International Students

In addition to the student services and programs available for all graduate students, the following resources may be of particular interest for international graduate students

International Student Services & Support

• SFU International Services for Students 
  
  • international student orientation
  • visas and health insurance  
  • workshops and events for international students, including langage circles, world films, and a graduate international community program

Academic & Professional

• SFU Library
• Student Learning Commons (offers individual consultations, personalized learning plans, and a weekly Grad Cafe for students whose first language is not English)
• Certificate in University Teaching and Learning
• International Teaching Assistant program
• TA/TM Day (Teaching Orientation)
• Career Services
• Beedie School of Business Career Management Centre
• Mitacs Step program (offers free training for graduate students in  interpersonal, project management and entrepreneurial skills)
• English Language and Culture Program (Continuing Studies)
• University Glossary: If you're confused by any terms used at the university (see also Residence Slang)
  

Social & Cultural

• Interfaith Centre
• Student Clubs
• Sports Clubs

 Peer Support & Advocacy

• SFU Graduate Student Society
• Grad Caucuses
• Women's Centre
• Out on Campus (SFU's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender centre)
  
• Student Society Free Legal Clinic

Equity & Access

• Centre for Students with Disabilities
• SFU Human Rights Office (religious accommodation policy)
• Ombuds Office

Financial Assistance

• SFU Financial Aid
• SFU Food Bank
• TSSU Childcare Bursary

Community Settlement Resources

• Welcome to Canada
• Welcome BC (includes comprehensive Newcomer's Guide to BC)
• Vancouver: Newcomers Guide
• Burnaby: Community Resource Guide
• Surrey: Get in the Know

Recommended Reading

• Communication Strategies for International Graduate Students and Mentoring Graduate Students Across Cultures (two free e-guides from the University of Western Ontario with helpful tips on "surviving and thriving in Canadian Academia")
• Recognizing the Five Stages of Academic Culture Shock (part 1) and Five Practical Tips to Help You Beat Academic Culture Shock (part 2) (a great article on "How to Survive Your First Year of Graduate School" written by Nanda Dimitrov in University Affairs magazine, November, 2008)