ORIENTATION & WELCOME PROGRAMS

Studying in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. While you are adjusting to a new academic environment and new academic policies, you will also have to adjust to a new culture, new customs, new foods, a different climate, and to being away from your family and friends.

To help international students with their transition to Canada and the U of M, ICS offers orientation programs at the beginning of each term. Our programs are an effective and efficient way to get the information you need in a short amount of time.

To register for any of the orientation programs listed below, complete the ICS Program Registration Form and return it to the ICS office by fax (204-474-7562) or E-mail (ics@cc.umanitoba.ca). Register early to avoid disappointment.

Exchange Students coming to the U of M for 1 or 2 terms from a partner institution should contact their U of M Exchange Coordinator for information on how to register for ICS Orientation Programs.  

 

Welome to the U of M!

Check out our Welcome Video to hear what current international students have to say about the U of M and adjusting to life in Winnipeg! 

 

 

 ICS Orientation for New International Students

ICS schedules orientation sessions for new international students at the start of the fall and winter terms. The orientation is a great opportunity to:

  • meet the ICS staff and learn about our programs
  • get information about the services available to you at the U of M
  • meet new and returning students from around the world
  • get a student's perspective to the U of M
  • hear ‘survival tips' from experienced students
  • become familiar with the University and the city of Winnipeg
  • learn about cultural differences in educational settings
  • get valuable information about adjusting to a new country, university policies and procedures, finding accommodation, Study Permits and visas, health matters, and more!
Upcoming Orientation Dates:
    • Wednesday, August 28, 2013
    • Cost:  FREE
Registration: Complete the Fall 2013 Arrival Program Registration Form and return it to the ICS office. 

 

 

Intercultural Retreat

This is a unique one-day intercultural event held just before the start of the fall term each year. It is an opportunity to meet new and returning international students, as well as U of M staff and professors. The day includes intercultural discussions and recreational activities such as rock wall climbing, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, and sports at a beautiful rural retreat.  The Retreat is highly recommended by students who have participated in the past as a way to make friends at the start of the term, develop successful communication strategies in a multicultural context, become better prepared for the Canadian academic environment, and enjoy the beauty of rural Manitoba.  Note: This event is held at the start of the fall term only.

Upcoming Dates:  Thursday, August 29, 2013  (7:30 am - 9:30 pm)

Cost:  $42.50

Volunteer Opportunity:  U of M students, staff, and faculty wishing to volunteer at the annual Intercultural Day should contact Rebecca Irving at Rebecca.Irving@ad.umanitoba.ca   

Brochures and Applications:

Payment: 

  • Cash:  Students may pay in person with cash (in Canadian funds) at the ICS office. 
  • Online Payments:  Online payment with Visa or Mastercard is also avaialable.  Contact Rebecca Irving at Rebecca.Irving@ad.umanitoba.ca for online payment instructions.

Application Deadline:  Application forms, waivers, and payments must be received by Monday, August 26, 2013.

 

International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP)

ICS can partner you with an experienced U of M student who will act as your mentor to help you throughout your first term here at the U of M.  Mentors participate in training and provide intercultural, personal, and academic support through one-on-one interactions and conversations.  Your mentor will contact you by e-mail or skype before you arrive in Winnipeg and will meet with you in person approximately once per week (for 1 - 2 hours) to help you have a successful transition to life in Canada and to your studies at the U of M. 

Registration: Complete the Arrival Program Registration Form and return it to the ICS office.
Volunteer Opportunity: Would you like to volunteer as an International Student Mentor to help a new international student? Complete the ISMP Mentor Application Form and return it to the ICS office.