Information for Spouses/Partners of International Students

We offer a wide range of support for spouses/partners of International Students. If you would like more personalized information on community and university support for your family, please email international@mun.ca 

Work and Volunteer Opportunities

Spousal Open Work Permit: For more information visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.

Finding work: Navigating job hunting in a new country can be quite stressful. Below, you'll find essential information to aid in preparedness and job search here in NL.

Your spouse must tailor a resume specifically for the Canadian job market. For more information on resumes, please see the resume format and content. 

Many community groups also offer free employment support services:

For locating job opportunities, below is a small list of job-searching sites where you and your spouse can look for job opportunities.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, become familiar with the community and develop skills to include on a resume. Information regarding volunteering opportunities can be found on campus at the Student Volunteer Bureau (Learn how to sign up for their mailing list here) or the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.

NL Labour Standards: Every province has different rules and regulations on labour standards; please see Overview of NL Regulations. Please refer to the NL Labour Standards website for official information. Labour Standards staff are also available to provide interpretation and address enquiries about the rights and responsibilities related to a broad range of employment issues and can be contacted by emailing LabourStandards@gov.nl.ca or calling: Toll-free: 1-877-563-1063 / St. John’s Office: 709-729-2742 Corner Brook Office: (709) 637-2364.

 

Free English Language & Conversation Programs (Off campus)

International student spouses can join free English language and conversation programs available in the St. John's community. These programs offer opportunities to improve English communication skills, build confidence in everyday conversations, learn about life in Canada, and connect with other newcomers in a welcoming, supportive environment. Below are a few options for these classes:

1. Association for New Canadians (ANC) – Evening English Classes

Free English classes designed to help learners gain confidence in everyday communication and life in Canada.

  • Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels
  • Mondays and Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • ANC ESL Language School, 148 Elizabeth Avenue
  • Contact: 709-722-9680 | linc@ancnl.ca

2. Tombolo Multicultural Festival - Informal English Conversation Circle 

A supportive and informal environment to practice English and meet other newcomers.

3. Finding Amal Unite & Empower - BLOOM: English Chit-Chat

Casual English conversation sessions focused on improving speaking skills and building community connections.

  • Mondays, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • 7 Ricketts Road, St. John's
  • Registration required: Registration link

4. YMCA Conversation Cafe

A welcoming space for international post-secondary students and temporary foreign workers to practice English conversation, build confidence, and connect with others in the community.

  • Open to international post-secondary students and temporary foreign workers
  • Contact: Nasomi Amarajeewa
  • Email: nasomi.amarajeewa@nl.ymca.ca
  • Phone: 709-691-1060

All programs are offered free of charge. These community-based programs provide valuable opportunities to practice English, expand social networks, and become more engaged in the local community. Participants are encouraged to contact the organisations directly for current registration details and program availability.

 

Community Programs

On-campus Social Programming: To know about weekly Social Programming of the Internationalisation Office: Click here

Off-campus community Programs: For a comprehensive database of resources and programs in the city for families, click here. 

To learn about community programs both on and off-campus for spouses/partners of international students, see our Facebook page!