International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC)
The International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC) helps new international students transition smoothly to life at Vancouver Community College (VCC) and in Canada.
Through this program, new students (mentees) are matched with trained current VCC students (mentors) who provide guidance, support, and connection during their first term.
Benefits of the IPMC program
IPMC is more than just support — it’s an opportunity to grow. Mentors and mentees will:
- Build meaningful friendships and expand your network
- Gain insider knowledge from experienced VCC students
- Learn how to navigate campus life and adjust to living in Canada
- Access helpful student services and campus resources
- Feel supported in a diverse and welcoming community
- Develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Enjoy social events and activities hosted by VCC International Education
- Create lasting memories throughout your student journey
- Receive one-on-one support from a mentor
- Meet people and make new friends from different backgrounds and cultures
- Learn how to find resources and connect with different departments at the college
- Get the chance to socialize with other students within the community
- Learn about Canadian culture to help overcome homesickness and culture shock
- Participate in events and fun activities organized by VCC International Education
- Receive a volunteer recognition letter and a Certificate of Appreciation from VCC International Education
- Add volunteer experience in a leadership role and new skills to your resume and cover letter
- Gain skills in leadership, mentorship, cross-cultural communication, teamwork, event planning, and management
- Make new friends from around the world and develop intercultural awareness
- Enhance your professional network and socialize within the College community
- Participate in training, development, and engagement opportunities offered exclusively to mentors
- Participate in events and fun activities organized by VCC International
- Receive a gift card and VCC swag
A Mentee can be any new international student enrolled in a full-time program that is at least 5-months in length at VCC and who wants to be part of the International Peer Mentor Community. As a Mentee, you will meet with your team regularly throughout the term, participate in events organized by VCC International Education and have the opportunity to build friendships and hear more about the services available at VCC and around the community.
- A peer mentor can be any current VCC domestic or international student who has completed at least one term at VCC. A peer mentor needs to be in good academic standing, familiar with campus life, have the ability to relate to a diverse team of people, and want to be a leader in our International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC).
- As a volunteer position, the peer mentor will support new international students (mentees) to navigate their first term at VCC and give tips on how to maximize the opportunities offered in the community. The peer mentor commitment involves continued communication with the mentees through email, monthly meetings, and social activities.
- As a peer mentor, you are not expected to have all the answers that mentees might ask or replace academic and professional assistance provided by the college. Instead, you will help guide and support new international students during their adjustment throughout their first term.
- Mentors will not provide immigration-related or academic advice to students. Please reach out to VCC International Education directly for support.
Apply to the IPMC
Before applying as a mentee or volunteering as a mentor of IPC, here are a few key details to keep in mind:
- IPMC runs during the Fall and Winter intakes, and spaces are limited. We recommend signing up early, as spots are limited.
- You will receive an email from VCC confirming your mentorship group about one month before the term begins.
- At the start of the term, mentors and mentees attend a special meet-and-greet event to connect and get started.
- Ongoing engagement:
- Mentors will regularly connect with their mentee group and organize social activities throughout the term.
- Mentees are encouraged to actively ask questions, participate, and engage with their mentor and peers.
Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of mentees, mentors and VCC International Education before applying.
- Communicate regularly and effectively with your peer mentor and with your team
- Attend one-on-ones, scheduled meetings, and activities with your peer community
- Take the initiative, be on time, and engage throughout one academic VCC term
- Show genuine interest and ask questions
- Attend the ‘Meet Up’ event to meet your mentor and other mentees
- Follow the VCC Education Support Policies
- Apply the experiences and skills learned from your mentor and fellow mentees in the future!
- Commit to volunteer for one academic term with an optional second term (with new mentees each term)
- Provide one-on-one support and arrange team activities for your mentee team (up to 6 mentees)
- Communicate regularly and effectively with your mentees throughout one academic VCC term
- Be available to answer questions and share your knowledge and experience
- Direct mentees to resources and support services available on campus
- Encourage mentees to set and achieve goals
- Help mentees build personal relationships with fellow students
- Attend the “International Peer Mentor Training”
- Attend the “Meet Up” event to meet their mentees and other mentors
- Participate in and help coordinate events and activities organized by VCC International Education
- Follow the VCC Education Support Policies
- Complete the International Peer Mentor Community report
- Provide leadership, training, and ongoing support to peer mentors
- Facilitate matching the peer mentor with their mentees
- Provide the meet-up event to connect mentors and mentees
- Mediate any conflict between students or between the mentor and their mentees
- Provide all academic and immigration-related advice to international students
Any questions about the International Peer Mentor Community (IPMC) can be directed to VCC International Education at [email protected].
IPMC event photos
Check out our past IPMC events on the VCC IE Facebook Group – IPMC. The event photos are also saved in the following folders.
IPMC mentor feedback
I hope I was able to help my mentees and inspire them to also pay it forward by being mentors in the future.
MA. Theresa V. (Shine) Ganzon, Philippines
Business and Project Management Post-Degree Diploma
The mentees are very nice. We 4 had a great time. I think we bonded as friends. We plan to hang out when we have time.
Chia-Chi (Chi), Taiwan
Early Childhood Care and Education Diploma
It was a privilege to mentor such a diverse group of mentees, also a beneficial learning experience for me as well.
Muhammad Umer Akram, India
Business and Project Management Post-Degree Diploma
It was an honour to be able to pass on my personal learning and experiences, but very helpful for me as well having spend time with such a multicultural group of students.
Manpreet Kaur, India
Global Supply Chain Management Post-Degree Diploma