International Peer Advisors
As International Peer Advisors (IPAs), we are dedicated to assisting international students with issues including immigration, health insurance, employment, cultural transitions, and campus services. We are Work Learn or Work Study students trained by professional advisors and we have the expertise, experience, and passion to assist you in making life at UBC memorable.
We work in the foyer of International House, as well as in residences. Visit us at the following times and locations starting in January 2010:
- International House: Monday through Friday, 1:00–4:00 pm
- Centre for Student Involvement: Wednesday, 1:00-4:00pm
- Totem Park: Wednesday, 5:00–7:00 pm
- Place Vanier: Thursday, 5:00–7:00 pm
- Simon K.Y. Lee Global Lounge: Thursday, 1:00–4:00 pm
What we do
Whether you have questions about your study permit, entry visa, work permit, or health insurance, or just want to talk about the challenges you're facing in adjusting to university life, we are here to listen and help. In order to provide the best service possible, we stay current on issues that may affect you, including immigration regulations.
IPAs are experienced student leaders with diverse cultural backgrounds, and some of us may even speak your native language. We will share with you our experience and help you find the information, resources, and support you need to achieve your goals.
We can:
- Assist you with filling out an application form for MSP and answer your questions about health insurance, including iMED, MSP, and the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan.
- Answer your questions and assist you with filling out applications for study permits, work permits, and temporary resident visas (TRVs).
- Answer questions about on-campus employment, off-campus work permits, and post-graduation work permits.
- Provide you with information, resources, and support, including support services for academic studies, AMS services, and volunteer opportunities.
- Provide information and assistance to help you overcome culture shock and make a smooth cultural transition.
- Provide information about campus events such as GALA – International Orientation, Imagine UBC, Graduate Student Society Orientation, Student Leadership Conference, and AMS events.
Meet our team
Vanessa Chase
Hi, my name is Vanessa Chase and I'm a fourth-year international student. I came to Vancouver three years ago from a small town in California and fell in love with life in this city. I'm in the Faculty of Arts, doing a major in English Literature and a minor in Visual Arts. My UBC experience has been phenomenal so far, and I hope it will be for you, too. I hope that my knowledge and experiences will allow me to better serve you as an IPA this year. When I'm not studying or working, I volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada and enjoy reading, golfing, meeting new people, and going to new places. I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have. All the best for a successful school year!
Nazanin Moghadami
Hello, my name is Nazanin Moghadami. I'm an international student from Iran in my fourth year at UBC. I'm also the International Student Representative at the AMS for the coming year and really excited to continue working as an IPA with I. House. International students' issues are always something I want to address, so that our experience in UBC could be even better. In addition to working at I. House and for the AMS council, I spend my time studying or trying to explore the potential of Vancouver. Also, keep in mind, International House is a great place to hang out and make new friends from all around the world. So feel free to drop by and check it out – and find us if you have any questions. After all, that's why we're here.
Tony Lam
Hi there, my name is Tony Lam and I am a third-year student studying marketing and international business in the Sauder School of Business. I have lived in Hong Kong for most of my life, but now call Vancouver home. However, I do like to travel, explore new exotic places and meet new people. From Russia to Morocco to New Zealand, all these destinations showed me fascinating cultures and traditions. In my free time, I enjoy biking around Pacific Spirit National Park at UBC because the Pacific Ocean coastline is just amazing. Besides this, there are a lot of fun events held around UBC every year such as Storm the Wall and International Week. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, just come find us at International House, Totem Park, or Place Vanier. We look forward to meeting you all!
Rapichan Phurisamban
Hello! My name is Rapichan Phurisamban and I'm a fourth-year Economics student with a passion for economic development issues. I have enriched my UBC experience through various activities such as helping other students with filling out their tax returns, planning the first annual Eat S.E.A.Food Fest (Southeast Asian Food Fest), and participating in International Week as a sub-committee member as well as being a Thai dancer. As UBC has so many great opportunities to offer, I really want to encourage you to get involved and make the best out of your time here as well.
Originally from Thailand, I came to Vancouver two years ago to pursue my undergraduate degree at UBC and I have been through it all (i.e., culture shock, banking, MSP, taxes, exam stress, where to eat/shop when on a tight budget, etc.), so please don't hesitate to come and ask me questions or just drop by to say hi! I also offer great advice on anything related to Econ, especially about the amazing Econ profs!
Guessy Wang
Hi! I'm Guessy Wang and I'm in my fourth year, majoring in microbiology and immunology. As an international student from China, I know most of your needs and concerns. I'm trying my best to help international students, just like how I was helped when I first stepped onto this beautiful but strange land two years ago. I've been working as an International Peer Program (IPP) group leader for the past couple of years, and I am also excited about being an IPA this year.
Like most science students, I enjoy doing research. I've been working in different research labs for several years and I'm currently doing co-op at Vancouver General Hospital. I'd love to share with you my passion for science and my experience in academic studies in the Faculty of Science. I enjoy meeting new people and making new friends as well.
Something I really want to tell you is that you made an excellent choice to become a UBCer and you're very brave to be here, far from your home country. Please feel free to ask me if you need assistance. You may email me or drop by, and I'll be here to help you.
Yeshey Ihaden
Hi everyone! I am Yeshey from Bhutan, currently in my third year at UBC in the Faculty of Arts, majoring in Economics. I am interested in working towards economic development mostly in the least developed countries like my own country, and also very passionate about conservation of cultural heritage sites and historical documentation. I love to dance, enjoy cooking and some tennis, and many other things that fascinate me.
This is my fifth year living in British Columbia and I hope that my experience as an international student will be of help to you all. As for being in a big university with thousands of students, I know that it can be exciting for some new students while overwhelming for some others. In order to help you live healthier and happier, there are many activities and services available at I. House, where we IPAs are glad to assist you. We want to help you make your life at UBC successful and more meaningful. Please don’t hesitate to come see us whenever you have questions.
We look forward to seeing you!
If you have any questions, email peer.advisor@ubc.ca.
