International TA support
At the University of Victoria, we support TAs through various programs. One of our best programs is the TA Consultants (TACs) program that positions TA mentors (“TA Consultants” or “TACs”) in most UVic departments. TACs develop discipline-specific seminars that cover a range of practical topics, tips, approaches and issues most pertinent to TAs at UVic. Additionally, TACs provide one-on-one support as required.
In addition to the TAC in your department, we have designated an experienced TAs as an International TACs (ITACs) to specifically support new and existing International TAs with cultural similarities and differences in the Canadian classroom, teaching in another language and being a TA in Canada.
Communication skills
The Centre for Academic Communication (the CAC) is located in the Learning Commons in the McPherson Library. We provide academic writing support to all registered UVic students. Visit the CAC for your own academic writing needs, but you can also suggest it to students you work with. The CAC tutors help students to become more efficient and effective writers. In addition to facilitating TA conferences and workshops, the CAC can help International TAs and students with: presentation skills, pronunciation support, one-on-one tutoring, online tutoring and drop-in help
Additional resources
International Centre for Students
The International Centre for Students (ICS) will help you get the most from your UVic experience by offering pre-arrival support, arrival and settlement support and ongoing support throughout your studies.
Services for international degree program students, international exchange students and international visiting students include:
- International Centre for Students website – a great place to start whenever you have questions.
- Orientation – we host the International Student Welcome Conference and give every new international student a welcome package.
- Advisors are available to answer your questions about immigration documents, health insurance, housing, social insurance numbers and income tax, identification cards, banking and other non-academic issues related to your life as an international student. We can also connect you with other helpful resources, both on and off campus.
Library guidance for International TAs
The Graduate and Asian Studies Librarians at the MacPherson Library, have created a library subject guide for International TAs. The guide contains the most commonly-used library services and resources for international TAs, including library guides for citation styles.
Global Community
The UVic Global Community is a mosaic of international, Indigenous and domestic students, staff and faculty working together to celebrate diversity, advance inter-cultural competency and cultivate an inclusive and globally-minded campus. The community connects international, Indigenous and domestic students to one another; supports student’s well-being through social inclusivity and academic success; respects the beliefs, values, abilities and sexual orientations of all people; empowers students to take leadership roles and get involved; and, unifies and enriches our UVic global citizenry.
Equity and Human Rights
The Equity and Human Rights (EQHR) office works to provide equitable access to and participation in employment and educational opportunities.
This includes the development and implementation of educational programs, investigating human rights complaints, assisting with dispute resolution, consulting on implementing equity plans and advising the university on reaching its strategic goals in these areas.
UVic EQHR also offers a series of workshops and opportunities that TAs and students can take advantage of.
Western University: Strategies for International Graduate Students Manual
If you are new to Canada, you may find Western University’s Communication Strategies for International Graduate Students manual a very useful resource. It will help you with ways of communicating in Canada, whether as a TA, with colleagues, or with your graduate supervisor. This in turn will help you to be successful when you teach, talk with your supervisors and apply for jobs, as cultural differences exist in all of these areas.
