Faculty highlights: What makes the Faculty of Arts stand out
This week, we’re talking about the unique ways in which international students find success and support in the Faculty of Arts. Across 14 programs from Criminology and Sociology to English and History, you are sure to find the subject matter of your interest here! And if your interests span across these disciplines, you can also start off your first-year in the Undeclared Arts program and give yourself the time to take introductory courses in social sciences and humanities, before you pick the one that piques your interest.
To learn more about what makes the Faculty of Arts a student-favorite, I spoke to some of my friends who are international students. Here are three unique aspects of their faculty that stand out to them:
1) Exciting student group opportunities
The Faculty of Arts has tons of student groups which you can join! These are represented by their student-led group called The Society of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (SASSH (external link) ). They pledge to look out for every single student in the Faculty of Arts through their core values of EDI, Community Relations, Academia, Wellbeing and Freedom of Expression. They also provide academic, social, and emotional support, along with events and services that can help you excel in your career as you prepare to graduate. As a student group member, you can rely on SASSH for assistance at every step of the way!
Even as a TRSM student, I am part of a student-run endeavour under SASSH called The Continuist Zine (external link) . I work for them as a Graphic Design Coordinator, which helps me combine my interest in arts and print media with my business knowledge of marketing!
2) Apply concepts to real-world situations
With a strong focus on theoretical knowledge, the Faculty of Arts also equips you with the understanding required to apply your learnings in real-world situations.
- Co-op Work Opportunities: As of 2025, the Faculty of Arts offers co-op education opportunities across all its programs. That means exciting work opportunities where you can get paid and gain field experience. The International Economics and Finance and Geographic Analysis programs also have well-established internship and practicum programs, helping you learn industry practices in an array of sectors!
“I'm so glad I chose Psychology as my program because I’ve had opportunities to be involved in real-world experiences and learn about my interests and passions early on. I volunteered at an elementary school to assist children with developmental delays. I was also able to obtain an internship at the Sickkids hospital and gain hands-on experience working in a hospital setting. I even learned French and Spanish as part of my electives!”
- Community-Engaged Learning & Teaching (CELT): These courses enhance your learning, providing you with opportunities to apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to real life and professional contexts. Through these courses, you can take the extra step and become more involved in your discipline and its research!
3) Engage and lead in the Arts Ambassador Program
Most faculties on campus provide a unique program to help you cultivate leadership skills. The Arts Ambassador program offers a two-fold path of success, which starts with Engagement in Level 1 and Leadership in Level 2. In Level 1, you are encouraged to participate in events and workshops on campus, attend lecture series, and join the Tri-Mentoring program as a Mentee to learn from other students. In Level 2, you participate in leadership events to build your confidence and become a Mentor for others. In both stages, you are tasked with completing reflections so that you can grow and develop in your journey. The best part is the digital badge you earn at the end, which you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile!
Omar M., who is in his first year of Politics & Governance, has benefitted from the Arts Ambassador program in many ways.
“The Faculty of Arts maintains an excellent student community alongside active engagement from its students. In my capacity as first-year Arts Ambassador, I have built meaningful relationships with all faculty members as well as fellow students for my program Politics & Governance. These services have given me the sense of the community I never thought I needed.”
The Faculty of Arts is the right place for you if you are passionate about knowledge and driven to make a difference. Here, you’ll be empowered to become a global citizen and a leader who sparks change in your community and beyond!
