New courses at Vancouver Island University offer deep dive into Island culture

Marmot Yoga, Glamping 101, Sasquatch Psychology and more available starting April 1, 2028.

Students can get in touch with the finer (and furrier) aspects of Island living with a new lineup of courses available at Vancouver Island University (VIU).

From yoga with the Vancouver Island marmot, to learning the truth behind the evasive nature of the Pacific Sasquatch, to creating luxurious wilderness experiences, these first-year courses are available to all students, no pre-requisites required.

“We know many of our students who move here from other parts of Canada and the world choose VIU for its natural beauty and that laid-back, relaxed lifestyle Islanders are known for,” said Jeff McJefferson, Director of VIU’s Graduate Office of Teaching, Career Help and Advancement (GOTCHA). “As part of VIU’s commitment to preparing students for the jobs of the future, we wanted to give them the opportunity to do a deep dive into various important aspects of Island culture.”

The full lineup of Island culture courses available:

• Marmot Yoga: Learn how to connect on a deeper level with one of Canada’s most endangered (and flexible) mammals.
• Aquatic Acoustics: Learn the diverse language of the sea. Course includes whale speak and introduction to signing with otters and seals.
• Glamping 101: Learn to create wilderness experiences for people who hate nature.
• Sasquatch Psychology: Learn the motivation behind the evasive behaviour of the Pacific Sasquatch.

All courses are offered starting April 1, 2028. To learn more about these courses and register, visit the GOTCHA webpage.

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews