Global House – a unique international experience in residence
Global House is a residence program aimed at bringing international and domestic students together for a unique immersion experience.
Launched in the fall of 2006, Global House is dedicated to both Canadian and international students who have an interest of exploring issues of global significance and internationalizing their living environment while studying at York University. Through living together on a common floor in The Pond Road Residence, Global House participants have the opportunity to interact with other students from diverse backgrounds, share their own cultures, opinions and ideas regarding global issues.
Benefits of the Program:
- Meet other students with a common interest in international issues
- Learn from the diverse experiences of your peers
- Form valuable connections and friendships with students from around the world
- Develop the competencies needed to live in today’s increasingly global society
- Participate in events & discussions centred around Global issues
- Enjoy social events with an international flavour
- You may even share a suite with someone from a different country or culture!
Canadian students…
This is a great way to form connections with students who have lived all over the world and develop inter-cultural skills that will benefit you for years to come.
International and exchange students…
Global House provides a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other students from all over the world, while making connections with Canadian students and learn more about the country in which you’ve chosen to study.
Shared Leadership within a Living Learning Community
The foundation of a living learning community such as Global House is the students themselves. Global House is based on a model of “shared leadership”: Every individual has an important role to play in the community and is a valuable contribution.
Participants in the program are expected to contribute their time and talents through taking on responsibility for organizing events and also participating in the offered activities. Students are able and encouraged to create events based on their own interests, working to share them with the community.
Frequent and regular contact between residents is encouraged & expected.
Global House Activities:
Interaction between students is a key part of the Global House experience. The program offers both formal and informal opportunities for residents to connect, share their perspectives, and explore world issues and cultures.
Global House Orientation:
All members of Global House participate in a mandatory orientation program designed to help them to connect with one another and prepare them for living in such a diverse community.
A Constant Learning Environment:
The Global House year is divided into four quarters, each with a corresponding theme:
Multicultural Understanding
International Understanding
Civic Engagement
Capstone/Leadership
Each aspect of the program allows students to learn about the world and offers something for everyone. From foreign film nights to volunteer opportunities in Toronto to cultural potlucks to debates, we offer opportunities to constantly learn and for students to lead their own initiatives.
Capstone Event:
A portion of the Winter term is devoted to the implementation of a campus-wide program of event showcasing a key element of globalization that is significant to the Global House community. It’s a fun event in which Global House reaches beyond our floor to the York Community. All residents of Global House are encouraged to participate to this event by participating in one or more of the planning committees. Past Capstone events have included a charity game show dinner and a global coffeehouse.
Past Events at Global House!
The following are just some of the activities held in Global House in the past:
| Monthly Cultural Potluck Dinners | Welcome Back Weekend [[Winter Term] |
Games Night |
Stomp Out Poverty |
High Park Trip (Sports Day) |
Language Cafés |
Flag Painting |
UN Millennial Goals Discussion |
Cultural Awareness Workshop |
Talent Show |
Skating Trips |
Dinners in Toronto |
Multicultural Fair |
Foreign Film Nights |
Cultural Fair Social Issues Discussion |
Capstone |
Volunteering in Toronto |
Speed Friending |
Global Issue Presentations |
Open Door Night |
Who can apply for Global House?
- Canadian, International, and Exchange students can apply to live in Global House.
- Global House also welcomes both new and current students.
- Individuals interested in having an international experience.
- Preference will be given to students who demonstrate willingness to contribute in activities.
- All applicants must meet the entrance requirements for undergraduate residence.
- Applicants must be prepared to commit to regular involvement in community activities.
How to Apply for Global House:
For new students to York:
You can apply for Global House by completing the undergraduate residence application. You must select Pond Road as one of your residence choices in your application.
Once you have selected the Pond Road Residence as one of your choices, you will be prompted to indicate if you wish to apply to Global House. Simply check the box to indicate your interest in being considered for placement within the program. You will be asked to provide short answers to a few questions designed to help us assess your suitability for the program.
As there are limited spaces available in Global House, we may not be able to accommodate all who apply. Students who applied to Global House but were not accepted will be offered a space elsewhere in one of the undergraduate residences.
For students returning to York:
Returning students with an interest in the program are encouraged to attend the Global House interest meeting to be held in the Winter semester. Students who desire to live in Global House for the school year will be asked to participate the leadership of the program and will be required to provide short answers to a few specific questions to help judge suitability for admittance to the program in addition to their undergraduate residence application.
Room Assignments in Global House:
In an effort to facilitate a high level of cross-cultural interaction, we will work to mix Canadian and international students with respect to their placement in the House. In accordance with this, should you be successful in your application to Global House, we may not be able to consider requests for a preferred suitemate.
Questions?
For further information regarding the Global House program, please contact the following office:
York International
York Lanes 200
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto , Ontario, Canada
M3J 1P3
Tel: (416)736-5177
yiinfo@yorku.ca
