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Student Activities

How to Stay Current on Upcoming Activities

Check the International Student Activity Calendar for upcoming events.

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Check the Vancouver Island University Events Calendar.

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 ISS 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. Canadian students can email Ali White and request to be added to the activity email list.

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

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 and Canadian students are encouraged to do volunteer work. We have a large team of VIU student volunteers who help with activities on-campus. One example is our Peer Helper program that provides VIU 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 Buddy Program

Do you want to learn more about another culture?
Consider the Cultural Connections Buddy Program. This program matches International students with Canadian students to enhance language and cultural exchange, promotes inter-cultural understanding, and help internationalize the campus. Cultural Connections provides an opportunity for casual interactions between participants. The Cultural Connections program runs during the Fall and Spring semester (September to November and January to April).

Peer Helper Program

Peer Helpers are students who are here to 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 submit your request by e-mail to Ali White, Manager of Contracts and Group Programs.  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 and/or email Jennifer and request an application.

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: