Office of International Students and Scholars
Our Purpose: Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)
To provide international students and scholars with academic and non-academic advice.To guide and support international students and scholars in their adaptation to Canadian culture and campus life. To encourage and assist all students at Kwantlen to participate in a global learning or work experience as part of their academic studies.To provide a central meeting place for those interested in global and cross cultural issues and dialogue to come together and learn from each other.
International Student Services
The OISS provides resources and produces events to help students adjust to life in Canada and to get involved. Our International Educational Advisors also offer support in the following areas:
Academic support
- Course planning
- Registration
- Fee and refund information
- Transfer credit
- Program requirements
- Dates and deadlines
- Graduation requirements
- Academic regulations and policies
Non-Academic Support
- Study Permits
- Visitor Visas
- Work Permits
- Social Insurance Number
- Medical Insurance in Canada
- Various Workshops
Students can see an Advisor through drop-ins or regular appointments. For more information, please visit: kwantlen.ca/oiss
Global Learning Experiences
Global Learning Experiences (GLE) allow you to travel, meet new people, learn another language, immerse yourself in another culture, enrich your education and increase your employability. They are powerful vehicles for personal growth and broadening perspectives. There are plenty of opportunities for Kwantlen students to experience the world first hand. GLE's available to Kwantlen students include exchange, field schools, and volunteer programs.
Exchange
Exchange is a program in which a Kwantlen student attends one of Kwantlen's partner institutions for a semester or two while paying Kwantlen tuition and receiving transfer credit at Kwantlen for courses taken abroad. In return, Kwantlen hosts students from its partner institutions in many different programs.
Kwantlen has exchange partners all around the world and students from most programs can participate. For more information such as costs, eligibility requirements and partner schools, please check our website www.kwantlen.ca/oiss.
Kwantlen students who are considering going on exchange should meet early in their programs with the OISS and an academic advisor in order to best plan their courses both at home and abroad.
Information sessions will begin in the Fall term.
If you are a student from one of Kwantlen's partner institutions, please apply to come to Kwantlen through your home institution's exchange office.
If you are a student not from one of Kwantlen's partner institutions who would like to come to Kwantlen for a semester or a year without seeking a credential from Kwantlen, please follow the instructions for "visiting students" the OISS website: www.kwantlen.ca/oiss.
Field Schools
Field Schools are short-term group programs that combine in-depth study of a subject with hands-on experience in another culture or environment. Live what you are learning! Past Field Schools include:
- Language and Culture programs in France, Germany, and Japan
- Global Community Service in Ghana
Summer 2012 offerings are expected to include programs in Chile, Kenya, Germany and Japan. Please visit kwantlen.ca/exchange/field_schools for more info.
More Opportunities
In addition to Exchange and Field Schools, students can also get involved with international work or volunteering. Some examples of past international work, co-op, volunteer, and practicum placements have seen Environmental Protection students go to Ghana, Horticulture students to Cuba and Nursing students to Thailand.
For international work/volunteer placements, Kwantlen's Career Services Centre provides some valuable resources: kwantlen.ca/careers/students/international. Co-op students should inquire about opportunities through their Co-op instructor while nursing students should contact internationalprograms@kwantlen.ca.
OISS Contact Information
- Richmond
- Room 1565
Telephone: 604.599.2635
Fax: 604.599. 2724 - Surrey
- Cedar Building Room 2005
Telephone: 604.599.2635
Fax: 604.599.2449 - oiss@kwantlen.ca
- Website
- www.kwantlen.ca/oiss
- Mailing Address
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
12666-72nd Avenue
Surrey, BC, Canada V3W 2M8