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International Student Services

International Peer Mentoring

We are pleased to offer International Peer Mentoring to help new international students transition to life at BCIT and make important social connections. See the information below if you may be interested in participating.

On this page:

  1. Overview
  2. Schedule
  3. New student registration
  4. Volunteer as a mentor

Overview

International Peer Mentoring is a free peer-to-peer social support program that connects new international students starting their first term at BCIT with a mentor who is a continuing student in good academic standing. By registering as a mentee, you and up to 6 other new international students will be matched with an International Peer Mentor before your program starts and through the first month of the term. Mentors will be able to share their perspective and knowledge of student life at BCIT and the Metro Vancouver area. They will also be available to answer your questions or refer you to appropriate resources. Your mentor will likely be a different nationality and in a different program of study than you. Note that this mentoring program is not academic in focus.

This program is intended to provide:

  • Peer support and guidance for new students
  • A valuable leadership opportunity for mentors
  • Social connections and networking opportunities for all participants

Schedule

Click below for more information the Winter 2025 program schedule at Burnaby campus.

New student registration

New international students accepted into programs starting at BCIT in January can expect to receive an invitation email through your myBCIT inbox approximately  3 weeks before term start with registration instructions.

Capacity is limited for this program and so registration is required and space is filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Volunteer to be an International Peer Mentor

Continuing BCIT students in good academic standing are invited to apply to become an International Peer Mentor. It is a unique opportunity to volunteer in a leadership role within the BCIT community and to make a real difference in the lives of new international students – all while having fun and enjoying fantastic benefits! Both international and domestic students based at either the Burnaby or Downtown campus are welcome to apply.

Expectations & mentor benefits

The total time commitment for mentors is estimated to be around 6-7 hours in total. View the program schedule for more details and ensure that you can attend the mandatory events. Each mentor will receive receive:

  1. $40 BCITSA gift card
  2. official letter of recognition from BCIT
  3. 2 complimentary meals
  4. BCIT gear (including ball cap or coffee mug)
  5. free International Confirmation of Graduation Letter (for international students only – a $20 value)

Apply now!

***We are currently accepting applications for the Winter 2025 term!***

To apply to become an International Peer Mentor, send an email to international.mentoring@bcit.ca with:

  1. Your name
  2. Your BCIT student number
  3. A brief explanation of why you are interested to serve as an International Peer Mentor (maximum 100 words)

Note that preference for mentor position selection may be given based on a combination of the factors below:

  • Stated reasons for wanting to become a mentor
  • Overall GPA (marks in previous terms)
  • Academic status (i.e. full-time or part-time course load)
  • Number of terms completed at BCIT