Logo of the WUSA International Canadian Student Network featuring a stylized globe with a red maple leaf over the top left area and the text "WUSA International Canadian Student Network" to the right of the globe.

About ICSN

The International & Canadian Student Network is a WUSA student-run service on campus. We strive to make all local, international and exchange students feel welcome here at the University, and in the Waterloo community. To do that, we run a number of events each term so that you can explore the area and make meaningful connections with people from around the world! If you’re looking to have a great experience at Waterloo, this is the service for you!

A group of people with backpacks, part of an International Student Network, walk through a grassy, tree-lined area on an overcast day.

ICSN Events

Mentorship and Community Resources

Open to all international students including undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students. Get connected to other international students and through the International Peer Community, have upper-year volunteers supporting you!

Events hosted in the past include:

  • Mug Painting at Crock A Doodle
  • Bowling Night
  • De-Stress with Board Games
  • Cookie Decorating for St. Patricks Day
  • Trip to St. Jacobs
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving
  • Bonfire
  • Speed Friending
  • Visit to Niagara Falls
  • A Fun Day at Wonderland

We welcome you to meet new peers and have a good time at the events and activities hosted throughout the year.

If you would like to make an even greater impact and create these opportunities, join the service as a volunteer or executive to help ICSN serve the student community better.

Further, if you would like to develop your mentorship, cultural and inter-personal communication skills, the International Peer Community is a great place to look into!

Contact Email: icsn@wusa.ca

International Student Support

The online discussions are a chance for undergraduate and graduate international students to connect to campus and receive support during the online Spring term.

For full time international undergraduate students at Waterloo you can receive health insurance or University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). You will be automatically charged for the insurance as part of your tuition. In order to activate the plan you must be registered on quest as “fees arranged” (under the finances tab).

Sun Life Financial will then send you a confirmation email with your UHIP card attached. You’ll need to have your UHIP proof of coverage card accessible at all times in case of a medical emergency.

This plan generally covers: doctor appointments, hospital stays, and diagnostic tests.

To submit a claim:

We recommend visiting health services on campus. However if you choose to visit an off campus clinic please ensure you bring the UHIP claim form. In all cases bring your UHIP card.

For more info on insurance or health and dental plans please see the international student guide.