After a period of virtual-only support due to the pandemic restrictions, students can now book in-person appointments with the International Centre’s international student advisors (ISAs) at U of M’s Bannatyne campus during office hours.
ISAs help international students navigate challenges regarding personal matters, academics and university regulations and policies. Advisors can also provide students with guidance on topics ranging from study permits and visas to general campus life and transitional support.
“There’s a large population of international students at the Bannatyne campus that have numerous stressors or numerous aspects of being an international student that they need to navigate,” said Cyndi Kindret, director of student services at Bannatyne campus.
“Having someone who has that knowledge and understanding, and I guess just information, is something that the students need.”
Kindret also noted the importance of in-person advising to students.
“I think virtually, it’s sometimes hard to connect with a person on the other screen, versus being in person with somebody and making a connection,” she said. “So, a big piece of that is accessibility, so that these students know that there’s somewhere they can go, where they can feel safe, where they can feel comfortable, where it’s confidential.”
According to UM Today, ISAs have recently received the regulated international student immigration advisor designation for meeting requirements set by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Rebecca Irving, one of the international student advisors, told UM Today that the designation legally allows ISAs to give students guidance concerning immigration and provide clear and direct advice to students regarding their own personal situations.
Irving also added that these enhanced services from the ISA team have been essential to help the growing international student population, especially in light of changes that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has recently made — such as the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus.
International students at Bannatyne seeking assistance from an ISA can book an appointment by visiting 3615.waitwell.ca or reach out by emailing Bannatyne student services at bcstudentservices@umanitoba.ca or calling 204-272-3190.
