In this Virtual Information Session, frontline staff will learn about the mental health challenges that International Post-Secondary students face, and actions that can promote wellness. Speakers will include representatives from settlement service organizations and post-secondary institutions who will share their multi-faceted experiences that are applicable to all types of service providers.

Mental health challenges can threaten International Post-Secondary students’ well-being, jeopardizing their current academic and future aspirations. Financial stressors can be challenging, with rising tuition, food and housing costs exacerbating the number of international students living in unsuitable housing and/or accessing food banks.  As full-time studies are a requirement for a work permit, it is difficult to balance academics with needed work hours.  Additionally, as with many newcomers, International Post-Secondary Students face culture shock and social isolation, as well as worries about their families or conflicts back in their home country.

This session is targeted to front-line staff and settlement workers supporting International Post-Secondary students. Speakers will provide an overview of the stressors affecting these students’ mental health and wellness, share services and programs available in the community and on campuses, provide practical actions that can be implemented by post-secondary institutions and community service providers, and provide examples how the settlement sector and post-secondary institutions can work together to support the mental health and wellness of International Post-Secondary students.

Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the speakers.

EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Time:  1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. PST  

Location:  Zoom Webinar - Event details will be emailed immediately after registration  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

SPEAKERS

Ryan Drew

Director of Integrated Services for Newcomers 

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. 

Ryan began her career at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. 25 years ago. During that time, Ryan has held many different roles including Language Instructor, Best Practices Coordinator, Regional Manager, and Program Director. Most recently, she holds the role of Director of Integrated Services for Newcomers where for the past 6 years she has supported all of the social service programming at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – services for newcomers, seniors, youth, families, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable populations. Currently, she also holds the positions of President of New Language Solutions, and Treasurer of AMSSA. She regularly represents her agency and the settlement sector both provincially and nationally. She is proud to work in a sector that supports newcomers on their Canadian journey.

Abeer Smadi  

Director of the Community Connection & Social Action Division 

Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR) 

Abeer Smadi is the Director of the Community Connection & Social Action Division at VICCIR.  With over 15 years of professional experience in the humanitarian field and international refugee law, Abeer has extensive expertise in working with refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced communities. Her experience includes working in emergency response situations and overseeing the admission process of refugees across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Being in Canada allowed her to witness the other part of their journey in the settlement country.  Currently, she supports refugees and newcomers to better integrate within the community.  She manages VICCIR’s outreach programs, and the volunteer teams and social work services provided to individuals or family units and culturally sensitive problem-solving assistance to counselors and clients.

Teresa Brooks 

Associate Director, International Student Services 

Langara College 

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver, Teresa Brooks 黃德蘭 is a first-generation immigrant who lives and works on the unceded, traditional, ancestral, and present-day territory of the Musqueam First Nation. Teresa currently serves as the Associate Director of International Student Services at snəw̓eyəɬ leləm Langara  College. With over 20 years’ experience in International Education, her work focuses on international student support, transition and engagement.

QUESTIONS?

For all other questions about the event, email Fernanda Hurtado at fhurtado@amssa.org.