International Centre
Our vision is to foster an inclusive learning environment that cultivates and celebrates a diverse 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.
We have three Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIA) and two Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) in our centre that support with transition to Canada and provide advice and services for all of your student related immigration concerns. This includes study permit applications and extensions, temporary resident visa applications, student related work permits and spousal open work permits. Our team will also provide lots of opportunities for you to connect and create friendships with other students and experience Canadian culture.
Our centre provides support to incoming and outgoing students who participate in the many exciting education abroad opportunities offered by the University of Lethbridge. You can choose to participate in semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships and more!
The International Centre is also home to the English Language Institute, which offers different programs at varying levels for students studying English to help them improve their spoken and written competency. This includes summer ESL programs and the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, which is designed to help its students meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission into the University of Lethbridge.
Our team is here to help you as you prepare for your journey and beyond. We are happy to offer you support and advice for the duration of your studies, from the time you are accepted into the University of Lethbridge until after you have completed your program.
The International Student Services team is your support system at the University of Lethbridge. We serve to connect you with your campus and community, assist you with your transition to life in a Canadian city, and guide you through personal challenges related to settlement and immigration.
Our International Student Advisors provide non-academic advising services. Our advising sessions are completely free and confidential; you can arrange an appointment with one of our advisors or drop-in to see us. We can also provide referrals to other resources and services, both on and off-campus. We encourage you to come and get to know our team personally. Please visit us in the International Centre as frequently as needed to discuss any concerns you have.
Our International Student Advisors will:
- Provide you with pre-arrival and post-arrival information to help prepare you for your journey
- Keep you up-to-date on important information via International Mail, our weekly newsletter
- Offer ongoing support and advice as you experience academic, cultural, and personal transitions
- Provide you with referrals to other departments on campus
- Assist you with student immigration matters, such as study permit extensions, co-op permits, post-graduation work permits, spousal open work permits, temporary resident visas, etc.
- Write letters of support when you wish to invite family members for convocation or a letter to assist with facilitating financial transfers.
Book an appointment with an International Student Advisor
Calgary Campus
At the Calgary Campus we have International Student Advisors dedicated to support our students. They provide support related to navigating the campus, academic and cultural transition, settlement, financial issues, as well as provide referrals to other services and resources both on and off campus. Please visit Suite S6032, 345 – 6th Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 4V1 (6th Floor, Bow Valley College – South Campus building) or click the button above to book an appointment.
Throughout the year, our International Student Advisors organize workshops, group advising and information sessions that are focused specifically on enhancing your experience as an international student.
Topics we have covered recently include Canadian culture, immigration basics for students and the post-graduation work permit program, as well as study skills and finding work in Canada.
We host speakers who present on many different topics which are relevant and helpful to you, from exploring pathways to permanent residence, to career strategies for international students. We will keep you posted on any upcoming workshops and events, so keep an eye on your e-mail for details.
Our International Student Mentorship program connects you with a student volunteer from uLethbridge who will offer you advice, social support, and guidance as your mentor through individual meetings and fun social activities. Your mentor may meet with you over coffee, take you to see one of the local Pronghorns games, or help you study during your first semester. The purpose of this program is to help you feel comfortable as you transition into your life as a Lethbridge resident and student at the University of Lethbridge. Participating in this program is a great way to make friends with other students, learn about University services and resources, and enhance your intercultural skills. This program is available for first year students as mentees and second to fourth year students as mentors.
Annual International Dinner
Many years ago, a group of students at the University of Lethbridge assembled together to share their food and culture with each other and the community—this was how the University of Lethbridge International Dinner began, and it is a tradition which continues to this day. The Annual International Dinner recognizes and celebrates the diversity represented on our campus. This catered evening event includes cultural performances and a fundraiser for one of the University of Lethbridge International Student or Education Abroad awards. We are always looking for volunteers to help with event set up, to share their stories, and to highlight their cultures through performances. Please contact us if you would like to get involved.
International Education Week
Each year in November, we celebrate International Education Week. Over 100 countries around the world observe International Education Week, which recognizes the importance of international education and exchange in creating intercultural perspectives and fostering global citizenship. At the University of Lethbridge, we celebrate this occasion to create awareness of the ethnic and cultural diversity that exist on our campus, in our country, and around the world. We invite you to celebrate International Education Week with us.
Each year, we host the Capture Culture Photo Contest and the entire uLethbridge community can enter their best photos in the "People & Culture" and "Cities & Landscapes" categories. The call for submissions usually goes out in October.
Want to get involved? We will be looking for volunteers to participate in International Education Week. We would love for you to join us and share your culture. There are many ways in which you can showcase your culture, such as dancing or musical performances, demonstrations, and displays. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at the International Centre.