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International Student Services

International Peer Mentoring

Program full for Fall 2023

Thanks for your interest in BCIT International Peer Mentoring. Note that all mentor and mentee positions have now been filled for the Fall 2023 term.

We are pleased to offer International Peer Mentoring to help new international students transition to life at BCIT and make important social connections. See the information below if you may be interested in participating.

On this page:

  1. Overview
  2. Schedule
  3. New student registration
  4. Volunteer as a mentor

Overview

International Peer Mentoring is a free peer-to-peer social support program that connects new international students starting their first term at BCIT with a mentor who is a continuing student in good academic standing. By registering as a mentee, you and up to 6 other new international students will be matched with an International Peer Mentor before your program starts and through the first month of the term. Mentors will be able to share their perspective and knowledge of student life at BCIT and the Metro Vancouver area as well as to do their best to answer questions or refer you to appropriate resources. Your mentor will likely be a different nationality and in a different program of study than you.

This program is intended to provide:

  • Social connections and networking opportunities for all participants
  • Peer support and guidance for new students
  • A valuable leadership opportunity for mentors

Schedule

Click below for more information the Fall 2023 program schedule at Burnaby campus.

*Note that the schedule may differ for participants in programs based at our Downtown campus.

New student registration

New international students accepted into programs starting at BCIT in September can expect to receive an invitation email through your myBCIT inbox approximately 5 weeks before term start with registration instructions.

Capacity is limited for this program and so registration is required and space is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

***The program is now full for the Fall 2023 term***

Volunteer to be an International Peer Mentor

Continuing BCIT students in good academic standing are invited to apply to become an International Peer Mentor. It is a unique opportunity to volunteer in a leadership role within the BCIT community and to make a real difference in the lives of new international students – all while having fun and enjoying fantastic benefits! Both international and domestic students based at either the Burnaby or Downtown campus are welcome to apply.

Expectations & mentor benefits

The total time commitment for mentors is estimated to be around 7-8 hours in total, spread out between the months of August and September. View the program schedule for more details and ensure that you can attend the mandatory events. Upon successful completion of all mentoring duties, volunteers will receive:

  1. $50 BCITSA gift card
  2. official letter of recognition
  3. 2 complimentary meals
  4. BCIT gear (t-shirt, cap, coffee mug, etc.)
  5. free future International Letter Request (for international students only – a $20 value)

Apply now!

To apply to become an International Peer Mentor for the Fall 2023 term, send an email to international.mentoring@bcit.ca with:

  1. Your name
  2. Your BCIT student number
  3. A brief explanation of why you are interested to serve as an International Peer Mentor (maximum 100 words)

Mentor spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis until all positions are filled.

***All mentor positions are now full for the Fall 2023 term***