International Students
International graduate students bring valuable perspectives, insights and experiences to the university. If you are a current international student, this section will provide tips and resources to help you make the most of your grad experience.
If you are a new student, visit our Virtual Orientation page to help you find your way through getting settled in Metro Vancouver and getting established in the Canadian university system.
We are committed to helping you throughout your graduate program. If you have a question that's not answered below, please contact Carolyn Hanna at dgs-international@sfu.ca
Settlement & Visa Support
Academic & Professional
- SFU Library (services for international students)
- Research 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
- Mitacs Step program (offers free training for graduate students in interpersonal, project management and entrepreneurial skills)
- Immigrant Women in Science & Technology
English as an Additional Language
- Student Learning Commons (EAL support)
- International Teaching Assistant program
- Burnaby Mountain Toastmasters Club (Public speaking club)
- English Language and Culture Program (Continuing Studies)
- University Glossary: If you're confused by any terms used at the university
- Residence Slang: Common language used in the SFU Residences
- Burnaby campus building name abbreviations (pdf)
Academic Culture: 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)
- Adjusting to Canadian Culture (see also: Understanding Canadians)
Financial Support
Equity & Access
- Centre for Students with Disabilities
- SFU Human Rights Office (religious accommodation policy)
- Ombuds Office
- Student Society Free Legal Clinic
Community Settlement Resources
- Welcome to Canada
- Welcome BC (includes comprehensive Newcomer's Guide to BC)
- Vancouver: Newcomers Guide
- Burnaby: Community Resource Guide (2013) (low cost goods & services)
- Surrey: Get in the Know
- Association of Neighbourhood Houses (BC)
Safety and Security