The Peer Helper Program provides volunteer leadership opportunities for continuing students who are motivated to support new international students and contribute to making VIU's Nanaimo campus a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
Peer Helpers support welcome events and cultural activities that serve to support and connect over 2,000 international students with each other, the broader campus community, Nanaimo and beyond.
The primary volunteer role of Peer Helpers is to support the various English Language Department orientation and welcome events that take place two times per semester.
The secondary role of Peer Helpers is to support cultural and social events that help build a sense of community and create space for cultural diversity and inclusion.
Through such activities and more, Peer Helpers not only gain important interpersonal and intercultural skills, they often benefit socially from the new friendships and learning that come along with being part of such a dynamic group of engaged students from around the world.
Role of Peer Helpers
Peer Helpers are experienced students that provide a warm welcome and offer a helping hand to new international students during their first weeks at VIU. They also volunteer to support or host special events that help students build community and make connections on campus.
Duties include:
- Actively participating in Peer Helper training and leadership and intercultural skills development sessions
- Assisting with orientation duties including being greeters, helping with campus tours, computer account set-up, event support and occasional one-on-one support
- Using skills from Peer Helper training to provide cultural adjustment support to new students
- Being knowledgeable about campus and community resources to be able to refer new students to appropriate resources
- Participating in International Education initiatives such as Culture Couch, panel discussions, workshops, and special events.
- Encouraging new students to participate in campus life activities
Rewards of Participating in the Peer Helper Program
- Gain valuable leadership and intercultural skills while gaining experience to help build your portfolio
- Increase your network of friends and connections on campus
- Make a difference on campus and in the experience of new students
- Earn the Peer Helper Program "Certificate of Completion"
How to Apply
Peer Helper recruitment takes place once annually. Selected students serve a minimum of an 11-month term as volunteer campus leaders. To be selected for the program applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude, a commitment to volunteering, and a genuine interest in helping fellow students.
Application forms are available at the main reception area of Building 255, or at the link below.
New students have the opportunity to connect with Peer Helpers during International Student Orientations and ESL Orientations. If you would like to connect with a Peer Helper you may email the program coordinator Shubham.Mattas@viu.ca.