Sept./Oct. - in collaboration with SGPS and Career Services)
• The Academic Job Search
• The Grad Life

Academic and Professional Communication

• The Language of Conference Presentations
• The Language of Research

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Information on filing my taxes as an international postdoctoral scholar?

As an international postdoc, you may also need to pay taxes in your home country.  Some of the considerations to keep in mind include:

• Are you considered as residents of Canada for tax purposes (not related to their immigration status)?
• Are you considered as residents in your country (for tax purposes) while they are living in Canada?
• Does Canada have a tax agreement with your country? If there is a tax agreement, you may not be double-taxed, depending on the agreement (USA has an agreement for example).
• When you arrived in Canada, and whether or not you had income prior to that may affect the credits you may be eligible for.

As an international postdoc, you might consider attending the Income Tax Information Workshops offered by The Student Development Centre in February and March.

Specific questions can be directed to:  

Fabiana Tepedino
IESC Programs Coordinator
International and Exchange Student Centre
Student Development Centre
The University of Western Ontario
WSS, Room 2120
London, ON   N6A 3K7

Phone: 519-661-2111 ext. 80359
Fax: 519-661-3949
Web: www.sdc.uwo.ca/int

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Community Legal Services

As a postdoctoral scholar at UWO, you have access to their many free services offered to UWO postdoctoral scholars including help with immigration issues.

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Immigration Options to obtain Permanent Residence

There are several options for international postdoctoral scholars to obtain permanent residence in Canada

• Federal skilled worker
• Sponsorship
• Canadian experience class
• Provincial sponsorship

For more information please view this pdf file.

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