U of M supports exceptional international student experience

In keeping with the University of Manitoba’s strategic priority commitment to providing an exceptional student experience, the university is increasing support to areas that will ensure more opportunities for international students to learn, thrive and grow.

The university is increasing student financial support ($2.3 million) and support for student research initiatives ($1.3 million), with an additional $2 million targeted specifically for undergraduate and international graduate student support.

“We recognize and value what international students bring to our campus and community, including the value they bring to the classroom and to the overall student experience,”  says Susan Gottheil, vice-provost (students).

“The U of M is fully committed to ensuring an exceptional international student experience.”

The U of M offers many strong supports for international students, ranging from academic and language aid to help with the personal, social and cultural aspects of being a university student in a foreign country. Besides the English Language Centre and the Academic Learning Centre and many other support initiatives within individual faculties and units — such as career services,  student residences, student life, student advocacy, accessibility services, financial aid and awards, student counselling centre and health and wellness — the International Centre for Students (ICS) also provides focused support and services for all U of M students, including international students.

All of these programs are designed to assist international students throughout their educational experience. They help students to achieve academic success and adapt to Canadian culture; they engage students in learning and leadership both inside and outside the classroom, while ensuring their experience is enjoyable, safe and successful.

At ICS, programs and services are offered throughout the year to help new international students transition effectively into their new community and thrive in an academic environment. Orientation and transition programs, specifically for new international students, are offered at the start of each term and international student advisors are available year-round to provide one-on-one guidance and information on U of M rules and policies, interacting with professors and classmates, banking and budgeting, Canadian laws and regulations relating to their conditions of study, and how they can work in Canada and under what conditions. ICS also helps students adjust to Canadian culture, deal with culture shock, personal matters, and more. Throughout the year, ICS offers mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, cultural and language exchange programs, and recreational events that provide all U of M students with opportunities to engage with different cultures, explore different ways of thinking, and develop intercultural skills and competencies so they can be engaged and effective members of culturally-diverse communities.

Increased revenue from the international differential surcharge is being allocated to further supports for international students, including additional scholarships and bursaries for international graduate and undergraduate students. Funds will go towards programs specific to international students, such as orientation, transition programs, summer bridge programs, cross-cultural counselling services, academic learning support for EAL students, and English language workshops.

“More and more international students have been choosing the University of Manitoba for a number of reasons, including the value and the quality of education we provide. With the additional student and academic supports, we’re confident that they will continue to find U of M an attractive choice that will ensure their future success,” says Gottheil.

For more, see http://umanitoba.ca/student/studentlife/student_experience/index.html