International students
International Student Welcome Program – ALLÔ!
Together During The Holidays

For over fifteen years, Student Success and Life Services and the UQAM Alumni Office have collaborated to allow international students to spend the holiday season in the company of members of the university community, including alumni.
During this period, the university takes a break, and the campus becomes very quiet. Many students who do not return to their home countries may feel isolated. « Together During the Holidays » aims to break this solitude by offering a pairing between international students and members of the university community (employees, alumni, retirees, students, and faculty). It’s a wonderful way to build connections, discover Québécois traditions, and share the warmth of the holiday season.
The activities vary depending on the interests of each pair and are usually suggested by the hosts, who are members of the university community.
Examples of Activities
- Holiday gatherings (Christmas, New Year’s, etc.)
- Winter activities (skating, skiing, snowshoeing, etc.)
- Cultural activities (movies, theater, museums, etc.)
- Other activities based on participants’ suggestions
Our organizing team ensures that each pairing is thoughtfully arranged to foster enriching and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
Information Sessions
To learn more about the program and how to participate, two information sessions will be offered:
- November 25, from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in room R-R14025
- December 4, from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Zoom
Registration
The deadline to register for Together During the Holidays pairing program is December 7, 2025
International Students
University Community Members (Employees, students, alumni, retirees, or faculty)
Questions?
Contact us by email at ensemble.fetes@uqam.ca or by phone at 514-987-3000, ext. 2324.
Testimonials
University Community Members
« Another wonderful experience this year. The format is a success, and these exchanges are always enriching, both for the students and for us. »
« We love this program as it allows us to build meaningful connections with this wonderful international youth! »
International Students
» I’m very grateful to you for putting this activity together. I had a wonderful holiday; it was an exceptional experience! My host and I had a great time together. Thank you once again for making this holiday season and New Year’s unforgettable. »
“Together During The Holidays made us feel at home. I had a very welcoming host for Christmas Day. It was a very enjoyable and fun experience at her place with her family and other international students. A big thank you to my school, UQAM, and to the people in charge of this activity for this great opportunity.”
Media
Every year, the program attracts media interest by embodying the spirit of sharing and solidarity at UQAM. Here are just a few examples!
Interview on 98.5 FM
Entrevue au 98.5 FM
Programme Allo volet Ensemble pendant les Fêtes : «Je trouvais qu’il y avait quelque chose de magique là-dedans»
Médium large, ICI Première :
Noël sans famille élargie : des traditions à créer
Elle Québec :
Noël autrement
La Presse :
Le réveillon avec un étudiant mexicain, chinois ou burkinabè
Le Devoir :
Des étudiants étrangers curieux de partager la culture d’ici
Le 15-18, ICI Première :
Les Noëls universitaires