Hamilton Series an opportunity for international students to explore city
McMaster alumni Arkells will play the Supercrawl festival Sept. 12. The annual celebration of art and music will also be the first destination for participants in McMaster's Hamilton Series, which introduces international and exchange students to the surrounding city.
For a group of international and exchange students, Friday’s Supercrawl festival will be the perfect welcome to Hamilton.
The annual celebration of arts and culture on James Street North is one of a number of destinations for this year’s Hamilton Series.
The program, launched last year with support from the Student Life Enhancement Fund, introduces students to their new home through a series of excursions and lectures.
This year’s program includes a trip to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, a hike through Princess Point, a canoe trip around Cootes Paradise and a tour of City Hall.
Elena Dukhnitckaia, an exchange student from Trento University, Italy, took part in the program last year. She says it helped her see sides of Hamilton she never thought she’d see.
“Every lecture brought an insight into what Hamilton is like outside of campus – its art, history, ecology, community and economy,” she said. “As the series went on, I learned more and more. I discovered that Hamilton is much more than a steel town. It’s a vibrant and developing city.”
Jenna Levi, education abroad co-ordinator for International Student Services, said the program was very popular in its first year. She recommends that students interested in taking part register quickly.
“If getting to know the community is something you’re interested in doing, than the time to start is now.”
Upcoming Hamilton Series events:
Arts and Culture: Creative Cities – Friday, Sept. 12
Speaker: Alice Sabourin, Tourism & Cultural Division, City of Hamilton
Excursion: Art Gallery of Hamilton, followed by the annual James St. North Supercrawl
Natural Environment: Paradise and the Harbourfront – Friday, Sept. 19
Speaker: Ilona Feldmann, Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC)
Excursion: Trail hike to Princess Point and canoe trip through Cootes Paradise
Politics and Government: Red, Green, Orange and Blue – Friday, Oct. 3
Speaker: Ata-ul Munim, PhD Candidate, Department of Political Science, McMaster University Excursion: Tour of Hamilton City Hall
Keep up to date with the information posted to the Hamilton Series Facebook group or refer to the International Student Services website.
