Welcome to Canada and the University of Calgary

By Ricky Ramdhaney
Manager, International Student Programs
University of Calgary International (UCI)

At the University of Calgary (UofC), transition support for our international students begin soon after they accept our offer of admission.

Through the Centre for International Students & Study Abroad, University of Calgary International (UCI) offers a number of programs, services and events designed to specifically address many of the questions and concerns that our international students typically have. UCI offers an International Mentorship Program which enables newly-admitted students to be matched with an experienced returning student volunteer who may then answer general questions about Calgary and University life in the weeks to months prior to the new international student's arrival on campus.

Upon arrival, the volunteer mentor is then able to show the new student around and provide them with useful tips to succeed as a student. In addition, UCI offers a full-day International & Exchange Student Orientation workshop during the week prior to the start of classes each term in order to address a wide range of questions students may have. Topics range from Immigration Canada employment regulations and health insurance, to other useful information on Calgary and the UofC system.

When the International Mentorship Program ends in September, another unique program (International Community Friendship Program) begins which enables local families, affiliated with the University of Calgary, to meet with a new international student once per month for various activities. It allows an international student to experience a taste of life in a Canadian family and also allows a Calgary family to see Canada and the world from a new perspective. For example, since many international students come from countries where Thanksgiving is not celebrated, students are delighted to be invited to a real Thanksgiving Dinner.

UCI offers a spousal support program for students who will bring their families with them, as well as a student volunteer-based social program which involves organizing fun events such as ice-skating and bus trips to interesting places around the province of Alberta. UCI staff include International Student Advisors who are very easily accessible to students who need support and assistance of a non-academic nature during their time at the UofC. These Advisors are also extremely knowledgeable on study permit, work permit and visa regulations and so they are able to assist with immigration document renewal. Advising services are free of charge to all international students.