Welcome International Students

This International Student Guide  guide provides information to support students in a variety of areas, including housing and residence options, with services available to help locate safe and suitable accommodations. It also covers health, safety, and wellness resources, such as mental health services, addiction and overdose support, and government-directed health and safety guidelines, including Naloxone training and campus locations where free Naloxone can be obtained. Additionally, the guide offers assistance with education and program progression, learning support services, and resources to help students integrate into the local community. Finally, it includes practical information for daily life, such as transportation, childcare, communications, and banking, to help students navigate campus and community life successfully.

For a complete overview of our leadership team, please see our administration page. Our dedicated administrators provide strategic guidance and essential support across all departments, ensuring that our institution operates smoothly and continues to foster an environment where students and faculty can thrive

For a comprehensive overview of our academic team, please refer to our full-time faculty listings. These dedicated educators bring a wide range of expertise and professional experience to our programs, ensuring high-quality instruction and meaningful learning opportunities for all students.

Rhodes does not operate on-campus housing, so students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. However, our International Admissions Specialist, Domenica Milillo, can offer guidance and support. She can be contacted at domenica@rhodescollege.ca for assistance.

Helpful housing resources and tenant information in BC:

• BC government housing & tenancy information
• Residential Tenancy Branch 3 rights and responsibilities
• Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) 3 tenant rights and human rights

Some private student housing and room providers (information only, not endorsements):

• Casa Student Housing: Furnished student units.
• VanMates: Shared and furnished accommodation options for students and newcomers.
• Rentals.ca: Listing site where you can search and compare apartments, condos, and houses for rent.
• Facebook Marketplace & local rental sites (e.g., Craigslist): Frequently used for finding rooms, shared apartments, and short-term sublets.

When using any private platform or listing site, take extra care to verify information and avoid scams.

The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is BC's public health insurance program. If you will be in BC for more than six months, you are required by law to enrol in MSP. MSP helps cover medically necessary services such as:

• Visits to family doctors and walk-in clinics
• Hospital care
• Medically required diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, lab work)

There is usually a 3-month waiting period before your MSP coverage begins. This includes the remainder of the month you arrive in BC plus the next two months. If you apply as soon as you arrive, coverage typically starts on the first day of your 4th month in BC (for example, arrive in August ³ coverage from November 1).

During this waiting period, you should have private health insurance (for example, a plan from your home country or a temporary plan in Canada such as from GuardMe).

Once your MSP application is approved, you will receive a BC Services Card (health card) by mail. You should also register for:

Fair PharmaCare: May provide additional coverage for prescription medications and certain medical supplies or services. You can find more information and apply for MSP and Fair PharmaCare through official BC government and Study in BC websites.

Rhodes Wellness College (the “College”) is committed to enrolling students who meet program admission criteria and who are likely to succeed in achieving their education and career goals. For admission to the College, an applicant must meet the admissions criteria for the program they are applying for. To see the specific program admissions requirements please click on the following links:

• Admissions requirements for the Professional Counsellor Diploma program
• Admissions requirements for the Professional Integrative Nutrition Counsellor Diploma program
• Admissions requirements for the Wellness Counsellor Diploma program
• Admissions requirements for the Registered Massage Therapy program

Rhodes Wellness College reserves the right to deny any candidate admission into this program if Admissions does not believe the applicant will be a potential fit or adequately benefit from taking the program.

• Application Form ($500 application fee)
• Copy of Government Issued ID
• Copy of international study permit/student visa(If applicable)
• Language Proficiency Assessment Policy (Students whose first language is not English, are required to undergo a Language Proficiency Assessment prior to enrollment, in order to ensure they have the language abilities necessary to complete the program of their choice).
• Successful Completion of High School or Equivalent, or Mature Student Status (You will be considered for “Mature Student Status” if you are 19 years or older with an established work history or relevant experience. You must be able to demonstrate competence at the appropriate level of literacy, numeracy, comprehension and/or written skills to enable success in the program).
• Written Personal Statement regarding interest in Program (In your Personal Statement, let us know why you would like to pursue an education with Rhodes Wellness College, what you hope you to achieve upon graduation, and tell us a little bit more about yourself).
• 2 Character Reference Letters (Reference letters can be employment related or personal. Letters are to speak of your character, how they know you, and why your reference would recommend you to Rhodes Wellness College).
• Admissions Entrance Interview (this 30-45 minute interview is used as a way for us to get to know you better, determine your eligibility, and see if you are a right fit for the college and if the college is a right fit for you).

All students, whether they be Canadian or International students, must prove sufficient English proficiency through one of the following methods:

1. Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.
2. Two years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this
3. Successful completion of one of the following English proficiency exams, achieving the minimum required score indicated below:
   a. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 5.5
   b. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 46
   c. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Minimum overall score of 40
   d. Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5
   e. Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 95
   f. Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 43
   g. Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE): Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” (Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level, e.g., C2 Proficiency (CPE))
   h. Cambridge Linguaskill: Minimum overall B2 level
   i. LANGUAGECERT Academic: Minimum overall B2 level
   j. The Michigan English Test (MET): Minimum overall B2 level
   k. iTEP Academic: Minimum overall score of 5
   l. EIKEN: Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1

4. Where the applicant is 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and the applicant cannot access their educational records or cannot provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education through one of the other stipulated methods in the College’s Language Proficiency Policy, they may satisfy language proficiency requirements through the Accuplacer English Assessment process as follows:
   1. Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where the English is one of the principal languages*, and
   2. Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:
      i. Reading: 230, and
      ii. Writing: 230, and
      iii. WritePlacer: 4

*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation. Accuplacer may not be used to demonstrate that a student meets an admission requirement other than Language Proficiency.

*English-speaking countries include the following:

Rhodes Wellness College is located in the heart of Mount Pleasant, one of Vancouver’s most dynamic and creative neighbourhoods. Our campus is surrounded by a lively mix of culture, community, and convenience making it an inspiring place to learn, work, and connect.

Stretching from False Creek southeast toward the well-known Mount Pleasant shopping district where Broadway, Kingsway, and Main Street meet this area offers a rich blend of history, diversity, and urban charm. The neighbourhood is conveniently served by the Canada Line, connecting Downtown Vancouver to YVR Airport, making it highly accessible for both students and staff.

There are notable several notable places around the campus located in the vibrant Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The area is close to attractions such as Science World and the nearby Creekside Park along False Creek, as well as local green spaces like Mount Pleasant Park and Jonathan Rogers Park. Mount Pleasant itself is known for its creative, community-oriented atmosphere, filled with independent shops, cafes, breweries, and street murals, especially along Main Street. A short walk or bike ride takes you to Hinge Park and the Olympic Village waterfront, while transit access via the Main Street Science World SkyTrain station makes it easy to reach larger Vancouver landmarks such as Stanley Park, the Vancouver Seawall, Canada Place, and English Bay. Overall, the neighbourhood combines walkable local charm with convenient access to major attractions across the city.

Rhodes offers an orientation pathway for international students that begins before you leave home and continues into your first semester in Vancouver. This International Student Guide, the, Student Journey Support Guide, Rhodes website, and live orientation sessions are designed to help you feel prepared and supported at every step. During orientation 

British Columbia is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Learning about local Indigenous Nations, Treaties, and the history and ongoing impact of the residential school system is an important part of understanding Canada's past and present. We encourage you to explore resources about:

• Diverse Indigenous Peoples -  the diverse Indigenous peoples of BC and Canada.
• Truth and Reconciliation - The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and residential schools
• Local Nations - Local Nations on whose territories you live and study.

Rhodes Wellness College provides and suggests various options for mental health and counselling support for its students:

• Rhodes Counselling Centre: Offers pro-bono counselling support to Rhodes & VSOHA students. Details and booking information are available through the Student Hub.

• External Counselling Options: Student Services can help you explore options if you prefer to work with a counsellor outside the college.

• Here2Talk: A free, 24/7, confidential counselling and referral service for all post-secondary students in British Columbia (domestic and international). Support is available by app, phone, and web.

• HealthLink BC (8-1-1): Provides non-emergency health advice, including mental health and substance-use information, from registered nurses and other health professionals.

• Suicide Crisis Helpline (9-8-8): A free, 24/7 phone and text service that connects people in Canada with trained responders for immediate support with suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, or emotional distress.

• KUU-US Crisis Line: A 24/7, toll-free crisis service in British Columbia that provides culturally safe support by Indigenous responders for Indigenous people and families experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or other urgent concerns.

• Overdose & Addiction Supports: Rhodes Wellness College provides free Naloxone kits (on site) and information on overdose prevention and response through health authorities, pharmacies, and community services. If you or a friend is concerned about substance use, you can speak with a counsellor at the Rhodes Counselling Centre, contact Here2Talk, or call HealthLink BC.

• Inclusive & Anti-Racist Environment: Rhodes is committed to an inclusive, respectful learning community. If you experience or witness discrimination or racism, you should speak with Student Services, the Director of Student and Alumni Services, or your Student Success Supervisor for a response and support.

The policy guide outlines the standards and expectations that support a safe, respectful, and successful learning environment at Rhodes Wellness College. These policies provide clear guidance on academic conduct, student responsibilities, attendance, and institutional requirements that ensure fairness and accountability for everyone in the community. As a registered private training institution regulated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, Rhodes Wellness College is committed to maintaining high levels of integrity, professionalism, and student support throughout each learner’s educational journey.

For a comprehensive and detailed explanation of our policies, please visit the following pages:

• Refund Policy
• General Admissions Policy
• Language Proficiency Assessment Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Student Statement of Rights
• Dismissal and Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Dispute Resolution Policy
• Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Other Policies