Supporting our International Students International Students Melissa Ostrowski

Supporting our International Students

International Students Melissa Ostrowski International Student Advisor 403 -210 -9595 mostrows@ucalgary. ca international. advice@ucalgary. ca

Overview � Demographics � Expectations of international students � Services at CISSA � International Student Orientation � Challenges international students face � How advisors can help � Resources

Demographics of International Students � Fall ◦ ◦ 2012 Exchange Students: 300 Regular Registration: 2605 Visiting: 52 Total Registration: 2957 � Exchange: France, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia and Singapore � Degree Seeking: China, Iran, India, United States and Saudi Arabia � Visiting Students: Brazil � ESL and EAPP students are not included in these numbers

What do international students expect from us? � To have knowledge of our institution ◦ Academic programs at U of C ◦ The cost of tuition ◦ Contacts with other departments and areas on campus � Know about the education system in Canada and how U of C fits into that system (rankings, reputation, transition pathways, etc. ) � To be a personal contact at the U of C � Ensure they are successful ◦ This can mean different things to different people

Services at CISSA for International Students � Advising ◦ Drop-in Advising: Monday to Friday 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm � Programs ◦ Global Friendship Program ◦ Mentorship Program ◦ Spouse and Partner Program � Workshops (post-graduate options and income tax) � Handouts � Orientation

Services at CISSA – cont’d � Advising topics: ◦ Study permit, temporary resident (‘entry’) visas and general immigration issues ◦ On and off campus employment regulations ◦ Social Insurance Number (SIN) ◦ Co-op, post-graduation, and off-campus work permits ◦ Visitor visas and work permits for spouses/common -law partners ◦ Health insurance and the Canadian medical system ◦ Resources to apply for US visitor visas ◦ Any other non-academic questions or concerns

Orientation – What do we discuss? � International Student Programs and Services � Advising for International Students on Immigration Matters (study permits, work permits & regulations, visas) � Using the Uof. C Libraries and Resources � Filing Canadian Tax Returns to get Government Refunds � Living in Calgary and City of Calgary Services � Opening a bank account, transferring funds, and obtaining credit cards

Orientation – cont’d � Health Care & Insurance, Visiting a Doctor and services at the U of C Wellness Centre � Emergency Loans for international students � Student Rights and where to go for help � U of C Regulations and Services � Tips from current U of C students on everything you need to know to be a successful student � Upcoming trips, social events and workshops designed for international students � Campus Tour

Winter 2013 Orientation � Friday, January 4 � 8: 30 am to 3: 30 pm � Location – KNB 132 � Lunch is provided for students � http: //www. ucalgary. ca/uci/students/orienta tionprogram/registration. Jan 4 -2013

Challenges that International Students Face � Adjustment and transition issues ◦ Culture shock ◦ Isolation ◦ Weather � Financial stress ◦ Difficulty getting loans/financial aid ◦ Cost of living ◦ Unsteady/unreliable source of funds

Challenges that International Students Face – cont’d � Parental Expectations ◦ Students pursuing the ‘wrong’ degrees – doing what their parents want them to do � Landlord and Roommate issues ◦ Landlords taking advantage of students’ lack of understanding about their rights ◦ Particularly of concern with landlord-tenant of the same ethnic background � Academic ◦ Supervisor (grad students) ◦ ESL ◦ Plagiarism

How can we help students and meet their expectations? � Keep up the fantastic work!! � Attend UCAN and make connections on campus � Use each other’s expertise � Have clear boundaries � Ask appropriate questions ◦ To the student, department, other advisors, etc. � Be aware of resources on campus � Be aware of current issues in the world ◦ Workshops ◦ Events ◦ Programs ◦ Ie. the suspension of diplomatic relations between Canada and Iran

Resources � Annie Pilote & Asmaa Benabdeljalil ◦ Supporting the Success of International Students in Canadian Universities � Naeem “Nick” Noorani & Sabrina Noorani ◦ Arrival Survival Canada: A Handbook for New Immigrants � Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade ◦ A Profile of the Interculturally Effective Person � Canadian Bureau of International Education ◦ A World of Learning: Canada’s Performance and Potential in International Education