International Orientation
Welcome to an exciting new chapter! The International Education team proudly offers a series of sessions designed to help new students have a smooth and successful start to each semester. These sessions are carefully crafted to guide you as you settle into life in Canada, begin your studies at the College, and become an integral part of our vibrant 911±¬ÁÏÍø community. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Please note that there are three mandatory components to the International Orientation.
Attendance at all sessions is REQUIRED for all new international students.
Be sure to register for these sessions and contact us for more information at inted@okanagan.bc.ca. We look forward to welcoming you!
Spring 2025 International Orientation Program
To ensure a successful start to your journey at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, we’ve organized a series of mandatory sessions to help you prepare, settle in, and connect with your new community.
Below are the required sections:
Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Description |
| Pre-Arrival Virtual Orientation | Wednesday April 9 4:00 – 6:00 PM, PDT | Teams Meeting | This session will provide essential information to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada, including course registration, medical insurance, travel requirements, and more. You’ll also be introduced to important platforms like myOkanagan and Moodle to guide you through your time at 911±¬ÁÏÍø. |
| 911±¬ÁÏÍø Ready – Spring 2025 Online Prep Course | Complete by May 1 | Moodle | This self-paced online course provides valuable settlement tips and cultural adjustment guidance that aren't covered in the virtual orientation. It also offers key resources, instructional videos, and important information covering the depths of registration, immigration, medical insurance, and academic life to help you succeed as a student. |
| In-Person Orientation | Friday, May 2, 9:00 – 11:35 AM | Centre for Learning Atrium, Kelowna Campus | Get to know your campus, learn about available resources, and receive practical tips for settling into the local community. Meet fellow students and make new friends! |
Use the registration link below to sign up for these important sessions:
Fall 2025 International Orientation Program
To ensure a successful start to your journey at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, we’ve organized a series of mandatory sessions to help you prepare, settle in, and connect with your new community.
Below are the optional sessions:
Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Description |
| I’ve Applied Now, What? | May 2025 | Teams Meeting | Join our virtual session with our Recruitment Specialists to learn about 911±¬ÁÏÍø, the admission process, your application status, accommodation options, and financial resources. It's a great chance to get your questions answered. |
| Plan Ahead Virtual Session | Late June or early July | Teams Meeting | Bring your registration questions to this essential session! Designed by Education Advisors, it will guide you through course planning for the entire academic year. Learn how to choose the right courses, use Plan Ahead, and complete your registration. |
| Pre-arrival Info Session | Wednesday July 23 | Teams Meeting | This info session ensures you are informed about all the essential steps before arriving in Canada, including medical insurance, travel requirements, and more. Please note, this session does not replace the main International Student Orientation days listed below. |
Below are the mandatory sessions: | |||
Sessions | Date/Time | Location | Description |
| Virtual International Student Orientation | Wednesday, August 13 and Thursday, August 14 | Teams Meeting | This essential session provides key information on must-know platforms, course registration, immigration advising, campus resources, and more, ensuring a smooth transition to 911±¬ÁÏÍø and life in Canada. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with other departments to get additional support and information. |
| 911±¬ÁÏÍø Ready – Spring 2025 Online Prep Course | Available in July | Moodle | This self-paced online course provides valuable settlement tips and cultural adjustment guidance that aren't covered in the virtual orientation. It also offers key resources, instructional videos, and important information covering the depths of registration, immigration, medical insurance, and academic life to help you succeed as a student. |
| In-Person Orientation | Friday, May 2, 9:00 – 11:35 AM, PDT | Centre for Learning Atrium, Kelowna Campus | Get to know your campus, explore available resources, and receive practical tips for settling into the local community. It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow students and make new friends! |
Registration Link will be available later
Deadline to Register: TBA
Campus Wide Orientation
The college-wide orientation will be held at the start of September at each campus.
For more information, please visit the orientation page /orientation.
Pre-Arrival Guide
- Submit your study permit application to and
- Inform your Recruitment Specialists as soon as you receive a decision about your study permit application
- Research and plan your accommodation options * Kelowna student housing application - apply 6 months or more in advance
- Register for courses - ‘How to Register’ guide
- Check programs start dates and orientation dates before you plan your travel
- Download the iCent App
Please arrive to your campus before the in-person orientation events and try not to travel on days when the virtual orientations are scheduled.
* If you are travelling several months before your studies begin, be prepared to give detailed explanations and supporting documents in case airline or border officers ask. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer you meet at the airport/border crossing will make the final decision on whether or not you are admissible to Canada.
*Remember, you will not be allowed to work in Canada until you have begun full-time studies and you meet the requirements.
- Register for the International Student Orientation:
- Pre-arrival Info session (1 month before classes start)
- Virtual Orientation (3 weeks before classes start)
- Campus Specific In-person Orientation (a few days before classes start)
- Update your emergency contact in the MyOkanagan student portal
- Pay your tuition and fees before the deadline
Purchase early arrival medical insurance –
- Attend the International Campus Specific In-person Orientation
- Join the 911±¬ÁÏÍø Campus Wide Orientation at your campuses.
- Apply for 911±¬ÁÏÍø student ID card
- Apply for your BC Medical
- Check out your Campus Map to find your classrooms