Graham Pike, the former Dean of the International Department at Vancouver Island University, shared his experiences working to develop a Global Community at VIU. Mr. Pike recently retired from VIU in December 2018. During his time at VIU, he saw the Global Community expand and become an integral part of the VIU community.
In the last 10 years, Mr. Pike has seen the international student body on campus double in size. Right now, approximately 20% of the VIU student body is made up of international students from over 90 countries. Of these countries, the majority of international students are from East Asia (49%) and South Asia (22%). There are also students from Middle East/North Africa (9%), the rest of Africa (7%), Europe (7%), Latin America and Caribbean (3%), USA (1%) and other countries (1%). The most popular programs for international students at this time include the MBA program (95% international students), ESL programs, Bachelor of Arts, Hospitality Management, and Bachelor of Science. VIU also offers a high school with 90 students studying grades 10 to 12, and 65 of those students are international students.
The International Department at VIU helps support international students and promote an international experience through a variety of projects. VIU has dedicated representatives of VIU based in five (5) countries outside of Canada (2 in China, 1 in Vietnam, 1 in India, 1 in Germany) that meet with potential students in a recruitment office located in these countries. In addition, VIU is part of 150 partnerships with other institutions in the world that promote student exchanges, studies abroad, short term language and cultural programs, faculty exchanges and other collaborative projects. The International Department also encourages Canadian students to broaden their cultural horizons by means of exchange programs; field scholarships to China, Italy and France; internships in Mexico and Nepal; and global studies. The international student body provide a significant revenue source to VIU. Last year, the International Department was able to contribute approximately 10 million towards VIU deficit. In addition, the international students help promote a richer cultural experience on campus.
The majority of international students indicated that they wish to attend VIU because they wish to have an international experience and want an international accreditation. VIU is often an appealing option because it is a Canadian school that offers a much nicer climate than many other Canadian alternatives. VIU appeals to students because of various teaching excellence awards that it has been a finalist for or that have been awarded to faculty, the national MBA Games winner of 2017, its international development projects, Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships. There are a number of services provided to international students which are offered through VIU including dedicated advisors, assessment services, counselling, and disability services, homestay programs. Twice a year, VIU celebrates the Global Community on campus by means of a Global Citizens Week and World VIU Days. Global Citizens Week gives students and faculty the opportunity to share their international experiences and discuss various world-wide issues. World VIU Days celebrates the many cultures on campus through a multicultural festival which showcases various dances, food and fashions from around the World.