The Peer Helper Program provides volunteer leadership opportunities for continuing students who are motivated to support new international students and contribute to making VIU's Nanaimo campus a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming place for everyone. The program is housed in the Department of International Education under the coordination of the Intercultural Program Coordinator.
Peer Helpers support welcome events and cultural activities that serve to support and connect over 2,000 international students with each other, the broader campus community, Nanaimo and beyond.
The current intake is an 11-month commitment from February 2024 to January 2025, with a break over much of the summer term (ideally our Peer Helpers stay on until the new intake of Peer Helpers in February 2025, but we can accommodate shorter terms if students are planning to leave campus at the end of the 2024 Fall term.)
The volunteer term consists of training sessions, workshops and a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service.
The primary volunteer role of Peer Helpers is to support the various English Language Department orientation and welcome events that take place two times per semester.
The secondary role of Peer Helpers is to support cultural and social events that help build a sense of community and create space for cultural diversity and inclusion.
Through such activities and more, Peer Helpers not only gain important interpersonal and intercultural skills, they often benefit socially from the new friendships and learning that come along with being part of such a dynamic group of engaged students from around the world.
Applications are accepted until February 5th, 2024.
Forms are available at VIU Cultural Connections "Glassroom" located in the main reception area of Building 255 or at the link below. Please return to Simon.Schachner@viu.ca, or to Janine at the International Education reception.