International
Student Adviser

Your international student adviser is your primary support for issues related to living and studying in Canada. Specifically, your academic adviser is happy to assist you in these areas:

• Adjusting to Canadian culture, including culture shock and homesickness
• Housing advice, on or off campus
• Your health and wellness, including health insurance
• Immigration documents, including visas, study permits and work permits
• Personal advising and counselling referals

Writing
Adviser

Throughout the academic year, you have access to a writing adviser to help you develop your written communication skills. Your writing adviser works with you on your projects, assisting you with the mechanics, clarity and organization of your writing. Through these coaching sessions, you both improve your projects and gain greater skill and confidence for the long term.

Appointments are normally made through email or B-link 48 hours in advance.

Orientations

3rd year BCom direct entry international students

If you are entering the 3rd year of BCom directly from your home country, you attend a week-long direct-entry orientation before the general BCom orientation week. The overall goals of this orientation are to get you ready for life in Canada and the intense demands of the BCom program. Sessions for the week include:

• Homestay and housing advising
• Adjusting to Canadian culture and life in Victoria
• Immigration and health insurance advising
• Communication skills
• Writing and study skills
• Cover letter and resume writing skills
• Interview skills

All 3rd year BCom international students

During the general BCom orientation, you and your fellow international students meet with your international student adviser for a short session to cover the following areas:

• Immigration
• Health insurance
• Writing adviser support
• Canadian culture workshops

Fireside
Chat

During your first term, you meet with your fellow international students and Dr. A.R. (Elango) Elangovan, Director of International Programs, for what we call our fireside chat. The fireside chat is a relaxed, social event for everyone to 'chat' about their challenges as an international student. Dr. Elangovan – once an international student himself – offers his feedback, advice and strategies for success.

A separate fireside chat is scheduled for BCom and MBA students.