Information for international students

Around the world, people have different ideas about appropriate personal interactions and sexualized violence. At UNBC, we define sexualized violence broadly. There is a wide range of behaviours that we think are unacceptable. This may be different from other institutions or countries, so we encourage all students to learn UNBC’s definition of sexualized violence. Remember that sexualized violence can happen physically, verbally, and online.

Respect and consent

You are allowed to have personal boundaries. This means that you are allowed to have clear ideas about what is acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to you and your body and that others should respect those boundaries. We must also understand that everyone’s boundaries are different, and due to these differences, we must ask for consent before touching other people, or when asking them to do something that might potentially make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

If someone does not follow or respect your boundaries, you are allowed to tell them to stop. It is not your fault if someone chooses to cross your boundaries

Here’s a short video that explains the basics about consent and boundaries by using tea as an example:

Tea and Consent

What you need to know

  • International students have the same rights as domestic students around sexualized violence.
  • People who experience sexualized violence are not to blame.
  • Everyone has the right to confidential support and advice.
  • It’s okay to ask for help; asking for support will not affect your student status.

Support services available