Office of the International Students' Advisor, Student Exchanges/ Work and Study Abroad

Welcome
We would like to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of McMaster University and the University's international community.

The Office is a vibrant and essential part of Student Affairs, and as a student service, aims to provide core services and programmes for international students, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows and faculty at McMaster University, and their families. The Office also provides information to students at McMaster on a range of options from independent study and externally sponsored programmes, to summer session and McMaster's formal student exchange programmes as well as opportunities to work and student abroad. The Office is also responsible for the administration of the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) for all international students.

The Office has made it a priority to organize social activities that can include culture nights, international feasts, trips, dances and movies. During these, students can explore immediate community, meet people and make new friends.

Online videos are also available regarding many different aspects of International Student Life [ click here ].

Services and Programs
The core services and programmes for international students, visiting scholars, post-doctoral fellows and faculty at McMaster University, and their families, include:

Reception and orientation for newly arriving international students,
Preliminary information on visa and passport renewal and other immigration matters,
Organization of social activities and multicultural events,
Liaison with sponsoring agencies, foreign governments, consulates and embassies,
General advice and counseling regarding personal, financial and academic matters.
Administration of student exchange programmes for incoming and outgoing students
Administration of the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)

Mr. Marcos Costa, Manager, (905) 525-9140 ext. 27701
Ms. Theresa Bae, Program Coordinator, (905) 525-9140 ext. 26105
Ms. Sriyani Dissanayake, Secretary, (905) 525-9140 ext. 24748

International Student Services (ISS)
Gilmour Hall, Room 104
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
CANADA L8S 4L8

This office was formerly known as the Office of the International Students' Advisor/Student Exchanges/Work and Study Abroad (OISA).

Hours of Operation
The office is open Monday to Friday during the day for normal business as follows:

Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lunch time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (the office is closed during this time)

During busy periods, such as the beginning of the year and for special events, the office may not close during lunch time. Please feel free to call first to check or make an appointment at (905) 525-9140 Ext. 24748.