International Centre
Imaru Baquero and Lauren Barrows
- International Student Service Team (ISS)
- English Language Institute
- English for Academic Purposes Program
- Writing Tutoring Program
- English Language Partner Program
- Additional Services
Our mission is to create awareness of diversity and foster global perspectives within the campus community.
Our International Centre is located on the lowest floor of the Student Union building (SU060). We exist to provide support, programs, and resources to all incoming and outgoing international students at the University of Lethbridge.
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International Student Service Team (ISS)
The International Student Services (ISS) team is the support system at the University of Lethbridge for international students. ISS provides support to incoming international students, we serve to connect them with the campus and community, assist them as they transition to life as a student in Canada, and guide them through personal challenges related to finance and immigration. We created an International Student Guide as an additional resource for our students. International Students Services offers the International Student Mentorship Program, which allows mentors and mentees to gain intercultural skills and learn from each other.
Our international student advisors provide non-academic advising services. Our advising sessions are totally free and confidential; students can arrange an appointment with one of our advisors or drop in at any time. We are happy to provide students with referrals to other resources and services, both on and off campus.
Our international student advisors will:
- provide students with pre-departure and arrival information to help guide their journey
- keep students up to date on important information via International Mail
- offer ongoing support and advice as you experience academic, cultural, and personal transitions
- provide students with referrals to other departments on campus
- help our international students with their transition to Canadian culture
- assist our international students with student immigration matters, such as study permit extensions, co-op permits, post-graduation work permits, spousal open work permits, temporary visas, etc.
- arrange letters of support for invitations of family members for convocation or a letter to assist with facilitating financial transfers
The International Student Mentorship Program, is a volunteer peer-mentor program in which new international students are matched with continuing uLethbridge students who can provide ongoing advice and information about life at the university and in Lethbridge. Mentors provide ongoing social support, assistance, and guidance throughout to new international students during their first semester. They share their personal experiences, easing their transition to university in Canada. This program is available to new undergraduate and graduate students.
2. English Language Institute
The University of Lethbridge International’s English Language Institute offers a variety of English Language programs for both students who study English as an additional language or English for Academic Purposes, as well as domestic students looking to make connections through tutoring and language partnerships.
English for Academic Purposes Program
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program is a bridging program for students who are entering the University for undergraduate or graduate studies, but who have not met their English Language Proficiency Requirement. The intensive EAP Program is comprised of four levels and not only helps students to meet the ELP Requirement of the University of Lethbridge, but also provides students with the skills necessary to succeed in an academic English environment. Each level of EAP consists of two courses: Writing/Reading and Communication. These two courses make a full-time program across 12-week semesters in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each course is 10 hours/week.
In this program students gain:
- academic communication skills
- academic reading and writing techniques
- library research and information gathering skills
- study skills for success in university academics
- knowledge and experience in bridging cultures and building interdisciplinary knowledge
Writing Tutoring Program [https://www.uleth.ca/international/writing-tutoring-program-wtp]
The goal of the Writing Tutoring Program (WTP) is to help English language learners improve their academic writing skills by providing them with writing tutorial support. This program is different than the services provided by the Writing Centre. WTP primarily serves EAP Program students, although graduates of the EAP Program and other students for whom English is an additional language may also access the WTP.
WTP tutors provide useful and informed feedback on English language learners’ writing at different stages of the writing process. Tutors do not write, proofread, or edit students’ writing. Rather, they provide higher order thinking feedback on their writing such as feedback on introductory, body, and conclusion paragraphs, strong thesis statements, relevant supporting points and details, unity, organization, coherence and cohesion, and language usage.
WPT tutors are student volunteers. Students who volunteer to be tutors in the WTP receive training, tutoring experience, intercultural exchange experiences, notation on their MyExperience Transcript, and a letter of reference.
English Language Partner Program [https://www.uleth.ca/international/content/english-language-tutor-program-1]
The English Language Partner Program pairs international students with student volunteers from the University of Lethbridge in order to improve their language skills and knowledge of Canadian customs. The English Language Partner Program focuses on conversational English skills and cultural exchange. Partners meet for approximately one hour per week.
3. Additional Services
Our office offers several exciting international exchange, faculty-led programs abroadd and internship opportunities. Participating in a student exchange opportunity at one of our partner institutions around the world can add an invaluable element to a well-rounded and successful academic experience.
Our Education Abroad Coordinators provide guidance to outgoing and incoming exchange students. The Education Abroad office also offers two Friendship Programs to incoming exchange students: Buddy Program and Friendship Family Program.
Our team is here to help our students as they prepare for their journey and beyond. We are happy to offer support and instruction for the entirety of their studies, from the time they are accepted into the University of Lethbridge until after they have completed your program.
