International Peer Program
International Peer Program? Huh? What’s that?
The International Peer Program is run by International Student Development and of the roughly 15 peer programs on campus, it is the only program that focuses on assisting incoming degree and exchange international students transition to university life at UBC.
Oooooh! So what can the International Peer Program do for me?
As an International Peer in our program, you will be fully supported by the student management team, group leaders and senior peers in all aspects of your life at UBC. The program offers:
• Exciting social events
• Academic coaching (*Scratches head while staring cross-eyed at a physics relative velocity question*)
• Skills Development Workshop (What?! 100 pages to read by next week!!! *Pulls out clumps of hair*)
• Cross-cultural workshops (OMG! He’s standing so close to me, what do I do?! *Freaks*)
• Opportunities for volunteering (Get Involved! Nuff said.)
• Networking opportunities (You can never have too many friends!)
• Pick up useful tips about campus life from your new friends (Q: Where is the best place to catch some Zzz in between classes? TIP: It’s not in a library!)
• Explore Vancouver (from the water via paddleboarding!)
Sounds like I’m gonna have a rawking AWESOME time! Where do I sign up?
The application form can be found here: https://secure.students.ubc.ca/international/ippstudents.cfm
AMS Firstweek
AMS Firstweek is not just a series of events. It’s your chance to meet the people who will be with you for your entire year, and re-connect with the friends you have already made. Firstweek looks to represent these various areas of UBC and offer information on them for incoming students, allowing them to become immediately involved in campus life. Our team has put together a whole series of events, from our midnight pool party, to Improv Shows to the Welcome Back BBQ and some of the coolest concerts of the year to help you get the most out of your Firstweek. Our Firstweek Frosh kits contain sweet AMS gear that you will need to make your Firstweek successful.
Make sure you get the most out of your Firstweek by buying your all access Firstweek wristband and VIP Froshkit through amsfirstweek.com.
Commuter Student 101
Will you be living off-campus during UBC Jump Start? Will you live off-campus from September to May? If so, then you are considered a commuter student! Today we have a few resources to help you prepare for your life as a commuter.
Getting to UBC
There are many buses that go directly to UBC. To plan the route that’s best for you, visit the Translink website. On the main page you will see a box called “Trip Planner.” Type in the address where you will be living in the “Departing From” box and UBC in the “Going To” box. If it asks you which stop you’re going to at UBC, select “UBC loop.”
During UBC Jump Start the weather should be pleasant, which means it’s a great time to ride a bike to campus. There are many streets in Vancouver that are designated bike routes, which means there are less cars on those streets. To find out more about them, visit the UBC Trek website.
You may also want to consider joining a carpooling group.
Prepare for your day
Because you might be away from your house for a longer period of time, it is especially important to think through your entire day and prepare accordingly. Consider these questions:
Will you be attending classes? What materials might you need?
Will you bring your own lunch or purchase one?
What will the weather be like that day? (Word of advice – always have an umbrella!)
Do you need a computer for anything? Will you bring your own laptop or use one in the library?
Life outside of Academics
Of course you’ll be coming to campus primarily for your classes, but your time spent at UBC should be enjoyable. Consider spending time with friends if you have a break. Or maybe join a club to meet students who share your interests. There are many ways to enjoy UBC beyond its academic offerings so don’t let the chance pass you by.
Looking for more resources? Check out the Connections, the commuter student magazine.
My Enspiring Experience as a Global Humanitarian
Last summer I took part in the Bulacan Community Project with Enspire Foundation. After meeting the team here in Vancouver, we flew all the way to the Philippines. There, we not only got to build houses for less-fortunate families, but we actually got to meet those families. It was definitely a life changing experience that opened my eyes. The trip went a little something like this:
After the plane trip, we hopped onto a bus. We were headed to the city of Navotas, yet another polluted and overpopulated region of the Philippines. We were going to meet the less fortunate families there. I had heard stories about less fortunate people my whole life. But it was all so distant that to a certain extent, it all seemed like a fable. A fable filled with mythical creatures called “the less fortunate.” That must have been one of the reasons why I went on the trip – I had to get a first-hand experience of the realities of poverty.
We got to Navotas and everybody was just so happy. Kids were jumping up and down in the middle of the streets, trying to grab our attention. They practised their English on us, saying cute little things like, “Hi my name is Mark. I like to play basketball.” I thought to myself, “Hey this isn’t so bad!”
I was so happy to be building them new houses. We travelled over to Bulacan, a cleaner and less populated area in the Philippines, to build the homes. The goal is to create a new community in Bulacan and to transfer a certain number of residents from Navotas to Bulacan. In this way, we are hoping to create a community that sustains itself and the environment they live in.
But my heart sunk as we walked deeper into the village. Some areas were littered with so much trash that I could barely see the ground. But still, kids were sitting on it, playing a game of cards like it was nothing! Their shanty homes were built so close together, they looked like they’d tumble like dominos. Some houses were even built on the bay, held up by stilts, because there was simply no room left on land.
In 2009, the Jump Start theme was eco sustainability. Participants were taught the importance of sustainability for future generations, and were encouraged us to give back to the community. Eco-sustainability levels in the Philippines are extremely poor. By participating in projects such as The Bulacan Community Project through Enspire, these issues can slowly be changed.
For more details on how to become a global humanitarian, or how to take part in Enspire Foundation’s local events, please contact Camille at or visit http://enspireme.org
Get involved with the Science Undergrad Society!
UBC’s Science Undergraduate Society (SUS) represents more than 6,000 undergraduate science students at UBC. SUS supports departmental clubs, hosts seminars and social events, provides rebates for intramural teams, and puts out a variety of science publications. If you are in first year, after signing up for SCIENCE FROSH 2010 and having an amazing day , the best opportunity to get involved is by joining the First Year Committee in this upcoming year. You’ll learn how SUS works and get to meet older students. You can also help plan events just for first-years. Science undergrads are automatically members of the Science Undergraduate Society. In the past events such as dances, tutorials, food drives were organized.
For second year and beyond students, SUS students can not only get involved by running for exec positions in march but they can get involved with the SUS undergraduate society by attending the weekly council meetings which are open to everyone. They are a great environment for science students to let their voices be heard and to learn about some of the important decisions the exec have to deal with on a weekly basis.
Whatever your major or interest, there’s probably a science club for you. Not only do they host social events and have intramural teams, they are also a great resource. Some clubs have old exams available for you to practice on before those tough midterms and finals. Other clubs provide resources to help you get into certain programs and learn more about them. Another amazing opportunity to get involved is by signing up to volunteer for various SUS events, whether it is helping out with Science FROSH or representing science during the most important week of the year, SCIENCE WEEK. Check out the Science Undergraduate Society clubs page for more details and get involved and enjoy the benefits of being a SUS member!
This post was brought to you by the Science Undergraduate Society.
Share It!
Happy Friday Jump Starters! You should have received an email from the Jump Start team yesterday about Share It! We have already received a couple of contributions that are stellar! Are you as excited as we are for this event?
Today we are going to feature a couple of the “I am From” poems written by the Jump Start Resident Assistants. We hope this give you a better sense of what the poems are.
I am from the canopies of copious intricate and lush trees and of endless rows of cement buildings, from el gueguense mask, banana leaf wrapped nacatamales, and colorfully painted imported school buses that are used for regular public transportation.
I am from the house that provides shelter from the 38 degrees heat and the scorching sun, where fruit bats flutter around rapidly at night to sip some water from the pool possibly in hopes of quenching their thirst in dehydration.
I am not only from la ceiba and mango trees of the tropical, but I am also from the Rose of Sharon of the temperate.
I am from a tight knit family with strong work ethic – Byung Jae Lee and Yun Gi Lee
I am from a group of supporters that see me for who I am and cheers for me for whatever decision I make in life. I am from a world where these supporters may sometimes be distanced apart, but are always determined to make every possible effort to stay in touch.
From my mother’s soft lullaby before bedtime in the mother tongue to “soaring high is a possibility with careful planning ahead and time management.”
I’m from the lineage of 5000 years in the East, but born in a place reigned by the conquistadors and resided by the mestizos around the tikal, kimchi preserved in traditional ceramic pots and rice extracted from the beautiful lime green colored rice fields.
From the brother who dreams about music notes and quick moving fingers on the piano and guitar and who looks up to me for advice in life, and the father who wants the best for his daughter so her life’s path won’t be restricted to blocked opportunities.
I am from the forest of buildings and the forest of trees, the subway line map that I have stared into every subway ride and the Masaya road that I have passed through day and night with sun or rain. I am from a mixture of places, but it has created the unique me.
- Isabel Lee
I am from the coastal surfing paradise, from the havaianas and juicy crabs of ipanema.
I am from a nomadic castle of entertainment, fruitfully lavish, uniquely notorious, motionless in time.
I am from the queen of the orchids, the limitless love of the Amazon.
I am from the little emperor syndrome, a critically discerning promising spoiled brat.
I am from spaghetti worshiping and striking smiles, from Carlas, and Malus, and Lazzeri.
I am from the warmest kind, affectionally dependent, and eternally giving heart.
From the chubby cute cheeks, and instinctive innocence.
I am from the agnostic skeptical reasoning and vital regression analysis` empiricism.
I’m from the boot of the world that kicked my parents to the Brasil of the feijoadas, Zumbi of Palmares and the acarajes.
From the transformation of living in a pool of money to lack of From long hours of manual labor to short flexible hours of intellectual work.
I am from the bookshelves, the memorial black and white pictures, and the brain filed memories written by a nomadic family.
I’m from where I’m from, it just inspires living.
- Stefano Lazzeri
If you have more questions, visit this website or contact us at jumpstart[dot]admin[at]ubc[dot]ca.
Commerce Undergraduate Society
Today’s post is brought to you by the Commerce Undergraduate Society.
What is the CUS?
The Commerce Undergraduate Society is our Commerce student government and every BCOM student is a member. Our declared mission is to “to enhance the value of the UBC Sauder School of Business Bachelor of Commerce degree while cultivating the personal, professional and academic success of students”. The CUS tries to enrich the experience of every student enrolled in the BCOM program; whether it is finding your passion, or exploring the various opportunities the CUS offers, we are here for YOU.
Moreover, the CUS provides a range of activities, events, and services for Commerce students. The CUS also represents the needs of Commerce students to many groups, including the Dean’s Office, the Business Career Centre, the Undergraduate Office, the Alma Mater Society of UBC, and the business community.
What can the CUS do for you?
Why should you get involved in the CUS?
Getting involved with the CUS is a great way to complement your first or second year at Sauder. It provides an opportunity to gain transferable skills and develop leadership experience. As well, the CUS is a great way to get to know your Commerce peers outside of the classroom and often leads to developing close friendships. Getting involved in the CUS allows you to try something new and pursue your personal and career interests.
CUS Structure
Board of Directors (BoD): The Board of Directors form the strategic direction of the CUS and reach out to the electorate to determine student needs.
Executive Council: The Executive Council maintains the day-to-day operations of the CUS, hires and oversees the work of the Service Council and carries out other duties as required by specific VP positions.
Clubs Council: Clubs Council consists of 12 clubs under the CUS.
Committees: The BoD forms open committees to help discuss and create action plans for bigger issues faced by the CUS. There are open seats on each committee for any Commerce student to sit on. Most committees are formed on an adhoc basis. To ensure you are informed of these opportunities, please let the Speaker of the BoD, Pia Ghosh, know if you are interested at speaker@cus.sauder.ubc.ca.
Service Council: Service Council organizes and operates the events and services of the CUS. See your Prospectus for the full list of service council positions.
Student Involvement – Vice President Students’ Emerging Leaders Program
Starting your first year at UBC can be an anxious and somewhat scary experience. Although I had always enjoyed getting involved in my high school and community, the sheer scope of opportunities available at UBC quickly overwhelmed me and I felt that it would take me a considerable amount of time to feel comfortable enough to take some risks and explore areas of campus involvement which I might enjoy.
The Vice President Students’ Emerging Leaders Program really helped me feel like a part of the UBC community and to get involved on campus. For me, the Emerging Leaders Program has been an invaluable springboard to areas of campus involvement.
From the very start of the program, I was connected to a network of experienced leaders in the UBC community who were able to give me information about activities and programs on campus that would suit my interests, skills and availability. I was also connected to a huge network of growing leaders who were new to UBC as I was, and who were eager to explore the involvement opportunities that UBC has to offer. The peer network had a huge impact on my transition to life at UBC. Because I was able to meet so many student leaders, if I wanted to explore a particular area of campus involvement, chances were that I would be able to connect with someone in the Emerging Leaders Program who was already involved in activities that I was interested in.
I also really liked how Emerging Leaders and their mentors (called Pod Leaders) would attend campus events as a group. It’s always nice to see some familiar faces when trying new things, and the network of Emerging Leaders and Pod Leaders provided great encouragement and support.
At the same time, the program gave me the flexibility to explore only those areas of campus involvement that I was interested in. For example, through my involvement in the program, I was connected with an opportunity to participate in an International Service Learning placement in Mexico, an experience that built upon the learning and leadership skills that I gained as an Emerging Leader.
The program is kind of like a road map to involvement at UBC; it tells you where the information is, what opportunities are available and gives you the skills to make the most of those opportunities that come your way… but it also allows you to explore things on your own and decide where you want to go and how you want to get there.
Flexibility, freedom, encouragement, support, opportunity, learning and fun. Those are words that I think of when I think of the Emerging Leaders Program. As with all things in life, what you get out of the program depends on what you put into it. By taking advantage of the opportunities that the program offers and by networking with peers from a wide array of campus activities, you will undoubtedly have a memorable and meaningful experience in the Emerging Leaders Program that will shape your experiences throughout all your years at UBC.
Written by Kiran Dhillon, 2010/11 Senior Leader with the VPSELP, Science Cohort
Interested in registering for the Emerging Leaders Program?
Do so by Sunday September 19th on the Centre for Student Involvement website.
Check out our Vice President Students’ Emerging Leaders Program Video!
Happy Canada Day!
Canada Day fireworks over Canada Place in downtown Vancouver
Happy Canada Day everyone! On this day in 1867 the British North America Act was enacted, which united two British colonies and a province of the British Empire into a single country called Canada. Here in Vancouver there are many festivities happening around town, including a fireworks display tonight.
Check out the UBC FYI blog for more about what’s happening in Vancouver this summer!
Education and Perspective Abroad
Not so long ago, I was home in Wilton and someone asked me, “Why say you’re abroad? You’re practically still in the US?” Canada may be in close physical proximity, but it is a different country and I am an immigrant here. In moving to Canada, the point wasn’t really about immersing myself in a radically different culture – I came for an education. But as I reflect back on my four years here, I realize that there is a point to being abroad beyond my B.A. – gaining perspective on the familiar.
I’ll admit that there was a novelty about moving to Canada for university. Like most high school seniors, I was excited to embark on a new chapter of my life and it was amplified by the fact that it would be happening in a different country. I had only visited Vancouver once before I decided to attend the University of British Columbia. As you might have seen in the recent Olympic broadcasts, it is an enchanting landscape of buildings and nature. My decision was also swayed by the fact that the day I visited was one of the handful of sunny days in Vancouver. Regardless, I feel extremely lucky to live in such an incredible place and to be able to attend a university that is ranked among the top 35 in the world.
When I initially moved here, culture shock and transitioning to university life were indistinguishable and very exciting. Having spent most of my life in Wilton, the most overwhelming part was living in such a big city. There are endless bus routes and ferries, sidewalks and any kind of ethnic food you can imagine. The university itself is like a small city, with over 40,000 students buzzing around the streets, rushing in and out of buildings. But if I had to describe my initial impressions of “Canadian-ness” in Vancouver, I would say it’s like living in a place where a yoga studio has taken over. People wear black, stretchy pants and brightly colored hoodies all day and for any occasion. Instead of carrying backpacks and purses, women carry extremely oversized yoga bags. Even those who don’t actually practice yoga practice this lifestyle. The only alternative is to wear flannel shirts and listen to Indie music. The dichotomy of Vancouver sub-culture puzzles me. Where is the individuality, the quintessential West Coast independence? If this is it, I’m disappointed.
Towards the end of my first year, I realized that this experience was about more than getting an academic education or even adapting to a new place. Oddly enough, I suffered culture shock upon moving back to the US for the summer – this was truly the most unexpected experience of them all! It was the transition back that gave me insight to the cultural forces that shaped me, and having that awareness is the greatest tool I have ever been given. In understanding how you have arrived at the person you’ve become, you get to know yourself better. Being immersed in any environment for some length of time makes it very easy to mindlessly go about your day and not think twice about what you do or what you observe. By not questioning or being critical of life, we surrender a certain amount of independence. Although my observations about conformity on the streets in Vancouver are interesting, their real use value lies in thinking about the ways I conform to American culture. Moreover, considering why many of the attributes resonated with me even after I left. In four years, I still have not been able to locate precisely what ‘it’ is that gave rise to my new perspective and even now I still have difficultly articulating the idea. That is because it is an experience. It leaves you with a feeling of empowerment and a sense of self that cannot be described. Taking a risk and venturing outside of your comfort zone can be an unnerving thought, but it does not have to be a big movement. It can be a series of little things over many years, or taking a step back to gaze on the bigger picture. In either instance we first face something uncertain, but upon moving back we can truly know what home is like.
Written by Vanessa Chase
