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Capilano university study abroad student handbook
- 4. 4 About Capilano University Founded in 1968, Capilano University is one of the oldest publicly funded postsecondary institutions in British Columbia. With more than 7,000 students, the university welcomes over 700 international students from over 52 countries. Known for its reputation for teaching excellence and innovation, Capilano University has distinguished itself by its commitment to student success. The University offers bachelor degree, arts & science transfer, associate degrees, career/vocation programs and English as a second language (ESL). Credentials awarded from Capilano University are widely recognized throughout Canadian and credits are easily transferred to schools in Canada and overseas. The University’s main campus is situation in North Vancouver, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Centre for International Experience Capilano University offers many services for international students. We can help with academic resources, medical insurance, living in Vancouver, Mentorship set up and much more. Wong and Trainor Centre for International Experience Capilano University Library 127 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, BC V7J 4H5 Tel: (1) 604.990.7914 Fax: (1) 604.983.7576 Website: www.capilanou.ca/studyabroad Exchange students from partner universities Email: studyabroad@capilanou.a Visiting International Students from non‐partner universities Email: visp@capilanou.ca General Enquiries from International Students: Email: inted@capilanou.ca Academic Schedule Capilano University operates on a system of three academic terms each year but will only accept exchange students during the Fall and Spring term. You will be able to spend one or two terms at Capilano University depending on approval from your home university. For exact dates please see www.capilanou.ca/services/study‐abroad/Key‐Dates/ Fall term: early September to mid December Spring term: early January to mid April Summer term: early May to mid August (only open to VISP students)
- 5. 5 Study Abroad at Capilano University Exchange Student If your home University is a partner institution to Capilano University, you may apply as an Exchange Student. Your application must be approved by, and submitted through your University's International Office. Visiting International Student If you are enquiring about studying for one to two semesters and your home University is not a partner institution to Capilano University, you may apply as a Visiting International Student to our Visiting International Student Program (VISP). Capilano University welcomes students currently studying in their home country looking for a semester abroad experience as well as recent international high school graduates with no previous post‐secondary education who are interested in a gap year experience. Application Deadline May 31 for Fall semester (September ‐ December) October 15 for Spring semester (January‐April) February 15 for Summer semester (May ‐ August)* *Please note that the Summer semester is only open to VISP students. How to Apply Application documents can be found at www.capilanou.ca/services/study‐abroad/How‐to‐Apply/ 1. Complete the Capilano University International Application for Admission This is a general application form for all international students seeking admission to Capilano University. 2. Complete the Course Selection Form We recommend that exchange students take 9‐12 credits (3‐4 classes) per term. Full time status at Capilano University is 9 credits. Please note that your home university may require you to enrol in a specific number of units, or courses during your time at Capilano University, which may be higher than our recommendations. 3. Include Official Transcript of Academic Records The Official Transcript of Academic Records must be an original document that is certified with the institution stamp or seal to prove authenticity. Documents issued in a language other than English must also include a certified translation in English. Please submit post‐secondary documents only, high school documents are not required.
- 7. 7 English Language Requirement Student’s English aptitude must be sufficient to participate in course work conducted in English. Capilano University recognizes the following English assessments: TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language): 83 (internet‐based score), 220 (computer‐based score), 560 (paper‐based score). Contact www.ets.org/toefl ELA (English Language Assessment Test): 145. Contact: Vancouver Community College, King Edward Campus, 1155 East Broadway Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 overall and no one score less than 6. Contact ielts@stu.ca CAEL (Canadian AcademicEnglish Language Assessment Test): 70. Contact www.cael.ca PTE(Pearson Test of English ‐ Academic): 56. Contact http://www.pearsonpte.com Capilano University has agreed to pilot accepting the DAAD language test with a minimum B2 level as proof of meeting the English Language requirement for Visiting International Students only (visiting, non‐degree). This pilot initiative will begin with the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 term intakes. Capilano’ s Centre for International Experience will monitor the performance of students who are admitted with this DAAD result before officially adopting the DAAD over the long term. Degree‐seeking students must meet standard English language requirements in the approved ways. For a detailed list of all ways to meet the Capilano University English Language requirements, please see our website at www.capilanou.ca/admission/requirements. For Exchange students from our Partner Institution, you may submit a letter of reference stating the student's level of English. This letter can be written by the International Exchange Coordinator, institution instructor or English professor. Cost and Fees Most exchange students will pay tuition to their home University. Please check with your coordinator to verify this tuition fee waiver. All Exchange students must pay for a UPASS. The UPass (student transit card) is $36.75 per month and will cover you for the full duration of your four month semester. VISP students pay standard international student tuition fees. Tuition fees at Capilano University are calculated on a price per credit basis. All VISP students are also required to pay standard Capilano University incidental fees and private health insurance coverage for their entire period of study provided by Guard Me. The fees for a four month semester: $147.00 (tuition fee waived exchange students) $10,100‐13,500 (approximate costs for 5 courses) Approximate fees as of December 22, 2014. Please see www.capilanou.ca/fees/Tuition‐and‐Other‐Fees/ for most updated tuition and fee costs.
- 8. 8 Permits and Visas One‐Term Students If you are studying at Capilano University for only one term (less than 6 months), you are not required to have a Study Permit. Citizens from certain countries will, however, be required to have a Temporary Resident Visa. Two Term Students If you are studying at Capilano University for more than 6 months, you must have a study permit. In addition to a Study Permit, citizens from certain countries will also be required to have a Temporary Resident Visa. Study Permit As an international student, you must obtain a study permit to be legally permitted to study in Canada for more than six months. This document is issued through Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC). You must apply for this document before you arrive in Canada. Please apply for this document as soon as possible as processing times can be anywhere from several weeks to several months. You will not be permitted to attend Capilano University without a valid study permit. Please see the CIC website to learn how to apply: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp. Temporary Resident Visa Some international students will also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV – sometimes referred to as an ‘entry visa’ or ‘visitor’s visa’) to enter into Canada. This document must be obtained before you arrive in Canada. Please check the list of countries that require this document on the CIC website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp. If you require this document, you can apply for it at the same time as you apply for your study permit. Working in Canada International Students can apply for an off‐campus work permit only if they have: • a valid Study Permit; • studied full‐time (at least 9 credits/3 courses) for at least 6 months within the 12 months before applying to work off campus (the 6 months do not have to be consecutive); and • maintained satisfactory academic standing (CGPA of 2.0 or better). Please note that on or after June 1, 2014, International Students will be authorized to work off campus without a separate work permit (a valid Study Permit will be sufficient), but they will still be required to study full‐time and maintain satisfactory academic standing. Students who work off campus will still not be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during a regular academic session. * Please note that International Students cannot do a co‐op or internship with an off‐campus work permit. Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that only a bona fide Immigration Consultant (http://secure.iccrc‐ crcic.ca/search‐new/EN) or a lawyer can provide assistance with your immigration application or proceedings. Capilano University staff cannot represent you or provide you with legal advice, but we can help you navigate the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca).
- 9. 9 Medical Insurance Medical coverage is compulsory for every international student at Capilano University for the duration of their study period in British Columbia. All exchange students who cannot produce proof of sufficient coverage will be automatically enrolled in Capilano University’s basic medical insurance plan for international students. The cost of coverage is $2 per day starting from your date of arrival to departure. Medical coverage for students studying for a 4 month semester will be approximately $240 CAD and will cover medical physicians, hospital visits, some extended health benefits and emergency dental. For more information on this coverage please go to www.guard.me All students residing in British Columbia for more than six months are required to purchase BC provincial health insurance, which is called MSP. Arrival We recommend that you arrive at least one week before the first day of classes. This will give you enough time to settle in, become familiar with the campus and university community, and attend orientation. International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students. At orientation you will: • learn valuable information to help you succeed at Capilano University and transition to life in Vancouver and in Canada • learn how to access your Cap courses and student information online • meet the Centre for International Experience team • meet our International Leaders and Mentors who are eager to welcome you and offer you student‐to‐student support • obtain a Capilano University Student Identity Card • obtain a UPass
- 10. 10 Living in Canada Housing Accommodation Please note that it is your responsibility to secure accommodations in Vancouver. Neither your exchange coordinator nor the Capilano University Centre for International Experience is able to secure a place to live on your behalf. It is highly recommended that all exchange students secure accommodation well in advance of their arrival in Vancouver. While private accommodation may be found in Vancouver upon arrival, appropriate and affordable options can be very difficult to come by, particularly during the late August/early September ‘Back to School’ period. Also keep in mind that, in Vancouver, a standard private residential lease is one year in length — inexpensive, short‐term (4‐6 months) accommodation is generally difficult and/or expensive to arrange. Homestays are the companies that arrange all our homestays. Homestay includes a private, furnished room, three meals per day (optional), and access to laundry facilities in a Canadian family environment. We have had a great partnership with them so we trust that they will accommodate to your needs. First Choice International Placement www.fciplacement.com Fully furnished services arranges suites, apartments, and rooms that are rented for a fee each month including all furnishings and utilities. This accommodation is usually shared with other students. Bell Accommodation www.bellacc.com Transportation Public Transportation in Vancouver is generally comfortable and reliable. A network of buses, trains, Skytrains, and Seabuses (ferries) link all parts of the city. The Vancouver Regional Transit System (Translink) is divided into three fare zones. The U‐Pass program at Capilano University provides eligible students with lower transit fares during their school terms. A U‐Pass gives students unlimited access to bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services within Metro Vancouver, as well as discounts on West Coast Express. You will be able to obtain your U‐Pass on Orientation Day. For full details on Lower Mainland public transport, fares and timetable see: www.translink.ca Laws and Regulations Even though you are only in Canada for a short period of time, you are expected to respect and obey all the laws. You are responsible for being aware of all the laws. As an international students, any law‐ breaking activity could have serious consequences and could even result in deportation. Some of the laws you should be award of are as follows:
- 11. 11 Alcohol It is illegal in British Columbia to drink alcohol if you are under 19 years of age. • you cannot carry open alcohol in a car or walking in public • you cannot drink in a public place if there is no alcohol license • you cannot drink and drive any type of motorized vehicle. Drinking and driving (or “driving under the influence of alcohol”) is a very serious criminal offence. International students can be fined, imprisoned, or deported if convicted. Drugs Drugs are dangerous and addictive. It is illegal to possess, buy or sell drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamines (speed or crystal meth), LSD, cocaine, heroin, and many other drugs. Any person who violates these laws could face prosecution, which could lead to fines, a jail term and deportation. Smoking and Tobacco Laws You cannot purchase tobacco products if you are under 19 years of age. Picture identification may be required when purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is both illegal and culturally unacceptable to smoking in a non‐smoking area. You cannot smoke in any public places such as: bars, clubs, restaurants and government offices. Some outside spaces have designated smoking areas. Financial and Banking Services The Canadian dollar is the only currency commonly accepted across Canada. You can exchange most currencies for Canadian dollars at most commercial banks. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard or American Express are widely accepted. Diner’s Club and JTB are not commonly used. Remember to inquire about the service fees and length of time required for each transaction. Some foreign banks have branches in Vancouver but they may focus on corporate business and may not provide an appropriate range of personal financial services. Check if your home bank has a special linkage agreement with one of the banks listed below: • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) www.rbc.com • Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Company www.hsbc.ca • Toronto‐Dominion Bank (TD) tdcanadatrust.com • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) www.cibc.com • Bank of Montreal (BMO) www.bmo.com Some banks offer special student accounts and student packages. You should research all options and select a bank that best suits your needs. It is advisable to arrive in Canada with at least $200 in Canadian currency and immediate access to about $500 ‐ $1000 to cover initial expenses. Remember, if you choose private residence, that it is standard practice for landlords to request two months rent in advance of moving in.
- 12. 12 What to Pack Vancouver is a casual city for fashion. Due to unpredictable weather, it is recommended you bring warm and cool clothes. The dress code on campus is casual. You will find that people in Vancouver are very active and enjoy the outdoors. North Vancouver is a hiking Mecca! Some extra clothing tips include: • Hiking boots if you want to explore the local mountains or go camping • Exercise clothes and bathing suit if you want to use the recreation facilities • Good walking shoes • Ski pants and jacket if you plan on snowboarding or skiing at our world class winter sport destinations • Formal business attire for exchange students in the Business Administration and Tourism programs. Students will be required to dress professionally during class presentations or activities (usually once or twice per course). One pair of suit pants/trousers, a long sleeved collared shirt, tie, or skirt will be sufficed. Suit jacket not required but highly recommended. Canadian Holidays The following are days of celebration or public holidays in Canada. Statutory Holidays are days when employees are legally entitled to a day off with pay, hence many businesses remain closed. All statutory holidays marked with an asterisk (*). New Year’s Day * January 1 BC Family Day * Second Monday in February Saint Valentine’s Day February 14 Saint Patrick’s Day March 17 Good Friday * Friday after the first full moon in springtime Easter Monday Monday after Good Friday April Fool’s Day April 1 Victoria Day * Monday before May 24 Canada Day * July 1 BC Day * First Monday in August Labour Day * First Monday in September Thanksgiving * Second Monday in October Halloween October 31 Remembrance Day * November 11 Christmas Eve December 24 Christmas Day * December 25 Boxing Day December 26 New Year’s Eve December 31
- 14. 14 Campus Map