News

Award winner for Canadian Language Council Lyn Howes Award for Program Innovation!

On February 07th, 2007 four representatives of the Vancouver Island University Faculty of International Education, Sheila Swanson, Todd Odgers, Jennifer Jensen Richards, and international student Kohei Takagi accepted the Lyn Howes award at the annual Canada Language Council conference. This award is presented annually to outstanding programs chosen from across Canada for their commitment to innovation in the delivery of quality English language programs and services.

" Receiving the Lyn Howes Award was one of the most amazing things that happened during my involvement with the Peer Helper program. Being a peer helper had been a big part of my student life at VIU, and the fact that our work was recognized in such manner was very memorable." said Takagi who, along with many other students, has dedicated his time and efforts to the Peer Helper program. "

The representatives from the Centre for International Education presented a workshop during the Canada Language Council conference on their award winning Peer Helper Program. This program utilizes many different mechanisms to use the experience of present VIU Students as Peer Helpers to support the transition of new international students into the VIU and Nanaimo communities.

Vancouver Island University hosts thousands of short- and long-term international students annually and is recognized as a leader in international education in Canada.