FAQ: Health, Safety & Student Support

Q: What health insurance do international students have?

A: Health insurance is mandatory for all international students enrolled in WSD International. WSD International provides medical insurance coverage through Ingle Lewer International Insurance. The cost of the required medical insurance is included in the student's program fees.

Students and families receive information about their insurance coverage and how to access medical services as part of the program. Students should keep their insurance information readily available and review their coverage before arriving in Canada.

Q: How do I access my Ingle International insurance information?

A: Students will receive information about their Ingle Lewer International Insurance coverage as part of the WSD International program. Students should keep their insurance information in a safe but easily accessible place and have it available when seeking medical care.

For questions about insurance coverage, benefits, claims, or how to access services, students should refer to the information provided by Ingle International or contact the appropriate Ingle International support service.

Q: What should I do if I get sick?

A: Students who become sick should inform their WSD International Support Teacher and, if they are participating in the WSD International Homestay Program, their Homestay Administrator as soon as possible.

The WSD International Support Teacher can help the student communicate with the school and understand what support may be available. The Homestay Administrator can assist with homestay-related concerns and help coordinate appropriate support when needed.

Students should follow the advice and instructions provided by their healthcare provider and  Ingle Lewer International Insurance regarding their medical insurance coverage. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Q: What should I do if I need medical care?

A: Students who need medical care should first determine the appropriate level of care based on their symptoms and circumstances. Students may seek assistance from their WSD International Support Teacher or Homestay Administrator, if they are in the WSD International Homestay Program, or another trusted adult if they are unsure where to go.

Students should have their  Ingle Lewer International Insurance information available when accessing medical services and follow the instructions provided by their insurance provider regarding eligible services and claims. For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Q: What happens in a medical emergency?

A: In a medical emergency, students should call 911 or ask someone nearby to call for them. Students should provide their location and clearly explain that they need emergency assistance.

Once the immediate emergency has been addressed, the student should inform their WSD International Support Teacher and, if applicable, their Homestay Administrator as soon as possible.

Students should also follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider and Ingle Lewer International Insurance regarding their medical insurance coverage.

Q: Who supports international students when they have a health or personal concern?

A: International students have a network of support through WSD International and their school. The WSD International Support Teacher is an important point of contact for international students. The WSD International Support Teachers connect with students, help them navigate their school environment, and advocate for their needs within the school.

Students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program can also contact their Homestay Administrator for homestay-related concerns.

Depending on the situation, students may also seek support from their classroom teacher, guidance counsellor, school administration, student services staff, or another trusted adult.

Q: What should I do if I am experiencing stress, homesickness, or difficulty adjusting to Winnipeg?

A: Adjusting to a new country, school, language, and home environment can take time. Students are encouraged to talk to someone they trust if they are feeling overwhelmed, homesick, or having difficulty adjusting.

The WSD International Support Teacher is an important first point of contact. They can listen to the student's concerns, help identify appropriate support within the school, and advocate for the student when needed.

Students in the WSD International Homestay Program can also speak with their Homestay Administrator about concerns related to their accommodation or adjustment at home.

Students are encouraged to ask for support early rather than trying to manage concerns on their own.

Q: Can international students access counselling services??

A: Yes. International students have access to counselling and student support services available through their schools, as well as additional wellness and mental health resources through their Ingle Lewer International Insurance.

The WSD International Support Teacher can help students understand what support is available and connect them with appropriate school staff when needed. The WSD International Support Teacher can also advocate for the student and help facilitate communication between the student, their school, and WSD International.

Through Ingle Lewer International Insurance, students may also have access to a range of wellness and mental health resources, including professional multilingual counsellors, peer support platforms, and virtual mental health services. These resources are designed to support students with concerns such as stress, adjustment to life in Canada, homesickness, and other personal challenges.

Students are encouraged to reach out for support when they need it. They do not have to manage these concerns on their own.

Q: What should I do if I am having a problem at school?

A: Students should communicate concerns to their WSD International Support Teacher as soon as possible. The WSD International Support Teacher can help the student understand the situation, communicate with appropriate school staff, and advocate for the student's needs.

Depending on the concern, students may also be supported by their classroom teacher, guidance counsellor, school administration, or other student services staff.

Students do not need to handle a serious concern on their own.

Q: What should I do if I feel unsafe at school or in my homestay?

A: Students should tell a trusted adult immediately if they feel unsafe.

Their WSD International Support Teacher is an important point of contact and can help connect the student with appropriate school or WSD International support and advocate for the student's safety and well-being.

Students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program should also contact their Homestay Administrator if the concern is related to their accommodation or host family.

Q: What should I do if I have a concern about my homestay?

A: Students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program should contact their Homestay Administrator as soon as possible if they have a concern about their accommodation or host family.

The Homestay Administrator can help understand the situation and determine the appropriate next steps.

Q: What safety information do students receive?

A: Students receive information about safety and living in Winnipeg as part of their orientation and throughout their time in the program. This may include information about:

• Emergency services
• Public transportation
• Personal safety
• School expectations
• Homestay expectations
• Winter weather and safety
• Community resources
• How to seek help

Students are encouraged to ask questions whenever they are unsure about a safety situation.

Q: What should I do if I lose my passport or other important documents?

A: Students should report the loss of important documents as soon as possible. Students should first contact their agency or representative, who can guide them through the appropriate next steps, including what to do if a passport or other important document is lost.

Students should also inform their WSD International Support Teacher so the Support Teacher is aware of the situation and can provide appropriate support within the school.

If a passport is lost, the student's agency or representative can assist with contacting the appropriate embassy or consulate in Canada and understanding the process for obtaining a replacement.

Students should keep copies of their passport, Study Permit, insurance information, and other important documents in a safe location.

Q: What should I do if I lose my health insurance information?

A: Students should contact WSD International for assistance in accessing or replacing their insurance information.

Students should keep their insurance information in a safe but easily accessible place and have it available when seeking medical care.

Q: Can students take medication while studying in Canada?

A: Students who take prescription or other medication should bring appropriate documentation and follow Canadian requirements for bringing medication into Canada.

Families should provide WSD International with relevant information about significant medical needs during the application process when appropriate.

For questions about bringing specific medications into Canada, please check the Government of Canada website.

Q: What if I have a medical condition, allergy, or special health need?

A: Students and families should provide accurate and complete information about significant medical conditions, allergies, accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or other health considerations during the application and homestay placement process.

Providing this information allows WSD International and the Homestay team, where applicable, to understand the student's needs and determine what support or accommodation may be appropriate.

Students should also review their Ingle Lewer International Insurance coverage to understand what healthcare services are covered.

Q: How does WSD International support student well-being?

A: WSD International works with schools, WSD International Support Teachers, Homestay Administrators, homestay families, and other staff to support international students throughout their program.

The WSD International Support Teacher plays an important role by connecting with international students, helping them navigate school life, and advocating for their needs within the school.

Students are encouraged to communicate with their WSD International Support Teacher whenever they have a concern or need assistance.

Q: Who can I contact if I need help?

A: Students should contact their WSD International Support Teacher as soon as possible when they have a concern related to school, academic support, student well-being, or adjusting to life in Winnipeg.

Students participating in the WSD International Homestay Program should contact their Homestay Administrator for homestay-related concerns.

For questions about medical insurance coverage, students should refer to their Ingle Lewer International Insurance information or contact Ingle International as directed in their insurance documents.

Important Reminder

Students are encouraged to ask for help whenever they need it. The WSD International Support Teacher is an important point of contact and advocate for international students within their schools.

For questions about medical insurance coverage, refer to  Ingle Lewer International Insurance.