International Peer Advisors
International Peer Advisors
As International Peer Advisors (IPAs), we are dedicated to assisting international students with a variety of issues including immigration, health insurance, employment, cultural transitions, and campus services. We are a mix of domestic and international students who are 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, in residences, Irving K. Barber Learning Centre as well as online. Check back in late June to find out about times and locations for August, 2012 and the coming Winter Session Term 1!
Find us on Facebook: Ubc Internationalpeeradvisor
Follow us on Twitter: @ubcipa
OR
Email us: peer.advisor@ubc.ca
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 past 2011 - 2012 team and check back in June for details on the new team!
Nakul Malik— IPA Program Coordinator
Hello! I’m Nakul and I’m currently a fourth year Marketing major at the Sauder School of Business. I’m originally from Mumbai, India but have been brought up in Indonesia, attending Jakarta International School. As an international student myself, coming to a new city on my own was overwhelming. However with the support of I House, International Peer Advisors and the International Peer Program, my transition to UBC and Vancouver was a lot easier. UBC and Vancouver have a lot to offer and it is up to you to make the most of your experience at UBC. During my last 3 years at UBC I’ve had the opportunity to have leadership roles in GALA, International Peer Program and now the privilege to be an International Peer Advisor. I love photography, design and travelling and have had the chance to take a Graphic Design Course at Parsons New School For Design! This year, I look forward to meeting new people and experiencing new diverse cultures. Have a wonderful year at UBC and remember, if you ever lose your way, we are always around to guide you in the right direction!
Cecilia Montauban
Hi everyone! My name is Cecilia and I am a third year student double majoring in Environmental Science and Human Geography. I am originally from Lima, Peru, but growing up I also lived in South Africa, England, Portugal, Malaysia and now Canada. I love traveling and meeting new people and being at UBC has been one of the best experiences of my life. During my time at UBC I have been involved mainly in orientations and other aspects of student community building, particularly with internationally-focused clubs. I have been involved with Jump Start, GALA and UBC Orientations. I have also been involved with the Place Vanier Residence association, AMS International Student Representative, VP Internal of the International Students Association (ISA) and iLead (a student network of ILOT and ISHA scholarship award students). I am very passionate about helping people feel at home at UBC so I am extremely excited about being an IPA this year. I hope to provide support to my fellow international students and help them succeed at UBC.
Wentao Xue
Hello & Bonjour! My name is Wentao and I am a 4th-year arts student doing a double major in International Relations (IR) and French. As you can tell from my name, I am originally from China and I came here for my undergraduate degree. As a returning student and a new IPA, I am quite excited about the upcoming academic year, and it’s nice to meet you all!
Through my time at UBC, I was involved with different great programs and events, such as UBC Orientations, Peer Programs, Arts Career Expo, Student Leadership Conference, etc., and was glad to meet many amazing student leaders on campus. UBC has always been a great place of mind for me to get inspired and involved, and hope you will (or already) love it as well!
I understand that sometimes life can be both exciting and challenging for new or returning international students, and that is why I would encourage you to talk to IPAs if you ever feel like talking with some peers. Please drop by the I. House and say hi to us if you will!
Zahra Mamdani
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I am Zahra, a third year Biochemistry student in the Faculty of Science. I am originally from Tanzania. I have learned to speak 5 languages (Swahili, Hindi, Gujrati, Katchi and of course English). I also love to learn new words from different languages. I have a passion for working with international students and learning about different cultural and religious backgrounds. To exercise this passion I am involved in several institutions which enable me to work with international students. Some of these include: the Advocacy Committee for the International Students Association, the ReachOut coordinator for i.Lead (International scholarship recipient network), the VPS- Emerging Leaders Program (for students wanting to get involved on campus), the Reading Week Project (teaching at elementary schools during reading week) and UBC’s Student Ambassadors (conducting campus tours and meeting prospective international and domestic students). In my spare time, I enjoy reading, catching up with friends and listening to slow, soothing music. I am a jolly, fun-loving person and am ever-ready to try new things. I love UBC, and I wish to help others make this place a home as well!
Tyler Kretzschmar
Hi! I’m Tyler and I am currently a fourth year student pursuing a major in International Relations and a minor in French. While I was born in Canada, I spent the majority of my life overseas, living/studying/working in India, China and France. When I first arrived at UBC a few years ago, I had no idea what to expect, but found myself very much at home with the variety of opportunities for student involvement that UBC has to offer (and of course the amazing scenery of the campus too!). I have been involved with student clubs such as AIESEC UBC and the International Relations Students Association, and had the great experience of doing a GoGlobal Exchange Program in my third year to Sciences Po, Paris. My interests include rock climbing, skiing, swimming, international affairs, watching movies, and most of all travelling. I am looking forward to helping other students at UBC establish themselves in Vancouver and make the most of their University years.
