Your learning is about to take flight!
Through the pre-departure resources, in-person workshops, online courses and checklist work, students are supported in their dreams of studying abroad.
Pre-Departure Steps for Accepted Students
1. Research Pre-Departure Resources
Visit the Pre-Departure section of our website for important information, helpful tips and resources. Start with understanding your responsibilities and the policies that apply to students who participate in VIU International Mobility activities.
2. Attend Your Mandatory Pre-Departure Workshops
Logistics session: Review of your role and responsibilities, pre-departure checklist, mandatory medical insurance, safety, health & wellness, funding opportunities, emergency procedures and any questions you may have.
Intercultural session: Explore the foundations of Intercultural Competence and prepare for your experience abroad.
Attendance is mandatory. Please contact us if you have extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from attending.
3. Complete Your VIU Pre-Departure Checklist
Prior to departure, all students participating in a VIU international activity must complete the following tasks. Please begin immediately and submit items to your Experience Hub Step 9 or altogether in one email to InternationalMobility@viu.ca. All checklist items must be received 1 month prior to your planned departure.
Travel is not approved until the checklist is complete. Items are due a minimum of one month in advance of the planned departure.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Waiver
Review the VIU International Mobility Waiver for Field School Participants and related conduct policies.
Submit a signed copy at the time of your deposit deadline by emailing to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Cancellation, Refund, & Withdrawal Form
Review and sign the Cancellation, Refund, & Withdrawal Form for Field School Participants and related cancellation policies.
Submit a signed copy to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Register with International SOS (iSOS)
How to register and access services while abroad:
- Download the Assistance App to create account.
- Use link to access subscriber information login via link at the top of the page.
- VIU’s membership number: 27AGDA1018775IT
Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months passed your planned return to Canada. This is a VIU requirement, a common airline requirement as well as a standard for entry and exit to many countries. Apply for or update your passport as soon as possible, if needed. Save a scanned copy for your personal records. Do not submit to VIU.
Emergency Travel Medical Insurance
All participants are required to purchase and enroll in the VIU Guard.Me Emergency Travel Medical Insurance plan (Global A or Global B) prior to departure, for the duration of the program abroad and travel dates.
View the VIU Emergency Travel Medical Insurance Policy
Ensure you have adequate trip cancellation and interruption insurance. This can be purchased through guard.me by selecting “Global Plan A” from the list of options.
Insurance should purchased within two weeks of booking flights.
Submit by forwarding your welcome email from guard.me to InternationalMobility@viu.ca. Be sure to print your wallet-sized travel card to bring with you on your trip.
Flight Itineraries and Proof of Accommodation
For Field Schools: Book your flight(s) in consultation with your Field School leader. Consider ground transportation, including how you will get to and from the airport(s) if this is not part of your field school itinerary.
This is not a requirement if flights are included in your field school fees. Submit proof of accommodation and any addresses for the duration of your Field School. If group bookings were made on your behalf you do not need to submit.
All International Mobility participants must submit a copy of your flight itinerary(ies) by email to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
VIU Learn Pre-Departure Orientation Course
Review and complete the content in the Pre-Departure Orientation course on VIU Learn (approximately 3 hours to complete). Tip: Upon course completion, you can follow this link to access the certificate or find it in the Awards Tool under Assessment and Awards in the course navigation bar.
Submit your Certificate of Completion to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
Personal Safety Plan
Download and save a copy of the Personal Safety Plan specific to the type of mobility program you are participating in.
Complete with reference to the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
Review the wellness resources.
Submit your completed fillable form as part of the International Mobility Pre-Departure Orientation course on VIU Learn.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Register your trip abroad with the Government of Canada (or equivalent)
Submit a copy of your confirmation email to InternationalMobility@viu.ca.
Emergency Contacts
Submit two emergency contacts (first name, last name, phone number, e-mail, and relationship) to InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Visas
Research, apply for and secure the appropriate visas / study permits for your destination country(ies) and activities abroad. Do this as soon as possible! This is the student’s responsibility and VIU does not collect these documents. Not all countries or circumstances will require visa applications, and because the circumstances vary by person, we cannot advise but will do our best to help answer your questions. In the event that you need a letter to support your application, contact us.
International Students are responsible for ensuring their study permits are in good standing and will not expire until three months after their planned return.
File for your personal records. Do not submit to VIU.
Funding
We support student mobility by connecting students with scholarships, awards and stipends. Explore scholarship and funding opportunities. The Global Citizens Network and Stipend Program is one source of funding to help with your travel expenses.
Apply early and in time with the deadlines!
Support and Accessibility
If you are registered with VIU Disability Access Services or feel you may require accommodations to ensure your international travel and/or academic endeavours related to this program are as successful as possible, connect early:
Contact a VIU Access Specialist to discuss your plans and learn about accommodation supports. Email AccessibilityServices@viu.ca or call 250.740.6446.
Contact us for more information
International Mobility
VIU International
Building 255
InternationalMobility@viu.ca
Phone: 250.740.6378