2011 Vancouver Island University (VIU) Campus Familiarization Tours

VIU International hosted 4 Campus Familiarization Tours from May 25th to June 3rd as part of the 2011 ICEF and NAFSA Conference activities held in Vancouver. Together, we welcomed 33 valued agents and partners to Nanaimo from 14 different countries. The "Fam" Tours are an integral part of VIU's international marketing and recruitment efforts as we showcase the VIU Nanaimo campus, facilities, residence, programs, and students as well as our beautiful Harbour City, Nanaimo for a true VIU experience.

The trip started in the Vancouver Harbour where VIU staff met our guests and escorted them to Nanaimo by air with Harbour Air sea planes. The short 20 minute flight provided spectacular aerial views of Vancouver, the Strait of Georgia, Gulf Islands, and Nanaimo Harbour. One lucky guest on each flight enjoyed a new point of view as the designated co-pilot for the flight. Upon landing, we were greeted by our VIU International Activities team and brought to the top of the hill at VIU for a warm welcome at the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies. Throughout the day, we enjoyed a picturesque campus tour (complete with sturgeon and rabbit sightings), delicious VIU lunch (including Nanaimo bars), and information sessions capped off with a Nanaimo city tour and scenic flight back to Vancouver.

Overall, the 2011 Fam tours were a great success built upon the enthusiasm and efforts of VIU's International Education team, volunteers, and our international guests. The VIU team thanks all participants for making the time to visit our Nanaimo campus and meet with our VIU teams. We hope that your memories of VIU and the 2011 Familiarization Tour help you to continue to build bridges for "our" students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to meeting you again soon!