Student Services for Success

Education Advisors

Education Advisors are available to help international students to plan their academic program, choose courses to meet their educational goals, register for ESL and academic courses and learn about course requirements for transferring to other universities.

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre is open to all students affording additional opportunities to achieve academic success. Students can find learning assistance, one-to-one or small group tutoring, and help with study and learning strategies. Assistance is provided for ESL, General Business, Accounting, English, Math, etc. The Centre’s goal is to assist students to become effective, independent learners.

The International Student Computer Lab

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The International Student Computer Lab is available to all international students to practice speaking and listening skills, complete homework assignments, do internet research and the computers are multi-language capable. The ISC Lab has programs specifically designed to improve English speaking and listening skills.

Personal, Academic & Career Counselling

Personal, emotional and academic problems are a normal part of student life. Professionally trained staff are available to assist students in coping with problem areas in their life that interfere with maximizing their academic and social potential. One of the most helpful ways of dealing with problematic situations and feelings is to talk them through with an experienced counsellor.

Cultural Liaisons

Cultural Liaison staff help students by bridging the language gap. They assist students during orientation at the beginning of the semester and provide ongoing help and consultation throughout their time at Okanagan College. The Cultural Liaisons are native speakers of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.

Conversation Partners Program

The Conversation Partners Program is a volunteer program whereby Canadian and international students meet weekly to chat, share activities, and learn from each other.

"This program was such a great opportunity to better understand different cultures and was such a great chance to get to know some great people! It is a program that is very flexible and allows you to meet up with your partners however you would like!"

-- Kate McKenzie, Canada
(right, with her conversation
partner Selina Meng from China)

Volunteer Work Program

The Volunteer Work Program provides work experience for international students in the Okanagan Valley’s local communities.

"I really enjoyed volunteering at that shop. I chose this volunteer opportunity because I am interested in wearing accessories… It was a good experience for me!"

-- Sachika Yoshida, Japan

"I enjoy helping disabled students. Volunteering is very beneficial in allowing me to improve my English. I love volunteering with these students."

--Yue Shuai, China

Student Activities

Okanagan College offers social, recreational, cultural activities and field trips to help students to learn more about Canadian culture, the local economy and the region’s recreational opportunities.