The International Student Centre (ISC) at Saint Mary’s University has launched a fully redesigned website providing students with a centralized and intuitive digital experience. The new site is a student-centered, globally minded digital space that simplifies life for international students at every stage of their journey at Saint Mary's.
“This project reflects our commitment to supporting international students in meaningful and practical ways,” notes Ysaac Rodriguez, Manager of the International Student Centre. “The website has been fully redesigned from the students’ perspectives, anticipating their questions and providing accessible, relevant guidance in one easy-to-navigate online space.”
Bridging the gaps between enrolment, arrival and student life
Developed in collaboration with departments across campus, including Enrolment Services, Global Learning and Student Affairs and Services, the project was designed to remove barriers caused by disjointed information and unclear navigation.
Through alignment with these departments and a shared focus on clarity and consistency, the web project goes beyond an ISC overhaul to a comprehensive hub that bridges the gap between applying to Saint Mary’s and becoming an active, engaged member of the campus community. The platform ensures that both new and current students can easily navigate to topics such as admissions, immigration, housing, healthcare, academic life and work eligibility, without needing to reference organizational structures.
This broad, integrated approach replaces departmental information silos with a cohesive student experience, making it easier to move confidently through each phase of university life.
Designed for students, guided by their journey
Built with the student journey in mind, the redesigned website organizes content by milestone rather than institutional fragments. Students can explore essential topics such as preparing to come to Canada, arriving and getting settled, managing health and safety, understanding work options, and accessing academic and personal supports.
The navigation experience was restructured entirely to reduce duplication, clarify processes and steps, and remove navigational confusion. The new card-based layout introduces clear content sections for ISC-specific services, while also linking students to related and intersectional resources across the university.
One of the key features of the new site is the introduction of two comprehensive checklists:
A Pre-Departure Checklist to help students prepare travel documents, finances, housing, and expectations before arriving in Canada, and
An Arriving in Canada Checklist to guide students through immigration, campus life setup, healthcare access, and more.
These resources not only reduce anxiety about the unknown but also empower students to take confident action at each stage of their transition.
Building an inclusive, globally friendly experience
Designed with clarity, simplicity and cultural accessibility in mind, the new hub reflects the diverse perspectives and lived experiences of international students. The language is intentionally clear and jargon and colloquialism-free, and the layout prioritizes readability and ease of use, particularly for those who may be navigating in English as a second language.
By bringing all international student-related content under one digital roof and aligning it with best practices in global student engagement, the site also positions Saint Mary’s as a welcoming and responsive destination for students around the world.
“The launch of this centralized, digital hub reinforces our commitment to international and intercultural education at Saint Mary’s and exemplifies our dedication to creating an inclusive, student-centered experience for learners from around the world,” says President Robert Summerby-Murray.
“Diversity is one of our university’s greatest strengths, and this site is an example of how we are creating practical tools that ensure every learner feels supported, connected and empowered to thrive at Saint Mary’s. By consolidating access to key supports and resources into a comprehensive digital hub, we are enhancing the international student journey from pre-arrival through graduation and beyond.”
Explore the new site
The new website is more than a digital refresh for the International Student Centre; it’s an exciting step toward a more connected, supportive and inclusive experience for international students at Saint Mary’s. Explore the new International Students website and let us know what you think!