Building a Life in a World-Class City

Concordia University welcomes thousands of students from more than 150 countries each year. The first stop for most of them is the International Student Office, with a dedicated staff helping students with immigration, finding work on campus and making sure they get the academic support they need.

Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, and learning French is a key step towards feeling at home in Quebec. Plus, speaking French can give students a competitive edge in the workforce, no matter where they end up. While Concordia in an English-language university, we make it as easy as possible for students to learn French during their time here. The “Oui can help!” initiative connects Concordians with opportunities to improve their French language skills, from taking a class to exploring the city with a tour guide en français.

Every December, the University throws a party for students who can’t make it home during the holidays. The international students holiday party has become an important tradition, just one of the ways Concordians from around the globe develop a sense of community and belonging in Montreal.

International students at Concordia are also a very strong source of support for each other, and they have a lot of fun! This year alone, members of the vibrant Concordia International Students Association have organized a road trip to Boston, a ski trip in the Laurentians, and spring break in Cuba.

Another valuable resource for all students at Concordia: the Student Success Centre, run by Counselling and Development. It’s a place for students to come by and chat with other experienced students, who act as mentors by sharing their own strategies for achieving academic success.