The international student union office at Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) in Newton officially opened Wednesday (Nov. 24).
The space is dedicated to elevating support for international students in British Columbia, notes a PICS release Wednesday.
PICS Society is a Surrey-based registered non-profit that has been serving communities throughout the Lower Mainland since 1987.
The society is dedicated to supporting international students, PICS President Satbir Cheema said.
“This initiative of providing a dedicated space to the International Student Union at PICS premises, marks a significant step in expanding our impact,” Cheema said. “We believe that this collaborative effort will further propagate our mission, fostering success and integration for international students in Canada.”
Local politicians and business leaders attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at PICS office, where the union office is located.
“This space by PICS, and their ongoing programs will help them (international students) find resources, understand cultural norms and keep them safe,” Surrey mayor Brenda Locke said.
Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman echoed Locke’s sentiments.
“We have heard multiple stories of international students and they are very challenging and some even lead to death because they just give up. PICS is committed to ensure a supportive ecosystem for students, no matter where they are coming from,” Huberman said.
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PICS has a wide variety of programs to support international students. To learn more, visit their pics.bc.ca.