International Student Handbook

Health & Wellness

Having proper health insurance is mandatory. This section will tell you about applying for temporary health insurance, basic insurance, and extended insurance, and describes the on-campus health services offered at SFU.

As an international, exchange or study abroad student, you must have health insurance for the entire duration of your studies at SFU. If family members are accompanying you, they should also have adequate health insurance during their stay in Canada. The Canadian health system provides a high standard of health care, but medical care is very expensive if you are not insured. Without insurance, you could pay thousands of dollars per day for a hospital stay or even be refused certain health services.

In Canada, there are generally two types of insurance: basic and extended. Basic health insurance typically covers visits to doctors, hospital stays and diagnostic medical testing. Basic health insurance is mandatory for all SFU students. Extended health insurance generally covers vision care, prescription drugs and dental care. If you have any questions, please contact an International Student Advisor at intl_advising@sfu.ca.

Health Insurance requirements for UNDERGRADUATE International, Exchange & Study Abroad Students

Health Insurance requirements for GRADUATE International, Exchange & Study Abroad Students

Cultural Transition

Culture shock and survival skills Travel guides, movies and tourist stories may give you a misleading perception of life abroad. However, the glamour of the life of the tourist may not be the day-to-day reality of the resident. To succeed in your new environment, you will need to be resourceful and tolerant, sensitive and independent. You will make mistakes and you must be willing to learn from them.

What is culture shock?

“I hate this place. When is the next flight home?” It is common for people to suffer some form of culture shock when they are transplanted into a foreign setting. This is a normal reaction to a new environment where you are no longer ‘in control’ as you have been at home. People can experience a range of emotions when 17 adapting to a foreign culture, from excitement and interest to frustration, depression and fear of the unknown. Culture shock is a term used to describe what happens to people when they encounter unfamiliar surroundings and conditions and feel a sense of isolation.

What causes culture shock?

“When you are overseas, the rules change.” No matter how open-minded you may be, all of a sudden you are in an environment where everything is different: how people make decisions, spend their leisure time, resolve conflicts and express their feelings. Culture shock is normal, and does not last forever!

The symptoms of culture shock

“I don’t know why I’m so tired all the time.” Individuals differ greatly in the degree to which culture shock affects them, but almost everyone is affected by it in one way or another. Some students may experience culture shock in the first twenty minutes after arrival. Or, as one student said, “you could spend months feeling wonderful until you wake up one day totally depressed, wondering why you came here in the first place.” Symptoms vary, but they often include:

* boredom,
* withdrawal (i.e., spending excessive amounts of time reading; avoiding contact with host nationals),
* feeling isolated or helpless,
* sleeping a lot or tiring easily,
* irritation over delays and other minor frustrations,
* suffering from various body pains and aches,
* longing to be back home, or
* unduly criticizing local customs or ways of doing things.

Stages of culture shock

The five stages of culture shock are:

1. The Honeymoon Stage - You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealize the host culture.
2. Irritability & Hostility - You may start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It is a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You will often blame your frustrations and emotions on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the process of your adaptation to the new culture.
3. Gradual Adjustment - You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience.
4. Adaptation of Biculturalism - There is a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture.
5. Re-entry Shock - You go home and it is not what you expected it to be.

Coping with Culture Shock

Become familiar with the new culture. There are many ways to find information on social issues, customs, geography and history, such as searching the Internet for articles about Canada or by reading Canadian travel books such as those produced by Lonely Planet or Rough Guide. The staff at SFU International are happy to answer your questions, no matter how silly they may seem to you.

* Talk to other international students who can give you practical advice.
* Decorate your room with small, familiar objects that will remind you of home, such as books and photos.
* Make a list of things you want to accomplish while you are studying and follow through with them. As you are settling in to life in Canada, remind yourself to be patient. Don’t expect perfection. Keep an open mind and try not to be judgmental!
* Stay in touch with family and friends.
* Establish simple goals and celebrate each success.
* Give yourself time to adapt, and allow yourself to feel sad about the things you have left behind.
* Get out there! Make friends and go out of your way to try and meet locals.
* Take up a hobby that will allow you to learn more about Canada. How about a popular sport or art, or simply going to local events and festivals regularly?
* Volunteer in community activities that will allow you get involved and perhaps practice your English.
* If there is something you did at home to help relieve stress, such as jogging or taking a bath, keep doing it!
* Find ways to live with the things that don’t satisfy you 100%.
* Try not to be too hard on yourself and stay confident—most of all, keep your sense of humour!

(Reference: Marx, Elisabeth. Breaking Through Culture Shock.)

Support

If you want to talk:
If cultural transition issues are overwhelming you and interfering with your studies or personal life, know that there are always people here to help.

* Make an appointment with a Peer Advisor or Counsellor at Health & Counselling. Seeing a professional counsellor is a very common and acceptable way of dealing with difficulties in North America and can be very helpful. All sessions are confidential.
* Talk with an International Student Advisor at SFU International. They work closely with international students and are very familiar with the process of making a transition to a new environment.

Health & Counselling Services (HCS)

Health Services are available for all students on campus. HCS provides quality confidential health care at Burnaby Mountain and Harbour Centre campuses. They provide primary health care, specialist clinics, urgent care, first aid and health education and outreach to SFU students. They also offer a Physiotherapy Clinic in the Athletic Complex at Burnaby Mountain. Patients are seen by appointment or on a walk-in basis. If you do not have insurance coverage through the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP), you will be required to pay for the services you receive at the time of your visit. The Counselling Service provides Personal Counselling, Career Counselling, Learning Skills, and Peer Counselling to assist students with the challenges of university life. One-on-one consultations, individual counselling, workshops, groups, drop-ins, resource information, and outreach activities are offered to enhance your potential and help you meet your academic, personal and career goals.

Crisis intervention services are available to all people on campus during operating hours and may be accessed either through Campus Security or by calling or walking into Counselling Services. After hours crisis intervention is available by calling SFU Nightline. The Counselling Service is staffed by a multidisciplinary team including Enrolled Psychologists, Counsellors, Counsellor Trainees, a Learning Skills Coordinator and Peer Educators. Students are seen by appointment or on a walk in basis. Personal counselling and learning skills assistance are also available at the SFU Surrey campus.

Tip: For more information on SFU Health and Counselling Services, please check http://students.sfu.ca/health/. You are strongly encouraged to visit them or check out their services online— waiting to figure out how the Canadian health system works when you are ill or injured can cause you additional and unnecessary stress.

If you or your family wishes to use other services, check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC to find a family doctor. To find a dentist, contact the Association of Dental Surgeons of BC. You are under no obligation to commit to the first person you visit so take your time to find someone who makes you feel confident and comfortable. It may be possible to find someone who speaks your native language if it is one that is commonly spoken in the Lower Mainland.

Canadian Health System Tips

* Many students use the Health Services on campus at Health & Counselling in the Maggie Benston Centre. In general, people in Canada either have a family doctor or general practitioner (GP) who they make appointments to visit or go to a walk-in clinic and see the physician who is on duty.
* In an emergency, call 911 or go immediately to the nearest hospital’s emergency room or on campus call 4500. Emergency calls are free from any phone.
* If you require a specialist, your doctor may give you a referral (make an appointment with the specialist). It is usually not possible to see a specialist without a referral.
* Mild medicines are available over the counter at the pharmacy, or your doctor will write you a prescription
* No one can see your medical records without your permission
* Feel free to ask the doctor questions, even if he/she is in a hurry. If you have more than one concern, be sure to address them all.
* It is common to seek a second opinion and your doctor should not be offended.

Sex & Relationships

You may find that attitudes to dating, sex and relationships are different in Canada than in your home country or culture. If you have questions or concerns about your health and well-being, consult a health care professional at Health & Counselling Services. Appointments are confidential and non-judgmental. Emergency services are also available if you need them. The SFU Women’s Centre, run by the Simon Fraser Student Society, can also provide supportive and culturally sensitive referrals.

Dating in Canada

In Canadian slang, dating may be referred to as “going out” or “hooking up”. Typically you should expect to pay your own share of the bill unless the other person offers to pay for (“treat”) you. Going on a date with someone or having them pay for you means simply that—it does not imply or suggest a promise of sexual intimacy. Be careful that the person does not misinterpret your intentions—know your comfort level and limits around physical intimacy and stick with them.

Sex in Canada

It’s very important to clearly communicate with your partner about your comfort level, values and priorities around physical and sexual intimacy. Just as you should not let someone convince you to do something you’re not comfortable doing, you must also respect your partner’s values. Open communication is very important, as it can be easy for sexual signals and advances to be misinterpreted due to cultural and linguistic barriers. Under Canadian law, a person has consented to physical or sexual activity only when they say “yes” to the activity.

Sexual Orientation

In Canada, people who are attracted to others of the same sex may call themselves lesbian, gay, queer, bisexual, two-spirit or questioning. Those with a gender identity that is different from their sex at birth may call themselves transgender, transsexual or two-spirit. LGBQTTI is an acronym that may be used to refer to people who identify themselves in this way.

Vancouver has active LGBQTTI communities, particularly in the West End and Commercial Drive neighbourhoods. Same sex couples are often as open about their relationships as heterosexual couples.

Everyone in BC is protected from being discriminated against or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity with regard to employment, housing and access to services. It is illegal to harass anyone for their sexual orientation or gender identity at SFU. Anyone who experiences this sort of treatment should go to the SFU Human Rights Office for assistance.

In Canada, rights for same-sex couples have changed significantly in recent years. Since 2000, same-sex couples who have lived together for more than a year have the same benefits and obligations as heterosexual, common-law (unmarried) couples who have lived together for more than a year. Canadian same-sex couples can legally marry in four regions in Canada, including BC. In 2004, legislation that protects LGBQTTI from hate crimes was passed..

For more information or assistance
Out On Campus is SFU’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender centre. It is a welcoming, safe and all-inclusive space to hang out or meet new people. Out on Campus coordinates many projects and services on campus.

Xtra West is a community newspaper for the gay and lesbian community. You can pick it up free on campus or around town. The Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered and Bisexual Centre in Vancouver runs a free and confidential helpline. Call 604.684.6869 or 1.800.566.1170, 7pm to10pm, seven days a week.

International Student Advisors at SFU International can assist you if you have questions about immigration regulations on bringing your “common-law” same sex partner to Canada or about enrolling family members on your health insurance plan.

Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol and Tobacco

In Canada, it is legal to purchase and consume alcohol and tobacco. However, there strict rules around who, where and when you can consume these products.

Cigarette smoking is not permitted in any indoor public place in Vancouver or Burnaby. This includes bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Smoking is permitted on outdoor patios and in approved designated smoking areas in places that are otherwise smoke free. It is common to be asked for ID to purchase cigarettes if you appear to be under the age of 25.

In BC, it is illegal to drink or be served alcoholic beverages unless you are 19 or older. It is also illegal to drive after you have been drinking alcohol and it is illegal to consume alcohol in a public place such as the street or a park. Alcohol is only sold in provincial liquor stores, licensed beer and wine stores and Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) wine stores.

Although alcohol is commonly consumed in social settings, it is very acceptable and quite normal not to drink. A recent study showed that most SFU students (65%) drink once a month or less often.

Date Rape Drugs

There have been a number of reports of sexual assault in Vancouverthat occurred after an offender slipped drugs or other substances into the victim’s drink, making the victim disoriented or unconscious. The most common date rape drugs are GHB, Ketamine and Rohypnol. These drugs are extremely dangerous and can leave victims with little to no memory of what has happened to them. The best ways to protect yourself are to watch your beverages as they are being poured and keep an eye on them at all times. Never accept a drink from someone you do not know well. If you think you have been drugged or sexually assaulted, get to a safe place and call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If you are on campus, phone Campus Security at 604.291.4500.

Illegal Drugs

University students may encounter illegal drugs, including marijuana (pot), methamphetamines (crystal meth), magic mushrooms or ecstasy (E). Other illegal drugs include, but are not limited to, cocaine, heroin and LSD (acid).

You have the right to refuse these drugs if they are offered to you in a social situation; they are illegal in Canada and there are considerable risks to consuming these drugs. These drugs can interfere with the ability to study and the development of healthy relationships, and can lead to serious health consequences.

Healthy Lifestyle

Eating a well-balanced diet, getting regular exercise and sleep, and maintaining regular routines are all keys to being a successful student. For programs and services to help you stay healthy and well during your SFU studies, use the resources available through Health & Counselling Services.