Student Testimonials

"I am really glad that I decided to participate with Cultural Connections at VIU. I have only met a handful of people from South Korea and so meeting Joo was an amazing experience. We have hung out numerous times and I have gotten to know her well and she has introduced me to some of her friends from different places around the world. There are many exchange students that attend VIU , however, it is sometimes difficult to create friendships with them because we do not usually have the same classes. I would highly recommend participating in the program because you are able to make friends from around the world that go to your school."

Phillipa Burn, Bachelor of Arts Student at Vancouver Island University

"I am happy I participated in the Peer Helper Program at Vancouver Island University. Through this program, I have met new people from around the world while developing my own skills and resume profile. This program gave me a sense of involvement and making a difference in a university which I can't find from somewhere else, this program is awesome!"

Nelly Olaranont, MBA Student at Vancouver Island University

"This year I met Yuri an Indian man working on his MBA who was already an established lawyer in India. Yuri has given me a greater undertstanding of Indian culture and I feel I have educated him about Canadian culture as well. We have had many interesting intellectual conversations covering a variety of topics which has resulted in a great learning, understanding and bonding experience for both of us. Yuri is not a school friend or a friend for the semester, he is someone I will be friends with long into the future and I owe that to the Cultural Connections Program."

Jeff Matkin, BBA student at Vancouver Island University