International Students

Our international students liaison is the Director of Enrolment Services. If an international student is having issues of any kind, they can meet with the Director of Enrolment Service and be directed to the necessary resources.

SPC is made up of a diverse community of believers and subscribes to the equal rights of all to pursue excellence in their lives without inhibitions based on gender, race, or ethnicity.  Through class instruction and various chapels, we seek to create an environment in which students learn the importance of balancing respect for other cultures with a healthy acknowledgment of the strengths and limitations of their own.  Racial, ethnic or gender discrimination in any form is not condoned in Scripture and is not acceptable (Galatians 3:28).

The following are precautionary measures that can minimize the risk of danger.

1. Theft/Personal Belongings

• Rooms and dwelling doors should be locked when unoccupied.  

• Expensive or important personal belongings should be identified with permanent identification.

2. Walking On/Off Campus 

• As a safety precaution, students should not walk or jog alone especially after dark.

• When walking after dark, light-coloured clothing or light-reflective material is strongly advised.

• When walking along roadways, traffic safety rules advise the use of the left side of the road (facing oncoming traffic).

• A student who suspects they are being followed, should turn around to check, and if suspicions are confirmed, should make a loud noise, scream, or create a scene. Noise is often successful in preventing an attack. 

• A student who suspects a car is following them should run in the opposite direction. 

3. Vehicle 

• Vehicles should be locked.

• Valuables should never be left in vehicles.  

• Recommended items to carry include:  fully-charged cell phone, first aid kit, blanket, water, and snack.  

• When travelling, doors should be kept locked at all times. If someone tries to enter the vehicle, it is a good idea to blow the horn and drive away as quickly as possible.

• Should the vehicle break down or run out of gas, the student should call for assistance.

• Should a stranded motorist be encountered, the best way to help is to call for assistance and not stop. 

4. Public Transportation

• Students are advised to inform someone of their travel plans and to know and plan their route in advance.  

• It is advisable to wait in busy, well-lit areas.

• Students should be mindful of their surroundings at all times.  

5. Hitchhiking 

• This is an unsafe practice and should be avoided. 

Picking up hitchhikers is equally dangerous. 

6. Mugging / Self-Defence 

• Students should be aware of their environment and avoid risks that put them in danger, such as being out alone at night.  Students should be familiar with their physical surroundings, knowing where the safe walking, best lighting, and parking areas are located.

• It is advisable to not carry large amounts of cash when walking.

• Vehicle keys should be carried in one’s hand to avoid searching for them.  

• If attacked by an armed assailant, it is best to not resist. The best recourse is to make a loud noise, scream, or create a scene. 

• The student should make protecting their person the prime objective over protecting their possessions.

• After the attack, the police should be called.  Every effort should be made to observe identifying features and characteristics of the assailant. An attempt should be made to obtain the make, model, year, and license plate number of a getaway car if one is involved, noting the exact time and location of the incident, and the direction in which the assailant fled.  

If you see any suspicious person on campus, immediately contact a Campus Pastor, a Resident Supervisor/Assistant, or the Vice-President of Student Services.

It is important to be aware of critical incident stress.  Traumatic events shake the foundation of our belief and shatter our assumptions about trust.  When we witness or experience a traumatic event that involves actual or threatened death or injury to us, we feel fearful, helpless, and overwhelmed. It is important in the development of a crisis plan to have staff trained in recognizing and defusing the stress reactions of those involved. 

Critical incident stress refers to the emotional (feelings), physical (body), cognitive (thinking), and behavioral (action) reactions to a traumatic situation.  Acute critical incident stress reaction may occur during an actual incident.  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is when an individual who experienced, witnessed, or participated in a traumatic event has recurring episodes in which they re-experience the traumatic event.  PTSD rarely appears during the trauma itself; the disorder often surfaces several months or even years later.  PTSD is a disorder that may only be diagnosed by a qualified professional.

In order to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of PTSD, it is good to be aware of the symptoms of PTSD and know how to debrief the trauma with those affected.  Critical incidents may produce a wide range of stress symptoms, which can appear a few hours after the event or within a few days. The more stress symptoms are experienced, the more powerful the reaction.  The longer the symptoms last, the more potential there is for permanent harm. Stress symptoms usually occur in four different categories: emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral.

Emotional (Feelings):

• Anxiety and/or fear.

• Grief.

• Guilt or shame

• Depression or moodiness.

• Anger, irritability, resentment, scapegoating.

• Emotional numbing or outbursts.

• Feeling lost, abandoned and helpless.

• Feelings of emptiness and hopelessness.

Physical (Body):

• Nausea, upset stomach, sweating, profuse tremors.

• Disorientation and loss of coordination.

• Rapid heart rate and blood pressure increase.

• Hyperventilation, chest pains, headaches.

• Chills, dizziness, sleep disturbance.

• Avoids sleeping and being alone.

• Loss of appetite or overeating.

• Ignoring one’s own physical needs.

Cognitive (Thinking):

• Impaired thinking and decision-making.

• Poor concentration and confusion.

• Difficulty performing calculations.

• Memory problems.

• Flashbacks, recurring memories.

• Poor attention span.

• Time distortion and perception alternations.

• Over-concerned with health and safety.

• Pessimistic expectation of the future.

• Self-blame

• Inability to trust others.

Behavioral (Actions):

• Avoidance of the setting that reminds the victim of the trauma.

• Withdrawal from social situations.

• Use of chemicals to numb pain.

• Survival guilt.

• Hyper-vigilance.

• Abuse of drugs or alcohol.

• Drop in school/work performance.

• Sudden changes in attitudes, styles and relationships.

• Impulsiveness.

• Relational problems.

Debriefing offers a structure for listening and talking. It opens the door for people to share.  It helps one to discover how others feel and for them to understand what happened.  It allows everyone to feel stronger and less vulnerable.  It normalizes the response to the trauma.  It can be a time to teach appropriate coping skills.  It helps in adjusting to the trauma.  Debriefing will not heal the wounds overnight, but it will help speed the healing and recovery rate.  This should be done as immediately after the incident as possible.

Outline for Debriefing/Defusing:

• Provide a safe and supportive environment for venting of initial reactions, details, and stories about the event.

• Provide information about the incident.  Be open to questions.  Correct misinformation and misconceptions.

• Share feelings experienced during the incident and now. Share and validate fears.

• Normalize the reactions and provide support.  What one is thinking or feeling is normal.

• Indicate when follow-up will be provided.

Grief Reactions
With many types of crisis and emergency situations, individuals are faced with losses – loss of a loved one, and/or loss of a sense of security and safety, etc.  It should be noted that grieving takes time and that there is no one “right” way to grieve or to help someone who is grieving.

Grief is a natural and normal healing response, which is initiated whenever a loss is experienced.  Grief is not a single emotion, but rather it is a collection of feelings that can be expressed through a variety of behaviors and thoughts.  Because there are many ways to express grief, there are many ways to resolve grief.

Grief is the healthiest way to accept a loss and gain perspective on the changes the individual now faces.  Loss occurs when someone is deprived of someone or something that gives that person meaning, safety or identity.  Grief helps a person face the reality of the loss, to recover and to grow through the experience.

Each person experiences grief differently, yet there are common patterns that have been called “the grieving process.”  No matter what type of loss is experienced, the same process is generally worked through, although the duration and intensity will differ depending on the circumstances, the age of the person, and the openness of those around the individual to assist in the process of healing.  Individuals generally move back and forth between the stages in the grieving process and there is no set time when a person reaches the final stage.  

1. Shock and Denial

• Numbness, expressionlessness, disbelief.

• Quiet, random, disorganized.

• Unwillingness to talk about the loss; keeping busy.

• Loss of appetite,

• Forgetting appointments.

2. Anger and Guilt

• Blaming self, others or God.

• Emotional reactions – yelling, arguing.

• Rude and uncooperative with others.

• May punish self, feeling guilty.

3. Bargaining

• Trying to think of how it could have been different.

• Wishing that earlier interaction could have been done.

• Making promises to self or others about being a “better” person.

4. Depression

• Feelings of isolation, sadness, emptiness, withdrawing into silence.

• Crying frequently.

• Becoming passive, listless and disinterested in normal activities.

5. Acceptance

• Letting go of anger and depression and begins to share memories.

• Being able to care for self and others.

• Making plans for the future; reorganized life and feeling hopeful.

International students will be housed in the college dormitory or our married housing units.

The experience of living in residence is a valuable part of a student’s education. Resident students form lasting friendships, grow in their understanding of themselves and other people, are more involved in extracurricular activities, and have more opportunities to interact with faculty and staff. Understanding that the residence experience is conducive to the education of the total person, all single, full-time students under 25 years of age are required to live in residence unless living with their parents/legal guardian or close relatives or otherwise authorized, if it is necessary to accommodate disabilities or similar unique personal circumstances.

•  Omega Global students are required to live on campus regardless of age (except with an approved appeal).

• The college reserves the right to revoke off-campus living privileges of students under 25 years of age at any time.

• To qualify for residency, students must take at least 12 credits during the semester.

• Students taking less than 12 credits must petition the Vice President of Student Services to live in residence as part-time students.

Dormitory Features

Living on campus provides a safe, comfortable, and community-focused environment designed to support both personal growth and academic success. Amenities include:

• Furnished rooms with beds, desks, chairs, and storage

• Shared lounge spaces for studying and socializing

• Laundry facilities on each residence floor

• Kitchen access in select areas

• Close access to classes, chapel, and campus activities

Cafeteria

The campus cafeteria is a welcoming hub for meals, snacks, and social connections. It provides:

• Nutritious meals and snacks to support student health and energy

• Hot entrées, fresh salads, grab-and-go items, and options for dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)

• A comfortable space to relax, socialize, and connect with fellow students

Off-Campus Housing

For most students, living in the dormitory is the primary and required housing option, as it offers convenience, community, and easy access to campus services. Students wishing to live off campus must receive prior authorization from the Vice President of Student Services by submitting an Off-Campus Living Request Form, available through Forms & Procedures via Canvas (LMS).

Students are strongly advised not to enter into a lease agreement until they obtain approval for off-campus status. Having a lease in place will not be a factor in considering a request. Students may not live with a member of the opposite sex other than their spouse or family members.

Exploring housing options through local community groups and church housing boards is the recommended approach. SPC has established relationships with several local churches, and a liaison is available to help connect students with these communities. These connections can be a welcoming and supportive resource during your housing search. In addition, online platforms such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Kijiji can be useful for finding accommodation.

Before signing a rental agreement or making any payment, you—or a trusted person on your behalf—should view the property in person whenever possible. If an in-person visit is not feasible, arranging a live video tour is strongly recommended to help confirm that the listing is genuine and suitable for your needs.

Please be aware that the school is not responsible for any agreements made between students and landlords. We do not screen, inspect, or endorse any rental listings, landlords, or accommodations shared through these services.

Considerations:

• Know Your Rights
  As a renter in British Columbia, you are protected under provincial tenancy laws. We encourage you to review the Residential Tenancies information provided by the Government of BC to better understand your rights and responsibilities.

• Be Aware of Rental Scams
  While many rental listings are legitimate, scams can occur. We encourage you to review the RCMP Rental Scams website to learn how to recognize common warning signs and protect yourself before committing to a rental.

• Free Legal Support for Renters
  If you need assistance, there are organizations that offer free legal advice and support for renters, including help with disputes between tenants and landlords under the Residential Tenancy Act. Below are two such organizations:

  • Residential tenancy program 

  • TRAC legal representation

Additional Resources

You may also find helpful guidance in the WelcomeBC resources for finding housing in British Columbia.

Abbotsford offers a wide range of services and amenities to help students adjust to life in the community. Several major grocery stores, including Real Canadian Superstore, Save-On-Foods, and FreshCo, are located within a short distance of the college.

For medical needs, Abbotsford Regional Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the area, and multiple walk-in clinics and pharmacies (including Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs) are available throughout the city.

Students will also find access to essential services such as banks and shopping centers. Transportation to these locations is available through various options, including public transit, taxi services, and rideshare providers such as Uber.

Banking Nearby

• CIBC Sevenoaks Banking Centre
  32950 South Fraser Way, Unit 1, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0H5

• CIBC South Fraser Way & Clearbrook Rd. Banking Centre
  32041 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 1W3

• BMO Bank of Montreal – South Fraser Way
  32988 South Fraser Way #101, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0H5

• RBC Royal Bank – South Fraser Way
  32900 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 5A1

Church Communities

Being part of a church community can be an important source of spiritual growth, fellowship, and practical support. Below is a list of local PAOC churches in the Abbotsford and Mission area where students can connect, worship, and build meaningful relationships.

Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly
3145 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5T4, Canada
Phone: (604) 853‑8158
Christian Life Community Church
35131 Straiton Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7Z1, Canada
Phone: (604) 853‑4166
First Ave Church
46510 First Ave, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1W9, Canada
Phone: (604) 792‑0794
River Valley Church
32729 7th Ave, Mission, BC V2V 2B8, Canada
Phone: (604) 826‑2315

Community Support Resources

For students seeking additional support within the Abbotsford community, we have compiled a list of trusted resources and services designed to provide guidance, care, and assistance for a variety of needs.

Crisis Centre 
The Crisis Centre is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to helping people manage crises and support others. Services include:

• 24/7 Distress Phone Services: In addition to four regional distress lines, the Centre provides two provincial 1-800-SUICIDE lines, two Mental Health Information lines, and a Seniors’ Distress Line. Support is available in over 140 languages through a language service.

• Online Distress Services: Platforms such as YouthInBC.com and CrisisCentreChat.ca allow youth and adults to talk confidentially, seek emotional support, and locate community referral services.

• Phone & Online Chat: Connect with a counsellor or trained volunteer by phone, online chat, or text to ask questions, better understand your situation, and access resources.

Foundry
Foundry is a network of integrated health and social service centres for young people aged 12–24. Foundry provides a one-stop shop for mental health care, substance use services, primary care, social services, and youth and family peer support.

Shopping Essentials

• Choices Market

  • Address: 3033 Immel St, Abbotsford, BC V2S 6S2

  • Distance from SPC: 8 minutes by car, 49 minutes by bus, 75 minutes to walk, 21 minutes to bike

  • Pharmacy: No

• London Drugs

  • 32900 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 5A1

  • Distance from SPC: 14 minutes by car, 75 minutes by bus, 2 hours to walk, 40 minutes to bike

  • Pharmacy: Yes

• Walmart SuperCentre

  • 1812 Vedder Way, Abbotsford, BC V2S 8K1

  • Distance from SPC: 13 minutes by car, 75 minutes by bus, 2 hours to walk, 36 minutes to bike

  • Pharmacy: Yes

Walk-in Clinics 

If you are experiencing non-emergency health concerns, we encourage you to contact a local walk-in clinic. Many clinics now limit in-person visits and offer virtual appointments. Whether in person or online, a doctor will review your concerns and provide guidance or treatment.

To find clinics and medical centres in the Abbotsford area, you can use MediMap, an online resource that shows nearby clinics, wait times, and available care options.

Hospitals

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, go directly to the nearest emergency room (ER) or call 9-1-1. Walk-in doctors may also refer you to a hospital for services such as diagnostics or surgery.

If you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor or go to the hospital, you can call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse for guidance.

• Abbotsford Regional Hospital
  32900 Marshall Road, Abbotsford
  Phone: 604-851-4700

• Mission Memorial Hospital
  7324 Hurd Street, Mission
  Phone: 604-826-6261

At Summit Pacific College, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of every student. We recognize that academic success is closely connected to physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, and we strive to provide resources, guidance, and a supportive environment to help you thrive in all areas of life.

Health Insurance for Students

All SPC students are responsible for maintaining adequate health insurance. The college does not provide medical coverage and is not responsible for any medical costs, including emergencies.

Canadian Students

Canadian students must have a valid provincial health care number to access medical services. Many students remain covered under a parent’s plan until age 25, but it is important to confirm your coverage.

International Students

New international students can enrol in guard.me International Insurance, a temporary private health plan that provides coverage during the three-month waiting period before they become eligible for provincial health care. This plan covers new and unexpected medical conditions, but does not cover pre-existing conditions.

After the initial three-month period, international students transition to the British Columbia Medical Services Plan (MSP), which provides comprehensive provincial coverage for eligible students. It is important to register promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to medical care.

International students are responsible for paying for medical services at the time of treatment and can contact their insurance provider for reimbursement.

For full details on coverage, benefits, and registration, please review the information provided by the insurance providers.

Medical Needs

First Aid & Campus Resources

First Aid Kit Locations:

• Holdcroft Building: RS/RA Office, Student Centre, Cafeteria Kitchen

• Academic Building: Main Office

• Library: Information Counter

• Gym: Fitness Centre

Lists of Trained First Aid Personnel are Posted in:

• Holdcroft Residence

• Academic Building

• Library

• Gymnasium

• Morrison Apartments

• Chapel

Health Crisis

At Summit Pacific College, we recognize that crises can occur. A psychological crisis may arise when an individual is at risk of harming themselves or others. 

In some cases, a severe reaction to drugs or other factors may cause a person to lose touch with reality or experience a psychotic episode, which can include hallucinations or uncontrollable behaviour.

If you believe a situation may be dangerous, do not attempt to handle it on your own. Seek immediate assistance from appropriate emergency or support services.

If a mental health crisis occurs:

Weekdays:

1. Call a Crisis Line

   1. Crisis Line Fraser-Abbotsford: 604-951-8855;

   2. Telecare Crisis & Caring Line: 606-853-9099
      They will conduct a safety assessment and recommend a course of action

2. Notify the Campus Pastors or the Vice-President of Student Services.

3. The Campus Pastors and the Vice-President of Student Services are responsible for crisis intervention and notifying pertinent staff.

Nights or Weekends:

1. Call a Crisis Line

   1. Crisis Line Fraser-Abbotsford: 604-951

   2. Telecare Crisis & Caring Line: 606-853-9099
      They will conduct a safety assessment and recommend a course of action.

2. Notify an RS

   1. The RS is to take the student to the Emergency Department of the Abbotsford or Mission hospital or call 911 for an ambulance if the student is violent or uncontrollable.

3. The RS is to contact the college official listed in the order given below.  The first person reached is to contact the others.

   • 1) Campus Pastors

   • 2) Vice-President of Student Services

   • 3) President

   • 4) Vice-President of Academics

4. After the immediate crisis, the Campus Pastors and the Vice-President of Student Services are responsible for follow-up.

Toxic Drug Poisoning & Overdose Prevention

Summit Pacific College is committed to promoting student safety and reducing the risk of toxic drug poisoning on campus. In alignment with the Province of British Columbia’s post-secondary overdose prevention initiative, naloxone—an overdose-reversing medication—is available on campus.

Emergency Procedures

Call 9-1-1 immediately in any emergency.

If you or someone nearby shows signs of overdose or over-intoxication:

1. Call 9-1-1 first.

2. Stay with the individual until help arrives.

3. If on campus, also contact a Campus Pastor.

 Signs of an Opioid Overdose

• Blue or grey lips or fingernails

• Slow, weak, or no breathing

• Unconsciousness or inability to wake up

• Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds

• Dizziness or confusion

• Extreme drowsiness

Understanding Opioids

Opioids are substances used for pain relief. These include:

• Natural opioids (e.g., morphine, heroin)

• Synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl)

• Fentanyl is highly potent (50–100 times stronger than morphine) and is a leading cause of overdose deaths in British Columbia.

Opioids slow breathing, and an overdose can stop breathing entirely, resulting in brain injury or death. In some cases, opioids may be unknowingly mixed with other substances.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Naloxone is a safe and effective medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.

Restores breathing by blocking opioid effects

• Works within minutes and lasts 30–60 minutes

• Cannot cause a high or overdose

• May trigger temporary withdrawal symptoms

• Is only effective for opioid-related overdoses

Access to Naloxone

• Available free of charge at participating pharmacies across British Columbia

• Summit Pacific College provides nasal naloxone (Narcan) on campus

  • Located in:

    • AED (defibrillator) cabinets

    • Designated naloxone cabinets in high-traffic areas

 An Important Reminder: In any suspected overdose situation, do not hesitate—call 9-1-1 immediately. Acting quickly can save a life.

Counselling

If you feel you would benefit from counselling support, we encourage you to reach out to the Vice President of Student Services. The Campus Pastors, the Vice President of Student Services, and qualified faculty members are available to offer care, guidance, and support as you navigate personal, family, or academic challenges. When additional support is needed, the college also partners with professional counsellors to ensure students have access to appropriate care. Subsidy for professional counselling services is available upon request.

Transportation & Parking

There are several ways to travel to and from campus, including public transit, cycling, ride-sharing, and personal vehicles. We encourage you to choose the option that best fits your schedule and lifestyle. For transit routes, schedules, and rider information in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission, please visit the BC Transit website.

Parking on Campus

• Students must obtain a current parking decal during Orientation Week or when bringing a vehicle to campus. The decal must be clearly displayed on the front windshield.

• Students are permitted one vehicle on campus. Vehicle repairs, including fluid changes, are not permitted on campus, and unauthorized vehicle storage—especially over the summer months—is not allowed.

• Motorized scooters must be insured through ICBC and operated safely, including wearing an approved helmet, using roadways only (not sidewalks), and ensuring proper lighting for nighttime use.

• Failure to follow parking and vehicle guidelines may result in fines or towing. Please note that the college is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to vehicles on campus.

Vehicle Insurance

All vehicles on campus must carry valid third-party liability insurance, in accordance with provincial requirements. Students are responsible for ensuring their insurance coverage is valid while studying in British Columbia. Proof of insurance may be required. Uninsured vehicles are not permitted to be driven on campus.