The International Student Peer Program (ISPP) intends to address some of the unique needs of new international students transitioning to York University and Canada.
You are connected with a student peer even before you arrive in Canada. Student peers are senior-year students who have similar cultural backgrounds and/or study in the same academic program. By sharing their knowledge and personal experience of living and settling in Canada, student peers create a strong sense of community and promote global friendship for you as new international students.
The International Student Peer Program relies on three key elements:
CONNECTION: For you, the key to a successful transition is to build strong connections with the community. Student peers are usually the first personal contact you make, and their friendship and assistance helps to ease the anxiety of being new. These student peers will also connect you to other students, staff, faculty and other individuals off- campus.
SUPPORT: Based on their own experiences, student peers have the unique understanding of the issues you would have as a new international student. There are many different ways student peers could support you. This includes inviting you to international events, workshops and activities, directing you to local ethnic food restaurants and grocery stores, and sharing their academic experiences at York University, etc.
REFERRAL: Coming to Canada, you may experience challenges such as understanding the Canadian academic culture, complying with government immigration requirements, balancing between academic life and healthy living, etc. Student peers are trained to inform and direct you to the right resources including York International, the Counselling department, the Writing Centre as well as government agencies such as CIC or Service Canada offices.
The International Student Peer Program aims to enrich your experience at York University through community building, familiarizing you with York University student life and experiencing Canada. By participating in the ISPP, both you and your student peers will engage in global friendships and build a home away from home at York University.
- To sign up for International Student Peer Program, please click here.
- If you have any questions, please e-mail us: intlpeer@yorku.ca.
