Delivering Effective International Student Support Amid Resource Constraints
As with many public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia, Vancouver Community College (VCC) has faced its share of funding constraints and staff reductions following the 2024 federal study permit cap. Yet despite these challenges, VCC’s International Student Services team has continued to deliver a high level of support to its students through innovative approaches to orientation, community partnerships, and peer mentorship.
To maximize their efforts in new student orientation, the team has developed a comprehensive online student success toolkit. Delivered through Moodle, a learning management system, the digital program provides international students with accessible, user-friendly modules covering key topics such as arriving in Canada, health and well-being, and academic success—all before they arrive in BC.
“The toolkit has enabled us to strengthen our onboarding process and deliver a high level of student support while optimizing existing resources and minimizing additional demands on staff,” says Jennifer Gossen, Director of International Education at VCC.
The college has also reintroduced in-person orientation sessions, creating opportunities for students to connect directly with advisors, instructors, and community partners. Informal meet-and-greets and cultural celebrations, such as Diwali, foster student engagement and a sense of belonging.
Partnerships with organizations such as MOSAIC and SUCCESS also play an important role in furthering VCC’s international student support by providing access to additional resources and services outside of the team’s scope. “We really value working with our community partners,” says Jennifer. “They provide our students with specialized workshops, housing assistance, immigration information, and practical guidance on employment.”
The team has also seen success through their International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC), a program designed to support new international students as they adjust to college life. Established in 2022, the IPMC fosters meaningful connections between incoming international students and trained current VCC students, helping to ease the transition and encourage student engagement. Students have opportunities to build friendships, develop social networks, gain valuable insights into college life, and share knowledge and experiences.
As a small but highly dedicated team, VCC’s International Student Services team continues to find creative and practical ways to meet the evolving needs of international students. “Our goal is to create an engaging, supportive, and dynamic environment where students feel connected to our team and confident that they can rely on us for the support and resources they need,” concludes Jennifer.
