International

Vancouver Island, on the west coast of Canada, is a hidden gem for students seeking a unique study experience. With a wide range of programming, breathtaking natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene nearby, Vancouver Island University is a sought-after destination for students worldwide. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider studying here.

The pandemic uncovered several flaws in the Canadian health-care system, including overburdened long-term care facilities, overworked staff and skilled labour shortages in this vital industry. Luckily, there is a community of innovators that is already working to solve these problems. This includes Vancouver Island University, which has just introduced a new program to help provide more health-care professionals by tapping into the international student market.

Many students don’t realize soon enough how accessibility services can impact their learning. Have you ever felt like you’re struggling with your learning more than your peers due to a disability? Or have you experienced a sudden injury or condition that is impacting your ability to access a course? Then VIU’s Accessibility Services department may be of help for you.

Have you been more tired than you should be? Are you having trouble with digestive issues or chronic pain? Maybe you’ve been unable to focus or feeling abnormally sad or irritable. These are just a few of the signs that you may be suffering from stress. This is the time in the semester where many post-secondary students feel the heaviest stress. 

Angelina Jaeger expanded her research horizons for three months in Germany after earning a spot in a prestigious summer internship program.

She received a German Academic Exchange (DAAD) Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE) scholarship. Angelina is the first Vancouver Island University undergraduate student to receive this scholarship and competed with students from North American, British and Irish universities. Only 320 scholarships were awarded.

My name is Sarah Osborne and I am a fourth-year student in the Child and Youth Care program at VIU. This fall, I had the opportunity to go on exchange to the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (Norges Idrettshogskole, or NIH) in Oslo, Norway.

For many students, finding – and keeping – a safe place to live is one of their first thoughts when they come to VIU. Did you know the University’s Off-Campus Housing department can support you with things like house hunting, tenancy law and conflict resolution? Here are five ways this year-round service can help you.

Jenni [pronounced Yenni] Ottilie Keppler says she’s always felt a “personal calling towards the west coast of North America,” and a desire to conduct research in a UNESCO biosphere region.

When she discovered that Vancouver Island University (VIU) had a research institute focusing on projects within the UNESCO-designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) she reached out to see if she could do a practical research semester.

Gabrielle Hayashi Santos has been interested in the topic of internationalizing education ever since she was in high school.

It’s an interest that led the Brazilian graduate to apply for – and receive – a 12-week internship at Vancouver Island University in 2019, through the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship program.

One of the questions I get asked frequently is how to best tailor a resumé to a specific job to increase the chances of getting called for an interview.

Think of the job posting as the employer’s “wish list.” With that in mind, don't be afraid to apply if you don’t fulfill the entire wish list. If you feel confident that the job is a fit, you are motivated to do the job and feel that you have the skills to get the work done, apply! 

In the resumé, your objective is to show the employer all the ways that you meet their needs. The employer wants to know three things: