Find support
As a newcomer to Canada, Medicine Hat and MHC, there are many aspects of life that may be unfamiliar. The International Education office organizes programs and services designed specifically to assist with international student life – both on and off campus. From pre-departure to graduation, the programs and services offered will help you to stay healthy, succeed in your studies, integrate into the community, and get involved in campus life.
Contact us if you have any questions relating to your health insurance, college programs or regulations, study permit, living and working in Canada, or other concerns. International Education will answer your questions and recommend resources or services. If you have any questions, please email iss@mhc.ab.ca.
Connect with Services for International Students
MHC International Student Services provides pre-arrival and arrival preparation and supports including an on-boarding checklist, guidance in finding accommodation, and getting settled in Medicine Hat. Our New International Student Orientation is held each semester, just before classes begin and covers the key information an international student requires to be successful at MHC, including information on academic requirements and adjustment, on-campus and community supports and activities, immigration requirements, cultural information and supports, health and well-being, everyday living, and career information.
Academic Advising is an interactive process where advisors provide students with information on course selection, college policies and procedures and make referrals to student support services. MHC provides academic advising specific to the needs and concerns of international students. Book an appointment with an academic advisor here: Book Online (mhc.ab.ca)
For information on co-op work permit requirements for MHC programs, please visit:
You must be aware that it is solely your responsibility, and not that of MHC or MHC’s staff to:
- Ensure that your immigration and legal documents are current and maintained.
- Ensure that any documentation submitted for immigration purposes meets requirement as indicated and is accurate and complete.
- Understand and be compliant with immigration requirements as they pertain to you, recognizing that this information is subject to change and that the most accurate, up-to-date information is found on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website: www.cic.gc.ca; phone 1.888.242.2100.
Immigration advising will be provided by RCIC & RISIA certified staff within the RISIA (Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor) scope of practice.
- A RISIA shall provide immigration advice only in the area of Study Permits, Temporary Resident Visas, and how Study Permits relate to other currently available Canadian immigration programs.
- A RISIA shall not provide representation in immigration matters to any student.
- A RISIA shall not fill out any immigration forms for any student.
- A RISIA shall refer any student needing representation or immigration forms to be filled out to a RCIC or other authorized Immigration Representative to do under Section 91 or IRPA.
To make an appointment for immigration advising, please email info@mhc.ab.ca.
Cultural activities are offered each semester. International students are given the opportunity to experience local sites, activities, and culture first hand through activities and field trips. These activities are offered free of charge to students.
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Medicine Hat College has mandatory health insurance for all MHC international students. This insurance is provided by StudyInsured and administered through MHC International Education. For more info, visit www.studyinsured.com/mhcinternational.
Please note the following about StudyInsured Health Insurance:
- It covers emergencies and unexpected illness or injuries (doctors’ visit, prescriptions and more). It does not provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- If you remain enrolled at MHC, you will be enrolled with StudyInsured. To support your enrolment in StudyInsured health insurance, MHC staff will need to share your name, date of birth, MHC email address and nationality with StudyInsured.
- Your coverage will continue through your coverage period even if you do not attend classes (e.g. during spring and summer breaks).
- Registered students enrolled in StudyInsured should receive their health insurance card by email at least one week prior to the start date of classes.
Please see here for instructions on StudyInsured Online Claim Submission Process.
In Alberta, most international students qualify for the Alberta Health Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which covers for basic health services for free. We strongly encourage you to apply for AHCIP after arriving in Canada. Please see here for instructions on applying for AHCIP.
