Student Services
ESL Learning Centres
How to Stay Current on Upcoming Activities for Students
Check the International Student Activity Calendar for upcoming events.
Visit the Vancouver Island University Gymnasium and ask for information on upcoming events for students or go to the website at www.viu.ca/campusrec.
Be sure you are on the International Student Services (ISS) email list.
Many upcoming events on and off campus, volunteer opportunities and helpful information for International Students is posted to this list. If you are not on this list come to the International Education Building 255 Main Reception for information on how to sign up.
Come to the International Education Building 255 Main Reception area and check out the Activity Board. Other helpful information is also available on the brochure display wall.
Visit the Student Union Building 193 and ask for information on upcoming events.
Student Activities
- Canadian student buddy program
- day trips to Victoria and Vancouver for sightseeing and shopping
- summer-time beach days at Long Beach and Parksville
- movie nights, parties, festivals
- river rafting, kayaking, climbing, hiking
- ski and snowboarding trips to Mt. Washington and Whistler
- Pilates, weight training, dance workshops, yoga
- volleyball, table tennis, basketball, soccer, golf, squash
- varsity athletics, student clubs
- Multicultural Week at Vancouver Island University
VIU is located on beautiful Vancouver Island, where recreation is a way of life year round. International students are encouraged to participate in activities with Canadian students and students from around the world. Some activities could include:
The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, with an olympic size swimming pool, water slides and wave pool, is located within a 5-minute walk of the campus. Playing fields, tennis courts, bicycle trails, a 400-metre track, and baseball diamond are all located next to the campus.
Student Volunteers
International students are encouraged to do volunteer work. We have a large team of international student volunteers who help with activities on-campus. One example is our Peer Helper program that provides current international students with opportunities to welcome new international students to VIU and to Nanaimo, and to assist with orientation, tours of the campus, and preparing for studies at VIU.
For more information on volunteer opportunities go to the International Student Activity Calendar or visit the links to Community Events.
Cultural Connections Program
Do you want to learn more about another culture? Consider the Cultural Connections Program. The CCP brings International
students together with Canadian students. This program enhances language and cultural exchanges, promotes inter-cultural understanding, and helps internationalize the campus. The Cultural Connections Program provides an opportunity for language exchange and friendships between participants. The CCP runs during the Fall and Spring semesters (September to April).
Peer Helper Program
Peer Helpers are students who help you adjust to living and studying in Canada. Peer Helpers have been studying at Vancouver Island University for more than 2 semesters. To get Peer Helper assistance please email Jennifer Jensen-Richards, the Intercultural Program Coordinator. If you have been studying at Vancouver Island University for more than 2 semesters and you are interested in becoming a Peer Helper, watch the ISS list serve for a Call for Peer Helpers approximately one month before each semester.
Award winning Peer Helper Program
Job Opportunities
We provide VIU Students and Alumni with friendly, professional guidance and support for both career planning and job search. Link your studies to a fulfilling career. Find a job on or off campus. Connect with our skilled staff and ever-growing online resources. For more information and to view a current list of job opportunities available for students visit these websites:
https://career.viu.ca/home.htm
http://www.viu.ca/international/workopportunities.asp