Teaching and Learning

Avi Stenberg holding an award and smiling at the camera

VIU Culinary Instructor receives gold certification in Japanese cooking

March 2, 2023

Only a small number of chefs worldwide have this particular designation. VIU Culinary Arts Instructor Avi Sternberg is joining a small number of chefs from around the world who have successfully navigated a rigorous certification process to get his skills in Japanese cooking recognized. Sternberg was recently awarded the gold certificate in the Certification of Cooking Skills for Japanese Cuisine... Read more


Three woman standing and chatting in front of a table on which sits two globes.

Global Citizens Week promotes solidarity in action

January 30, 2023

This year’s event includes visiting speakers, film screenings and live music. A campus-wide, community event with a global focus is once again returning to Vancouver Island University (VIU). Global Citizens Week takes place from February 6 to 10 this year and features a variety of events, visiting speakers and dialogues centered around the theme of solidarity in action. “With all the conflict and... Read more


Woman holds roses standing next to two other women

VIU Media Highlights: December 7, 2022

December 7, 2022

The giving spirit, global learning opportunities & holiday events 🎄 As we enter the winter season, the spirit of giving is strong at VIU, as you can see by our top story below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us.  Top stories VIU Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign raises more than $500,000 Students at Vancouver Island University will have fewer financial worries this season... Read more


Visiting from Kyoto, Japan, Motoi Kurisu, Executive Chef at Arashiyama Kumahiko and President of Kumahiko Co. Ltd. gave a demonstration to VIU Culinary students this week to help celebrate the launch of the new certification.  Photo: Vancouver Island Univ

Vancouver Island University launches new Japanese cooking skills certification

November 4, 2022

VIU is the only Canadian institution offering the specialized certification, which will be embedded into existing Red Seal culinary programs. Avi Sternberg still remembers the moment he entered a Japanese restaurant 20 years ago and was “awestruck by the movements” of the sushi chef working inside at the time. “It was almost like a dance,” said the VIU Culinary Arts instructor. Now, Sternberg is... Read more


A TARDIS replica

Student-made TARDIS connects international students and Canadians

October 31, 2022

By Aly Winks, Internal Communication Specialist In Enrique Chacon’s experience, the most common complaint from international students is not about their educational experience, or the cold Canadian weather, it’s about getting a chance to meet and become friends with Canadians. At VIU, he is an Educational Advisor in International Student Services. No matter the post-secondary institution, this is... Read more


A group of people in various cultural attire standing in front of a WorldVIU sign on the steps of the VIU library

VIU connects with local and global community at WorldVIU Days

October 25, 2022

What: WorldVIU Days When: October 31 to November 4, 2022 Where: See photo opportunity schedule below An annual, multi-day event that explores how culture influences the way people make sense of the world is returning to Vancouver Island University (VIU) this month. Taking place from October 31 to November 4, WorldVIU Days celebrates diversity in all its facets and brings people together to find... Read more


From left to right: Tracy Vandermolen, Darrell Harvey and Anwen Burk in a computer lab and smiling at the camera

VIU launches new educational technology partnership in the Caribbean

September 26, 2022

VIU and Canadian partner institutions will help six Caribbean nations expand capacity in online learning. Vancouver Island University (VIU) is helping Caribbean institutions develop and expand capacity in online learning. The new $480,000 international cooperation project, delivered in partnership with Durham College and Humber College, will grow the capacity of institutions in Belize, Jamaica,... Read more


Facing the camera and standing from left to right are refugee students Hanan Ali Abdi, Nyagua Deng Goch, and Daniella (Sifa) Mukenge

VIU welcomes three new refugee students

September 14, 2022

The students are pursuing their degrees here after arriving from refugee camps in Uganda. Growing up in war-torn Somalia, Hanan Ali Abdi still remembers the moment her life changed forever and set her on a course to becoming a Vancouver Island University (VIU) student this year. The moment happened amidst the regular deluge of violence, bombings, kidnappings and raids when an explosion rocked... Read more


VIU Horticulture students in front of plants inside greenhouse

In Photos: VIU Horticulture program helps grow connections with Belize

August 22, 2022

Belizean partners come to Nanaimo to work on curriculum together Vancouver Island University (VIU) is helping Belizean institutions develop programs that teach students in agriculture and agroforestry programs how to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The university is leading an $825,000 institutional partnership under the Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) program, which is... Read more


Students working in a classroom

New initiative helps people gain admission into VIU programs

July 27, 2022

Students seeking pre-requisites for post-secondary programs that train them for specific, high-demand careers will now have unique supports. A new program for adult learners who need a little extra help to get into programs with certain pre-requisites is launching at Vancouver Island University (VIU) this September. Called Pathways, the program helps students interested in entering professional... Read more