The International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) project will provide opportunities for eligible undergraduate students enrolled at a (Canadian and Latin America Research Exchange Opportunities (CALAREO) member institution to pursue short-term research projects or field school activities in Latin America under the supervision of a faculty member at either the home or host institution.
VIU students are invited to apply for 3-4 month funded research internships in Mexico and Colombia, offered through the International Research Mobility Experience (IRME) project.
The IRME project is funded by the Global Skills Opportunity program and MITACS and administered in partnership between VIU, Lakehead University, Carleton University, École de technologie supérieure, and Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Internship Opportunities
Contact us prior to submitting an Expression of Interest for Fall Semester
Email Kendra Stiwich, Student Engagement Coordinator, SRCA
Tuesdays 5 - 6pm - Building 255, First Floor Commons
Culture Couch is a student-led weekly event. Each week is different, often consisting of sampling traditional foods, sharing music, and engaging in conversation. By attending, you can gain more understanding about the world and about each other in a casual and fun setting.
Email Jennifer Sills, Manager of Education Abroad
Peer Helpers are the international student volunteers who support new student orientation events and cultural programming throughout the year. They are dynamic leaders who possess the experience, training and skills to support VIU's newest international students during their first few weeks on campus and beyond.
Ready to Apply?
Project Partners
VIU Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity (SRCA)
Pre-Departure Checklist
Waiver
Review the VIU International Mobility Waiver for Field School Participants and related conduct policies.
Submit a signed copy at the time of your deposit deadline by emailing to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Cancellation, Refund, & Withdrawal Form
Review and sign the Cancellation, Refund, & Withdrawal Form for Field School Participants and related cancellation policies.
Submit a signed copy to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Register with International SOS (iSOS)
How to register and access services while abroad:
- Download the Assistance App to create account.
- Use link to access subscriber information login via link at the top of the page.
- VIU’s membership number: 27AGDA1018775IT
Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months passed your planned return to Canada. This is a VIU requirement, a common airline requirement as well as a standard for entry and exit to many countries. Apply for or update your passport as soon as possible, if needed. Save a scanned copy for your personal records. Do not submit to VIU.
Emergency Travel Medical Insurance
All participants are required to purchase and enroll in the VIU Guard.Me Emergency Travel Medical Insurance plan (Global A or Global B) prior to departure, for the duration of the program abroad and travel dates.
View the VIU Emergency Travel Medical Insurance Policy
Ensure you have adequate trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This can be purchased through guard.me by selecting “Global Plan A” from the list of options.
Insurance should purchased within two weeks of booking flights.
Submit by forwarding your welcome email from guard.me to InternationalMobility@viu.ca. Be sure to print your wallet-sized travel card to bring with you on your trip.
Flight Itineraries and Proof of Accommodation
For Field Schools: Book your flight(s) in consultation with your Field School leader. Consider ground transportation, including how you will get to and from the airport(s) if this is not part of your field school itinerary.
This is not a requirement if flights are included in your field school fees. Submit proof of accommodation and any addresses for the duration of your Field School. If group bookings were made on your behalf you do not need to submit.
All International Mobility participants must submit a copy of your flight itinerary(ies) by email to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
VIU Learn Pre-Departure Orientation Course
Review and complete the content in the Pre-Departure Orientation course on VIU Learn (approximately 3 hours to complete). Tip: Upon course completion, you can follow this link to access the certificate or find it in the Awards Tool under Assessment and Awards in the course navigation bar.
Submit your Certificate of Completion to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
Personal Safety Plan
Download and save a copy of the Personal Safety Plan specific to the type of mobility program you are participating in.
Complete with reference to the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
Review the wellness resources.
Submit your completed fillable form as part of the International Mobility Pre-Departure Orientation course on VIU Learn.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Register your trip abroad with the Government of Canada (or equivalent)
Submit a copy of your confirmation email to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
Emergency Contacts
Submit two emergency contacts (first name, last name, phone number, e-mail, and relationship) to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Visas
Research, apply for and secure the appropriate visas / study permits for your destination country(ies) and activities abroad. Do this as soon as possible! This is the student’s responsibility and VIU does not collect these documents. Not all countries or circumstances will require visa applications, and because the circumstances vary by person, we cannot advise but will do our best to help answer your questions. In the event that you need a letter to support your application, contact us.
International Students are responsible for ensuring their study permits are in good standing and will not expire until three months after their planned return.
File for your personal records. Do not submit to VIU.
Funding
We support student mobility by connecting students with scholarships, awards and stipends. Explore scholarship and funding opportunities. The Global Citizens Network and Stipend Program is one source of funding to help with your travel expenses.
Apply early and in time with the deadlines!
Support and Accessibility
If you are registered with VIU Disability Access Services or feel you may require accommodations to ensure your international travel and/or academic endeavours related to this program are as successful as possible, connect early:
Contact a VIU Access Specialist to discuss your plans and learn about accommodation supports. Email AccessibilityServices@viu.ca or call 250.740.6446.
Contact us for more information
International Mobility
VIU International
Building 255
InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Phone: 250.740.6378
Canadian and Latin America Research Exchange Opportunities (CALAREO)
- How will I approach travelling on an international airline and in an international airport?
- What is my study abroad destination's cultural attitude towards individuals with disabilities (mobility, hearing, vision, learning, anxiety, ADHD, etc.)?
- In what ways should I prepare to adjust to living in a foreign country? (i.e., housing, food, culture, language, healthcare, etc.)
- What is the physical environment of my study abroad destination or host university like?
- What are the overall conditions of public sidewalks and pavement of streets?
- If you require public transportation (i.e., buses, trains, planes) are they accessible?
- Are there housing options that are accessible and close to studies/work?
- How many on-site resources (offices, staff, hospitals, counselling centers, note-taking assistants, books on tape, etc.) are offered in my destination/university?
- How different is the academic environment, and is there flexible accommodations (i.e., for longer test time, reduced workloads, mandatory excursions, etc.?
- What barriers might I encounter (both in planning to go abroad, and while abroad), and how will I overcome them? What support do I need to help overcome these barriers?
- If I utilize academic, medical, psychological, or other resources at my home institution, will I utilize resources abroad? Where can I find the resources I need? What is the financial cost of these resources and what does my insurance cover?
- Can I bring my prescribed medications through customs and to my host country?
- Disability Laws: Every study abroad location has different laws and regulations regarding individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, the support, and the infrastructure that is provided to aid them. Not all of them will be inclusive and similar to your home country. Some countries might not even have basic support, so it is important to thoroughly research each destination and consider your list of criteria. Through this research process, you may end up removing many of the countries that do not offer you enough support through their legal framework for your disability. You may choose not to study abroad in a host country that does not legally require infrastructure for mobility disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps, let alone other accommodations.
- University Accommodations: Not all host universities that interest you will provide the assistance required for your particular disability, so you may prioritize partner schools that are able to meet your needs. Another option is to try and find a solution together with the university. Most of them will want to know what they can do to make you feel more comfortable, so communicating your needs is an important step and may even be able to start some sort of change within that university.
Medical tips:
- If you take prescription medication, ensure that you have enough for the duration of your stay
- All medication should be stored in their original containers with labels attached and visible
- Carry a letter from your physician that describes the medication
- Carry all essential medications in your carry on
- Ensure your medication is legal in your destination country
- Research how to access medical care in the host country that might be specific to your needs
- Communicate any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns to your Travel Medical Insurance provider to ensure appropriate coverage for your time abroad
- Accessibility Services. If you are registered with VIU Accessibility Services, Education Abroad can work closely with you and an advisor to understand your particular needs and integrate them into your travel planning. This is a confidential process that requires your consent.