VCC International Newsletter - September 2017

VCC Welcome Days Welcome Days are a fun, interactive opportunity for all students to ask questions and learn more about life at VCC.

Tuesday, Sept 12, 11:00am-1:00pm BWY, Courtyard Wednesday, Sept 13, 11:00am-1:00pm DTN, Atrium

Stop by and have some worldly fun at the International Education table.

Be sure to check the Events page for campus-wide happenings .

Do you have any questions or suggestions? Email ieservices@vcc.ca, or visit our office at Room 100, Downtown Campus.

Around Vancouver Enjoy events and explore Vancouver on a student’s budget. Check out Tourism Vancouver’s list of Free or Almost Free activities and Vancouver’s Best Places September Events Calendar.

The VCC International Student Handbook The International Student Handbook is a useful resource designed especially for you. It is accessible from the VCC International website under ‘Current Students’.

Click on the hyperlinks to get the most current information.

Changing Institutions: International Student Responsibilities

Have you moved from another post-secondary institution to VCC? If yes, be sure to notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Visit the IRCC website for instructions on how to transfer your institution.

Note: VCC’s DLI# - O19279717512 (starts with the letter ‘O’ followed by numbers)

Questions? Contact IRCC directly by telephone: 1-888-242-2100 (Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm)

Welcome New Students! Over 260 new international students begin their studies at VCC this Fall. Welcoming orientations with International Education staff and returning international student volunteers were held in late August. See photos here. We look forward to welcoming new Canadian Business students next week.

Start the New Term with a Positive Attitude! A new school term can be stressful, you may feel over-whelmed starting a new program, having more responsibility, managing a busy schedule, and thinking about you career.

Here are some tips from VCC’s Counselling Department about stress management:

Identify stress triggers Find out what makes you stressed (e.g., Difficulty with school or work? Family or relationship?)

Seek help You are not alone. Ask for help and visit VCC Counselling Services. Talk to your instructors and the International Education Office.

Find a solution: “What can I do now?” Break down school work into small tasks. Improve on time management – talk to a counsellor to

get help with this! Try STOP technique based on mindfulness. Follow the

steps below when you are stressed: Slow down Take a breath Observe - check your thoughts and feelings - what’s happening to your body? Proceed - find support and try activities that help you relax (e.g., listen to music, go for a walk or exercise, join a meet-up groups)

Remember: Free, professional and confidential counselling is available to you at either campus. Book an appointment by calling 604-871-7000 #2.

Your Students’ Union (SUVCC) The SUVCC provides students with services, advocacy, and events. Download our free mobile app to learn more about the health plan, to sell your textbooks, and to find out when and where events are happening on campus! Iphone: http://apple.co/2u5w25L Android: http://bit.ly/2hoEbfD