Supporting International Students in Victoria, BC
Oshio College of Acupuncture & Herbology is committed to helping international and domestic students transition smoothly into life in Victoria. In alignment with the EQA requirements under Section 4.2.4, we provide the following publicly accessible information and supports.
1. Transportation Services
Our campus is located at 3491 Saanich Road, Victoria, conveniently accessible by multiple BC Transit bus routes. Students can:
Use the BC Compass Card for easy travel across the city;
Plan routes with the BC Transit Trip Planner;
Access connections to Downtown Victoria, Camosun College, and the University of Victoria.
2. Childcare and Preschool Services
Due to high demand in the Saanich area, childcare services often require advance registration. We encourage students with families to connect early with:
Victoria Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR) Address: 2001A Saanich Rd | Phone: 250-382-7000 | Website: www.childcarevictoria.org
Kids & Company – Uptown Centre Address: 3500 Uptown Blvd, Unit 131 | www.kidsandcompany.com
His Kids Childcare (Saanich Branch) Phone: 250-658-8689 | www.hiskidschildcare.com
Students are encouraged to register through the CCRR network to join central waitlists.
3. Communications & Mobile Services
Telecommunication services are readily available in Victoria. Major providers such as Rogers, Telus, and Bell offer:
Prepaid and postpaid SIM card plans;
Mobile data packages with student pricing;
In-person support at Best Buy or provider retail stores in Uptown and Mayfair areas.
4. Banking & Financial Services
Students can open a bank account upon arrival with valid identification and proof of enrollment. Banks near our campus include:
BMO – Bank of Montreal
RBC – Royal Bank of Canada Both offer student-friendly banking packages and international transfer services.
5. Tax Filing & Financial Advice
H&R Block (Uptown) is located within walking distance of our campus.
The office provides personal tax filing assistance, including services for international students unfamiliar with Canadian tax procedures.
6. Health & Safety – First Aid Training
St. John Ambulance Victoria Branch offers public CPR and First Aid certification programs, located nearby.
Oshio College may also coordinate group training opportunities for students periodically.
7. English Language Learning & Integration Support
We understand that adjusting to a new language and culture can be challenging. Below are free or low-cost ESL and community support options:
Free English Classes:
ICA Victoria – LINC Program Free government-funded English classes for eligible newcomers www.icavictoria.org
VIRCS (Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society) Offers ESL, settlement assistance, and cultural events www.vircs.bc.ca
Saanich Parks & Recreation ESL Conversation Groups Weekly conversation circles with local volunteers
Church-based or Community ESL:
Lambrick Park Church – English Language Learners (ELL) Volunteer-based classes & conversation practice www.lambrick.com
8. Community Resources & Social Integration
Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) – Downtown Branch offers multicultural collections, language exchange programs, and community workshops www.gvpl.ca
Students are encouraged to participate in ICA or VIRCS-hosted community events, cultural celebrations, and volunteer opportunities for deeper integration.
For additional support, international students may contact the Student Services team at: admin@oshio.ca Tel: +1 (250) 360-2700
We are here to support you every step of the way in your academic and personal journey.