YOURÂ YOUR JOURNEY
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE Everything to get you started
international.ufv.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome
page 1
UFV International Services
page 2-3
Your Success, Your Services
page 4-5
Campus Map
page 6-7
Transportation
page 8
Abby Hot Spots
page 9
Culture Shock
page 10
Get Involved
page 11-12
Global Student Associates NOMADIC
|
24
page 13
WELCOME On behalf of the University of the Fraser Valley, it’s my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you. We are extremely pleased that you have chosen UFV as your study destination in Canada. At UFV, you will be greeted by a staff of caring individuals who have also experienced what you are going through. We aim to ensure you have supportive student services and a positive global engagement experience as you work on attaining your academic goals. In the classroom, you’ll be challenged by instructors. We encourage you to play an active role in classroom participation. To make the most of those opportunities, please be sure to take advantage of UFV’s wide range of services and supports available to you. These range from student services to academic support to engagement opportunities and are all aimed at ensuring you have a positive experience throughout your time at UFV. Universities are places where a wide range of thoughts can be exchanged and explored. With that in mind, try to get the full “Canadian experience” by making meaningful connections with people from both here as well as the other 50+ countries represented on campus. I invite you to consider UFV International and our Global Lounge as your “home away from home” during this incredible journey. And I wish you many memorable discoveries and successful educational experiences along the way. Welcome to the University of the Fraser Valley. David McGuire Associate Vice-President UFV International
1
WE'RE HERE TO HELP UFV International Services Building B, Room 223
international.ufv.ca
Advisors Meet virtually with an advisor. If you need help planning your courses, advisors will help you make an education plan. For more information or to book an appointment please go to ufv.ca/advising
Study and Work Permit Workshops To help you get settled, UFV is offering a series of online workshops. will learn all you need to Connect with current UFV students.You Our Global Student Associates areknow here about study and work permits in order to make thebeing mosta student of youratnew Canadian life. Register online to answer all of your questions about campus life and UFV today at ufv.ca/ircc
Medical
As an international student, you are required to have medical insurance for the duration of your studies. UFV International’s staff will automatically enroll you in a private medical insurance plan for the first 3 months of your studies and then you will be responsible for applying for and managing your provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage for the remainder of your studies. For more information, please go to international.ufv.ca/plan-your-stay/medical-insurance NOMADIC
|
24
2
UFV INTERNATIONAL SERVICES
Student Success and Support
Connect with your International Student Success Coordinator for settlement information, support to access programs and services at UFV and in the community and help to explore strategies to deal with transitional challenges and adjustment to university life and life in Canada. Book and appointment at adrian.bontuyan@ufv.ca or you can visit us at UFV International.
Let's Quarantine Together
Travelling to Canada? You will be required to quarantine (self-isolate) for 14 days. You are not alone! Let's Quarantine Together is a weekly virtual space to connect with other UFV students in quarantine, ask questions, and feel supported. Wednesdays Dec 9 through January 13 2 - 3pm PST Join on zoom
UFV_International
UFV International
3
YOUR SUCCESS YOUR SERVICES Academic Success Centre
Benefit from tutoring, workshops, online resources, and academic support. The centre’s peer tutors provide writing and subject-area support and will help you develop your personal learning strategies. For more information or to book an appointment go to ufv.ca/asc Math & Stats Centre Get help with your math or statistics problems, or gain the extra insight you need to take your math understanding to the next level. For more information go to ufv.ca/math/math-stats-centre Counselling Services
UFV counsellors can help you learn new ways to cope with personal issues, improve mental health and wellbeing, explore career options through self-reflection and assessment tools, and ``study smarter-not harder´´, through a variety of study strategies. For more information or to book an appointment go to ufv.ca/counselling Library You can book a personal appointment with a librarian who will teach you how to use the UFV library to do research. For more information or to book an appointment go to ufv.ca/library
3 4
Career Centre
Book an appointment with a career coach to receive assistance with your résumé and cover letter, find out tips for starting your job search, or schedule a mock interview. For more information or to book an appointment go to ufv.ca/jobs
4
YOUR SUCCESS YOUR SERVICES Academic Peer Mentorship Programs
UFV has a variety of different Academic Peer Mentorship programs to support you throughout your studies. Such as: College of Arts International Peer Support, e-mail artspeers@ufv.ca for more information Support Learning Group (SLG), go to ufv.ca/slg for more information
Peer Resource and Leadership Centre (PRLC)
The Peer Resource and Leadership Centre (PRLC) exist to provide holistic help for students. The PRLC peer leaders help students find information in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space by identifying resources available to them and providing peer-to-peer support and mentorship. Visit the for help with your academic, social, and personal needs. For more information about the PRLC hours and services go to ufv.ca/prlc
5
TRANSPORTATION Most places in and around Abbotsford are easily accessible with the vast network of BC Transit buses which operate each day of the week. Your U-PASS, a service offered to you by the UFV Student Union Society, it is your bus pass to travel within Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Chilliwack, and Mission. To opt-in for a U-PASS, you must first get a UFV student ID card. Then, read the process to getting your U-PASS during COVID-19 restrictions.
Please read the information below for a simplified version of how transportation options operate in the Fraser Valley.
BC Transit
Part of U-Pass Program Route: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission. *Aldergrove Connector only, no further bus route options Schedule available at bctransit.ca
BC Transit #66
Not part of U-Pass Program Route: Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack Abbotsford Stop: Highstreet & McCallum Schedule available at bctransit.ca
UFV SUS Campus Connector*
Part of U-PASS Program Shuttle to Langley Carvolt Exchange Shuttle to CEP & Chilliwack Trades Building Schedule available at ufvsus.ca/campusconnector *Service suspended during COVID
If you need help with reading a bus schedule, you can ask your student mentor or a UFV International staff for help.
8
ABBY HOT SPOTS
DOWNTOWN ABBOTSFORD #1 BC Transit Bus Route Visit historic Downtown Abbotsford and get a taste of the unique community culture. There are many coffee shops, unique restaurants and shopping. Read what else Downtown Abbotsford has to offer at downtownabbotsford.ca
SEVENOAKS MALL
#1 & 12 BC Transit Bus Route
Easily accessible from UFV, Sevenoaks mall is situated in the heart of Abbotsford. Read what else Sevenoaks Mall has to offer at shopsevenoaks.com
HIGH STREET #1 & 2 BC Transit Bus Route One of Abbotsford newest shopping centres. Go shopping for life necessities or enjoy a social outing with friends. Read what else Highstreet has to offer at highstreetfv.com
Discover other Abby spots to explore like Mill Lake, Castle Fun Park, and outdoor activities at tourismabbotsford.ca 9
DEALING WITH CULTURE SHOCK Culture shock refers to the normal but challenging process of adjusting to a new environment. It’s important to keep in mind that adapting to a new culture takes time and often involves going through different stages, possibly a number of times.
What are Some of the Symptoms of Culture Shock? - Social withdrawal - Deprivation of sleep or excessive need of sleep - Overeating/ Loss of appetite - Mood changes, depression, anxiety, feeling powerless - Lack of motivation - Loss of self-confidence, insecurity and cultural isolation - Loss of identity and importance - Frustration with the unfamiliar - Extreme homesickness - Aches and Pain If you are feeling any of the above symptoms please book an appointment at adrian.bontuyan@ufv.ca or you can visit us at UFV International in B223. We are happy to help! 10
YOUR REDEFINED INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION
About CLIMB
CLIMB is your opportunity to meet people, learn about your new academic lifestyle and understand what it means to be a part of the UFV community. Discover services including: immigration workshops and student support, as well as build confidence in using myClass/Blackboard, the online learning platform where your classes will be held. Get ready to CLIMB your mountain!
ConnectÂ
Stay up to date with events and opportunities. Follow us at:
CLIMB UFV Int'lWinter 2021
Learn more at ufv.ca/climb
climb.ufv
11
CLIMB GUIDES The CLIMB Guides are both international and domestic UFV students who are ready to connect and support new international students like you, as you begin you transition to being a UFV student. CLIMB Guides are student leaders who are happy to share their experience at UFV, whether that is in or outside of the classroom. Meet them at our virtual CLIMB events!
12
UFV
SUCCESS YOUR
YOUR SUCCESS
1