Canadian Student Magazine // Issue:2 by Ender Birer

ISSUE: 2 • SPRING/SUMMER 2009 • CAD 6.95

Fast Track Your Degree in Australia or New Zealand Baby Boomers and the Job Boom Save Money in Europe Destination France

56698 27896

Students Unite with UNICEF Canada

Prepare for a Career in Health Care

U n i v e r s i t y o f ta s m a n i a

tasmania... australia’s best-kept secret.

The New York Times has voted Tasmania as

Every student has access to world-renowned teaching

Australia’s hottest travel destination for 2009!

and research facilities as well as some of Australia’s most

We have the cleanest air and water in the world, two of the top 10 beaches in the world (according to US travel writers) and some of the best scenery Australia has to offer. A vibrant state, boasting delicious wine and food, Tasmania is a class act.

affordable course fees and living costs. We make studying at UTAS even easier by offering 25% scholarships* to eligible students, so you can save even more, ensuring you have every opportunity to make the most of your tertiary studies. Immerse yourself in the sciences, education, health, business and arts at a quality institution on the world’s best island (2008 Travel + Leisure).

The University of Tasmania (UTAS) offers you the chance to experience all of what Australia’s

www.international.

.edu.au 6965

southern-most state has to offer.

* Based on academic merit. All international student applications are automatically assessed for scholarship eligibility upon submission. Students are notified with course offer. Conditions apply.

Message From

THE EDITOR Well, it is that time again: The young Spring buds are beginning to blossom, the days are getting longer, we are finally shaking off the dregs of a long winter, and thoughts dance around in our minds about finishing this school year and ‘What am I going to do next?’ We are so fortunate in Canada, as both our education and social systems are full of options. We have the freedom to choose our own path, academic and personal, and have myriad opportunities to pick our route. Unlike in many countries, students can take a gap year – or simply some time out – without detriment to their program. We have the ability to explore our surroundings with curiosity and discover the world, learning through both formal and informal means. However, with all these options often comes confusion. The more choice you have, sometimes the harder it is to decide what to do. But don’t panic: You can do many different things and enjoy many enriching experiences, all merging into your long-term pathway.

Got plans for the summer? Now is the time to plan your summer – it will be here before you know it. Find out how to apply to do a summer program at the University of Oxford, a volunteer program in South America, a language course in Costa Rica, a work program in Australia, an overland expedition in Africa... You get the point. The world is indeed at your fingertips, so use the resouces here in Canadian Student Magazine as well as on GoStudy.ca to help you make your plans, from choosing an exciting program to arranging your accommodation. Don’t put it off. Planning for your future is important and can seem daunting at times, but it can also be a lot of fun. There are so many opportunities waiting for you to take part, opportunties that will help to shape your future, and change the way you see yourself and the world around you. Study in Canada. Study abroad. You can’t go wrong.

The most important thing you need to do is get informed, which is what Canadian Student Magazine and GoStudy.ca are here for.

Have a great summer and see you back here in the Fall/ Winter 2009 issue, as well as on www.GoStudy.ca.

In these pages – and those of previous and upcoming issues – you will find information that we hope will help you to shape your plans. Whether you are looking for a university in the UK or South Africa, a college in Canada, or student residence in downtown London, you will find useful information in the pages within that will direct you to institutions and program providers that offer a wide range of opportunities to consider.

Anita Kuehnel, Editor/Publisher Canadian Student Magazine

And while we include lots of country information and interesting articles on a range of topics, you will find that this issue has a special focus on health care and programs leading to careers in health care. With the aging population in Canada and a shortage of health care providers, pursuing studies in any one of the many specialty areas is a hot topic, which is why we have some speature features related to this field in this issue of the magazine.

Anita Kuehnel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver (1989). Since then, she worked in the Canadian banking sector for 12 years, half in management and half in marketing and HR, after which she moved to the rewarding field of international education. She has been working as a marketing professional in this area for nearly ten years, with time divided between Canada and Turkey. She is bilingual in English and German and has strong skills in French, Turkish and Spanish. She loves to learn, travel and explore – in the true Canadian spirit!

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INDEX

4-7

NEWS

8-9

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

12-13

Canada’s Universities - An Overview

Study in Ontario

The Women’s-Only Advantage

The Value of Learning a Foreign Language

When One Degree Just Isn’t Enough

Étudier en Ontario

14 Baby Boomers and the Job Boom

30-31

Canadian College Students Fast Track to Bachelor’s or Master’s in Australia or New Zealand

47-49

Destination France with CampusFrance

52-53

Profile: STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY Western Cape, South Africa

18 Étudiants Pour le Developpement (EDP) : Coopératives Argentines

32 Discover Bolivia

28 Becoming Doctors Down Under: Canadian Students Travel to Australia for Medical Training

34 Students Unite for Children with UNICEF Canada

DON’T LET BITE. THE BUGS

children a 3,000 African unbelievable from the Malaria kills an can protect them se. A simple bednet mit the disea day. And yet a quitoes that trans for them. night-biting mos – easy for us, impossible $10 net costs only t.

rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. Director and Owner: Anita Kuehnel

Consultant: Savaş Akar

Buy a net. We’ll

Administrative Manager: Sheila Fee sheila@canadianstudentmagazine.com

at nigh

ET.ORG SPREADTHENSAV E LIVES. 1 NET. 10 BUCKS.

We thank the following individuals and education bodies for their editorial contributions: AUCC – Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Study in Ontario, Lisa Inglis, Julie Matby, Pascale Simard, Cam Harvey, Jasmine Brooks, Fozzil Jaffar, Cathy McNally, Chad DuMond, Lee Cridland, Muneeb Syed, Jeremy EMPOWERED

Chief Editor and Publisher: Anita Kuehnel anita@canadianstudentmagazine.com

all sleep better

BY YOU, ME &

UNICEF

58-60

Grenada - The Spice of the Caribbean Scotland Leads the Way in Stem Cell Research

Get a ‘Hands-On’ Education in New Zealand 68

41 Irish Education

Natural Medicine The Future of Careers in Global Health

74-75

Study, Work, Live Pittsburgh Ranks Top Many Lists

76-77

Discover the World in the Netherlands

78-79

Student Life in Utrecht Yesterday and Today

82-84

Destination France avec CampusFrance

Save Money in Europe

88-90

Tax Refunds for Students at Home and Abroad Les étudiants et étudiantes s’unissent pour les enfants, avec l’UNICEF

South Africa: Nation of Extraordinary Beauty and Opportunity

64 L’Écosse, en Tête de la Recherche sur les Cellules Souches

71 Students with Disabilities Crossing Borders in Search of Dreams

80 Technology and Engineering in the Netherlands

Greenberg, Stephanie Liou, Michelle Waitzman, Hostelworld, CampusFrance Canada, British Council Scotland, Dr. Daniel K. Church, Michele Scheib, Jennifer Cekus, NUFFIC, Karin Alfenaar, Dr. Jean-Louis Malouin, Glenn McInnes, Janine Bennetts, Jean-Marc Hachey.

86 Your International IQ People who go abroad are different!

Graphic Design: IQ Design A. Ender Birer Printer: Şan Ofset Istanbul, Turkey Advertising and Sales: Anita Kuehnel ad@canadianstudentmagazine.com

rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. 106-310 West 3rd Street North Vancouver, BC V7M 1G4 Canada Tel: +1 604 986 7704 Fax: +1 604 986 3047 info@canadianstudentmagazine.com www.canadianstudentmagazine.com www.revolve-eps.com

© 2009 Canadian Student Magazine™. All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editor. The views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. The publishers cannot be held responsible for loss or damage resulting from use of any information contained within this publication. Canadian Student Magazine is published semi-annually. Printed in Turkey.

T HF FOT H E

S S E R P

Scotland has a long tradition of welcoming and supporting international students. Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships will continue this by assisting 50 Canadian students to undertake a 12 month postgraduate Masters level course in Scotland. Choose to study in Scotland and you will be challenged to think creatively. You’ll be taught how to put your ideas into practice in the real world. It’s no wonder that last year more than 30,000 international students from 180 countries chose to study in Scotland. Next year, you could be part of it. For more information on application procedures, deadlines and eligibility criteria, visit www.scotlandscholarship.com

Scholarship News:

Working in France...

•

International Office Scholarships Academic merit based scholarships available for undergraduate and postgraduate students from Canada. Scholarships awarded as a deduction from the tuition fee

• during your studies – international students have

•

Law Scholarships 600 GBP for 1 Canadian undergraduate starting the LLB Law programme in Sept 09

•

Faculty of Arts and Humanities Scholarships Masters and PhD research funding available across Arts and Humanities subjects: Anthropology, Archaeology, Classics, Drama, English Literature, History, History of Art, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy and Theology.

•

2008 Canadian Scholarship Winners Hilary Smith – BA Drama and English Allison Marcucci – MA Landscape Archaeology

Email: iro@bristol.ac.uk www.bristol.ac.uk/international/recruit/

the right to work during their studies in France provided that they are enrolled in an education institution that entitles them to student coverage under the French national health insurance system (Sécurité Sociale) and that they have a residence permit if they are non-EU nationals. French legislation authorizes foreign students to work a maximum of 964 hours per year.

• after your studies – international students holding

a degree equivalent to a Master’s or higher degree may apply for a temporary residence permit (autorisation provisoire de séjour). The temporary residence permit is valid for six months and is nonrenewable. This permit authorizes you to work in any kind of salaried job you choose, up to a limit of 60% of the legally permitted number of working hours. At the end of your studies, you can also be recruited by a company even if you are not an EU national.

www.canada.campusfrance.org –> Working in France

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

DCT’s Advanced Diploma in European Culinary Arts program has just been awarded “Exemplary Program Status” accreditation by the American Culinary Federation! Canadian Students who enroll either in DCT’s Culinary Arts or DCT & Lynn University-Switzerland’s Hospitality Management programs can qualify for an instant scholarship of CHF 500- (approx CAD 490-). Just apply directly to DCT online at www.dct.edu and enter “Canadian Student Magazine” in the box at the end of the form that asks how you heard about DCT. www.dct.edu

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ACCOMMODATION Opened September 2007 in King’s Cross, Nido offers first-class student living. All rooms are en-suite. There is an on-site café, laundry room, screening room, free internet access and free use of the fitness centre, plus 24-hour security and livein residential life staff for student support. In London’s Zone 1, close to Eurostar and within five underground stops of all major London universities. Nido Spitalfields (London) is opening in 2010 and Nido Barcelona coming soon in 2011! www.nidostudentliving.com

Make Languages Come Alive! The Learning Traveller has just released its new brochure with updated information about our language immersion programs. From summer immersion programs to gap year language programs or short term immersion language school group programs throughout the school year, The Learning Traveller is your one-stop answer to an unforgettable language immersion experience! Our programs will provide you with the opportunity to see why learning a language is important in today’s world. Visit us at www.learningtraveller.ca or call us at 1 888 386 1411.

In 2009 Otago celebrates 140 years as New Zealand’s first university. Otago has been ranked as New Zealand’s most research-intensive university, New Zealand’s first university for research quality (PBRF, 2006), and Otago has the highest proportion of graduate research students of any university in New Zealand. Otago’s areas of research strength are diverse, ranging from Polar Marine Physics to Cancer Genetics, Postcolonial Studies to Nature-based Tourism. PhD students are eligible to pay domestic student fees, and can also apply for generous scholarship assistance. Excellent student support is available for students: Otago won the “Excellence in Student Support Award” at the 5th Annual Education New Zealand International Education Excellence awards. www.otago.ac.nz/international

Kingston University London With more than 20,000 students, Kingston University is the largest provider of higher education in South West London, offering an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The University is renowned for teaching excellence and has established itself as a growing force in research. The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) rate Kingston Business School as the best new university in the UK for Business Research. The Kingston Business School was rated by the RAE in 2008 as being of a quality that is recognized internationally, in terms of originality, significance, and rigor. www.kingston.ac.uk

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

T HF FOT H E

S S E R P

Perth, Western Australia … a unique study experience! Western Australia’s education system is recognised around the globe as one of the best. Its five world-class universities and wide variety of schools, vocational institutions, and English language colleges provide quality-assured education with flexible study pathways. The State is also famous for its long days of

At UMass Lowell, the student experience keeps getting better!

• •

Living-Learning Communities – live with classmates who share your interests Academic Learning Communities – share classes and a faculty mentor with one group of students

sunshine, spotless blue skies, and brilliant white beaches. It has gained global recognition for its record low unemployment rate, booming economy, and advanced developments in science and technology. Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, is ranked the world’s fourth “most liveable city” by The Economist (2008) and was voted as one of the world’s “top ten

•

Internships and Co-ops – turn knowledge into experience

•

Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs – save time and money, earn two degrees

One of the first things students will notice about

•

Interdisciplinary Learning – solve problems as they do in the real world

established itself as a provider of world-class

Carnegie-designated Community Engaged Campus – reach out to communities and people around you

international students. In any given year, the city

• •

Vibrant Campus Life – 150 student clubs, live music weekly, lots of recreational choices and a team in Hockey East

future cities” by Lonely Planet (2006).

Perth is its cultural diversity. The city has firmly education, with a long tradition of welcoming attracts over 42,000 student enrolments from over 140 countries. Want to know more? Search for your course today at www.pertheducationcity.com.au

Middlesex is London Middlesex University offers visiting students the experience of a lifetime as you live and study in one of the world’s most vibrant cities. We are now accepting applications for Fall 2009 and January 2010, and you may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £2,000. For more information please contact the North American Regional Office. Email: info@mdxna.com www.mdx.ac.uk/study/international/index.asp

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

UNSW is accelerating research into biochar, an organic product derived from biological waste that harnesses carbon emissions, boosts crop yields and improves sustainable land use for horticulture and forestry. Technology converts agricultural bio-waste into biochar by thermal decomposition in an oxygenstarved environment at low temperatures. It produces gas that can be used as fuel and the leftover biochar can be buried in the soil to “lock up” carbon for decades or centuries, while boosting soil productivity.

You want a university program that prepares you for a lifetime of achievement and success. Consider Ontario’s newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). UOIT’s environmentally-friendly campus overlooks the pristine countryside on the outskirts of the city of Oshawa. UOIT is a 21st century university. UOIT Science programs utilize laptop computers, web-enhanced learning, and wireless campus facilities. Undergraduate students combine rigorous classroom studies with research experience on projects that benefit society.

“There is no question that biochar can boost agricultural output by speeding the growth rate of plants,” says Professor Paul Munroe, who is cochief investigator of the ARC Linkage research. UNSW Representative North America Tel: +1 416 901 7689 Email: y.tham@unsw.edu.au

The University’s outstanding performance in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise was recognition of the world-leading research activity in York. The result places the University among the ten leading institutions in the UK for research and underlines our position as one of the world’s top 100 universities. The University of York places equal emphasis on research and teaching. Most of the people whose research helped the University to perform so well in the RAE also teach. The results confirm that students in every department – both undergraduate and postgraduate – are being taught and advised by leaders in their field. www.york.ac.uk

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Co-operative education allows you to apply your learning to real-world problems, so necessary for your successful entry into business, industry, the public sector, or further education. www.uoit.ca

St. George’s University has enrolled its second class for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program with an induction ceremony held on campus. Brenda Stutsky, a registered nurse in Canada for over 25 years, gave the keynote address. Ms. Stutsky has played an integral role in nursing education programs for the past 17 years. “Many prominent leaders have guided our way, and today YOU begin to lead nursing into the future,” encourages Ms. Stutsky during her address. For the full keynote address, visit St. George’s University. www.sgu.edu

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS Brescia not only encourages me to be a “woman who can change the world,” the women at Brescia show me what that means. I am certain that at no other university would so many members of the faculty and staff personally check in with me on a regular basis to make sure that I’m happy, that everything is going well, and that I’m not too overwhelmed by the wealth of opportunities that they have provided me. Kate Bryant, Students’ Council President Brescia University College London, Ontario

I applied to British universities because I wanted my university experience to be enriched by a different culture and because the degree courses are shorter and more specialized. Internet research made me feel that the University of Bristol would be my perfect fit and my high expectations have been exceeded. The campus is in the city, so the whole area is a trendy student community. It’s liberating to walk past shops and beautiful architecture on your way to lectures, and there’s plenty to choose from on nights out. The most important reason I love Bristol, though, is my course. Hilary Smith BA Drama and English

I know that by attending DCT University Center I am receiving one of the best educations in the world. Studying on the DCT/Lynn University Switzerland Program campus is giving me great social and cultural opportunities to improve my awareness and sense of the world. The international student body receives excellence in academic programs, which the graduates have turned into an amazing reputation for success within management levels of companies throughout the world. I have no doubt that when I look for a job after graduation, my studies in Switzerland will give me an advantage in the job market. Doa Demirsu 10

I just wanted to let you know that the course was terrific, I had a great time, I was very pleased with the accommodation. After I completed the course, I traveled, which was wonderful. Thanks CampusFrance Vancouver for everything. You have provided warmth and welcoming feelings of my trip to France. Merci beaucoup. Julia – SFU student, International MBA Program

After completing my first Undergraduate Degree close to home, the opportunity to study abroad appealed to me. I was impressed with Kingston University London as a potential place to live and study. The LLB course at Kingston provides valuable teaching and support for developing a legal career. Although I am uncertain whether I will remain in London to complete the required legal training after my degree completion, I believe the course will provide me with a good foundation for pursuing a career in the field of law. Elise Harris LLB - Law

Naomi Calnitsky completed an honours degree in History at the University of Manitoba, focusing on American foreign policy in Palestine. However, her “interest shifted” when it came to her master’s, and she came to the University of Otago to begin exploring the experiences of workers from Vanuatu employed in Central Otago. Her study has taken her to Wellington and Auckland for archival research, and to Samoa, to uncover the memories and opinions of Samoans who migrated to New Zealand for work. Naomi says she appreciated the openmindedness of Otago’s Department of History, where staff have been supportive of her interests and have provided quality supervision. Naomi Calnitsky

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Am so glad I chose to live at Nido. I have made lots of new friends and been able to meet people from completely different backgrounds. Nido is the centre of my social life with my friends from university and I am getting to know my friends from Nido too. The facilities are great and it’s good to know you are always safe and that there is always someone to help you when things are not going your way. I would recommend Nido to anyone who wants a truly unique global student experience whilst studying in London. Anup Patel, NIDO Student Living

My experience in Paris will stay with me forever. Learning French from the French was such a boost for my language skills, but the true pleasure of my trip was making lifelong friends from every corner of the world. Josh Reiss, LearningTraveller.com

I have just completed the first of the four-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery programme at the University of Limerick (UL). I received my B.Sc. in cell biology and genetics at UBC and I worked full time as a Respiratory Therapist and part-time paramedic. It has been a great to be part of the first medical school class at UL. The instructors are experts in their fields and the faculty go out of their way to see their students succeed. We have become a tight-knit community and have forged friendships which will only grow and develop over the coming years. This first year at UL has gone by faster than I could have ever imagined and I have learned a great deal through opportunity and experience; but above all, I have learned that the warmth, hospitality, and graciousness of the Irish people are second to none. Eric Landymore Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

KAITLYN SAHD Bachelor of Nursing, Second Year Student

Coming to UMass Lowell has been great. Living and studying are pretty similar in the U.S. and Canada, so there wasn’t much of an adjustment needed. Things like gas and food are a lot cheaper though, so you’ll save money! UMass Lowell offers solid programs that prepare you for a career. The professors keep things interesting and the support has been really strong. My favorite part of the campus is the Tsongas Arena – it’s great to play in such an elite conference. When I have time off, I go to the recreation center, where there’s always something to do. Scott Campbell

I was working in project management in London when I decided to look for a way of learning about how sustainability could become the core objective of projects and how to convince clients and project teams to embrace sustainability. I chose University of New South Wales because of the course options and the opportunity to study with international students. Parts of the course took me further theoretically than I imagined, while other aspects of the program helped me to reinforce my practical experiences. Though the program largely draws on local examples, I found commonalities in thinking that could truly be applied internationally. Mark Ayto Master of the Built Environment in Sustainable Development

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

The University of York is very supportive. They provided me with everything I needed to prepare for my trip to the UK. There are all sorts of activities and social programs to help students feel at home. Supervisors are there in case you need someone to listen to you and help you with problematic issues. The weekly coffee is an amazing service that allows international students to come together in a relaxed environment to socialize. York has definitely been the friendliest and most comforting place to be. It truly allows students to feel at home while away from home.

As one of the best universities in the world, Queen´s University was more than I expected. I came to Queen´s School of English (QSoE) to improve my second language skills and to start my graduate studies in this university. With in-class lessons and with the social activities I learned more than just grammar, pronunciation and spelling: I learned about other traditions and customs from all over the world due to the mixed cultures. Professors did fun and interesting classes and they focused on the individual strengths and weaknesses of everyone, giving me support every time I needed it. Finally, with a high academic level, professional staff and an impressive university, QSoE was a great experience for me.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

Being from a small town, I had no idea of what to expect when I was accepted to study in Perth, Western Australia, in the Study Abroad Program. I had so many thoughts running through my head of what the University would be like as I am from a small all girls’ college. I was ready to take on any new opportunity that arose. When I arrived at the University, it was so different from what I expected. I love being right in the middle of a small city, and being able to walk everywhere. The people are great and making friends has been easier than I expected. I would do this experience again in an instant!

Karla Galaviz, Mexico Narmin Rend, Master In Human Resource Management

Stellenbosch University has profoundly impacted on my life and my professional development. I became acquainted with its high standard of education and international recognition through my wife, who qualified from here as an Occupational Therapist. It was an easy decision for me to transfer my studies from Humboldt University, Berlin, to Stellenbosch University. High standards of research techniques and a great supervisor-to-student interaction both enable globally competitive research output. I enjoy being part of a team of analysts and managing analytical equipment in our research facility. What an exciting place to be in! Benjamin Loos, PhD student in Physiological Sciences

Spending three months at Queen’s School of English (QSoE) has been like travelling all around the world. Besides learning English, I learned about many other cultures as well. It was a surprise for me when I entered QSoE the first day of school. I discovered I was the only Canadian student. QSoE is more than a school; it is a combination of activities with monitors and fantastic people all gathered to learn English. As a QSoE student, I improved on my writing and my capability to defend my opinions and ideas in English. QSoE gives you the opportunity to live in homestay, which I think is one of the best ways to improve English. I would start my experience over and over again.

The undergraduate education at University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has not only provided me with a strong work ethic, but has prepared me in a practical sense for a future career in medicine. The integration of technology in the field of medicine is becoming quite common, and as a laptop-based university, UOIT has inspired me to integrate technology as a useful learning tool in my future studies. UOIT has also instilled in me both a strong work ethic and valuable technical skills so that I can apply myself to reach my full potential and achieve my best in medical school. Shaqil Peermohamed B.Sc. (Hons.), UOIT, 2008

Kathryn Flesher (Kat), an Alberta-native, transferred to St. George’s University (SGU), located in Grenada, West Indies, to complete the final year of her BSc/ preveterinary medical sciences study. “I’d only ever lived in Alberta, so I thought that applying to SGU would not only be a phenomenal academic experience, but also a great life experience,” says Kat. The first year of the five-year veterinary medical program at SGU allows Kat to be introduced to St. George’s University while she is able to complete her BSc degree. “Overall, my academic experience at St. George’s University has been mindblowing,” Kat shares. “I’ve been pushed in a way that I didn’t think was possible – amazingly, it’s been fun and exciting.” Kathryn Flesher

Have a story to share? Send us your mail. info@canadianstudentmagazine.com (Don’t forget to attach your photo!)

Audrey Samson, Quebec, Canada Study In Canada • Study Abroad

CANADA

Canada’s Universities An Overview

There are more than 90 universities in Canada, all of which offer unique settings and experiences. What they have in common is a dedication to high-quality teaching and research and to providing opportunities that enhance your learning, your career, and your life. Canada offers a wealth of higher education options and life-enriching opportunities at its universities and university degree-level colleges. These institutions are diverse – varying in size and programs – and they’re located across the country, with at least one in every province.

Regardless of the program, Canadian degrees are globally-recognized and considered equivalent to those from other Commonwealth universities and the United States. Canada has no federal ministry of education or formal national accreditation system. The provinces and territories are responsible for all levels of education, including universities. Instead, membership in the AUCC, coupled with the university’s provincial government charter, is generally deemed the equivalent to accreditation. University Size and Character

Academic Programs Universities offer programs that range from fine art, biology and commerce, to astronomy, engineering and medicine. Currently, there are more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as professional degree programs and certificates offered in Canada. 12

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Each university has a style all its own. You can study at a large, researchintensive campus in an urban centre such as Montréal, Toronto or Vancouver, or you can enroll at a small liberal arts institution with a focus on undergraduate education, such as Mount Allison in Nova Scotia or Trent University in Ontario, where

most of the students live in residence. Some universities specialize in areas such as business, engineering or arts, while others offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Language and Enrolment Options Canada has English-language and French-language institutions and a few universities, such as University of Ottawa, offer instruction in both official languages. Many universities offer fulltime and part-time enrolment options as well as opportunities to participate in cooperative education, distance learning, continuing education and student exchange or study abroad programs. Services and Programs for Students Canadian universities also provide support and opportunities for their students through a wide range of services and resources. They include:

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

• Academic and campus services (bookstore, career placement centre, academic advisers); • Financial assistance (entrance scholarships and bursaries); • Athletics (recreational, inter-university teams, fitness centres); • Student exchange programs (study abroad for part of your degree). Students also have access to career, personal or academic counsellors and can get help with medical concerns or resolving housing issues. Many universities also have services for students with specific needs, such as single parents; students with physical, sensory or learning disabilities; Aboriginal students; part-time students; gays and lesbians; mature students; and students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Universities as Part of Your Community Our universities play a vital part in their local communities, offering concerts and plays, daycare centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, oncampus radio stations, and art galleries. Visit a university – either in person or online at www.aucc.ca/can_uni/our_ universities/index_e.html – to see for yourself how varied and enriching their offerings can be for you. Your Career – a Key Reason for Attending a Canadian University No matter what or where you study, attending a Canadian university helps you prepare for a rewarding career. For Canadians, higher education is considered the ticket to future success because a university education translates into new skills, better prospects, and higher salaries. To illustrate:

• The labour market increasingly

requires highly-educated individuals and rewards them accordingly. Over their lifetime, university graduates on average earn $1 million more than do those without a postsecondary education.

• Between 1990 and 2006, the

number of jobs requiring a university education doubled from 1.9 million to 3.8 million.

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Now, and even more in the future, a postsecondary education – a university degree, a college diploma or some combination of the two – can help you get a great job. University also prepares you for the challenges you will face throughout your life. Going to university will help you learn how to solve problems, think critically and creatively, present your ideas persuasively, work in teams, and make effective decisions – all attributes that are in high demand by today’s top employers. A comprehensive Directory of Canadian Universities is available from the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. It contains detailed information about courses available at all universities, scholarship tips, and contacts for internships and cooperative education opportunities. (AUCC Publications, 350 Albert Street, Suite 600, Ottawa, Ontario Canada, K1R 1B1, $44.95. Please visit “Publications and Resources” at the AUCC website, www.aucc.ca, to order one.) Here are some helpful online resources: www.aucc.ca (for a list of all 90 university members and links to their websites as well as for online resources and free publications available to prospective students) www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp (the federal government’s Citizenship and Immigration department site offers information about visas and study permits for international students)

CANADA

• First-year student programs (orientation week, study skills workshops, counselling);

www.studycanada.ca (hosted by the Canadian Education Centre Network, this site has information on costs, academic requirements, visas, and study permits) www.canlearn.ca (CanLearn Interactive offers practical advice and self-assessment tools to guide university decision-making process) www.cicic.ca/postsec/indexe.stm (the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials site can help assess educational credentials by referring students to appropriate bodies) Contributed by: Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. www.aucc.ca Study In Canada • Study Abroad

CANADA

Study in

Ontario We offer you the experience of a lifetime, inside and outside the classroom. With 47 publicly-funded colleges and universities in Ontario, there are thousands of programs to choose from, both in English and French as the language of instruction.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Ontario offers you far more than a world-class education:

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

be recognized by leading educational institutes around the world. Outside of the classroom, you can enjoy our vibrant, multicultural neighbourhoods or explore our beautiful, vast wilderness.

3. Our year includes four glorious seasons You can eat fresh, local produce in the fall, ski and skate in the winter, hike in the spring, and camp, picnic and swim in the summer.

Great Reasons to Study in Ontario

4. Ontario’s tuition fees are competitive

Ontario has 19 public universities plus the Ontario College of Art and Design. Universities offer a wide range of bachelor, master and doctoral degrees. Our graduates gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Two years after graduation, 96% of graduates with an undergraduate degree are working full-time.

1. We have an international reputation for excellence in education Our universities and colleges meet rigorous international standards for their curriculum, teacher qualifications, faculties, and student services. We also share research, knowledge, and student exchanges with other educational institutions around the world.

You will get the support you need. Our colleges and universities offer “buddy” programs and orientation sessions designed just for you. Ontario postsecondary education will lead to success. Nearly all of our graduates find great jobs or go on to post-graduate studies at leading colleges and universities. Our high education standards also mean that your degree, diploma or certificate will

2. Diversity is Ontario’s strength We welcome students of all cultural and racial backgrounds. Ontario believes in the value of multiculturalism and encourages everyone to respect and celebrate all our different customs and traditions.

5. Ontario is a great place to live 6. Our universities and colleges are modern and innovative We constantly evolve to adapt to new technologies and the world around us. Our graduate programs are expanding like never before, with dozens of new programs emerging every year. 7. In Ontario, you can explore our spectacular environment We have vast wilderness and provincial parks right next to large, cosmopolitan cities and friendly towns. It’s all here, waiting for you! Contributed by:

www.studyinontario.com

CANADA

Ontario has 24 colleges of applied arts and technology. Our colleges offer one-, two- and three-year certificate, diploma and advanced diploma programs. Some colleges also offer four-year applied degree programs. Ontario colleges offer more than 2,400 programs in almost 600 subjects. That’s a lot of choice!

CANADA

Baby Boomers and the Job Boom Canada is on the cusp of a major change, as the first wave of our country’s aging baby boomers is about to turn 65. With this milestone birthday comes retirement, along with a host of challenges that will dramatically transform the country. Most significantly, mass retirement will have a striking impact upon employment and health care in Canada. As Canadians enter their golden years, they will be turning to the medical community to keep them healthy. In fact, over the next 25 years, the passage of about ten million boomers into retirement will present both major challenges and opportunities for our country’s medical system. From dental work to x-rays to in-home support, these new Canadian seniors 16

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will be creating a significant demand for health care across the board. In addition to the increased need for health care, as older workers retire, the mass retirement will create openings for advancement and entry into jobs previously held by boomers. In short, the swell in the senior population spells out security for workers in the health care industry and opportunity for students seeking a future with good prospects. According to Jobfutures.ca, Canada’s National Career and Education planning tool, a number of occupations in the health care industry have been given the “Good Prospect” stamp of approval. By “Good,” the government of Canada is indicating that new entrants into the particular field have “a relatively easy time finding permanent employment

in targeted occupations with relatively high pay or attractive labour market conditions.” Of the forty or so occupations listed as “Good” prospects for 2009, over half are in the health care industry. As the country prepares for the upcoming 25 years of boomer retirement and its accompanying need for increased health care, this number can only be expected to rise – good news for current and potential health care workers. So what are some of the careers that stand to prosper from this mass retirement? We’ll take a look at three of these rising-star careers to learn more about the nature of the work, the education required, and what one can expect to earn while contributing to this booming field. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Dental Assistants can perform a number of duties in support of a dentist. These can include polishing teeth, applying fluoride, preparing patients for dental examinations, preparing dental instruments, and taking x-rays. Dental Assistants require training in a college program and, in all provinces but Quebec, licensing is mandatory. Once graduated, they can expect to earn about $16.51 per hour. The growth of employment for this field is above average and expected to remain as such due, not only to the aging population, but also to the increase in Canadians with insurance coverage and improvements in dental technology. Pharmacy Assistant Pharmacy Assistants assist pharmacists by preparing, packaging, and labeling pharmaceutical products. They also verify prescriptions, maintain patient records, and monitor inventories of medications and pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacy Assistants require completion of secondary school and a college program in Pharmacy Assistant or Pharmacy Technician training. Once completed, they can expect to earn an hourly wage of about $14.51. Nurse (Nurse Aide) Nurse Aides attend to the needs of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care facilities. They may be involved in answering call signals, serving meals, taking patients’ blood pressure, collecting fluid specimens, maintaining inventory of supplies, and performing maintenance tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing equipment. A Nurse Aide usually requires a college program with practical, on-thejob training. Once graduated, a Nurse Aide can expect to earn about $14.77 per hour.

what education or training they need for a prosperous future, it’s important to consider the effects of phenomena like the impending retirement of the baby boomers. A growing and aging population that requires more health services, coupled with ongoing vacancies in the field, present a positive outlook for health care jobs.

CANADA

Dental Assistant

The three fields highlighted here give an idea of solid directions for students considering a new career in Canada, but they are just a selection of the many opportunities that will be opening over the next few years. This period may be the end of work for some, but it can be the beginning of a long and happy career for others. Contributed by: Lisa Inglis for Education411.com, University and College information site

Get Ready – Prepare for a Career in Health Care The next few years will bring many changes with them. For those Canadians thinking about jobs and

what will you On the road less travelled, you will find a unique university experience, perfect for 21st-century explorers. Memorial University of Newfoundland is a comprehensive university featuring four campuses, shaped by our North Atlantic location. Memorial is the largest university in Atlantic Canada, offering more than 100 diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. We also have incredibly affordable tuition. To find out what you can become, take a virtual tour online. 1-866-354-8896 (in North America)

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR, CANADA

www.mun.ca/become

INFORMATION

The

Women’s-Only Advantage Women’s-only universities and colleges are a vital post-secondary option for women. In 1993, Dr. Geraldine Clifford of Berkeley University in California wrote, “Gender. . . is one of the most potent forces in shaping human institutions, including education.” Proponents of women’s-only learning environments, academic research, and student surveys, tout the benefits of single-sex learning environments. The 2004 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) compared the experiences of women attending women’s colleges with those of women attending co-educational schools, and the results show that women’s college respondents reported making more progress in every measure tested. In general, women at single-sex colleges are more engaged than women at co-educational institutions. Dr. Ernest T. Pascarella and Patrick T. Terenzini, professors of higher education at The University of Iowa and Penn State respectively, coauthored volumes one and two of How College Affects Students (1991 and 2005). They reported that the 18

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research is undeniable: students who are actively involved in both academic and extracurricular activities gain more from the college experience than those who are not so involved. There are unique opportunities for engagement at women’s-only colleges that do not exist in coeducational institutions. According to the NSSE study, women assume all the leadership roles on campus, take charge in classroom exercises and discussions, and learn more effectively individually as well as in groups when in an environment that fuels women’s understanding of self and others. The Women’s College Coalition (WCC) is an association of women’s colleges and universities in Canada and the United States whose primary mission is the education and advancement of women. The organization represents 52 women’s colleges in the United States and Brescia University College in London, Ontario, Canada. Affiliated with The University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College is Canada’s women’s university.

The following excerpt from the NSSE study, posted on the WCC web site, states that “…high levels of student-faculty interaction create opportunities for mentorship, such as providing advice and encouragement, recommendations for awards, internships or jobs, and involving students in research.” To learn more about women’s-only colleges in North America, visit the WCC web site at www.womenscolleges.org. The site provides a wealth of information about student life, research about women’s education, profiles of alumnae, and web links to women’s colleges and universities designed to help women realize their full potential. For links to women’s colleges around the world, visit the Women’s Education Worldwide web site at www.mtholyoke.edu/proj/wew. Contributed by: Julie Maltby, Communications & Alumnae Relations Officer at Brescia University College at the University of Western Ontario. www.brescia.uwo.ca Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Choose Canada’s women’s university and change the world Brescia University College is Canada’s women’s university. Affiliated with the world-class University of Western Ontario, Brescia sits on 43 acres of beautiful green space right across the road from Western’s main campus. Brescia provides a unique learning experience to 1,100 full- and part-time students who enjoy small class sizes in which students make friends for life and learn from faculty members who know them by name.

• Learn in an environment that celebrates its Catholic

As a woman’s university, Brescia offers unparalleled opportunities for female students to develop their strengths and fulfill their potential. Students see more female mentors and role models among the faculty and top administrators and may participate in a wealth of student leadership roles. For example, Brescia is home to the Institute for Women in Leadership (iWIL), which supports the development of authentic leaders who choose to practice socially responsible leadership.

Academic offerings at Brescia cover a range of programs within the Arts and Social Sciences, Foods and Nutritional Sciences, Family Studies and Management and Organizational Studies.

These are some of the opportunities available to you at Brescia:

• Get the tools to discover who you are and gain selfconfidence;

• Study with faculty dedicated to your success; • Join a community where diverse opinions are shared so

heritage by providing a values-based education for students of all nationalities, faiths and perspectives; • Be part of our mentor program that links Brescia students with successful career women; • Apply theory and information learned in class to practical experiences through courses or volunteer opportunities.

While Brescia classes are open to all Western students, only women may register as Brescia students. They enjoy the advantages of being on a small campus while being part of a large student community; almost 34,000 students are registered at The University of Western Ontario and its affiliated colleges in London, Ontario. Known as the “Forest City”, London is home to 200 parks, numerous outstanding golf courses and is within an hour’s drive to two Canadian Great Lakes. The city also offers a thriving arts and culture scene, including top-billed concerts, live theatre and orchestra, museums, art galleries and heritage sites, and an abundance of shopping.

women learn from one another;

Choose a university education designed to develop your leadership skills. Choose small, interactive classes taught by dedicated professors committed to your success. Choose Brescia and change your world.

Choose Canada’s Women’s University

women who

CHANGE THE WORLD

www.brescia.uwo.ca 519.432.8353

BRES_CANstudent_FA.indd 1 17/03/09 11:31 AM To find out more about Brescia University College, contact us at www.mybrescia.com.

INSPIRATION

Étudiants Pour le Developpement (EDP) :

Coopératives Argentines de l’Association des Universités et Collèges du Canada (AUCC), en août dernier, j’ai pu retourner à l’IIFAP pour y faire un séjour de presque quatre mois.

Mon organisme-hôte

En mai 2008, j’ai eu la chance de me rendre pour une première fois à Cordoba en Argentine comme agente de projet pour le cours d’été mis sur pied par le programme de Mondialisation et Développement International de l’Université d’Ottawa en collaboration avec l’Instituto de Investigacion y Formacion en Administracion Publica (IIFAP) de la Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. A mon retour, j’ai eu la chance de me voir attribuer une bourse afin de faire un stage à l’étranger. Fascinée par l’Argentine et grâce au programme Étudiant pour le Développement (EDP) 20

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L’IIFAP, organisme-hôte de mon stage, est un acteur clé quant à la promotion de la bonne gouvernance en Argentine autant grâce aux liens qu’il établit entre les organisations de la société civile et les instances gouvernementales que par son implication quant à la démocratisation de l’État. Par la nature de son travail, l’IIFAP vise donc d’une part à encourager le développement inclusif par l’élaboration de politiques publiques favorisant des valeurs comme celles de la primauté du droit de la personne sur le capital et le droit à l’association et d’autre part, il tend à stimuler la participation citoyenne pour le renforcement des structures publiques et de la démocratie. Mon travail consistait essentiellement en un travail d’enquête ayant pour but, à terme, de présenter des pistes

afin de contribuer les valeurs et principes du coopérativisme. Par mes recherches sur l´organisation du travail au sein de ces organisations de l’économie sociale, l’IIFAP a donc pu bénéficier d’un appui à la consolidation de ses activités de gouvernance. Le renforcement des coopératives, importants interlocuteurs de la société civile argentine et outils d’insertion des exclus de l’économie formelle, comptent parmi les plus importants aboutissements de ce travail d’enquête. Lors d’un atelier de dévolution en juin 2009, ce document sera présenté aux coopératives qui ont participées ainsi qu’a toutes celles faisant partie du réseau de l’IIFAP.

Le contexte argentin Lors de la mondialisation du modèle néolibéral en Amérique latine dans les années 90, la région connue sa pire crise alors que plusieurs pays s’enlisèrent dans une stagnation économique ou même une récession. Le modèle de développement antérieure fut remplacé par un ensemble de politiques de Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Dans ce contexte de faiblesse étatique, les programmes d’ajustement structurel des institutions multilatérales furent déterminants particulièrement en Argentine. L’augmentation des indices macroéconomiques tels le PIB dissimula cependant une importante détérioration du domaine social. Dès l’aube de 2001, le pays entier plongeait dans une profonde crise économique et sociale. Les vies de milliers d’ouvriers et de paysans furent dévastées alors que le taux de chômage bondit drastiquement. Le retrait de l’État au profit de l’entreprise privée mena à d’importantes inégalités et engendra de nouveaux besoins auxquels ni l’État, ni le secteur privé ne semblait pouvoir répondre adéquatement. Une nouvelle pauvreté, basée sur l’exclusion sociale, vit le jour.

L’économie sociale argentine Dès lors, de nouvelles formes d’organisations de la société civile se développèrent. Contrairement aux entreprises de l’économie de marché, dans les organisations de l’économie sociale, basées sur des valeurs de solidarité, d’entraide et d’inclusion, le bien ou le service est principalement généré par le lien social et non par le profit. Les clubs de troc, les entreprises récupérées, les mutuelles et les coopératives sont quelques-unes des initiatives liées à l’économie sociale. Le foisonnement des coopératives argentines est considérable, il y aurait en effet plus de 20 100 organisations, dont plus de deux milles dans la province de Cordoba. Dans le cadre de mon stage, je m’intéressais plus précisément à la coopérative de travail qui vise premièrement à fournir du travail à ses membres par l’exploitation d’une entreprise sous leur contrôle. Quatre coopératives argentines L’étude du cas de quatre coopératives suivantes de la grande région de Cordoba en Argentine a été effectuée: i) Cooperativa COMERCIO Y JUSTICIA Les entreprises récupérées sont des entreprises privées qui ont soit été abandonnées par leurs propriétaires, dont les travailleurs se sont appropriés autant la production que la gestion, il

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

y en aurait plus de 2000 en Argentine aujourd’hui. Le phénomène a surtout pris naissance au début du XXIème siècle, s’est exprimé sous toutes sortes de formes, passant de la lutte exclusivement juridique aux durs affrontements policiers. L’histoire de l’entreprise médiatique récupérée Comercio y Justicia (www.comercioyjusticia.com.ar), qui célèbre son 70ième anniversaire, est pleine d’espoir. En 2000, suite à des difficultés financières importantes, l’entreprise fut vendue à des intérêts brésiliens et ferma officiellement ses portes. Peu après la cessation des activités, les nouveaux chômeurs décidèrent de tenter de récupérer légalement l’entreprise. Un long combat caractérisé par l’incertitude, la peur et la pauvreté les attendait… En juin 2002, suite à un ardu et couteux processus juridique, l’entreprise fut finalement officiellement transformée en coopérative par 11 des 90 employés initiaux. Aujourd’hui, les 69 travailleurs de Comercio y Justicia gagnent tous dignement leur vie, et sont fièrement ‘propriétaires’ de l’entreprise. Certains des travailleurs actuels ont participé au processus de récupération de l’entreprise, il est fascinant de les entendre se raconter. Au jour le jour, pour tous ces travailleurs en quête de justice sociale, le défi est de gérer l’entreprise an accord avec les principes du coopérativisme. ii) Cooperativa LA MINGA Rencontrer les gens de La Minga fut un réel coup de cœur. Cette jeune coopérative, formée d’onze associés et située dans le village d’Oncativo en banlieue de Cordoba, oeuvre dans deux domaines; c’est en se spécialisant dans la construction de maisons, que l’organisation peut financer ses nombreuses activités militantes; alphabétisation des adultes, commerce équitable, conscientisation environnementale etc. Cette coopérative travaille réellement à contre-courant dans ce riche village d’agricultureurs qui ont en massivement délaissés les besoins de la communauté locale et ont plutôt optés pour la culture du soja, plus rentable que les produits dédiés au marché régional. Cette jeune coopérative est née du désir d’un petit groupe de jeunes

qui, travaillant informellement à la construction de maisons, désiraient formaliser et surtout légaliser leurs activités. La Minga a récemment célébré son deuxième anniversaire de coopérativisme.

INSPIRATION

dérèglementation qui visaient à laisser place au libre marché.

iii) Cooperativa 17 DE FEBRERO 17 de Febrero est né d’un mouvement de solidarité lancé par un groupe de travailleurs ferroviaires mis à pied en 1996 lors de la privatisation de l’entreprise. Cette coopérative, qui compte aujourd’hui plus de cent soixante-dix travailleurs, se spécialise dans les services d’entretien des édifices et transports publiques. Pour plusieurs raisons, le coopérativisme représente un défi de taille pour les gestionnaires de cette organisation. Les associés, peu scolarisés et pour qui l’association à la coopérative peur représenter le seul élément de stabilité, sont presque tous issus de milieux précaires. Par conséquent, la culture du travail se doit d’être enseignée et valorisée. Les services sont décentralisés et les associés sont tous et chacun répartis dans différents postes de travail. La coopérative fait également face à d’importants défis organisationnels au niveau de la volatilité et précarité des emplois. Sa grande taille et les caractéristiques de décentralisation des ses services en ont fait un cas très intéressant pour l’investigation de la manifestation des valeurs liées au coopérativisme. iv) Cooperativa SOL DE YOFRE Sol de Yofre est une toute petite coopérative de six associées, six étant le nombre minimum requis par la loi des coopératives argentines. Ces six femmes matures et combattantes, anciennement membres du même club de troque furent toutes durement échaudées par la crise de 2001. Elles, qui n’avaient jamais fait l’expérience du marché du travail auparavant, décidèrent de se rassembler et de se créer un emploi afin de subvenir à leurs besoins. Elles s’associèrent non seulement sur la base de leurs nécessités, mais aussi de leurs compétences. Depuis ce jour en 2002, les femmes de Sol de Yofre vivent dignement de la fabrication de produits artisanaux et du service de traiteur qu’elles offrent. Sol de Yofre est un cas fascinant non seulement du fait que la coopérative soit un ‘produit’ direct de la crise, mais aussi du fait qu’elle est un mouvement

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INSPIRATION

de femmes. Il est en effet intéressant d’investiguer les motivations de ces femmes qui ont décidé d’entrer sur le marché du travail par la voie du coopérativisme.

L’apport de mon stage au niveau local Mon séjour en Argentine m’a permis de prendre qu’il y a fort à faire pour résorber les problèmes liés à la précarité et à l’exclusion sociale en Argentine et que le coopérativisme, malgré ses faiblesses, semble vraisemblablement constituer l’une des stratégies d’endigage de l’exclusion. Je comprends maintenant certainement mieux les enjeux reliés au coopérativisme. Certes, la participation active des membres des coopératives est capitale et en ce sens, je crois que le coopérativisme peut se révéler être l’instrumentalisation d’une certaine libération pour les peuples dominés économiquement, culturellement et politiquement.

Cependant, j’ai été grandement frappé par les grandes contradictions qui teintent ces organisations. Le coopérativisme est un modèle organisationnel considérablement limité, ses valeurs étant relativement facilement absorbées par les pressions du marché. Certes, on ne peut nier au sein du fonctionnement des coopératives, une certaine exigence de rentabilité. J’ai été outrée par l’absence presque totale de reconnaissance par l’État face au statut d’associés de coopératives. Le coopérateur est considéré comme étant insolvable et se voit refuser l’accès au crédit, quelqu’en soit sa forme. En effet, face à l’État, le coopérateur bénéficie de très peu d’avantages. Le manque de reconnaissance sociale dont sont victimes les travailleurs des organisations de l’économie sociale ne contribue en rien à la valorisation de cette forme d’association.

Vu les nombreux obstacles auxquels fait face le coopérativisme argentin, appuyer l’IIFAP dans la consolidation de ses activités de gouvernance s’avérait nécessaire.

L’apport du stage dans le cadre de mon cheminement académique Cette expérience argentine s’est définitivement avérée comme étant des plus formatrices dans le cadre de mon parcours académique. La possibilité que j’ai eu de m’immerger a assurément contribué à enrichir mes connaissances des enjeux sociaux, culturels, économiques et politiques propres à ce pays. Après plusieurs expériences diverses en Amérique latine, cette partie du monde me fascine plus que jamais. Après tant d’années d’oppression, les Sud-américains, de par leurs revendications et luttes populaires constantes s’insurgent toujours et encore contre le modèle néolibéral dont ils sont les victimes. Quant à eux, les Argentins sont de vrais combattants et des survivants, ils ont encore et toujours soif d’équité et de justice sociale. D’une dictature militaire et d’un régime de répression ayant causés de milliers d’expatriés, de disparitions et de morts à la fin des années 70, l’Argentine a vécu une autre période difficile dans les années 90 avec l’imposition du modèle néolibéral. Et voilà qu’en début 2000, la crise frappe encore. Malheureusement, les Argentins vivent actuellement encore une fois des moments difficiles, puisque la crise mondiale de l’effondrement du capitalisme affecte ce pays comme tout autre pays en voie de développement. J’ai été à chaque jour, agréablement surprise par la générosité des Argentins, par leur réel désir de partager leur expérience, ils m’ont accueilli comme l’une des leurs. J’ai éprouvé un réel plaisir à faire ce travail. Partager le quotidien des gens qui désirent rendre notre monde plus juste et équitable s’est avérée être une expérience plus qu’inspirante. Par leur force et leur solidarité, ces actifs militants sont pour moi en effet de réels modèles de vie. Contribué par : Pascale Simard, www.sdfblog.ca www.aucc.ca

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

a Foreign Language When we travel, we have an opportunity to fundamentally change the way we interact with local people and get to know their culture. How? By learning their language. When we travel as tourists, we are simply observers, forever on the outside looking in. We typically don’t participate in day-to-day local life, and we are never mistaken for locals when the limited extent of our interaction is ordering food or visiting local attractions. But if we learn the language of the country, suddenly that country is wide open to us. Suddenly we are able to pick up on rhythms and wonderful nuances that aren’t normally detectable to the passing tourist. Yes, learning a new language is hard and takes time and motivation. But how can you sink your teeth into a foreign culture otherwise? It is the cultural currency and most of us want to get ‘rich,’ right? Or at least become enriched…

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Modern global tourism doesn’t necessarily connect people from country to country, culture to culture; but instead, it can widen pre-existing gaps. The best way to get past our limited surface perceptions of another culture is to make the effort to communicate in the language of that culture’s people. The biggest challenge for English speakers is that English is widely spoken. But that shouldn’t stop us. You can explain (in English if you have to) that you are learning the language and would like to avoid English. How will locals respond to hearing that a native English speaker wants to learn the local language? Well, you can bet that they’ll be thrilled. The rewards of understanding, and being understood in, a foreign language are immense. Learning a new language also opens us up in countless ways so we see the world from new and fresh angles: It enables us to realize that there is a much narrower gap between people and their

cultures than often imagined, and allows us to truly live in the place we’re visiting, whether our stay there is for a two-week vacation, a four-month volunteer program, or for completing the master’s degree we have been striving for. At the end of the day, most of us want to make authentic connections with locals and feel more like global citizens. Now, more than ever, is the time for us to re-evaluate the nature of our relationships to each other across cultures. A more multilingual world will go a long way to strengthening the bonds between us. Go deeper with a language learning experience. Contributed by: Cam Harvey Director, The Learning Traveller www.learningtraveller.com

INFORMATION

The Value of Learning

INSPIRATION

When One Degree Just Isn’t Enough Following the Educational Path of Dr. David RP Almeida, HBSC, PHD, MD, MBA Choosing a degree, or a combination of areas of study, can be a difficult task in itself. From areas of interest to career goals, there is a multitude of factors that will contribute to your educational path. Dr. David Almeida, a 2008 graduate of the Medicine department at Queens University (Kingston, Ontario), holds an impressive handful of degrees that complement his passion for medicine. Not yet 30 years of age, he holds a PhD and an MBA, in addition to his HBSC and MD. How did he decide that one just wasn’t enough for him – and what path did he follow to attain these designations? A strong high school education in the spirit of St. Jean-Baptiste de la Salle was instrumental in emphasizing a strong work ethic, faith, and a commitment to community. As the Valedictorian of the 1999 De La Salle College Oaklands graduating class, David was committed to pursuing education as a means of contributing to his family and to his community. Upon starting university, Almeida felt that getting involved in pharmaceutical development would be an ideal way to ameliorate disease. As such, an Honours Bachelor of Science in Toxicology from the University of Toronto led well to a PhD in Pharmacy and Pharmacology from the University of Szeged in Hungary. However, at this point, at the age of 23, David realized that his interest went beyond therapeutics development. His true passion was human health and vision. This passion brought him to the esteemed Queen’s University School of Medicine to complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

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Halfway through his medical education, frustrated by stories of resource shortages, waiting times, and mismanagement, Almeida discovered an interest in health care economics. This led to a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management from the George Washington University School of Business in Washington, D.C. Finishing an MBA in the last two years of his MD degree proved to be a challenge beyond expectations, but with determination and the support of his family, he successfully completed both. Today, as an ophthalmology resident, David is grateful to be part of the prestigious Queen’s Ophthalmology program. Over the next five years, he looks forward to becoming increasingly proficient in the skills of supporting human vision. Most importantly, David hopes to combine the skills he has learned in the various degrees in an innovative way that can be applied to the benefit of his patients. A research PhD from the European Union, a medical education from Canada, and an MBA from the United States. When asked what his source of motivation is, he proudly cites it being his family: “Yes, I have learned much; but more so, I continue to be amazed at how much support I receive from my family, in particular from my mother Maria Fernanda and my father, José. Day after day, they persevere in their jobs, exemplifying hard work and dedication. Week after week, they illustrate honesty and commitment. Time and time again, they stress the importance of faith and caring for

others. The passion they illustrate in their lives is the very same that is required to succeed in medicine.” As Dr. Almeida looks forward to many more days of learning and challenges, he leaves us with this parting thought: On the long path to medicine, at times it seems many of the doors are closed. The key is to find those doors that are but a fraction of an inch ajar – and then to swing them wide open with sincere perseverance. Contributed by: Jasmine Brooks, BBA

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Ontario

CANADA

Étudier en

établissements d’enseignement des quatre coins du monde. 2. La diversité est la force de l’Ontario Nous accueillons des étudiantes et étudiants de toute culture ou nationalité. L’Ontario croit fermement en l’importance du multiculturalisme et encourage tout un chacun à respecter et à célébrer nos différentes coutumes et traditions.

L’Ontario vous offre beaucoup plus qu’une éducation de calibre mondial. Nous vous offrons une expérience inoubliable, autant en salle de cours qu’à l’extérieur de celle-ci. Vous obtiendrez l’éducation que vous désirez; en effet, avec 47 collèges et universités financés par les fonds publics en Ontario, il y a des milliers de programmes en français et en anglais parmi lesquels choisir. L’Ontario compte 24 collèges d’arts appliqués et de technologie. Ceuxci offrent des programmes d’un an, de deux ans et de trois ans menant à un certificat, à un diplôme ou à un diplôme avancé. Certains collèges offrent également des programmes de quatre ans menant à un baccalauréat d’études appliquées. Les collèges de l’Ontario offrent plus de 2 400 programmes dans presque 600 domaines. Ce n’est pas le choix qui manque! L’Ontario compte 19 universités publiques, en plus de l’Ontario College of Art and Design. Les universités offrent une vaste gamme de programmes menant au baccalauréat, à la maîtrise et au doctorat. Nos diplômés acquièrent les connaissances et les compétences dont ils ont besoin pour réussir. Deux ans après l’obtention de leur diplôme, 96 pour cent des détenteurs d’un grade de premier cycle travaillent à temps plein.

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Vous recevrez l’appui dont vous avez besoin. Nos collèges et universités offrent des programmes de jumelage et des séances d’orientation conçus spécialement pour vous. L’éducation postsecondaire en Ontario est synonyme de succès. Pratiquement tous nos diplômés décrochent des emplois gratifiants ou poursuivent des études supérieures dans des collèges et universités de premier ordre. Nos normes élevées en matière d’éducation signifient également que votre grade, diplôme ou certificat sera reconnu par les importants établissements d’enseignement partout dans le monde. Hors campus, vous pouvez apprécier nos quartiers multiculturels dynamiques ou explorer nos vastes et beaux espaces naturels. Ils n’attendent que vous! Excellentes raisons d’étudier en Ontario 1. Nous jouissons d’une réputation d’excellence en éducation sur le plan international Nos universités et collèges répondent à des normes internationales rigoureuses au chapitre de leurs programmes d’études, de la compétence de leur personnel enseignant, de leurs facultés et des services aux étudiants. Nous partageons également notre recherche et nos connaissances, et participons à des échanges d’étudiants, avec d’autres

3. Notre année s’échelonne sur quatre saisons Vous pouvez déguster des fruits et légumes frais à l’automne; skier et patiner en hiver; faire de la randonnée pédestre au printemps; camper, pique-niquer et nager en été. 4. Les droits de scolarité en Ontario sont compétitifs Les droits de scolarité en Ontario sont comparables, voire inférieurs, à ceux d’autres pays anglophones. 5. Nos universités et collèges sont modernes et novateurs Nous évoluons constamment afin de nous adapter aux nouvelles technologies et au monde qui nous entoure. Nos programmes de deuxième et de troisième cycle prennent une ampleur sans précédent, avec l’offre de douzaines de nouveaux programmes chaque année. 6. En Ontario, vous pouvez explorer notre environnement spectaculaire Nous avons de vastes espaces naturels et des parcs provinciaux aux côtés de grandes métropoles cosmopolites et de villes sympathiques. 7. L’Ontario est un endroit où il fait bon vivre Contribué par: www.studyinontario.com/fr

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

AUSTRALIA

Perth Western Australia:

One of the World’s Top Ten Future Cities

Western Australia (WA) is truly the authentic Australian experience. The State is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies and brilliant white beaches. It has gained global recognition for its record low unemployment rate, booming economy, and advanced developments in science and technology. Perth, WA’s capital city, was recently ranked the world’s fourth “most liveable city” by The Economist (2008) and was recently voted as one of the world’s “top ten future cities” (Lonely Planet, 2006). Perth has also firmly established itself as a provider of world-class education, with a long tradition of welcoming international students. In any given year, the city attracts over 42,000 student enrolments from over 140 countries. The State’s five universities share a wealth of research and academic excellence, each with their own area of expertise. Every university offers a dynamic, stimulating learning Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

environment with state-of-the-art facilities and access to unrivalled academic resources to enable students to excel professionally and personally. The internationally-recognized qualifications gained at a WA university are highly regarded in academic circles as well as the corporate community. Research plays an integral role in WA universities’ success. The State has been producing outstanding research for many years and continues to expand its research partnerships around the globe. A city of just 1.5 million people, Perth has a tradition of ‘punching above its weight.’ The numerous scientific and technological advancements developed by West Australian individuals and organizations have achieved global recognition and have had a positive impact on many lives. For example: • The awarding of the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine to West Australian

Professor Barry Marshall and his partner, Dr Robin Warren, highlights the quality of scientific research being conducted in the State. Their work revolutionized the treatment of gastric ulcers by enabling an antibiotic cure, and has lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence of gastric cancer. [www.helicobacter.com] • Technology Park, Bentley, is a leader in its field in Australia and is home to some of the nation’s largest sustainable technologybased companies. Consisting of over 90 organizations, it has an annual turnover of AUD$500 million, of which 60 percent is derived from export income. Twenty percent of its revenue is re-invested in research and development. The well-established industry sectors in Technology Park include ICT, resources and energy, environmental, and biotechnology. [www.techparkwa.org.au] Study In Canada • Study Abroad

AUSTRALIA

• Over 50 times more powerful than the world’s largest existing telescope, the Australian Square Kilometre Array (AuSKA) will be one of the most ambitious international science projects ever devised. It will help to answer fundamental questions about the evolution of the universe. The Murchison Shire in the mid-west of Western Australia has been shortlisted after a rigorous selection process as one of the two sites identified as potential locations for the AuSKA. International partners include the United States, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, India and several European countries. [www.ska.gov.au] Vocational training in WA is an internationally-recognized system of education that is very popular with both local and international students, and is highly regarded by employers for its practical approach to education. Vocational courses are career focussed and carefully designed in collaboration with industry to meet the current needs of employers, and are taught by qualified professionals with years of experience. Work placements and real-life projects play an integral part in vocational programs. The WA education system is also wellknown for its flexible study pathways to higher education programs. There are both government and non-government

(at a low 2.8 percent as at December 2008), with a surplus of part-time and full-time jobs for international students wishing to gain work experience in the Australian workplace. Perth, Western Australia, offers a unique learning environment that nurtures creativity and provides access to unrivalled academic resources. You will find everything you need to achieve your potential…all in a city famed for its friendliness! providers with established university links offering a variety of courses which, upon successful completion, allow direct entry into undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Pathway colleges have an excellent support network and assist students with their university applications at every step of the way. Perth offers one of the highest standards of living in the world, with the highest income per capita in Australia at an average of AU$67,059 per annum (WA Business News, August 2008). This is well ahead of the national average of AU$59,654. This is further reflected in the high standards of education, health care, transport, accommodation, and recreational facilities. The burgeoning WA economy has resulted in the lowest unemployment rate in Australia

So what are you waiting for? Search for your course today at www.pertheducationcity.com.au Contributed by: Fozzil Jaffar, Market Manager Perth Education City Note currency exchange rates (at time of printing): AUD 1.00 = CAD 0.85

Did you know? Western Australia has gained global recognition for its record low unemployment rate, offering overseas visitors endless part-and full-time job opportunities in the heart of Perth city, as well as regional towns throughout the State. There is something for everyone. Here is just a glimpse of the countless jobs you can find throughout Western Australia as a Working Holiday Maker… • Administration • Childcare • Cleaning • Customer service • Farm hand • Fruit picking • Hair & beauty • Hospitality, travel & tourism • IT & telecommunications • Retail • Registered nursing • Sales & marketing • Trades & services For more information on applying for a student or working holiday visa, please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website (www.immi.gov.au) or contact your nearest Australian mission.

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Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Showcasing International Universities to Canadian students since 1994.

Fall

2009 TORONTO • CANADA

Penny Bissett CONSULTING INC.

20 09

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r e C r U It I n C an aDa

International University Fairs

Penny Bissett CONSULTING INC. Penny Bissett Consulting has earned its reputation by providing education events that present academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Unlike the “Commercial Fairs”, we work year around with our university/college participants to develop & maintain a “presence” for their institutions here in Ontario and other parts of Canada. Penny Bissett Consulting maintains a well known website specifically for parents, students and guidance counsellors to use as their resource for international post secondary education news and information. Visit this site at: www.pennybissett.org Sheraton Parkway toronto north hotel International Fair (includes both Graduate and Undergraduate Faculties) Sunday, October 4, 2009 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday, October 5, 2009 AM: Counsellors Workshops, Fair & Brunch––9:30 am - 3:00 pm EVE: International Fair (Public) ––5:00 pm - 8:00 pm registration deadline: June 30th. See website for details, costs and registration. www.recruitincanada.com email: penny@recruitincanada.com Call me: North America: 1-866-226-2322 Overseas: 1-905-421-9130

AUSTRALIA

Becoming Doctors Down Under:

Canadian Students Travel to Australia for

Medical Training Barbara Bradshaw is in her bedroom, looking into an opened suitcase sitting on top of her bed. She walks across the room and carries over an armful of medical books, placing them into the suitcase. She leaves the room and returns with a stethoscope, and it too goes inside the luggage.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Once she finishes up packing, Bradshaw hugs her husband, friends and family in Edmonton goodbye, and then boards a plane. To Australia. For four years.

Pursuing her lifelong dream to become a doctor, Bradshaw has enrolled in a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery program in Brisbane – and she’s not alone. Bradshaw, like hundreds of other Canadians each year, has taken a different route and decided to earn a medical degree

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Bradshaw agrees. “There is minimal culture shock and no language barrier, the people are truly wonderful, and the country itself is astonishing,” she says. The Trip Back Home

Bradshaw did some research into applying to Australian medical schools and realized she could pursue her career goals and travel at the same time. “Australia is a place I had always wanted to experience,” she says. “I never imagined I’d be living here!” The Parallels Australia’s balmy beaches and Canada’s frigid icebergs stereotypically define these polar-opposite climates, however, the medical education systems in place within the two British Commonwealth countries draw a close parallel. Students enrolled in a Canadian medical school program will study for four years to receive a Doctor of Medicine, followed by a residency. It’s a slightly different process in Australia, where graduateentry students receive a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in four years, followed by a one-to-two-year internship followed by a specialist residency. Currently there are 19 Australian universities that offer medical school programs, seven of which accept international students. Labeling Canada and Australia as longlost twins who grew up apart, Cecile McGuire, International Manager of the School of Medicine at UQ, says the education system similarities are what draw Canadians to study Down Under. “I think when Canadian students come here, they quickly become a part of the medical student cohort and after a while, you can’t differentiate between the two students until they open their mouths to speak,” says McGuire, who is a Canadian herself.

Prior to accepting a letter of offer to an Australian medical school, applicants have one particular question in mind: Can they return to Canada to practice medicine? This is where the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) comes into play. This non-profit organization provides an electronic application service for entry into postgraduate medical training throughout Canada. CaRMS provides a way for applicants, both Canadian and foreign-trained, to decide where to apply for residency. In order to receive accreditation as a licensed doctor, a residency is required. Any graduate of a medical school outside of Canada or the United States is considered an International Medical Graduate, even if they are originally from Canada. To apply to CaRMS for a residency placement, they need to first pass the Medical Council of Canadian Evaluating Exam. If they pass, they will then be placed in a separate, competitive pool for a residency match. There is a vast difference between the number of applicants and the number of residency positions available. For the 2007-2008 match, more than 1,400 International Medical Graduates applied for the 400 available positions.

processes to ensure there is no built-in bias that prevents Canadians studying abroad from being considered for positions available to internationallytrained physicians,” she explains, adding the number of residency matches has increased over the past year. Banner offers advice to those Canadian students studying medicine abroad who, one day, wish to return. “My advice is to think seriously of the identified needs we have in Canada,” she says. “We have a critical shortage of family physicians and generalists,” she says. “If the student’s career goals meet our human resource needs, there is more opportunity to train in Canada.” Bradshaw says she’s interested in palliative care or rural medicine, but she’s not sure about where she plans to practice medicine come graduation in 2012. “I can easily see myself staying in the Australian system or returning back to Canada,” she says. “The options are still quite wide at this point.” In terms of providing insight to students wishing to pursue a career in medicine, Bradshaw offers advice she herself followed. “Don’t take no for an answer,” she says. “If you really want to get there, there are ways to make it happen.” Contributed by: Cathy McNally, Communications Manager, OzTREKK Educational Services. www.oztrekk.com, cathy@oztrekk.com

With a doctor shortage occurring across Canada, Banner says there is recognition in many parts of Canada as to the role these students can play in meeting Canada’s physician shortages. “Many provincial governments are reviewing its

Global Education + Global Networks = Global Opportunities The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is recognised as the top university in Australia for quality of learning and teaching under the 2009 Australian Government Learning and Teaching Performance Fund, achieving top scores for excellence in the categories of: n business, law and economics (for the third consecutive year) n science, engineering, computing and architecture

www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW John Niland Scientia Building

UNSW International Office: Tel. +61 2 9385 6996 n internationaloffice@unsw.edu.au

AUSTRALIA

abroad as in Canada, the number of applications to medical schools far outreaches the amount of spots available, creating a tough entry field for applicants.

AUSTRALIA

Canadian College Students

Fast Track to Bachelor’s or Master’s in

Australia or New Zealand

More Canadian college students are discovering that they can increase their educational options by choosing a pathway that starts with a college diploma and continues on to a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a university in Australia or New Zealand. Known in the world of higher education as “articulation agreements,” these degree conversion pathways are defined more simply by students in terms of their benefits: • Less time to a bachelor’s degree than the traditional four-or-more years at a university • Pre-determined degree pathways so students know exactly what to expect • Global education experience on the résumé • In some cases, lower education costs overall • Exposure to other educational approaches, business practices, and cultures • Shorter educational time means a faster start to a career and steady income • Proof of adaptability toward new challenges, people, and unfamiliar settings • A way to stand out in job interviews • Higher pay potential

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More colleges across Canada are setting up articulation agreements with overseas institutions in order to broaden their educational offerings, especially in the degree areas of business, education, communications/ media/design, information technology and aviation. To illustrate, a student at Toronto’s Seneca College, a leading institution in Canada when it comes to these degree conversion pathways, can transfer a three-year advanced diploma in Computer Systems Technology from Seneca into a Bachelor of Engineering

(Computer or Computer Systems) program at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia and finish this degree program in one year (two semesters). Mutual Benefits Such partnership agreements allow institutions to respond to a growing need for skilled and globally-savvy workers. They also bolster a college’s academic profile. College recruiters, for example, can use these alternative

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

More Connections and Options for Students

At the same time, more students are seeking cross-institutional educational pathways that will expose them to another culture and country and increase their marketability come jobhunt time.

Shorthand descriptions for these agreements include a “2+1,” a “2+1.5” and a “2+2.”

Many are charting this course even before they begin college. In fact, more than 40% of college students describe preparation for university studies and a broader knowledge about the world among the top five reasons they’re attending a college or institute, according to the 2005 College Entry Survey. And in these challenging economic times, interest in these degree conversions/degree transfers is likely to grow as competition intensifies for jobs. Canadian Higher Education Landscape Across Canada, more than 130 educational institutions fall under the umbrella term of “college,” which includes community colleges, university colleges, and institutes of technology. Generally speaking, however, colleges offer a combination of vocational and academic studies and award oneyear certificates, two-year diplomas, and three-year advanced diplomas. Universities require four or more years for baccalaureate degrees, and additional time for advanced degrees. Historically, universities in Canada grant degrees and colleges grant diplomas. But in the 1990s, some colleges became “university colleges,” with provinces granting them the right to offer undergraduate degrees. And in 2008 alone, four university-colleges changed status to full universities. As post-secondary institutions continue to grow, more colleges are linking to degree programs at universities in other provinces, the United States, and other countries such as Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

These days, college students can benefit from a wide variety of degree transfer/degree conversion options.

The equations refer to the two-year college diploma plus the additional time needed to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a partner university in Australia or New Zealand. To understand the benefits of these partnership agreements, it’s important to note that Australian and New Zealand universities are based on the British educational system. This means that most bachelor degrees are three years in duration, with the exception of many of the professional degrees, such as law, medicine and physiotherapy, which are four or more years.

Benefits not withstanding, degree transfer options do pose some challenges for students, including distance away from family and friends and costs associated with living overseas. That said, when you look at total educational time of three years vs. four to complete a bachelor’s degree, that means getting into the workforce one year sooner - and with some global experience to boot.

AUSTRALIA

degree pathways when they visit high schools to demonstrate to prospective students, “If you come to our college, you can actually go on to finish your degree in Australia or New Zealand – and do it in less time.”

For students planning the quickest route to a full-time paycheque with benefits, this larger up-front educational cost is likely to be more than made up for in the first fruitful years of employment. Contributed by:

Chad DuMond, Manager for Canadian Development for AustraLearn www.australearncanada.org CDuMond@globalinksabroad.org

Depending on the type of degree and partnership agreement, degree conversion programs are set up to provide students a predetermined path that gives them up to two full years of academic credit for their diplomas, and the option to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree Venture a little further with Kumuka by adding an additional year • Volunteer Projects or more at an • Overland Expeditions international partner • Small Group Tours university. For example, Australia’s Griffith University is considered a flagship institution in creating these partnerships, having articulated more than 30 colleges in Canada and attracting more than 150 students annually.

• European Coach Tours • Active Tours... ...and so much more

• AFRICA • ASIA • AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND • EUROPE • LATIN AMERICA • THE ARCTIC & ANTARCTICA • THE MIDDLE EAST To view or to order your copy of our brochures log on to

www.kumuka.com or call: 1-800-517-0867 email: adventureexperts@kumuka.com 2 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 750, Mississuaga, ONT L4Z 1H8

BOLIVIA

Discover

Bolivia Bolivia has long been known among travellers as the ‘Tibet of the Andes,’ a phrase that brings to mind snowcapped peaks and barren high plains. Because of this image, many people are surprised to learn that 2/3 of Bolivia is tropical lowlands and jungle. Often considered the poorest and least developed country in South America, Bolivia is in fact full of wealth and culture. This country of some nine million people has been my home since 1994, and today I still find myself breathless with its beauty and diversity. Perhaps even more amazing than the spectacular landscapes are the Bolivian people. Bolivia is known as the country with the most indigenous people in Latin America, and in 2005 it elected an indígena, Evo Morales, to be its president. 34

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The Quechua and Aymara peoples are the best-known of the more than 30 native cultures here. Traditional Quechua and Aymara practices such as ayni (reciprocal community work), ayllu (community with communal ownership of property) and reciprocity, as well as numerous rituals, are woven into the fabric of daily life. A visit to the countryside, where one sees the daily use of ritual in clearing a field or chewing coca, affirms that the Pachamama (Mother Nature) is alive and well in the hearts of the Bolivian people. Urban Bolivianos practice their traditions with a modern twist. On the first Friday of every month, dozens of small business people in downtown Cochabamba bless their store fronts and offices by burning an offering (q’owa) to Pachamama. Even the Catholic Church, which colonized

Bolivia alongside the Spaniards, has fused indigenous traditions into their Sunday mass, and it is not uncommon to see priests blessing crops and animals with traditional offerings.

History From the Incan guerrilla warrior Tupac Katari to the Water and Gas Wars of 2000, Bolivian history is rich with rebellion. The country was unified in 1825, but since that time it has not flourished with the promised democracy; rather, it has endured a series of dictatorships who, in alliance with powerful foreign business interests, have exploited the country’s mineral resources. Today almost any Bolivian over 40 harbours a personal story of exile, imprisonment, or state violence from those times. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

to the world-renowned Lake Titicaca whose deep blue waters offset the dry grasses of the wind-swept altiplano – Bolivia welcomes you.

The bottom line of Bolivia’s dramatic history is the strength of the people and their dedication to their cultures – and these qualities make this place not only the most indígena nation in Latin America, but also a leader in forging a post-colonial world.

The country has three major cities: La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. La Paz (at 3,500 metres alt.) is a bustling cosmopolitan city situated in a bowl and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. The streets are full of life, every neighbourhood has a vibrant local market, and the pre-Incan ruins of Tiawanaku are a day-trip away. In June you will enjoy the cultural and social event of the year: the Gran Poder festival with its non-stop dancing.

You can visit Sucre, a bucolic colonial city that houses Bolivia’s national museums, and then travel to Potosí, once the largest urban area in South America, now a testament to the destruction that colonization wrought in its voracious appetite for silver.

To the east, tropical Santa Cruz is known as the economic center with its agro-industrial businesses. Rapid growth has given the city a hodgepodge look, making it a less charming place for most travellers – but it is the jumping-off spot for sights well worth visiting. One of these is Parque Nacional Amboro, probably the most accessible of the national parks and the site of beautiful cloud forests. East of Santa Cruz, the flat plains are home to the Chiquitano people and dotted with the exquisitely reconstructed Jesuit mission churches. Bolivia Welcomes You From the heights (over 6,000 metres) of the Cordillera Real to the steaming jungles of the Amazon basin; from La Paz, a city of over a million people, with its Hyuano Potosí (6,088 metres);

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

BOLIVIA

In 2005, after several decades of sustained community organizing and protest, the people of Bolivia elected their first indígena president, Evo Morales. Under his administration a different era has begun. Changes include: a new constitution that reflects the needs of native peoples and cultures; renegotiation of profits with formerly corporate-owned industries; attempts at land reform; and a countrywide literacy project.

Last but not least is the less-visited city of Cochabamba. Situated in a fertile valley surrounded by small family farms, it produces an almost endless variety of vegetables and fruit. This fact translates into an extensive local cuisine and the local saying: “We live to eat, not eat to live.” The city is a perfect place for studying Spanish or Quechua – or just relaxing and getting to know the people. A number of local groups offer volunteerwork opportunities, and many a traveller has stayed “un ratito mas,” as Cochabamba is truly is a hard place to leave.

Heads Up! Two destinations should not be missed. The first is Lake Titicaca. Located 75 km from La Paz, this immense lake is the largest high-altitude body of water in the world. Its vastness is a breath-taking sapphire blue, and the shoreline is dotted with the same reed boats, llamas, and farmers tilling the land as they have done for centuries. Copacabana is the best-known town on the lake, offering a comfortable base from which to explore. And do not miss the cathedral and its black Virgen de Candelaria, nor neglect to feast on a plate of fresh lake trout before catching a boat to spend a few days exploring the stunning Isla del Sol just a short boat-ride away. The second must-see spot is the Salar de Uyuni, an indescribable expanse of salt flats that attracts visitors from all over the world. At over 12,000 square kilometres, this lake is the world’s largest, its white expanses displaying such treasures as the Red and Green Lakes, thousands of pink flamingos, and some of the strangest rock formations you will ever see. Reliable guides abound, and any travel agency can organize a tour. So whether you are looking to enjoy the energetic, bustling cosmopolitan cities or the wide expanses of wild nature, Bolivia welcomes you. Contributed by: Lee Cridland, Co-director of Volunteer Bolivia www.volunteerbolivia.org, www.boliviacultura.org

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DON’T LET BITE. THE BUGS

na frican childre A 0 0 ,0 3 le b from the n unbelieva protect them n Malaria kills a ca t e n d e b simple isease. A day. And yet a transmit the d t a th s e o it u q r them. os impossible fo , night-biting m s u r fo y s a e $10 – net costs only night.

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1 NET. 10 BUCKS EMPOWERED

BY YOU, ME &

UNICEF

INSPIRATION

Students Unite for Children with UNICEF Canada

“If you think that you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.” ~ African proverb UNICEF Canada is calling out to all high school, college and university students to lend a hand in saving children’s lives around the world. You can join UNICEF’s work to help the world’s most vulnerable children by uniting for one of the following campaigns:

Spread the Net

For many people in Canada, mosquitoes are a symbol of summer; an itchy nuisance at the park or around the campfire. But for millions of people around the world, mosquitoes carry malaria, a dreaded disease responsible for over one million deaths each year. With their small bodies and immature immune systems, children are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and death. Malaria is the single biggest killer of African children under the age of five and accounts for almost one in five of all childhood deaths in Africa. The Spread the Net campaign was initiated to raise funds and awareness to help prevent children from dying of malaria. Its goal is to raise funds to provide 500,000 long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets for children and families in Liberia and Rwanda. Important date: World Malaria Day, April 25 Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

You can: Join the Spread the Net Student Challenge and/or host the Eye See III exhibit of photos taken by children in Liberia and Rwanda Visit: www.SpreadtheNet.org

UNITE for Children, UNITE Against AIDS Every day, almost 800 children under the age of 15 die because of AIDS, and over 1,000 are newly infected with HIV. More than 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Millions of these children are deprived of vital medicines, care, and support. The global Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign has set its priorities around the Four Ps – the urgent imperatives of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV; providing pediatric treatment; promoting prevention of infection among adolescents and young people; and protecting and supporting children affected by HIV and AIDS. Important date: World AIDS Day, December 1

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF and Schools for Africa In sub-Saharan Africa alone, approximately 41 million children do not go to school. Almost one child out of two grows up behind an invisible wall of poverty and discrimination, and is not able to attend elementary school. Canadian children and young people have supported their peers in developing countries for over 50 years by participating in the annual Trick-orTreat for UNICEF campaign. Trick-orTreat for UNICEF changed in 2006 to include more fun, meaningful and educational fundraising opportunities for children, youth, and communities. The campaign helps to give the lifechanging gift of education to children in Malawi and Rwanda through the Schools for Africa programme. Important date: National UNICEF Day, October 31

You can: Host an HIV/AIDS film festival and invite a local advocate/hero

You can: Organize a Halloween fundraiser for the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign or take up the Dare-to-Wear challenge

Visit: www.UniteforChildren.ca

Visit: www.TrickorTreatforUNICEF.ca Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION

Want to be creative?

If you are passionate about a cause that UNICEF works on, why not start your own fundraising and advocacy campaign? Other important dates: International Youth Day, August 12 Universal Children’s Day, November 20 For more information on any of these campaigns or UNICEF’s work, please email us at youthuniting@unicef.ca. Contributed by: Muneeb Syed, UNICEF Canada Coordinator, School and Youth Campaigns

UNICEF PROFILES Brock University Cares Brock University has embraced Spread the Net with open arms and open wallets. In mid-September, an audience of over 2,500 screaming students crowded in front of Brock’s iconic Schmon Tower to celebrate the campaign launch with co-founders Belinda Stronach and Rick Mercer. A group of shirtless Stronach fans painted their chests to spell out Belinda and wore foam finger signs. The school’s cheerleaders performed, and its mascot, the Brock Badger, kept morale high. Brock was chosen for the Spread the Net launch because it had raised $5,000 in just two weeks during last year’s challenge, Mercer said. It is an impressive feat for students already struggling to pay for rent, tuition and beer, he added.

Curve Communications Canadian Representative to J8 Summit - Alex, Stephanie, Wilson, and Khalil.

Brock’s goal is to raise the equivalent of $2 for each of its 17,000 students.

“I’m leaving my toonie on the podium,” Brock University President Jack Lightstone said during his speech that day. Volunteers walked the crowds asking for donations and received $4,700.

The UNICEF Junior 8 Summit

Brock’s generosity in this ‘war on mosquitoes’ has continued flowing since. Brock’s Student Union raised nearly $4,500 from their Formal Silent Auction and a trip to the Niagara Ice Dogs hockey game. This semester, the student union plans to host a Spread the Net pub night with t-shirt and dreadlocks (from their president’s head!) for sale. Brock raised nearly $1,000 this holiday season through the sales of poinsettias and Spread the Net donation cards. Residences have raised hundreds via change drives and a sporting contest of net-based games. A large residence bulletin board has a thermometer displaying Brock’s progress towards our $34,000 fundraising target. International students donated several hundred dollars raised from selling traditional cuisines. Recreation and Leisure students raised funds hosting an indie acoustic pub concert.

A selection process was created through which the RHS J8 Team was born — Wilson, Stephanie, Khalil and Alex. All of us felt that the J8 was a great way for us to get together, try to brainstorm some creative solutions, and possibly win the opportunity to represent our country and share our ideas on a global stage at the 2008 G8 Summit in Japan. We had all heard of UNICEF’s work and participated in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign as kids, but the J8 was really the catalyst for most of our involvement with UNICEF.

Brock has challenged departments, student organizations, and individuals to compete in fundraising contests. Those who raise the most will win bragging rights and some fabulous prizes. Brock has raised over $20,000 for Spread the Net and is committed to reaching our fundraising goal of $34,000. Contributed by: Jeremy Greenberg, Brock University Coordinator, Student Leadership & Engagement

I first found out about the UNICEF Junior 8 Summit through the internet and got my school — Richmond High from Richmond, BC — involved.

Thanks to the J8 Summit, we met some incredible friends from around the world, and learned about other cultures, points of view, and inspirational ideas. We have all become better communicators, leaders and team players, as well as far more informed about current events and the difficulties involved with solving major problems in the world today. Since returning from Japan, we have presented our work at the annual Richmond Student Leadership Conference, where we led two workshops focusing on youth activism. A large Spread the Net campaign at our school and in our city is currently being planned for 2009. As well, our team hopes to work with UNICEF BC to host a conference for the teams who compete in this year’s J8 competition, so that they can emulate the J8 experience prior to attending — and for the teams who don’t win, still enjoy a great exchange of ideas and inspiration. Several of our team members are hoping to help out at the J8 Summit in Italy this summer too, as well as become long-term volunteers with UNICEF. For more information on J8 visit www.unicef.ca/junior8summit. Contributed by: Stephanie Liou, Junior 8 Summit Participant, Canadian Representative

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

NEW ZEALAND

Get a ‘Hands-On’ Education in

New Zealand

New Zealand is a land of awe-inspiring landscapes, rugged mountains, active volcanoes, rolling green pastures, and rare wildlife. But it isn’t just the tourists who enjoy the spectacular scenery that New Zealand has to offer; these unique features also get put to good use by students to further their experience and knowledge of a wide range of subjects. Studying in New Zealand is a very ‘hands-on’ experience for most. Whether they’re researching a doctoral thesis, training to become an Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

outdoor adventure leader, or hoping to understand and predict natural disasters, they can enhance their studies in New Zealand with real-life experiences. For students specializing in geology or environmental studies, New Zealand is the ideal place to get their hands dirty. The country has several active volcanoes, underground geothermal areas, low-lying glaciers, and is situated on the border of two tectonic plates. This allows for some unique research

opportunities. Over one-third of New Zealand’s area is protected parkland or forest, so it’s easy to access natural areas without having to stray far from educational facilities or urban conveniences. New Zealand’s remoteness also makes it a great place to study protected wildlife, with populations of penguin, albatross, the world’s only alpine parrot – the kea – and the world’s heaviest insect, the giant weta. For international student Jennifer Anne Study In Canada • Study Abroad © Christopher Howey - Dreamstime.com

NEW ZEALAND

Moore, a prehistoric lizard called the Tuatara was the draw card. “There is no other place in the world where Tuatara occur, so it only made sense to come to this fantastic country to study these amazing animals!” says Jennifer. “My field work is on Stephens Island, in the Marlborough Sounds. It’s an amazing nature reserve that holds the largest population of tuatara in the world.” New Zealand is also famous for being an adventure-lover’s playground. The rugged but accessible landscape makes it a must-do for hikers, mountaineers, kayakers, surfers, skiers, mountain bikers, and of course bungy jumpers! For some, the great recreational activities in New Zealand are just a bonus of studying here. For others, the recreational activities are a key element in their studies. Matt Harris chose New Zealand for his studies in Outdoor Recreational Leadership because of the great opportunities to put his learning into practice. Already, he’s assisting teaching people of all ages and abilities rock-climbing, white-water kayaking and mountain-biking in New Zealand’s outstanding natural terrain. “It’s amazing what these people get from their experiences,” says Matt. “Along with a strong sense of adventure, they

Rangitoto College Rangitoto College is a state co-educational high school based on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand. We are New Zealand’s largest high school with a roll of over 3,000 students.

learn teamwork, trust and confidence and they often make a bunch of new friends. It’s personally rewarding for them and also for me, as their trainer.” Everything from a certificate to a postgraduate degree can be obtained in the field of outdoor recreation in New Zealand. Studying in a country renowned for adventurous outdoor experiences is ideal for students who want a piece of the action. In addition to more general qualifications, students in New Zealand can become qualified as skydiving, scuba diving, and skiing or snowboarding instructors, to name just a few. Agriculture has always been the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, so it’s no surprise that a lot of great agricultural training and research is based there. Programs focus on diverse subjects including forestry, farm management, biotechnology, horticulture and viticulture (grapegrowing). For doctoral student Serkan Ateş, however, it was the opportunity to study grass (for grazing pastures) that brought him to New Zealand. “New Zealand is probably considered one of the most advanced countries in the pastoral sector,” Serkan explains. “I believe my New Zealand education will give me enough Auckland confidence to deal New Zealand with complicated agricultural and pastoral problems and knowledge to provide solutions.”

Rangitoto College caters for girls and boys from age 13 to 19 years (Years 9-13). Approximately 5% of the school population is made up of international students. Rangitoto College has hosted international students for many years. We have an experienced team of international staff who are dedicated to the academic and pastoral needs of our students. We offer you the opportunity of a World Class Educational Experience here at Rangitoto College.

www.rangitoto.school.nz

Contact Details

Rangitoto College

Private Bag 93-601 Browns Bay, Auckland New Zealand Telephone: +64 (9) 477 0150 Facsimile: +64 (9) 477 4866 Email: robbie@rangiworld.co.nz

All of New Zealand’s eight universities are research-based, which give students at every level of the system an opportunity to do real work in their fields. The educational system in New Zealand also encourages students to think for themselves, rather than memorize and repeat what their lecturers say. Discussion, debate and innovation result in some great new ideas coming out of New Zealand schools.

Along with the eight universities, New Zealand has 21 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics around the country offering practical courses which lead to certificates, diplomas and degrees in a number of subjects. Often their courses include the opportunity to get valuable work experience as part of their programs. This gives students skills that just can’t be learned in the classroom. Hundreds of private training providers round out the options for students, with courses that lead directly to careers in fields like IT, business, travel and hospitality. New Zealand has a national quality assurance system, called the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This ensures that students taking courses in New Zealand are consistently getting a great education that can be transferred to other schools around the world and is recognized by potential employers. This makes it easy to complete an entire degree in New Zealand or just a few specialized courses as part of a semester abroad. The small population of New Zealand also means that class sizes tend to be smaller, allowing students more personal attention from lecturers and tutors. The small classes, along with the emphasis on discussion and participation in class, mean that students from overseas get to know their classmates quickly and make friends easily. Leisure time is important to New Zealanders, so students are likely to have a lot of fun while they’re in the country. That balance of great education and memorable experiences is what makes New Zealand such a popular place to study. Studying in New Zealand, whether for a few months or a few years, is an experience that international students treasure for the rest of their lives. You may get your hands a bit dirty, but you’ll also get a chance to participate in practical training and research to help launch your career. Contributed by: Michelle Waitzman Communications Specialist Education New Zealand www.newzealandeducated.com Helpful websites: Student Visas: New Zealand Immigration Service www.immigration.govt.nz Qualifications: New Zealand Qualifications Authority www.nzqa.govt.nz

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

university of otago information

the university of otago is new Zealand’s first university (founded 1869) and the top-ranked university in new Zealand for research quality. otago offers a unique campus environment for students with accommodation options within walking distance of the campus.

wildlife management, indigenous studies, international studies and business management • Semester or Summer School (Jan/Feb) study options for short-term study

international students can access:

• Tuition fees for PhD students at New Zealand domestic rates

• A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options across health sciences, business, humanities and science

• Generous scholarship support for postgraduate research students

• Specialist programmes in teaching (for graduates who want to train as a teacher), science communication,

• The scenic South Island and adventure tourism opportunities

uni versity of otago, n eW ZeaLan D

UnIVeRSITY OF OTaGO, wellInGTOn

UnIVeRSITY OF OTaGO, CHRISTCHURCH new zealand

OU1493

www.otago.ac.nz

university of otago, DuneDin

for furtHer information: international office, university of otago, Po Box 56, Dunedin 9054, new Zealand tel 64 3 479 8344, fax 64 3 479 8367, email international.admissions@otago.ac.nz

IRELAND

Irish Education Key to Past Development and to Future Economic Growth The Irish have always had a very high regard for education. In the absence of mineral or other natural resources, or of wealth gained through colonial conquest, the key to wealth for The Rebuplic of Ireland is through the knowledge and skills of its people. Education and training have always been seen as key to Ireland’s success and wealth. For over 40 years, the Irish government has invested heavily in education as a key element in its economic development. Having educated Irish people at home was seen as a key factor in attracting multinational investment into Ireland: Educated Irish who emigrated to major economic centres were not only well-positioned to get rewarding jobs, but also often became key influencers in promoting Ireland as an excellent destination for incoming corporate investment. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Ireland’s economic success since the 1980’s has been based primarily on such inbound investment, particularly from large corporations. The main factors influencing this investment were seen as Ireland having a young, English-speaking, educated population; large European market; pro-business fiscal policies; and an attractive location for expatriate staff. As Irish policy-makers developed economic growth plans for the 21st century, they focused on education and research as key areas for investment. They also realised the need to develop new links and networks with the growing economies in Asia. Under the National Development Programme (NDP) [2007-13], the Irish

government has committed €6 billion (CAD$10 billion) to develop research capacity in key areas – and much of that funding is allocated to education institutions. This plan envisages the recruitment of top-notch international researchers into Irish programmes, as well as the doubling of PhD output of the higher education institutions. Apart from the direct investment in education and research, the government also sees the need for Irish education to forge new international links and networks, and is working closely with universities and colleges to encourage the development of new academic and research links in key Asian countries, as well as maintain and deepen traditional European and North American links. Study In Canada • Study Abroad

IRELAND

Higher Education System The higher education system in Ireland is also referred to as tertiary or thirdlevel education. This encompasses qualifications offered by universities, institutes of technology, and colleges. The qualification system in Ireland fits into the National Framework of Qualifications. This is a system of ten levels incorporationg all the recognized Irish awards available at each level. Students can use the system to compare the qualifications on offer at their level and choose the best route of education. For more information on this, visit www.nfq.ie/nfq/en. Awarding Bodies Some institutions, including a growing number of institutes of technology, are authorized to grant their own awards. Institutes of technology and colleges are subjected to quality assurance reviews by The Higher Education Authority and Training Awards Council (HETAC). HETAC makes awards and monitors standards of higher education up to the doctorate level. Universities Irish universities offer internationallyrecognized qualifications.

usually awarded as a pass or fail, with distinction in rare cases. Institutes of Technology There are 14 institutes of technology in the Republic of Ireland. They offer a variety of programs that are validated by the individual institutions and quality-assured by HETAC. The qualifications offered include bachelor’s degrees, honours bachelor’s degrees, and post-graduate awards. The programs on offer have a more practical and technological focus and usually include subjects such as Science, Engineering, Technology, and Business, with some offering programs in areas such as Art and Design, Humanities and Languages, Health Care, and Tourism. Colleges of Education There are several colleges of education dedicated to the training of primary school teachers. These offer three-year degrees leading to a Bachelor’s of Eduation. Teachers at the secondary school level tend to study at university degree, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education. Independent Colleges

Bachelor’s: these are higher education qualifications that lead to degrees such as BA (Arts), BSc (Science), or MB (Bachelor of Medicine). They are usually three-year programs combining lectures, tutorials, and practical demonstrations. The grading system is as follows: First Upper Second (2:1) Lower Second (2:2) Third Pass Fail

In addition to the publicly-funded higher education institutions, there is a number of independent colleges that offer courses such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Law, Humanties, and Art. Some of these colleges have links with universities or are validated by HETAC. There are also several colleges with programs that lead to awards conferred by overseas universities or other awarding bodies.

Why Ireland? • Ireland is recognized as an international location for high-quality scientific research • Ireland is an English-speaking country, yet continues to celebrate its rich linguistic heritage with its own distinctive language, Gaelic • Irish people are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, which greatly contributes to the ease with which overseas students adapt to student life in Ireland • With 40% of the population being under the age of 25, Ireland is one of the more exciting places in the world to be a student • Ireland is beautiful: Its unspoilt landscape provides a rich environment for the many outdoor leisure pursuits for which it is famous, like watersports, hill walking, rocking climbing, and caving • Ireland is a highly-developed democracy with a modern economy that is particularly strong in software development, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and international services • The number of international students visiting Ireland is increasing each year, as students from all over the world are taking advantage of the high standard of education in Ireland, the unique cultural experience, and the outstanding friendliness of the Irish people. Sources: www.i-studentadvisor.com/studying-inireland.html www.studyinbritain.com/ireland/

Master’s: these can be research-based or taught, or a combination of both. They take a minimum of 12 months to complete and grades are awarded as distinction, merit, pass, and fail.

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Doctorate: these qualifications offer you the opportunity to complete an original piece of research, usually in the form of a dissertation. This takes a minimum of three years and requires full time work at it and a lot of independent study. Doctorates are

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Get your Medical Degree at the

University of Limerick, Ireland The University of Limerick (UL) is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 300 acres with the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning environment.

BM BS Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (Graduate Entry)

The University of Limerick’s BM BS Graduate Medical Programme (GMP) is open to graduates from any discipline. It has a highly innovative curriculum which offers students the opportunity to complete undergraduate medical training in four years in an environment specifically designed for graduate students. During your four years of study, you will be taught all of the basic medical and clinical sciences necessary to form the basis for postgraduate training and for a career in one or other branch of medicine.

Entry Requirements for Canadian Students Candidates must hold a minimum 2.1 (second class honours, grade one) result in their first honours bachelor degree.

Candidates will need to provide a competitive MCAT or GAMSAT score. Applicants must also attend for interview as part of the selection process.

Application Process for Canadian Students Canadian students are requested to apply for this programme through the Atlantic Bridge Programme. The Atlantic Bridge Program is a cultural diversity program through which the Irish medical, dental, and veterinary schools admit North American students. Email: info@atlanticbridge.com Web: http://www.atlanticbridge.com/

Programme of Study

The Academic Year runs from September to June. Years 1 & 2 are taught on campus and consist of 33 teaching weeks per year. Years 3 & 4 consist of clinical training, where students rotate through the major clinical disciplines in affiliated hospitals and General Practices. The curriculum has three main modules or domains: • Knowledge of Health & Illness • Clinical and Anatomical Skills • Professional Competencies

UL Course Contact Details: UL Graduate Medical School, Room E1025, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland Email: medicalschool@ul.ie • Phone: +353-61-233740/+353-61-233756 • Fax: +353- 61 233778 Web address: www.ul.ie/medicalschool

INFORMATION

Save Money in Europe 1. London - Eat for cheap in London’s pubs As eating out in London can be expensive at the best of times, if you’re with somebody else and are about to get something to eat, keep an eye out for traditional English pubs doing ‘two for one’ deals. With these promotions you can get two meals for as little as £6.95. 2. Paris - Plan your trip around the first Sunday of the month All of Paris’ big museums are free on the first Sunday of

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the month. This includes the Louvre, Museé d’Orsay, Museé Picasso, Museé National d’Art Moderne, Museé de l’Histoire de France and Museé Rodin. Other municipal museums such as Museé de l’Histoire de Paris and Crypte Arhcéologique de Notre Dame are free every Sunday morning between 10am-1pm. 3. Barcelona - Save money on public transport A single journey on Barcelona’s metro/bus network costs €1.30. As you may need to use public transport a lot during your stay, rather than paying for single journeys, buy an all-day card for €5.50.

4. Rome - Pay nothing into the Vatican Museum No, we’re not trying to instigate a revolt against admission charges into the Vatican’s number one tourist attraction! We’re just letting you know that if you happen to be in Rome on the last Sunday of the month, you can save yourself €13 as this is when one of Rome’s number one attractions is free. Get there early though. 5. Dublin - Take advantage of ‘early bird’ specials You may think that eating out

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

6. Amsterdam Catch free concerts The Boekmanzaal, which is part of the Muziektheater (Opera House), hosts free concerts every Tuesday afternoon at 12.30pm (September to May). Performed by either Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, the Choir of the Netherlands Opera, or the Netherlands Ballet Orchestra, they shouldn’t be missed. And every Wednesday afternoon (Sept-June) you can catch a free concert in Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw which is located at Concertgebouwplein 2-6. The concerts take place at 12.30pm and doors open at 12.15pm. 7. Venice Stock up on cheap wine Due to the amount of walking required from you in Venice, a large bottle of water will be attached to your hand for the most part of each day there. Rather than throw them away, bring them to one of the numerous wine shops around the city where you can get them filled with sumptuous wine for as little as €2.10 per litre. You’ll find them on Campo Santa Margherita, Fondamenta dei Ormeisini, and Calle de la Bissa, just minutes from Rialto Bridge. 8. Prague - Visit a museum for free Some of Prague’s main museums are free on certain days. This includes the National Museum on the first Monday

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

of every month, most of the main galleries on the first Tuesday of every month, and the Prague City Museum on the first Thursday of every month. 9. Madrid - Visit two of Madrid’s top museums for free If you are visiting Madrid on the weekend and you plan on visiting both the Reina Sofia and Prado art galleries, good news - the Reina Sofia gallery is free on Saturdays after 2.30pm and all day Sunday, while the Prado is free all day Sunday also. 10. Berlin - Save money on Museuminsel If you plan on visiting any of Berlin’s National Museums, leave your visit until Thursday evenings (after 2pm) when they are all free. There are 16 in total. This includes all the museums on Museumsinsel, the Museum of Decorative Arts in Tiergarten, and the Museum of Indian Art on Taku Strasse. 11. Florence - Enjoy the best view in Florence Located just 20 minutes walk from the Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo affords visitors the best views of Tuscany’s capital. Every day hundreds converge on this large square to take in the vistas. The sunsets are unforgettable. 12. Vienna - Get cheap tickets for the opera You don’t need to be a member of Vienna’s elite to enjoy a night at the opera. The hoi polloi can enjoy such masterpieces as ‘La Traviatta’ also for as little as €3.50 (if you don’t mind standing). To get these tickets, line up at the opera house about two hours before the performance at the ‘standing tickets’ sign on the right side of the building.

13. Munich Catch the ‘Glockenspiel’ Every day at 11am and 12 noon, hundreds gather in Munich’s illustrious Marienplatz and gaze at the New Town Hall to catch the ‘Glockenspiel,’ a 15-minute show where 32 lifesized figures perform the traditional ‘Cooper’s Dance.’ After five minutes, you’ll wonder what all the fuss is about, but it’s nice to catch it if you’re in the vicinity at the time.

INFORMATION

in a restaurant is beyond the budget of a backpacker, but thanks to ‘early bird’ specials, it isn’t. You can avail of these specials between 5pm and 8pm (approximately) and, costing anything between €12 and €25, they can comprise up to four courses. Two of the city’s best are in Afsana on Temple Lane in Temple Bar (four courses for €13) and Atlantic on Suffolk St at the bottom of Grafton St (starter and main for €15.95).

14. Edinburgh Enjoy cheaper food, just for being a backpacker! The proprietors of ‘The Last Drop’ pub in the Grassmarket must have been backpackers in a previous life: To help those travelling on a budget they have been kind enough to slash all main courses on their menu costing £6.50 to a mere £3.50. These include haggis and pasta dishes. To avail yourself of this offer simply arrive before 9pm and prove to them that you’re a backpacker. Your hostel key/card should do it. 15. Budapest - Get money back when you leave the baths Entrance to Budapest’s baths can cost anything up to 2,500HUF. But in many baths (namely the Gellert Baths and Szechenyi Baths) you receive money back if you leave within a certain amount of time. So if you pay 2,300HUF into the Szechenyi Baths, leave within 2 hours and you will receive 700HUF on the way out. Simple! 16. Athens - Buy the ‘Acropolis ticket’ Entrance to Athens’ number one attraction the Acropolis is €12. But the price of the Acropolis Ticket is €12 also. The difference between the two?

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INFORMATION

The Acropolis Ticket also grants you entrance to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, and Keramikos Cemetery. Worth investing in, obviously.

Via Palestro is one of the city’s most intriguing galleries and, since it’s free to get in, is well worth visiting. Located at the foot of Giardini Pubblici, it is home to some of Italy’s best modern art.

17. Nice - Stroll along Promenade des Anglais In 1822 a group of people from Nice’s English colony pooled together to make a seaside path to stroll along. As a result, Promenade des Anglais was born. Today, Nice’s famous path is the perfect place to weave in and out of joggers, rollerbladers, tourists and sunworshippers either coming from or going to the beach.

19. Brussels - Embark on city walks Brussels’ city centre streets are where you will find two of its best attributes - comic art and Art Nouveau buildings. Visit the city’s tourist office at Hotel de Ville in the Grand Place and request either the comic art walk or Art Nouveau walk. Then simply lose yourself for the afternoon, admiring the sights along the way at no cost whatsoever.

18. Milan - Visit Milan’s modern art gallery Housed in a building where Napoleon once lived, Milan’s Galleria d’Arte Moderna on

20. Valencia Visit Valencia’s free attractions If you’re broke, take note of Valencia’s free attractions. These include Museo de

Ciencias Naturales, a science museum in Jardines del Real, La Lonja across from Mercado Central which is a Unesco World Heritage site, and Museo de Bella Artes, Valencia’s fine arts museum on Calle San Pío. Contributed by: www.hostelworld.com You can download free copies of Hostelworld.com’s PDF Pocket Guides for all of the top cities. Visit www.hostelworld.com and look for the Free Pocket Guides link. Note currency exchange rates (at time of printing): €1=CAD$1.65 £1=CAD$1.80 HUF1=CAD$0.006 (CAD$1=HUF180) Photo credits in order: © A.Ender Birer - iqtasarim.com © hassan bensliman - Fotolia.com © Fotolia VI - Fotolia.com © soundsnaps - Fotolia.com © Alain Rapoport - Fotolia.com © DX - Fotolia.com © Vinc Trent - Fotolia.com © Daiga - Fotolia.com © Antonio Alcobendas - Fotolia.com © Felix Horstmann - Fotolia.com © Alfio Felito - Fotolia.com © Martin - Fotolia.com © Protosom - Fotolia.com © Fotolia XI - Fotolia.com © Nyul - Fotolia.com © David H. Seymour - Fotolia.com © Fotolia X - Fotolia.com © Henry Bonn - Fotolia.com © sumnersgraphicsinc - Fotolia.com © Aleksey Trefilov - Fotolia.com

STUDY INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY & TOURISM MANAGEMENT OR EUROPEAN CULINARY ARTS IN A TRULY INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT! Lynn University US Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management

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FRANCE

Destination France

with CampusFrance

Still Wondering “Why France”? In today’s globalized higher education, France is one of the most attractive countries for foreign students, it being the ideal place from which to discover Europe. Students in France enjoy lower tuition fees, equal to those paid by the French, and can obtain the same degrees; the health care system is modern and accessible; public transportation is easy and affordable; financial assistance for housing is available; books, films, museums, theatres, cafés and the much appreciated French food are part of everyday life; and local and international cultural events are celebrated everywhere in the cities or in the country. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

The Right Choice Bordered by eight other European countries, France is at the crossroads of the continent: A weekend or a break during the academic year allows you to visit Amsterdam, Brussels, London, Barcelona, Rome or Munich, or around France to broaden your French experience. The world’s sixth-largest economy, France owes much of its success to its research capabilities and achievements, notably in Aerospace, Transportation, Electronics, Telecommunications, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Health, and Mathematics. The recent development of a network of research and higher education clusters reaffirms France’s

determination to maintain a strong position as a knowledge economy. Known under the acronym PRES (pôles de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur), the clusters offer France’s academic and scientific communities new ways to co-operate and share knowledge.

Francophonie French is spoken as an official or common language on five continents, in 47 countries, and by 200 million people. It is the working language of the European Union’s institutions, one of the two working languages of the United Nations, the principal language of the African Union, and, of course, one of Canada’s official languages. Study In Canada • Study Abroad

FRANCE A Wide Choice of Programs France has always welcomed foreign students to share its success. Centuries of academic tradition have shaped a diversified and internationally-renowned education network in France: 83 universities operate on French soil, along with 240 engineering schools and special programs, over 200 schools of business and management, 120 public art schools, and 20 schools of architecture. In addition, more than 3,000 specialized schools and institutes provide instruction or training in specific fields such as social and paramedical work, tourism, sports, and fashion and design. Learning or improving your French language skills is easy in any of the 86 FLE “Qualité français langue étrangère” centres in France, certified by the French government and offering high-quality French language programs.

High-Quality Education at a Low Cost More than 260,000 international students – 12% of France’s postsecondary enrolment – currently 50

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attend universities and other institutions of higher education in France. France hosts more international students than any other country (except the United States and the United Kingdom). International students in France appreciate the quality of education, as well as the low tuition fees, which are guaranteed by the French Ministry of Education. As a result, students – French or international – pay only a fraction of the real cost of the education. In France, the actual cost of tuition and other fees per year and per student varies between €6,000 and €15,000, yet the final cost for a student enrolled in a public institution in France – whether at the undergraduate or graduate level – varies from €170 to €540. Fees are higher at private institutions, however, where tuition costing several thousands Euros is often the norm.

The Paris-based CampusFrance agency, created ten years ago, provides international students with an array of services, from information to online admission process to logistical planning. Placed under the joint responsibility of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the French Ministry of Education, the CampusFrance agency, and its online services available at www.campusfrance.org, give you access to information on universities, specialized schools, and vocational institutes all over France. CampusFrance is also the coordinator of a network of 100 offices around the world, which are placed under the authority of French Embassies and consulates. In Canada, CampusFrance offices are based in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Where to Start?

CampusFrance Website – a Potent Online Tool

Choosing France for your higher education or for shorter study projects can be pre-arranged from Canada. Basic knowledge of the French education system and programs, as well as additional advice and support, are crucial to selecting the right program and make an informed decision.

The www.canada.campusfrance.org website is a great source of information at any stage and level of your academic project, whether you are interested in a general degree program, professional training, language school, program taught in English, or short summer Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

programs. The online catalogue includes 35,000 programs offered at 6,000 postsecondary institutions in France. The homepage provides essential multilingual information on the education system in France (types of institutions, degrees, fields of study) and the possibility to select a program according to your specific study project. Shortcuts are provided for quick searches, with programs grouped by sections, such as programs taught in English (550 programs designed for Englishspeaking students), French as a foreign language, MBA programs, Erasmus Mundus Master’s programs, short summer/winter specialized training, etc.

FRANCE

institution(s) you have selected. The CEF/CampusFrance section of the site facilitates the administrative processing of your file, provides a platform for personalized advice on your study project in France, and creates a connection with your target institutions in France. For More Information Students are encouraged to contact the nearest CampusFrance office in Canada. In addition, information about study opportunities in France is available at most student fairs and/or thematic events attended by CampusFrance advisors. Studying in France starts in Canada! Bienvenue en France!

Transferable Degrees Contributed by:

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

• LILLE

• ARRAS

• VALENCIENNES

• AMIENS

LE HAVRE •

• ROUEN

• CAEN

• METZ

• REIMS

• PARIS

• NANCY

• BREST

• STRASBOURG

• TROYES

• RENNES

• LE MANS

• ANGERS

• MULHOUSE

• ORLÉANS

• TOURS

DIJON •

• NANTES

• BESANÇON

POITIERS •

LA ROCHELLE •

• CLERMONT FERRAND

• LIMOGES

• LYON

CHAMBÉRY •

• SAINT-ETIENNE

• GRENOBLE

• BORDEAUX

• AVIGNON

NICE •

NÎMES •

• TOULOUSE

• AIX-EN-PROVENCE

• PAU

ANDORRE

ESPAGNE

Étudier Estudiar Estudar Study

The recent development of the CEF/ CampusFrance section of the CampusFrance website offers an improved point of contact with the French

• MARSEILLE TOULON •

• MONTPELLIER

Studying in France also means living in France and discovering the French lifestyle. A simple click on the CampusFrance website’s home page provides a wealth of information about daily life in France, how to plan your stay, and how to make France your home away from home. Students, whether international or French, benefit from special arrangements, making it possible to live in France on a relatively modest budget. A system of student restaurants, housing subsidies, health insurance, student clubs and associations, and discounts on public transportation, movies, museums, libraries, and sporting events, all contribute to making your experience in France more enjoyable and affordable.

Planning to study abroad involves Note currency exchange rates (at time of several steps – from selecting the printing): €1=CAD$1.65 appropriate program to tips on daily life in France – and Canadian ROYAUME-UNI BELGIQUE students NORD PAS-DE-CALAIS can access dedicated ALLEMAGNE LUXEMBOURG services at HAUTE PICARDIE NORMANDIE www.canada. campusfrance. BASSE LORRAINE ALSACE NORMANDIE org. A ILE-DE-FRANCE CHAMPAGNE ARDENNE CampusFrance BRETAGNE advisor can help you with PAYS-DE-LA-LOIRE your selection CENTRE BOURGOGNE FRANCHE of programs SUISSE COMTÉ in France, your online POITOU application CHARENTES ITALIE GUADELOUPE process and LIMOUSIN AUVERGNE follow-up with GUYANE RHÔNE-ALPES the French MARTINIQUE institution, and LA RÉUNION AQUITAINE provide you NOUVELLE-CALÉDONIE with information MIDI-PYRÉNÉES TAHITI PROVENCE ALPES-CÔTE D’AZUR about daily life LANGUEDOC ROUSSILLON in France.

A Great Experience

Marta Maftei of the CampusFrance Canadian team; CampusFrance/CEF Vancouver. campusfrance@uniserve.com, www.canada.campusfrance.org

Personalized Service Before you go to France

Degrees conferred by French universities and other academic institutions are accredited by the French government or certified by the French ministry of Education. The system of degrees in France reflects a common European architecture based on the LMD system. LMD stands for licence (L), master (M), and doctorate (D) and is based on the number of semesters completed according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Credits may be transferable to Canadian universities depending on the policies and regulations in place in each Province and/or institution in Canada.

CORSE • CORTE

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa: Nation of Extraordinary Beauty and Opportunity “If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.” Nelson Mandela South Africa’s eventful history, its physical characteristics, and its geographical position at the southern tip of Africa on a key shipping route, have forged a country of contrast, rich in diversity and bursting with energy. There are worlds of humming humanity and teeming wildlife; of oceans and mountains, semi-desert and forests, thorny bush and savannah; of modernity and tradition; of Africa and Europe and Asia; of rich and poor. The people are friendly, the weather is fabulous, the scenery is stunning, and this middle-income country is sufficiently developed to be very user-friendly – it offers rich world comforts in a challenging and interesting developing-country setting. 52

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An International Destination After decades of isolation and sanctions, South Africa rejoined Africa and the world and became an active participant in the international economy and politics, and in global events. The country has become a favourite conference venue and has held rugby and cricket World Cups. South Africa will host the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup, the first time this huge sporting event will be held on African soil. South Africa has become an extremely popular destination for tourists, attracting more than eight million visitors during 2006. In the prestigious

2006 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey, in which 21,000 readers of the US travel magazine voted for destinations based on their travel experiences, South Africa was rated the fifth favourite country for a holiday in the world, and Cape Town was voted the eighth best city in the world and number one in Africa and the Middle East. The country has also attracted growing numbers of international students, from other African countries and from around the world. There are nearly 54,000 foreign students attending the country’s 23 public universities, and today international students comprise more than 7% of a total higher education student population of 735,000. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

International students have enriched all campuses, enabling South African students to learn about other cultures, places and perspectives. In return, international students experience a sound, credited, higher education experience in a diverse and interesting environment – all for a fraction of the cost of studying in the industrialized world. South Africa has also attracted a strong cadre of international postgraduate students and academics who engage in highly relevant research in their fields, frequently in collaboration with local scholars who have notable reputations in their areas of expertise.

Research Since democracy, South Africa has undergone enormous changes. Every aspect of life has been transformed, from politics and business to sports and society.

Research here has the potential to make a real impact on people’s lives. The country’s rich natural and ecological resources, multi-cultural population, inspiring history, and dynamic political milieu provide fascinating backdrops for studies in many fields. The experiences of the liberation struggle and the triumph of reconciliation and democracy are brought to bear on the problems that South Africa shares with Africa and the developing world. There is cutting-edge research being conducted in many areas ranging from development and health, to biotechnology, conservation, and astronomy. Several South African universities conduct world-class research, and feature in the top 1% of the world’s institutions in nine of 22 scientific fields (captured in the United States’ Essential Science Indicators database). The National Research Foundation (NRF) has identified eight focus areas for research. The first presents opportunities into areas that “characterise the country and the role that knowledge generation and transfer can play in development” in paleontology and archaeology; the Southern skies; geological heritage; societies in transformation; cultural heritage and identify formation; health; and creative arts and cultural expression. Other areas earmarked by the NRF for significant funding are: economic growth; ecosystems and biodiversity; education; globalisation challenges; information and communication technology; sustainable livelihoods; and unlocking the future.

areas of existing research strength and of national importance that are aimed at encouraging collaboration between scientists and institutions, stimulating world-class research and generating high-level human resources. Creating nodes of excellence is an ongoing project, but those already operating are the:

SOUTH AFRICA

The choice by more and more students of South Africa as a place to study affirms the quality and capacity of the country’s universities, and the international recognition of their qualifications.

• Centre for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research • Centre for Invasion Biology • Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials • Centre of Excellence in Birds as Key to Biodiversity Conservation • Centre of Excellence for Catalysis • Centre of Excellence in Tree Health Biotechnology Today, South Africa is at the forefront of the global movement to forge a more equitable and sustainable world order. The country’s setting and role in Africa – it has the biggest and most sophisticated economy, and the strongest higher education system on the continent – makes it an ideal base for studies aimed at understanding and developing Africa. The vision of the President drove the new millennium moves towards African unification and an African renaissance. The South African Government has vigorously helped to establish panAfrican institutions such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, the African Union, and the African Parliament. Since the collapse of apartheid, South African companies and universities have also spread their wings across Africa. South Africa has become the biggest investor in Africa, and its higher education institutions have forged myriad links with their counterparts across the continent, and are at the forefront of the move towards a revival of African universities. Source: Study South Africa, www.studysa.co.za With permission from IEASA (International Education Association of South Africa) www.ieasa.studysa.org

The NRF and Department of Science and Technology are creating national university-based centres of excellence in

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

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PROFILE

STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY School/Institution Name:

Western Cape, South Africa, est. 1918

Stellenbosch University, Western Cape, South Africa, est. 1918.

country’s research output and profile internationally. Stellenbosch University is currently home to ten Research Chairs in the fields of: Functional Nanostructured Materials; Experimental Petrology; Advanced Macromolecular Architectures; Genetic Tailoring of Biopolymers; Post-Harvest Technology; Photonics, Ultrafast and Ultra-Intense Laser Science; Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome; Economics of Social Policy; and Property Law.

Institution Type: University Public / Private: Public Special Features of the Location: Stellenbosch University is a town University located in the heart of the Cape Winelands and surrounded by beautiful mountains.

In addition to the Research Chairs, Stellenbosch University is also endowed with a significant number of rated researchers indicating the level, recognition, and quality of the scholars in all fields.

Programs Offered: Stellenbosch University aims to expand its postgraduate student body. Across its nine faculties, a comprehensive range of postgraduate programmes (Diplomas, Honours, Masters and PhD) is offered. All postgraduate programmes are offered in English. A range of undergraduate (Bachelors) programmes, many of which are taught in Afrikaans, is also offered. Participation at the undergraduate level requires a working knowledge of Afrikaans. Total Number of Students: 24686 Total Number of International Students: 2650 from 92 countries Accommodation Options: University residences and houses as well as private accommodation are located on and around the campus, mostly within walking distance of the majority of the academic buildings. Other private accommodation options are available in and around town. Student Life: The University has a vibrant, multilingual campus (English, Afrikaans and Xhosa) with fantastic sporting and recreational facilities and access to excellent services on and around campus. Town and campus life are closely interwoven, which gives rise to a high degree of interaction and integration. Contact Details: Stellenbosch University International Office Tel: +27 21 808 4628 Fax: +27 21 808 3799 Email: interoff@sun.ac.za Web: www.sun.ac.za/international

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Stellenbosch University is a mediumsized, research-focused institution situated in the classic university town of Stellenbosch, a place of great natural beauty, in the heart of the Cape winelands. We strive to be an excellent international university focused on research, a national asset in the development of intellectual capital, and a driving force for regional development – within the context of the Western Cape, greater South Africa, and the African continent. The University has undergone broad transformation in the last decade, by adopting a research focus, a more learning-centered approach and pursuing strategies which foster innovation. Stellenbosch University engages in basic and applied research and through partnering with industry and government has become a benchmark for research excellence. The university has established itself as one of the leading research universities in South Africa and Africa. Similar to Canada’s Research Chairs Programme, South Africa has launched a national initiative of appointing Research Chairs in different fields in order to elevate the

Three of the prestigious Department of Science and Technology (DST) Centres of Excellence are housed at Stellenbosch University as well as other important national centres. DST-NRF Centre for Invasion Biology - www.sun.ac.za/cib This Centre is concerned with the biology of invasive species. Special attention is paid to the impact that invasive species have on southern Africa’s biodiversity, agriculture, and ecotourism. DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis - www.sun.ac.za/sacema/ Research at this Centre is dedicated to modelling of disease transmission and progression, focusing on South Africa’s major health challenges. DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis (TB) Research Solutions are sought to one of the continent’s most threatening diseases. Co-hosted by Stellenbosch University (Biomedical Sciences – Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics) and the University of the Witwatersrand, the research laboratories at the two institutions combine their efforts to understand Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the bacterium causing tuberculosis in humans. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

who require it are met at Cape Town International Airport upon first arrival, and are supplied with comprehensive orientation information. They may also participate in the International Office’s Bi-Annual Welcoming Programme before the start of their studies. This is what some of our international students have to say about studying at Stellenbosch University:

surrounding community. Staff and students readily answer questions and make you feel welcome. The University is not only very stimulating academically but offers many opportunities to be involved which are not afforded at many Canadian institutions. I am constantly challenged in and outside of the classroom and am very happy with my choice of postgraduate institution.

PROFILE

With the Centre in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, Stellenbosch University has been awarded the responsibility to act as the hub of a Postgraduate Programme in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies by the South African National Energy Research Institute (SANERI), a division of the Central Energy Fund (CEF). The overall objective of this initiative is to develop and enhance national capacity in renewable and sustainable energy in support of accelerated and shared economic growth within the area of sustainable energy.

Alice BOTHWELL, Queen’s University ’08, current MA International Studies student

The National Institute for Theoretical Physics (NITheP) aims to promote research and training in Theoretical Physics at all tertiary institutions in South Africa. The hub of this institute is also located at Stellenbosch University. Prospective students have a wide range of programmes to choose from when applying to study at Stellenbosch University. The faculties at Stellenbosch University are: Arts (humanities & social sciences); Science; Education; AgriSciences; Law; Theology; Economic & Management Sciences; Engineering; and Health Sciences. Bursaries for international students from central university funds are very limited. However, funding opportunities for postgraduate projects vary between individual researchers and across the faculties. Prospective students should thus address this question as part of the application process and compete for any available opportunities.

Studying for my PhD in Geology at Stellenbosch University is a wonderful human and professional experience for me! The University is a lovely place to study, and the constant development of the research facilities does not only attract international students but also well-known international professors. The beauty of its scenery as well as its richness and diversity of cultures make South Africa a country you want to come to and stay for a while. Cynthia SANCHEZ-GARRIDO, PhD student, originally from Taverny, France.

Stellenbosch University is also part of a well-established and active network of international partners (e.g. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen; Leiden University; the Catholic University Leuven; St. Andrews University; Northwestern University; Chinese University of Hong Kong; Peking University; etc.). We also have established partnerships with ISEP, CIEE, and the AIFS. It is thus possible for students to consider Stellenbosch University as a semester abroad destination either as a “free mover” or via one of the organizations like ISEP, CIEE or the AIFS. The needs of all international students are the responsibility of the International Office. It creates a platform from the first enquiry to application, admission, and assistance in obtaining visas, registration and throughout the stay on campus. All new international students Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

As a student, Stellenbosch University has provided me with a vibrant environment, flooded with knowledge and most importantly, gelled together by the highest calibre of lecturers and researchers. I joined the Department of Conservation Ecology from Gabon. The whole atmosphere was incredibly supportive which made it easier to adapt and my advisor was particularly helpful and approachable. This support, together with the excellent library, computer services and research facilities, allowed me to work to my full potential. These factors also influenced my decision to complete both my MSc and PhD here. Donald MIDOKO IPONGA, post-doctoral research fellow, Centre for Invasion Biology.

After completing my degree in Canada I chose to go abroad for my masters. My curiosity and love of learning has brought me to Stellenbosch University. Upon arrival in Stellenbosch I was blown away by the absolute beauty and friendliness of the campus and

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From Canada to Nottingham to Grenada… the Global Educational Experience

at St. George’s University Josh Ramjist has valued excellence in education for as far back as he can remember. On his journey through secondary school and university, he often considered his future and the endless career opportunities that lay ahead. Now as a third-term medical student at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, he is proud of his decision to experience a global education.

Why SGU?

“It took a conversation with my dad who made the obvious point that there would always be time for graduate studies after medical school if I was so inclined. And that medical training would only open up further possibilities.”

SGU Campus, Grenada

When determining his post-undergraduate path, Josh struggled with graduate studies versus medical school.

Making a Worldwide Difference

Josh reflects on the reasons why he chose St. George’s University. The large number of graduates practicing in North America played a major role in his application decision. “It’s pretty silly to run off and become a doctor if afterwards you have no place to utilize your training.”

After completing the KBTGSP and moving to Grenada, Josh joined the Department of Educational Services Peer Facilitator group. The team assembles high performing students in upper terms to facilitate three specific courses for lower-term students.

The University’s history of excellent testing performances also influenced his choice to earn the international medical degree. “With such a high pass rate on the USMLE Step 1, as well as solid performance on the USMLE Step 2, I was confident with the education I’d be receiving,” Josh explains.

“We lead discussions with students regarding coursework in the respective courses,” Josh states.

In the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Program (KBTGSP), students complete the first year of the Basic Sciences on the campus of Northumbria University in Newcastle, United Kingdom. The curriculum mirrors the course of study offered in Grenada and students progress to the True Blue campus in Grenada for their second year.

During his third term, Josh presented the idea of facilitating Grenada lectures through webcasts to the students in Newcastle. The idea would further enhance the idea of global education while encouraging closer ties between the KBTGSP students in the United Kingdom and their counterparts in Grenada. The webcast is now in full swing and seems to have come at the perfect time. Currently, there are 15 student facilitators, who were all KBTGSP students.

“I was a part of the KBTGSP,” Josh affirms. “Having the chance to spend the first year in Newcastle, the second year in Grenada, and the third and fourth clinical years at various sites in North America and the United Kingdom is truly a unique experience – one that not many schools can claim.”

“Over the next few years, webcasts like these will be essential to global education,” he predicts. “It encourages group learning that is not compromised by distance.”

During Josh’s undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto: St. George Campus, he participated in a research team that focused on global health and sustainable development. He acquired a wealth of knowledge regarding practices of Chinese doctors in rural areas.

Josh plans to take advantage of the variety of options available at St. George’s University for clinical training. He intends to “move around a bit.” When asked about his ideal location to practice after graduation, Josh says, “it’s a viable option to practice in Canada, but at this point it’s a decision of opportunity.”

“My interest in global health was enriched by this experience and when I found out about the KBTGSP, I saw it as an opportunity to pursue a future in medicine concurrent with global health.”

Moving On

www.sgu.edu

As the world migrates, doctors must transcend boundaries.

St. George’s University’s worldwide network of clinical affiliates opens students to the broad scope of medicine, giving them a global perspective for their own local practice. • • • •

One of the world’s most accredited and approved medical programs $200+ million technologically advanced campus Clinical training in the United States and the United Kingdom Over 7,300 graduates pursuing careers in over 45 countries

www.sgu.edu/som 1 (800) 899-6337 ext. 280

GRENADA

Grenada The Spice of the Caribbean

Known as “The Spice of the Caribbean,” visitors are enticed by the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla, wafting on the balmy breeze. In fact, there are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Nutmeg is the most abundant spice, and Grenada produces about a third of the world’s supply. Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, is known as the most picturesque city in the Caribbean. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by a pastel rainbow of dockside warehouses and the red-tiled roofs of traditional shops and homes. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, St. George’s is filled with beautiful, well-preserved examples of French and British Colonial architecture. This small nation consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou (pronounced Carry-a KOO), and Petite Martinique (pronounced Pitty Mar-tiNEEK). Grenada is by far the largest of the three, with a width of 18 km and a length of 34 km. Its 600+ square kilometres are mountainous, volcanic terrain, reaching heights of over 850 metres atop Mount St. Catherine. This topography provides Grenada with one of the loveliest and most varied environments in the Caribbean, including crater lakes and a variety of plant and animal life. Location The three islands of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique, are located in the eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward Islands, only 160 km north of Venezuela.

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Climate Average temperatures range from 24ºC to 30ºC, tempered by the steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. The driest season is between January and May. People Approximately 108,132 (est 2008) people inhabit Grenada, including the 6,521 inhabitants of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. The nation’s citizens are primarily of African, East-Indian and European descent, with the largest proportion of African descent. Grenada is an English-speaking nation. Music With its African origins, Calypso is the music of the native Grenadian. Ex-tempore is an art form where the musician sings to a standard tune but has impromptu lyrics. Ports of Entry Visitors travel to Grenada by sea and air. International flights stop at Point Salines International Airport, at the tip of the island, just a short ride from St. George’s.

Education: The Grenada Partnership

On January 17, 1977, through an act of Grenada’s Parliament, the doors to St. George’s School of Medicine were opened and a lifetime partnership was created. Grenada, an independent nation within the British Commonwealth, has embraced St. George’s University since its inception 30 years ago. In turn, SGU, as one of the leading education centers in the region, has

been an active and vital member of the community, contributing significantly to the local economy. In fact, the University is the largest employer on the island and the single largest source of hard currency. Working with its campus affiliate, the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), the University has improved personal and public health, underwrites hospital equipment, and provides salary supports for its educational programs at the hospital. The University has also sponsored numerous social services programs, including charities such as Orphans and Elderly Fund, Bel Air Home for Abused Kids, and the Grenada Heart Foundation, which has facilitated heart surgeries free of charge for over 100 children and adults in Grenada. To date, in addition to providing students from around the world a top-level education, the University has bestowed degrees on over 200 Grenadians and awarded over 100 scholarships to citizens of Grenada, enabling them to achieve the dream of becoming doctors, veterinarians, teachers and businessmen. Just as the founders anticipated in their vision of the University, the life-long partnership between SGU and Grenada demonstrates their commitment to the transformational power of education in improving the lives of its graduates at home and abroad. Sources: www.sgu.edu/about-sgu/grenadapartnership.html, www.grenadagrenadines.com

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Veterinary Medicine connects the heartbeat within us all.

St. George’s University’s unique community of veterinary medical scholars is united by the desire to heal animals. Together they are empowered to transform their passions into practice. • $200+ million technologically advanced campus • Clinical training in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland and Australia • Faculty and students drawn from around the world • University Small Animal Hospital and Farm

www.sgu.edu/svm 1 (800) 899-6337 ext 280

UNITED KINGDOM

Scotland Leads the Way in

Stem Cell Research 60

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Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

UNITED KINGDOM

It was a defining moment in cloning history. Dolly the Sheep had come into the world a few years previously, thanks to pioneering work of scientists in Scotland. Around the globe the race was on to make the next big breakthrough. When it finally came, the world looked on with curious fascination. Once again scientists in Scotland had triumphed. The Edinburgh-based team, which had brought us the first animal to develop after nuclear transfer from an adult cell, had cloned another creature. But unlike their first white and fleecy creation, this second scientific beauty was pink and smooth. As journalists awaited the first news of the unique human creation, the team revealed their coup: Europe’s first cloned piglet. “It was a ‘eureka’ moment. The discovery was very gratifying,” says Dr Paul de Sousa, who was cloning group leader on the pig project at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh. Working in a team led by worldrenowned Professor Ian Wilmut, who created Dolly, de Sousa succeeded in achieving what many scientists only dream of. “It’s exciting to know that you’re one of a handful of people around the world that completed the dots in this puzzle,” says the 43-year-old. “Scientists operate in a realm of the unknown. In this profession, you’re always pushing the boundaries.”

World Hub The Canadian de Sousa is part of Scotland’s growing international community of life science experts. More medical research is conducted per capita in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe. The country enjoys a powerful life science research and technology base, with more than 500 organizations and more than 26,000 employees. As a global leader in stem cell research, analysts agree that Scotland is poised to lead the way in biomedical applications of cell biology.

Reproduced with kind permission of the Roslin Institute

The ‘Dolly Effect’, which lured de Sousa to Scotland in 1998, has transformed Edinburgh into Europe’s largest stem cell research community. Today the city boasts two centres of excellence, both at Edinburgh University. The Centre of Regenerative Medicine (CRM) was established in 2006 and is headed by Wilmut. Also on campus is the Institute for Stem Cell Research,

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

which in 2005 announced the creation of the world’s first ‘pure’ human brain stem cells in volume. The Scottish capital also has one of the largest concentrations of clinical scientists and researchers in the UK working on human stem cells and related clinical applications.

Voyage of Discovery Scotland continues to lead the world in this groundbreaking area. Research conducted at the CRM and the Roslin Institute aims to grow human embryonic stem cells that are safe, developmentally mature, and ethically obtained. “Scotland was the cloning centre of the world when I came. It has developed into a leading centre in stem cell research. It’s a great place for scientists in this field,” says de Sousa. “The country is at the forefront of many interesting developments in stem cell research. The research environment offers a lot of government support and funding, which is crucial.”

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UNITED KINGDOM

Healing Power Stem cells are used for the study and treatment of disease. Able to produce any cell type, stem cells are used by scientists to test new treatments. It is believed that research will pave the way for new treatments for conditions such as Motor Neuron Disease, diabetes, liver disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. Professor Stuart Forbes, of Edinburgh University’s Centre for Inflammation Research, hopes his research will help save lives in the future. For the last decade he has examined how stem cells can treat cirrhosis – liver damage – a condition that affects millions of people across the world. “There is very little treatment for severe cirrhosis apart from a liver transplant. The shortage of organ donors means that not everyone who needs a transplant can get one,” says Forbes. “Unfortunately some patients who don’t get a transplant succumb to the disease. New treatments using stem cell research could help some survive. It’s a very exciting time to be in stem

cell research and in Scotland, which has a high level of expertise in the field.”

molecular biology, to drug design and therapeutics.

National Change

New Opportunity

But Edinburgh is not Scotland’s only hub of stem cell development. Across the country, universities and companies are breaking new ground in this competitive field.

Christina Chatzi, a 27-year-old Greek PhD student at Aberdeen University’s Institute of Medical Sciences, says Scotland has a lot to offer – in and out of the lab.

In January 2007, experts at Glasgow University and at Dundee-based ITI Life Sciences announced a partnership with Cellartis AB, the world’s largest provider of ethically-derived human embryonic stem cell technologies. In the £9.5million (CAD$17 million) deal, scientists will develop an automated process to produce high quality stem cells, a capability that does not exist anywhere in the world.

“I was impressed with the multidisciplinary research at the Institute,” says Chatzi, remembering why she chose to study in Scotland.

Each year thousands of students enroll at universities across Scotland in the hope of pursuing a career in science. Universities in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh offer dynamic study programmes at undergraduate and graduate level, ranging from biomedical sciences and

“Good education is not just about knowledge; it’s about broadening your horizons and learning new cultures. Scotland has all the right characteristics: The quality of research here is high, it has fantastic scenery, and the people are very friendly. I’m hoping to stay here for the near future.” Contributed by: British Council Scotland. www.educationuk.org/scotland

SCOTLAND’S SALTIRE SCHOLARSHIPS Scotland has a number of prestigious scholarship awards available to enable talented young professionals from around the world to study a postgraduate Masters degree in Scotland. You can apply online through www.scotlandscholarship.com Scotland has a long tradition of supporting international students who study here. In addition to an exceptional educational experience, you can apply to work in Scotland or the rest of the UK for up to two years through Fresh Talent Post Study. This will enable you to gain overseas work experience for your résumé that will put your achievements ahead of your peers.

A great package – so what are you waiting for? For more information on application procedures, deadlines and eligibility criteria, visit www.scotlandscholarship.com or contact your local British Council office.

“Scotland is a country that is very modern, yet still proud of its history and traditions.” Katie Irvin, USA

“I think I have a brighter future now with more choices and possibilities” He Xunwen, China

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Think study abroad Think Newcastle Newcastle University is one of the UK’s leading universities with an international reputation for excellent teaching and research. The University is located in the heart of Newcastle, a culturally rich and vibrant city in the north east of England. We have a tradition of welcoming students from all over the world, and currently have more than 2,300 international students from more than 100 different countries. Our students enjoy a high success rate in securing employment after graduation. We offer a wide range of degree programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, including established and reputable programmes in Law, Business, Medical Sciences, Science and Engineering. For more information on how we can help you to achieve a world-class education visit:

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• One of the leading centres in the UK for in theoretical and empirical linguistics.

• Linguistic specialisms in syntax and semantics, phonetics and phonology, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, forensic speech science; combined with the highest quality language teaching. • Ranked second in the UK in the latest RAE, with two-thirds of our research judged to be worldleading/internationally excellent. Environment

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L’Écosse, en Tête de la Recherche sur les

Cellules Souches 66

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

UNITED KINGDOM

Ce fut un moment décisif dans la recherche sur le clonage. Quelques années auparavant, la brebis Dolly avait vu le jour grâce au travail précurseur de scientifiques d’Écosse. Autour du globe, la course était lancée: quelle serait la prochaine avancée majeure? Quand ce moment est finalement arrivé, le monde, fasciné, a ouvert grand les yeux. Une fois encore, les chercheurs écossais avaient triomphé. L’équipe d’Édimbourg, qui avait livré au monde le premier animal capable de se développer après transfert nucléaire à partir d’une cellule adulte, avait cloné un autre animal. Toutefois, contrairement à cette première création, toute blanche et laineuse, ce second chef-d’oeuvre scientifique était rose et lisse. Alors que les journalistes attendaient la première annonce d’une création humaine, l’équipe a dévoilé son coup fumant : le premier porcelet cloné d’Europe. « Ce fut un moment jubilatoire. Cette découverte a été très gratifiante », indique le docteur Paul de Sousa, chef du groupe de clonage pour le projet du porcelet au Roslin Institute d’Édimbourg. Œuvrant au sein d’une équipe dirigée par le professeur de renommée mondiale Ian Wilmut qui a créé Dolly, M. de Sousa a réussi ce qui demeure pour beaucoup de scientifiques un simple rêve.

« Il est excitant de savoir que l’on compte parmi les rares personnes sur la planète à être parvenues à assembler toutes les pièces du cassetête », ajoute le chercheur de 43 ans. « Les scientifiques évoluent dans le domaine de l’inconnu. Dans notre métier, nous sommes toujours en train de repousser les limites.

Un Carrefour Mondial Le Canadien de Sousa fait partie d’une communauté internationale d’experts des sciences de la vie qui ne cesse de croître en Écosse.

Reproduced with kind permission of the Roslin Institute

L’Écosse est le pays européen où le nombre de recherches médicales par habitant est le plus élevé. Le pays dispose d’une solide infrastructure technologique et de recherche en sciences de la vie qui regroupe plus de 500 organisations et plus de 26 000 employés. Les analystes s’entendent pour dire que l’Écosse, en qualité de chef de file mondial dans la recherche sur

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

les cellules souches, est prête à mener les travaux sur les applications biomédicales de la biologie cellulaire. Dans la foulée de l’« effet Dolly » qui a incité Paul de Sousa à venir travailler en Écosse en 1998, Édimbourg est devenue la plus grande communauté de recherche sur les cellules souches d’Europe. Aujourd’hui, la ville abrite deux centres d’excellence rattachés à l’université d’Édimbourg. Fondé en 2006, le Centre of Regenerative Medicine (CRM) est dirigé par Ian Wilmut. Le campus héberge aussi l’Institute for Stem Cell Research qui a annoncé, en 2005, la création en grand volume des premières cellules souches cérébrales « pures » au monde. La capitale écossaise accueille aussi l’une des plus fortes concentrations de scientifiques et chercheurs cliniques du Royaume-Uni à travailler sur les cellules souches humaines et leurs applications cliniques connexes.

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UNITED KINGDOM

Partir à la Découverte

Des Espoirs de Guérison

Changement National

L’Écosse continuer de jouer le rôle de chef de file mondial dans ce domaine de pointe. Les recherches menées au CRM et au Roslin Institute visent à produire des cellules souches embryonnaires humaines qui sont sécuritaires, parvenues à maturité et acceptables du point de vue éthique.

Les cellules souches sont utilisées dans l’étude et le traitement des maladies. Capables de produire n’importe quel type de cellules, les cellules souches sont employées par les scientifiques pour mettre à l’essai de nouveaux traitements. On croit que cette recherche ouvrira la voie à de nouveaux traitements pour des affections telles que les maladies du motoneurone, le diabète, les maladies du foie et la maladie de Parkinson.

Toutefois, Édimbourg n’est pas le seul centre de développement des cellules souches en Écosse. À la grandeur du pays, des universités et des entreprises font des percées dans ce domaine hautement concurrentiel.

« Quand je suis arrivé ici, l’Écosse était déjà le pivot mondial du clonage. Elle est devenu un leader dans la recherche sur les cellules souches. C’est un endroit formidable pour les scientifiques spécialisés dans ce domaine, poursuit M. de Sousa. « Le pays est à l’avant-garde de nombreuses découvertes intéressantes dans la recherche sur les cellules souches. Le milieu de la recherche bénéficie d’un important soutien et financement de la part du gouvernement, ce qui est primordial. »

Le professeur Stuart Forbes, du Centre for Inflammation Research de l’université d’Édimbourg, espère que ses travaux permettront un jour de sauver des vies. Depuis dix ans, il cherche à déterminer comment les cellules souches pourraient traiter la cirrhose et les atteintes hépatiques, des affections qui touchent des millions de personnes sur la planète. « Il existe très peu de traitements pour la cirrhose aiguë, hormis la transplantation du foie. Compte tenu de la pénurie de donneurs d’organe, ce ne sont pas tous les malades en attente d’une transplantation qui voient leur tour arriver », explique M. Forbes. « Malheureusement, certains patients qui ne reçoivent pas de transplantation succombent à la maladie. Les nouveaux traitements par cellules souches pourraient permettre à un certain nombre d’entre eux de survivre. » « Actuellement, il est très stimulant de travailler dans le secteur de la recherche sur les cellules souches, surtout en Écosse où le niveau d’expertise est très élevé. »

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

En janvier 2007, des experts de l’université de Glasgow et d’ITI Life Sciences, une société établie à Dundee, ont annoncé un partenariat avec Cellartis AB, le plus grand fournisseur mondial de lignées de cellules souches embryonnaires humaines obtenues de manière éthique. En vertu de cette entente de 9,5 millions £ (CAD$17 millions), les chercheurs mettront au point un processus automatique de production de cellules souches de grande qualité, une technique qui n’existe nulle part au monde. Chaque année, des milliers d’étudiants s’inscrivent dans des universités partout en Écosse dans l’espoir de poursuivre une carrière en sciences. Les universités de Glasgow, d’Aberdeen, de Dundee et d’Édimbourg offrent de dynamiques programmes d’études de premier cycle et des cycles supérieurs, aussi bien en sciences biomédicales qu’en biologie moléculaire, conception rationnelle des médicaments et thérapeutique.

De Nouveaux Horizons Selon Christina Chatzi, une étudiante grecque de 27 ans inscrite au doctorat à l’Institute of Medical Sciences de l’université d’Aberdeen, l’Écosse a beaucoup à offrir, au labo comme à la ville. « J’ai été impressionnée par la recherche multidisciplinaire menée à l’institut », précise Mme Chatzi, pour expliquer sa décision d’étudier en Écosse. « Une bonne éducation ne se limite pas aux connaissances – ça consiste aussi à élargir ses horizons et à découvrir de nouvelles cultures. « L’Écosse réunit tous les avantages. La qualité de la recherche est élevée, le paysage est magnifique et les gens sont très chaleureux. J’espère rester ici encore un certain temps. » Contribué par: British Council Scotland. www.educationuk.org/scotland

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Kingston University London www.kingston.ac.uk/canada

“[Kingston’s] record on teaching quality puts it in the vanguard of the modern university sector and is a match for many older institutions.” Sunday Times University Guide 2008

email: canada@kingston.ac.uk

Kingston University London has high quality teaching and excellent employment links to businesses and institutions located in London, England, a city recognised as one of the world’s most vibrant, historic, and culturally rich capitals. We have a commitment to quality teaching and strong links with industry so that our courses are designed to give you the skills and knowledge to enhance your career opportunities. The University is located in the historic market town of Kingston upon Thames, a Royal Borough within greater London. In 2007 the London Metropolitan Police stated ‘Kingston is among the most affluent boroughs in London with one of the lowest crime rates in the capital.’ Students can access the attractions of the capital very easily (25 minutes by train), but escape its hustle and bustle to live in the leafy suburbs with easy access to parks and outdoor activities. Kingston’s café culture provides plenty of choice for meeting friends. Lively trendy bars, traditional pubs, restaurants, gyms, a 14-screen cinema, 16-lane bowling alley, a fantastic array of shops including a large indoor mall featuring the UK’s top retailers makes the Kingston area particularly appealing to students.

The University has a strong reputation across a wide range of disciplines and comprises seven faculties: Business and Law; Art and Design and Architecture; Arts and Social Sciences; Science; Engineering; Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics; Health and Social Care Sciences.

•

Short Duration: Bachelor’s degrees are 3 years long and Masters Degrees are 1 year long.

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London Location: a world famous capital city, with good travel connections to the rest of UK and Europe.

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Good Employment prospects: strong teaching and employment links with London’s businesses and institutions. Opportunity to extend student visa after graduation to work in the UK full time for up to 2 years.

• •

Student Population: 19,900+ Diverse Student Body: overseas students represent over 133 different nations.

•

Students like you: We currently have 31 Canadian students and 65 American students pursuing a degree at Kingston.

•

Typical Course Fees: range based on course from £9,000 to £16,000 for the MBA.

Popular Courses (UG and PG) • Creative Economies • Sustainable Communities • Environmental and Earth • • • • • • • • • • •

Resources management International Finance Business and MBA Pharmaceutical Science Biotechnology Cell Biology and Cancer Biology Law (LLB and LLM) Law Senior Status (2 year UG conversion degree) Education and Teaching Human Rights and Genocide Studies Political Campaign Management Drama and Theatre

Scholarships and Financial Aid are available for Canadian Students

USA

Natural Medicine The Future of Careers in Global Health

Dr. Daniel K. Church

However, top-notch medical research and leading-edge surgical techniques alone are not effective when millions continue to suffer from debilitating chronic disease.

Health care practitioners are labouring hard to manage the symptoms of today’s ailing global health care system. As medical costs and the prevalence of chronic illness continue to rise internationally, a growing number of experts recognize that a more preventative, integrative model of health care may be the solution. In 2006, US$2.1 trillion (CAD$2.6 trillion) was spent on medical care in the United States. At least 75 percent of this went toward treating chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which are preventable or even reversible through diet and lifestyle changes. The current model of allopathic medicine widely practiced in North America today is based upon managing symptoms. This approach to medicine certainly has its place in the health care arena, and an incredible number of scientific breakthroughs have taken place through this model of care.

Natural approaches to health care, such as naturopathic medicine, nutritional counseling, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and psychological counseling are both medically-effective and cost-effective. These modalities emphasize patient-focused care and provide the opportunity to make affordable, quality health care available to those who most need it. In fact, studies show that an approach to health care that integrates natural, minimally-invasive methods such as plant-based diets, yoga, meditation, acupuncture and psychosocial support, may stop or even reverse the progression of many chronic conditions. It is proven to prevent and provide relief from many conditions, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain and fatigue, depression, and digestive disorders, as well as help patients manage illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. Growing in popularity throughout North America, different forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) are commonly used in conjunction with allopathic medical techniques. According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 38 percent of adults and approximately 12 percent of children are using some form of CAM therapy in America. A 2002 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found a similar trend in CAM usage among Canadians and Americans.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Pursuing an education in natural medicine is a great way to personally effect a positive change in the health of communities around the world. Enrolling in a comprehensive natural health sciences program that combines the best of Eastern and Western medicine will prepare future practitioners to bring their patients

health care that changes their lives and has the power to shift the global health paradigm. An important tool in reversing the chronic disease epidemic, CAM is poised to play a major role in the future of medicine. An education in this field prepares students to become naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, midwives, herbalists or exercise physiologists. When training to become a natural health care provider, students learn how to look for and find the cause of an illness rather than just treat the symptoms. They are taught to explore a patient’s entire health care picture, including issues related to lifestyle, history, and diet, from a holistic perspective that recognizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For additional information on education and career opportunities in natural medicine visit www.aanmc.org. Contributed by: Daniel K. Church, PhD, president of Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. www.bastyrcenter.org

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

A College Option for Ontario Students BUFFALO – D’Youville College has long been an international leader in health care education both at the undergraduate and graduate level. The college, now in its second century, offers a wide array of four and five year programs including physical and occupational therapy, dietetics, prepharmacy, chiropractic, (7 years) and special training programs for Canadian nurses. For students who already have a bachelors degree there are stand alone masters degree programs in occupational therapy, nursing, nurse practitioner, and Health services administration and doctoral degree programs in chiropractic, physical therapy, health policy and health education.

post-secondary school has. Small class sizes, attentive faculty, and a welcoming atmosphere all had positive effects on my achievements at the college thus far. “It started last summer with the help of a flexible curriculum allowing me to transfer and upgrade my education. I love the values the college places on teaching excellence and community involvement. And, because of that, I am a more involved student than I have ever been in a college community. More Canadian students interested in health-related programs should consider attending D’Youville College,” she said.

D’Youville’s degrees meet or exceed the licensing requirements for both the U.S. and Ontario. Special features of the private college are the small classes and personal attention students receive. Classes are taught by professors with clinical experience, and not by teaching assistants as in larger universities. All graduate and professional programs have field internships built in and our Ed.D. programs include mentoring as a key component.

Another important feature of attending D’Youville is the 20 percent Canadian tuition waiver for all undergraduate and graduate students. “In today’s economy this is a direct savings for our students and combined with the affordable tuition, our Undergraduate Instant Scholarship Program that can cover up to 50 percent of the tuition for high school students allowing us to compete favorably with the tuition costs in Ontario,” according to Ronald H. Dannecker, Director of International Admissions.

Arwa Al-Timimi is a Canadian student in the five-year dietetics program. “D’Youville College has offered me something no other

“Our special five-year programs allow the student to graduate sooner and be in the work force with an advanced degree

sooner,” he said. Both therapy programs and the dietetics major are five-years with undergraduate students earning both a bachelors and masters degree. D’Youville’s chiropractic program is seven years and students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biology and doctor of chiropractic degree. At the graduate level the therapy programs are three years and professional level entry into chiropractic requires 3-1/2 years. Graduate options in nursing include education, teaching, advanced clinical nursing, family nursing practitioner and community health nursing. “With classes meeting just one day per week, our graduate students maintain their professional careers while earning their masters degree,” said Dannecker. D’Youville has applied to the New York State Education Department and the Accrediting Council for Pharmacy Education for approval to start a pharmacy program and expect to have a decision later in 2009. D’Youville enrolls the largest number of Canadian students in the U.S. and is named for a Canadian woman, St. Marguerite d’Youville.

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Welcome to UMass Lowell— the World-Class University Next Door. We may be close to home, but we offer you a new world of opportunities. Check out the possibilities at www.uml.edu.

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Cheer on our River Hawks as they compete in Hockey East!

Office of Undergraduate Admissions UMass Lowell 883 Broadway, Suite 110 Lowell, MA 01854-5104 www.uml.edu/admissions

Internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, science, and urban engagement, UMass Lowell offers 15 doctoral, 31 master’s, and 37 bachelor’s degree programs in fine arts, humanities, social and applied sciences, education, engineering, health and environment and management. Signature programs include plastics engineering, sound recording technology, community health and sustainability, and entrepreneurship. The campus is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged campus.

INSPIRATION

Students with Disabilities

Crossing Borders in Search of Dreams Studying abroad is like a splash in the face with cold water, or at least the slow chill of unfamiliarity that creeps in upon realizing life isn’t quite the same as at home. Ottawa native, Christine Roschaert, knows this cultural adjustment well, having traveled abroad for the first time at age 12. However, when she entered college, she chose to go abroad again – this time to be immersed in her own community. Born deaf to hearing parents and educated at Ontario’s Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf, Roschaert identified with the Deaf culture (and later with the DeafBlind community as her vision deteriorated due to Usher Syndrome Type I). The one place in higher education where she could be at the center of the Deaf community was Gallaudet University in the United States. So, she left one country’s capital city for another to attend the world’s only liberal arts university established for deaf students, located in Washington, DC. “Dreams, when one is determined to make it happen, shall one day be right in front of you,” writes Roschaert in her blog, Tactile the World, about seeking out international experiences. “Dreams Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

are not only meant to be wishful thinking, but speak the language of your soul.” Her soul-searching time at Gallaudet led to the university’s Center for Global Education where she signed up for a term in the Philippines. In the town of Jagna, Bohol, she taught at a primary school with 900 students, 200 of whom were deaf or deaf-blind. “I encountered many deaf and deaf-blind children that were denied proper education. I felt a surge of passion, and I just knew that I was destined to do something on an international level.” Later, as Roschaert’s vision decreased, she did an internship at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle, Washington, the heart of the US DeafBlind community, where she found her “true calling as an advocate for human rights for the DeafBlind, along with a growing passion for international travel.” In 2006, Roschaert earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, graduating from Gallaudet along with ten other Canadians that academic year. This is only a small fraction of the 28,202 Canadians who studied at post-secondary institutions in the United States in

2005/06. Canada is now among the top five countries sending international students to the United States, according to Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. The number of Canadians with disabilities studying abroad is not reported. It is possible to obtain a full-time Canada Student Loan to attend a post-secondary institution outside of Canada if the Provincial or Territorial Student Assistance Office recognizes it as a “designated institution.” There are some US schools that may be better equipped to support people with specific disabilities, such as Gallaudet; however, students with disabilities’ first goal in finding a university should be choosing one that fits their interests and career goals. Every US institution has a disability resource provider and the majority of Americans with disabilities attend school alongside their non-disabled peers. Canadians with disabilities who dream of studying in the United States, or anywhere abroad, also should check if this portability applies to the Canada Study or Access Grants (http://www. canlearn.ca/eng/postsec/money/ grants/dis.shtml), which provide up Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION

disability and request disability accommodations may be required to provide documentation that includes a professional assessment, usually by a medical professional, regarding the status of their disability. Documentation should be current; some colleges and universities require it to be no more than three years old. You are usually responsible for the cost of testing and documentation. However, once determined that you have a disability, the university provides the appropriate accommodations and disability services at no cost to you.

to $8,000 per year to cover disabilityrelated education costs. Many of the expenses for which these grants may be used, such as attendant care or a personal aide and equipment, are typically not provided by US universities. International students do not qualify for US state programs, such as Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation, to cover these costs while in the United States. Canadian students enrolled at Gallaudet, however, have another source of support for their educational goals through The Robert Elder Sowerby Scholarship for Canadian Students Fund, which began in June 2008. Learn more at: http:// news.gallaudet.edu/?id=13401. Other scholarships, such as the US Department of State’s Foreign Student Fulbright Program, provide Canadians with and without disabilities opportunities to study at any US graduate school. Overall, much of the study abroad experience for people with disabilities does not differ from a non-disabled international student. However, there are some unique considerations for people with disabilities, and the tips below will help you know what to expect and plan for a successful experience. Your Rights While in the United States, US laws protect your rights as a person with a disability. These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 74

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

of 1990, a civil rights law that ensures that people with disabilities, including international students, while in the US, cannot be discriminated against based on disability status. The ADA defines a person with a disability as 1) someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; 2) someone with a record of such impairment; or 3) someone who is regarded or perceived as having such an impairment. Recent amendments to the ADA also expanded protections to people who would otherwise have a disability without the use of medications or assistive technology/ equipment. Because of the ADA and other laws, US educational institutions and exchange programs are required to provide equal access and opportunity to students with disabilities. This is similar to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the various provincial charters. Confidentiality You are not required to tell your school about your disability. If you choose to disclose your disability, then US privacy laws require your school to keep this information confidential. This means that they will not tell any other student or faculty about your disability unless it is necessary to arrange services. Documentation Students with disabilities who self-identify as a person with a

Receiving Support Soon after you are accepted, you should contact your school’s disability staff to discuss any disability-related services. They are not required to provide services if not given enough advanced notice to reasonably fulfill the requests. Be clear about your needs and be open to new accommodation alternatives in order to make the situation successful. Common examples of “reasonable accommodations” include extra test-taking time, sign language interpreters, or textbooks in Braille formats. If students are offered oncampus housing or transportation, then similar accommodations may be provided to ensure that housing is accessible and transportation is wheelchair-friendly. Health Insurance Your health care may also change while in the United States. Many US schools require all students to either use health insurance the institutions provide or to show proof of their own insurance. You will likely need insurance to cover costs while abroad unless you can return to Canada for care or seek reimbursements. When purchasing health insurance, ask how the plans will cover your disability related to pre-existing conditions, ongoing treatments, durable medical equipment, unforeseen changes in conditions, and prescriptions. People with pre-existing conditions will often be denied enrollment by individual US market health plans or denied coverage of their conditions for up to a year by “accident and sickness” policies. Some group insurance policies with full health coverage mandate enrollment and coverage

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Resource Center The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE), sponsored by the US Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA, provides free advice and resources for people with disabilities planning to study or intern in the United States, and consultation for placement organizations and colleges/universities on specific issues to make the experience inclusive. You can contact the NCDE at clearinghouse@miusa.org or visit its website at: http://www.miusa.org/ ncde, which is full of useful tipsheets, such as travel with a guide dog, considerations for those with mental health disabilities, or how to adjust for different electrical currents when charging one’s power wheelchair abroad. Making it Happen In 2009, a decade after Roschaert began her study at Gallaudet, she spent a couple months traveling throughout Europe on her own, meeting up with friends she made along her previous journeys. Then she headed to Nigeria for her disability work with Voluntary Service Overseas. “People come in the way of dreams, such as those who think that Deaf Blind people aren’t able to do anything,” Roschaert reflects in her blog. “It is because of fear that people do not make their dreams come true, and right now I am fearless.”

to participate in a program in Malaysia as the first wheelchair user in a CCI program. Allard says that program staff and volunteers displayed an impressive degree of openness and a willingness to try something new. Working as a team, Allard and her CCI advisors were able to find creative ways of dealing with concerns and uncertainties related to accessibility. For Allard, who uses a power wheelchair, being in Malaysia meant having to give up a certain degree of physical independence because of the physical and structural inaccessibility of the environment. Despite this challenge, Allard had an interesting, educational, and fulfilling experience in Malaysia. She says that her life has been vastly enriched by participating in an overseas service program. Read the following online stories from Canadians with visual impairments, deafness or cerebral palsy, who have studied in Russia or Thailand, and volunteered in Costa Rica or Nigeria. Then follow their lead, and start building foundations under those international dreams of yours.

• Justin Brumelle, who has cerebral

palsy, writes about his study abroad experiences in Thailand with US based Council on International Educational Exchange. Later he returned to Khon Kaen Univeristy in Thailand for 8 months to study Management Science: http://www. miusa.org/ncde/stories/Brumelle

• Julie Sanfaçon, who has a visual

INSPIRATION

of pre-existing conditions. Once enrolled, these policies can only have a six-month maximum waiting period for pre-existing condition exclusions, which is reduced or waived if you had prior credible coverage through your province/territory that did not lapse in the last 63 days.

impairment, took courses at the Russian State University for the Humanities while a student at LaValle University, Quebec. She also did a Masters of Translation course in Scotland and volunteered with a blind association in Mali. Read about her study abroad experience online: http://blindcanadians.ca/ publications/index.php?id=216

• Alan Shain, who has cerebral palsy,

volunteered abroad with Canada’s Youth Challenge International. He writes about his experiences with group dynamics on a community service project in Costa Rica: http:// www.miusa.org/ncde/stories/shain

• Christine Roschaert, who is

DeafBlind, shares her experiences with Voluntary Service Overseas of Canada working with disability groups in Nigeria: http:// tactiletheworld.wordpress.com

(*From Building Bridges: A Manual on Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange Programs, Mobility International USA) Contributed by: Michele Scheib, National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange www.miusa.org/ncde

Sidebar Canadians with disabilities not only venture across the US/Canadian border, they cross the globe. Angie Allard* had always been interested in international issues. When she first heard about Canadian Crossroads International (CCI), an organization that sponsors volunteer programs in developing counties, she was interested but apprehensive. “I remember thinking,” Allard says, “if I weren’t in a wheelchair, that would be something I’d like to do.” With encouragement and support from the staff at CCI, Allard was able

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

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Photo: Chris Crawford

USA

Study, Work, Live

Pittsburgh Ranks Top Many Lists Once an old steel town where white t-shirts turned black from the soot in the air, Pittsburgh now is a vibrant, dynamic city consistently ranked a top place to live and visit. Whether you’re considering it as your destination for a weekend getaway, postsecondary education or work relocation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a U.S. city that should top your list. Frommer’s, the renowned travel guide, marks Pittsburgh a top travel destination. With an international airport located just minutes outside of town, travelers worldwide visit Pittsburgh for work and pleasure. The only city to place in the top 20 of every issue of Places Rated Almanac since 1981, people turn to Pittsburgh for its educational institutions, job opportunities, affordable cost of living, available transportation, climate, health care, recreation, and culture. Landscape Built where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers meet and flow into the Ohio River, Pittsburgh is home to 446 bridges, many painted gold in honor of the city’s official black and gold colors also worn by Pittsburgh’s Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Some claim Pittsburgh has more bridges than any city in the world including Venice, Italy; Hamburg, Germany; and New York City, USA. Nicknamed the “Golden Triangle” for the shape naturally formed by its three rivers, the 11 “square” blocks comprising the downtown area can easily be explored on foot. Festivals

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throughout the summer months draw crowds to The Point and Point State Park where the three rivers converge. Mountains flank the south, east and west with tunnels to ease travel into the suburbs. Locals and visitors alike enjoy a ride up the side of Mount Washington on one of two incline trolleys to take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Higher Education Pittsburgh is home to several Division 1 universities as well as smaller liberal arts colleges and career schools. Some programs can be completed in as little as 12 to 24 months. The city welcomes students from around the world to study subjects as diverse as themselves – medicine, law, business, robotics, music, video/3-D design, computer forensics, architectural drafting, and more. Wired Magazine ranked Pittsburgh a Top Ten Tech Town (aka place to get your geek on) scoring high in number of comic book stores per capita, proximity to top-ranked engineering schools, and electronics stores per capita. The people of Pittsburgh value the contributions of the youthful residents, recently electing its youngest mayor; Mayor Luke Ravenstahl was sworn into office at age 26. Business After college, graduates can seek job opportunities with one of the many Fortune 500 and 1000 companies headquartered in Pittsburgh such as American Eagle Outfitters, Alcoa,

HJ Heinz Company, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Bayer USA. Even in the current downward economy, Pittsburgh’s unemployment rate remains low in comparison to the national average. Many say part of Pittsburgh’s draw is its blue-collar atmosphere. While industrial coveralls have been replaced by surgical scrubs, lab coats and business casual attire, the down-toearth, friendly nature of a Pittsburgher remains. Medicine If you’re seeking a career in medicine, look no farther than the birthplace of the Polio vaccine. Dr. Jonas Salk completed his historic research in Pittsburgh, and the city offers one of the leading facilities for medical education research and practice, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Medical careers thrive in less timeintensive programs at career colleges located throughout Pittsburgh. Students can study medical assisting, medical coding, surgical technology, radiology, ultrasound technology, and therapeutic massage; in some cases they can complete their studies in two years or less. Culture Pittsburgh’s Cultural District houses various venues for patrons to enjoy theater, orchestra, opera and ballet. If you prefer modern music, Market Square and Station Square feature local talent, particularly during the warm weekends of summer. Major

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concert attractions are drawn to Mellon Arena, Heinz Field and the Post-Gazette Pavilion year-round. An annual Arts Festival, Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, and the Mattress Factory museum of contemporary art make it easy to see why AmericanStyle Magazine ranked Pittsburgh in the top three mid-sized cities of its Top 25 Arts Destinations in the past two years. A glance at the city’s skyline reveals architectural triumphs of varying heights. The mirrored glass panels of PPG Place that reflect the Romanesque Revival-style of the Allegheny County Courthouse; the graceful curving façade of the Alcoa building; and the black triangular USX Tower reaching 64 stories, making it the tallest building in Pittsburgh. A drive beyond the city limits finds the Gothic and Art Decostyle Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus and the historic “Clayton,” a 23-room Victorian mansion. Those willing to drive farther can visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1939 masterpiece dwelling, “Fallingwater,” perched on the edge of a waterfall. Sports Pittsburgh is home of the Steelers, the only NFL team with six championship rings. While members of Steelers Nation can be found waving “Terrible Towels” in cities around the globe, to truly experience how much Pittsburghers love their football team, it’s essential to tailgate in subzero weather outside Heinz Field. The city views Quebec-native Mario Lemieux as a saviour who revived interest in Penguins hockey and brought the team out of bankruptcy, became the league’s only playerowner, and ensured Pittsburgh remained home to an NHL team. Now Penguins fans eagerly watch Nova Scotia’s own Sidney Crosby take the ice as team captain, as Lemieux cheers his team from the owner’s box. Amusement Outdoor activities to suit all interests abound in Pittsburgh. Enjoy boating, tubing, and waterskiing on the three rivers, or take a short drive into the Laurel mountains for a day of hiking, biking, skiing, or snowboarding. Seeking a thrill? Head to Kennywood Park, home of two roller coasters ranked in the top five by the 1,500 member National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA). Shopping and outlet malls, casinos, restaurants, nightclubs, and neighborhood celebrations allow for the fun to continue indoors and into the night. So whether you’re looking to study abroad, seeking a place to relocate, or deciding where to visit, top your list with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and steel yourself for the time of your life. Contributed by: Jennifer Cekus, Career Development Specialist for Pittsburgh Technical Institute, www.pti.edu

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HOLLAND

Discover the World in the

Netherlands 78

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Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

You can find Dutch people all over the world, whether in the business sector, the soccer world, the art scene, or in the scientific community. They are known to combine scientific insights with a relentless drive for innovation. The Dutch have great knowledge of foreign languages and a love of travel, so the international orientation of the Dutch is not surprising. Over the past few hundred years, many people from all across the world have travelled to what is sometimes called ‘the delta on the North Sea,’ so the 16 million inhabitants of the country are used to working with people from international backgrounds. The Netherlands’ central position in Europe continues to lure internationally-operating companies, organizations and professionals. The port of Rotterdam and Schiphol airport are within easy reach of the capital city Amsterdam, and London, Paris, Brussels, and Berlin are just a stone’s throw away. When you visit Holland, its economic, technological, cultural and scientific strengths may surprise you.

English-Taught Programmes When you choose to follow a study programme in the Netherlands, you can rest assured that you are investing in your future in the best possible way. Studying in Holland will result in your developing an even more open mind and expanding the international perspective of your field of study. You may be interested to know that Holland was one of the first nonEnglish speaking countries to develop English-taught study programmes. Today, over 1,400 English-taught programmes and courses are offered, more than in any other country in mainland Europe. The curricula cover virtually every field and have been developed to meet the needs of students who are seeking specific knowledge. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

For more information about Englishtaught study programmes and courses, please browse the database at: www.studyinholland.nl

Academic Mindset No fewer than 70,000 international students travel to the Netherlands each year. If you study at one of the 14 Research Universities in Holland, you will learn to think academically and to perform research. However, many research university programmes also have an occupation-oriented component and definitely not all graduates choose a research career. If you become a student at one of the 41 Universities of Applied Sciences, your courses will be largely practical in orientation and you will be explicitly prepared for a particular occupation. Finally, you may choose a programme offered at an Institute for International Education. There are five large institutes of this kind in Holland, as well as several smaller ones, all offering courses in the field of development issues. You would be working in multicultural groups under the supervision of teachers who have gained a wealth of experience in developing countries. The Netherlands has received international recognition for the problem-based learning method that trains students to analyse and solve practical problems. This interactive approach, together with working in groups, ensures that you can easily become involved in the instructional process.

Quality The quality of Dutch higher education is excellent. A comprehensive quality assurance system guarantees students that they will get value for money. The Netherlands-Flanders Accreditation Organization (NVAO) regularly subjects the educational programmes to a stringent assessment process. Only approved programmes are listed on the Central Register of Higher Education Study Programmes (CROHO) and are entitled to award qualifications that are recognized by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture & Science (OCW). Moreover, an international students’ behaviour code applies in the Netherlands. This allows institutions to guarantee

students from outside the Netherlands that the information provided, admission procedures, counselling, and the courses offered are of a high level.

HOLLAND

Would you like to study in English at an excellent higher education institute and enjoy an international environment? Why not consider studying in Holland? It is a country that is a melting pot of knowledge, ideas, and cultures from around the globe.

For more information about quality assurance please take a look at the higher education section at: www.studyinholland.nl

Talented Researchers Apart from bachelor’s and master’s programme students, many young researchers also travel to the Netherlands, ready to take the next step in their research careers. If you are a talented researcher, you will have the opportunity to work on your doctorate for four years under the supervision of the best researchers in your field. The research environment in which you will find yourself is recognized as being of a very high quality. According to the Times Higher Education rankings, almost all research universities in the Netherlands are among the top 200 universities in the world. And the Netherlands also occupies a leading position globally in terms of the number of publications in scientific journals in proportion to the number of researchers and the size of its population. If you come to the Netherlands from outside the European Union to follow a study programme or to perform research for your doctorate, you will need to apply for a visa or a residence permit. However, you will find that the tuition fees are very reasonable compared with other countries. PhD candidates may even be given a temporary job or a grant from the research university. In short: What’s holding you back? By following a programme at a Dutch research university or university of applied sciences, you are ensured that you will acquire high-quality knowledge that will prove its worth anywhere in the world. Come to the Netherlands and let us open your eyes. Contributed by: Netherlands Organization for International Co-operation in Higher Education (NUFFIC). www.studyinholland.nl Study In Canada • Study Abroad

HOLLAND

Student Life in Utrecht

Yesterday and Today

Utrecht has a long academic and cultural history. Already in the Early Middle Ages, noblemen and priests were educated in this city, located in the centre of the Netherlands. More recently, in 1955, my father, Rien Alfenaar, was the first of his family to go to university and experience student life. He still remembers this period as a very happy time. There are many differences, but also similarities with the experiences of today’s international students. In this article I would like you to meet my

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70-year old father, a former Chemistry student, and three international students in Utrecht. In 1955, my father, Rien Alfenaar, was seventeen years old. He left home to study Chemistry in Utrecht. The first room he rented was run by a couple with one grown-up daughter. The house had only one washbasin for the four occupants and no shower. During the winter Rien heated his room with a potbelly stove. “For each scuttle of coals, my landlords charged one

Dutch guilder, a sum for which I could also buy a meal. I did not have a lot to spend, those days. So I tried not to use too many coals and you could often find me in the kitchen of the student club’s restaurant - washing dishes in exchange for free meals.” Today, most students cook their own meals. Some foreign students are used to the dining halls at their home campuses and never touched a stove in their lives. So, in Utrecht they do not only acquire academic knowledge

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but also culinary skills. Some international students, like Stephanie Marita (21), a Civil Engineering student, enjoy the many exotic groceries in the city: “There are a lot of Oriental supermarkets that sell the stuff I need to make Indonesian food. It makes me feel at home.” During his first half year in Utrecht, Rien felt a bit lonely. “This explains why I spent so much time at my students’ club, Unitas. There were quite a few students’ clubs in Utrecht and many of them still exist. At the attic there was a lounge for female students, called Heaven. And in the basement you had Hell, for the men. I had dinner at Unitas every night. After dinner, we would play card games, sing students’ songs and entertain each other with ‘Lullepot’ - someone walking across the tables bragging nonsense. A few times a year we would rent a bus, and pay a surprise visit to a sister club in another city. We would have to ‘wrestle’ ourselves inside. After we managed to reach the bar, we drank a pint of beer together. On Fridays the club was always crowded. More than once I hadn’t slept when I took the train to see my parents on Saturday mornings, but it rarely happened that one of us was drunk.” These days Utrecht still offers a vibrant student life. Outi Karvinen, a 24-year-old Nursing student from Finland, is studying International Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Health Studies, a three-month programme: “Utrecht is a true student city. International students have parties all the time (much to the chagrin of their neighbours of course), and go clubbing every Tuesday night.” Outi found a better place to live than my father: “Student houses are full of life, and if you’re as lucky as I was, you get to know your housemates and they become your temporary family.” The city of Utrecht is very old, with many ancient buildings and terraced canals. Dallas Spieker, a 22-year old Canadian student in International Communication and Media, comments: “What I like about living in Utrecht is that I am surrounded by history. Another bonus is that completely different cultures encompass Holland. To the right is Germany, to the south, Belgium, and another hop, skip, and jump and you could be in Switzerland. (…) There is so much to see and do, but of course all ventures cost. And they cost in Euros.” My father Rien didn’t have money or time to hop, skip, and jump to other countries. During the holidays he had to earn money to pay for his nights out and a small radio to keep him company in his room (until he met my mother). And, with the exception of a few South Africans, there were no students from abroad.

HOLLAND

Nowadays, students come to Utrecht on exchange programmes, take non-degree programmes, minors, internships, enrol in Summer School or on an English-taught bachelor’s or master’s course. In the fifties, university buildings were more traditional. There were lecture rooms and laboratories, no cafeterias. Also, the relations between people were different than today. “As a student you had no contacts with your neighbours, only with other students. And there was more distance between teachers and students. For example, you did not dare to speak to a professor. But, once a year we socialized: that was during a soccer match between the Analytical Lab and the Organic Lab. The match was refereed by the milkman who delivered milk to both labs, every day during lunch time. By the way, we drank our milk and ate our sandwiches between the test tubes and chemicals in the labs. No one was aware of any health risks.” What do international students think of the Dutch? Dallas Spieker from Canada: “The Dutch are a very metropolitan and international people. Well, at least this generation is. I was taken by surprise when I found out my elderly landlord didn’t speak English. I had never met anyone in Holland who didn’t speak English. However, we‘ve come to a unique understanding. I practice my beginner, pre-school Dutch, and he his mediocre English.” Does my dear dad have some (grand) fatherly advice for students coming to Utrecht? “Join a students’ club - it will help you to get to know people - and become a member of a sports club. This will force you to live a regular life, which will benefit your studies.” Contributed by: Karin Alfenaar, Senior Policy Advisor for Internationalisation at Hogeschool Utrecht University of Applied Sciences www.international.hu.nl karin.alfenaar@hu.nl

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HOLLAND

Technology and Engineering in the

Netherlands The Netherlands is home to a highquality knowledge economy that excels in technological innovations in many varied fields.

The Netherlands is a leader in water management. Without its dikes and sea defences, two-thirds of the country would be in immediate danger of flooding. But thanks to the most modern civil engineering techniques, outstanding Dutch engineers have been able to keep the waters of rivers and the sea at bay for centuries. The whole world is interested in this Dutch expertise. You will find Dutch engineering firms everywhere: in Dubai for the construction of the very imaginative palm-tree shaped island group; building a port in Oman; building an airport in Hong Kong; and working on dikes for the floodthreatened city of New Orleans.

A remarkable example of the affinity between the Dutch and water is the celebrated designs of bridges by architect Ben van Berkel. Another example is the team of young Dutch designers who have won major prizes with their clever Senz storm umbrella.

And the Netherlands is home to many more technological innovations. Think, for instance, of the use of sustainable energy. Many wind mills are built with Dutch knowledge, and Nuna, the world’s fastest solar-powered car, was designed by technology students in the Netherlands. In addition, one of the market leaders in navigation systems, TomTom, has its roots in the Netherlands. There are reasons enough to study at one of the three Dutch universities of technology. The universities in Delft, Eindhoven and Twente are regarded worldwide as top institutes. Moreover,

they have joined forces in the 3TU Federation (www.3tu.nl/en) and can thus offer students many additional opportunities. The agricultural university in Wageningen also has an outstanding international reputation, especially in the fields of food technology and agricultural science.

All Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences offer high-quality technology programmes in which you will often be working together with the business community and knowledge institutions. You will be well prepared for the international labour market by following inspiring and professionally-oriented courses, based on top-class research. Contributed by: Netherlands Organization for International Co-operation in Higher Education (NUFFIC). www.studyinholland.nl

The Nuon Solar Team at the Zandvoort racing track during the presentation of Nuna 3 to the press Left to right: Oskar van Dijk, Sander Zijlstra, Job van de Kieft, Laura Bronkhorst, Anne-Marie Rasschaert, Jeroen Bink, Barend Lubbers, Vinay Ramnath, Frank van den Hoogen, Véronique Duponselle and Jorrit Lousberg. In the front: Nuna3 source: Nuon Hans-Peter van Velthoven

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Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Business schools have a vested interest in ensuring that all students are proficient in English to properly prepare them for a global business world. More and more business schools located in non-English countries offer English MBA programs to prepare graduates for the worldwide “language of business,” while enrolling foreign students with a tested English proficiency to “internationalize.” Most students with English as a second language, who often constitute 10 to 20% of American and Canadian business schools, have acceptable written English (as measured by TOEFL or IELTS generally) but many don’t fully understand oral English (pronunciation and comprehension). Students in this situation tend to read more slowly, have an accent that can often be difficult for their instructors and peers to understand, and it’s may not comprehend everything being said. While these students nevertheless complete their program through very hard work and many extra hours, one of the authors has observed that in North American, European and Asian MBA classes, foreign students are often slowly segregated as courses commence, and cultural and social diversity is not always enriched. Often international and multi-cultural enrichment does not compensate for the risk of lower grades and additional work for local students. They neither want limited communication to hold back their working groups nor do they want to be in charge of all the reports and/or presentations. These observations demonstrate an absolute need for better oral (and written) English skills to improve the educational outcome of all students with English as a second language who are entering the global business world. Universities frequently address this problem with ESL labs and English tutors. Many MBA programs also offer classes on writing business reports and presentations, which don’t necessarily address the communication deficiencies of non-native-English speaking students who require individual tutoring and mentoring. Few, if any, MBA programs have the resources to tackle individual deficiencies.

However, through an innovation in English language instruction, these students will soon have fairly inexpensive but quite effective personal online ESL tools accessible to them from anywhere in the world through a PC and an Internet connection. One which is not much different than English tutoring will be “Business as a Second Language” (BSL), available through BusinessWeek. BSL is an electronic English tutor that helps intermediate and advanced English learners perfect English pronunciation, oral skills, and reading comprehension, to reach appropriate speaking and reading speed. It provides business content, so it is current and relevant, and gives instant feedback on pronunciation. (See BSL at www.businessweekbsl.com/2020.) These web-based tools will tutor and coach individuals with basic English who need to perfect their oral and reading skills. They will allow students to speak and:

• Measure pronunciation instantly and in reports • Play back how it should sound • Practice, correct & perfect • Comprehend dictionary look-up These technological innovations have the potential to reduce business schools’ ESL lab capital investments and ESL tutoring operating costs, increase students’ contributions in- and outside of the classroom, and graduate more proficient, confident students.

Contributed by: Jean-Louis Malouin Ph. D. Past Professor and Dean of the Business Schools of the University of Alberta, Laval University in Quebec City and the University of Ottawa. He presently teaches an MBA Business Strategy course in Asia. and Glenn McInnes, President of 2020 Higher Education International and was the founding president of the University of Fredericton. He is the chair of the Canadian Bureau for International Education SIG on e-International Education and past national president of the Canadian Information Processing Society. glenmci@magma.ca

BSL provides global business news and analysis inside a 100% online English tutor that helps perfect pronunciation, comprehension and reading speed for less than you spend on your caffe latte each day.

Get a

10% discount on your subscription to Business as a Second Language from Canadian Student Magazine with Code: CANADA200 This offer will expire December 2009.

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INFORMATION

Technological ESL Innovations for International Business Schools

FRANCE

Destination

France avec CampusFrance

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Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Dans le paysage de plus en plus international de l’éducation, la France reste un des pays les plus attrayants pour les étudiants étrangers, un espace idéal pour partir à la découverte de l’Europe. Les étudiants internationaux bénéficient des mêmes frais modiques de scolarité que leurs collègues français tout en obtenant les mêmes diplômes; le système de santé est moderne et abordable; le réseau des transports publics est efficace et bon marché; l’aide au logement est accordée à tout étudiant, français ou étranger; livres, cinémas, musées, théâtres, cafés et la délicieuse nourriture française font partie du quotidien; nombre de manifestations culturelles, en ville ou en dehors, sont présentes tout le long de l’année.

Pays d’accueil idéal La France est située au carrefour de l’Europe; entourée de huit pays frontaliers, une brève visite le temps d’un weekend ou un séjour pendant les vacances scolaires à Amsterdam, Bruxelles, Londres, Barcelone, Rome ou Munich sont autant d’occasions d’ajouter la découverte de l’Europe à l’expérience française. Sixième puissance économique mondiale, la France doit son succès à ses performances dans différents domaines de recherche tels que l’espace, les transports, l’informatique, les télécommunications, la chimie, la biotechnologie, la santé et les mathématiques. La récente création des Pôles de Recherche et d’Enseignement Supérieur (PRES) réaffirme la volonté d’innover de la communauté des enseignants et chercheurs français pour un partage mutuel des connaissances. Par ailleurs le pays a toujours salué les apports des étudiants étrangers qui contribuent aux performances du pays.

La Francophonie La langue française est parlée sur cinq continents, dans 47 pays et par 200 millions de gens dans le monde. C’est la langue des institutions de l’Union européenne, une des langues de travail au sein des Nations Unies, la principale langue de l’Union africaine et, bien sûr, une des deux langues officielles du Canada.

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Grand choix des formations Issues d’une tradition forgée au cours des siècles, les institutions d’enseignement français s’appuient sur un réseau varié et de renommée internationale : 83 universités, autour de 240 écoles et formations d’ingénieurs, plus de 200 établissements de commerce et management, 120 écoles d’art publiques et 20 écoles d’architecture. S’y ajoutent plus de 3000 écoles ou instituts spécialisés qui assurent des formations spécifiques dans des domaines comme le travail social et les carrières paramédicales, le tourisme, le sport et l’éducation physique, la mode, le design. L’enseignement du Français langue étrangère (FLE) fait également partie de ce réseau et sert à promouvoir le système d’enseignement français dans le monde; 86 centres de langue (centres FLE) ayant adhéré au processus de labellisation «Qualité français langue étrangère », tel qu’initié par le ministère français des Affaires étrangères et celui de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Culture, et de l’Enseignement Supérieur et la Recherche, en assurent les formations.

Excellente qualité de l’enseignement par rapport au coût des études Choisir la France comme destination pour entamer ou poursuivre des études de longue ou de courte durée c’est facile; les premiers jalons sont à poser déjà au Canada. Des millions d’étudiants l’ont déjà fait. Aujourd’hui plus de 260.000 étudiants étrangers – 12% du l’effectif total étudiant du pays – poursuivent leurs études universitaires ou autres formations en France. La France accueille le plus grand nombre d’étudiants internationaux, après les États-Unis et le Royaume Uni. Outre la qualité de l’enseignement, les étudiants internationaux apprécient le coût très abordable des frais de scolarité, dû à leur financement par l’État. L’étudiant – français ou international – ne paye qu’une fraction du coût réel des frais d’inscription. Si les frais réels de scolarité peuvent se situer entre 6.000 et 15.000 € par an et par étudiant, les frais annuels payés par un étudiant inscrit dans un établissement public,

varie entre 169 € (licence) jusqu’à 342 € (doctorat) par an et 538 € par an pour les écoles publiques d’ingénieurs. Les frais de scolarité sont plus élevés dans les établissements privés où ils peuvent varier entre 3,000 jusqu’à 10,000 €/an, parfois plus.

FRANCE

Vous vous demandez encore «Pourquoi la France?»

Où commencer le projet? Une bonne information sur le système d’éducation supérieur en France, les types de formations et les ressources qui permettent la mise en œuvre du projet d’études sont des éléments essentiels dans le choix du programme et la prise de décision. La création de CampusFrance il y a 10 ans a répondu justement à ces besoins en offrant une large gamme de services, en commençant par l’information et la promotion jusqu’à l’actuelle inscription en ligne et les détails pratiques du séjour en France. Placée sous l’autorité conjointe du ministère français des Affaires Étrangères et celui de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Recherche et de la Culture et bénéficiant de leur appui financier, l’agence CampusFrance – www.campusfrance.org – réunit plus de 200 établissements français d’enseignement supérieur (universités, écoles hautement spécialisées ou à vocation professionnelle); elle opère à travers un réseau de 100 bureaux régionaux dispersés dans le monde entier, placés sous l’autorité de l’Ambassade de France de chaque pays et coordonnés par le bureau central CampusFrance Paris. Les bureaux CampusFrance Canada se trouvent à Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa et Montréal. www.canada.campusfrance.fr

Le site CampusFrance – s’informer pour bien choisir Le site constitue d’abord une excellente source d’information pour entamer ou poursuivre des études en France à tout niveau et toute étape du parcours d’un étudiant, qu’il soit à la recherche d’une formation généraliste, d’un programme spécialisé en master, d’une école doctorale, d’un programme enseigné en anglais, un cours de langue ou une université d’été. Le catalogue des formations en ligne renvoie à plus de 35.000 formations offertes par 6.000 établissements français d’enseignement. A partir de la page

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

FRANCE

d’accueil, l’étudiant peut obtenir une documentation multilingue sur l’organisation du système français d’éducation (types de formations et établissements, catégories de diplômes, domaines d’études). A partir de la même page l’étudiant peut chercher et sélectionner le progmme qui l’intéresse. Des regroupements thématiques facilitent l’information et la sélection d’un programme approprié. Des liens renvoient, par exemple, aux programmes enseignés en anglais (il y a 550 formations disponibles pour des étudiants anglophones), aux cours de français langue étrangère, les programmes MBA, les masters Erasmus Mundus, formations spécialisées de courte durée).

Le transfert des crédits Les diplômes délivrés par les universités française et/ou autres types d’établissements d’enseignement supérieur sont reconnus par l’État ou certifiés par le Ministère de l’Éducation nationale. Ils sont structurés autour d’une architecture commune à l’Union européenne basée sur le système LMD. Ce système prend en considération le nombre de semestres

Étudier Estudiar Estudar Study

complétés et les crédits accumulés pour obtenir une licence (L), un master (M) ou enfin un doctorat (D). Les crédits ainsi capitalisés sont calculés sur la base d’un système commun dénommé ECTS (European Credit Transfer System).

Une expérience de vie mémorable Étudier en France c’est aussi vivre en France et découvrir l’art de vivre à la française. Un simple clic sur la page d’accueil de CampusFrance et vous trouverez une mine d’informations sur la vie quotidienne, sur la meilleure manière d’être chez soi en France tout en étant loin de son chez soi. Tous les étudiants, qu’ils soient français ou étrangers, bénéficient de conditions de vie privilégiées qui leur permettent de couvrir leur frais quotidiens avec un budget relativement modeste. Un réseau de restaurants universitaires, l’assistance financière au logement, la couverture médicale, les clubs et associations étudiant, les prix réduits pour visionner un film, entrer au musé, acheter des livres, participer à une manifestation sportive – autant d’avantages qui privilégient les étudiants qui étudient en France par rapport à d’autres pays.

L’aide personnalisée au Canada – une valeur ajoutée La mise en œuvre d’un projet d’études à l’étranger implique plusieurs étapes – à partir de la recherche et sélection d’une formation adéquate jusqu’au premiers pas lors de l’arrivé en France. En contactant les bureaux régionaux CampusFrance

(www.canada.campusfrance.org -> Contacts) les étudiants canadiens vont découvrir la liste des conseillers locaux prêts à les accueillir et à les accompagner tout le long de leurs démarches. Le conseiller CampusFrance informe l’étudiant des programmes appropriés, aide aux choix des formations, à l’inscription en ligne, fait le suivi de sa candidature auprès de l’établissement français; le conseiller CampusFrance met également à la disposition de l’étudiant des renseignements pratiques sur son futur séjour en France, sur les premières démarches à accomplir lors de son arrivée là-bas. La création des CEF (Centres pour les Études en France) et du dispositif d’inscription en ligne ont renforcé l’aide à l’étudiant offerte par les bureaux CampusFrance régionaux. Le CEF est le passage obligatoire, l’interface essentielle entre l’étudiant et l’établissement français auprès duquel il soumet sa candidature. Le CEF facilite les démarches administratives de l’étudiant, donne un avis sur la faisabilité de son projet d’études auprès de l’établissement français et les services consulaires concernés. Travaillant sous l’autorité des postes diplomatiques de chaque pays et sous bannière CampusFrance, les CEFs constituent un atout supplémentaire d’attractivité de la France, facilitent le dialogue direct et dématérialisé entre l’étudiant et l’établissement.

Pour en savoir plus Les étudiants sont toujours bienvenus dans les bureaux régionaux. Faute de pouvoir s’y rendre régulièrement, ils peuvent obtenir également des renseignements sur les opportunités des études en France lors des salons étudiants ou des événements thématiques organisés sous bannière CampusFrance ou bien localement ou à l’international. L’information mise à jour est accessible sur www.campusfrance.org Petit conseil utile – pour étudier en France, faites la moitié du chemin au Canada. Bienvenue en France! Contribué par: Marta Maftei, Au nom de l’équipe CampusFrance Canada : CampusFrance/ CEF Vancouver campusfrance@uniserve.com

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

INFORMATION

Tax Refunds for Students at Home and Abroad Life as a student can be pretty stressful – especially when it comes to money. There are tuition fees to pay, text books to buy, rent and food costs – the list goes on. Many students take on a part-time job while they study in order to make a bit of extra cash. What most students don’t know, however, is that they can apply for a tax refund of the tax they pay on those extra earnings when the tax year ends. Students are almost always due a tax refund because they’re usually not full-time workers – and this means they overpay tax. The other most common reasons people are owed a tax refund is if they only worked for part of the year or they changed jobs. Even better news is that you can also claim back some of your tuition fees as part of your tax refund. Tax refunds don’t just apply to Canadian residents; foreign students who work in Canada can also apply to get their tax back. Foreigners usually get average tax refunds of about $750 from Canada. The tax year in Canada is the same as the calendar year – January 1st until December 31st – and the tax office accepts applications for tax refunds from March 31st. You actually have up to five years to claim back your tax refund so if you need a little extra cash now, you can put in an application straight away for a tax refund from as far back as 2004 if you have not already claimed over the years. All you need is your T4 form or your final payslip from your employers. Student Tax Refunds for Canadians Working Abroad Canadians who head overseas to study or work will pay tax in whichever country they work. The amount of tax you pay depends on a number of factors, including the tax rates in that country and how much you earn. In Australia, you will normally pay either 15.5% or 29% tax, depending on your circumstances; in the UK and Western Europe, tax rates can vary from 10% to more than 30%, depending on the country. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Canadian students who work abroad are often owed big tax refunds from these foreign countries because they only work part-time or for part of the year. However, international tax laws are pretty complicated, so unless you’re majoring in tax law, it’s a good idea to use a tax preparation professional. Expert tax refund companies commonly get back average refunds of about €700 from Europe and AUD$1500 from Australia – depending on the length of time you spend in the country. Often students worry about whether or not they should file a tax return when they work abroad. Some countries have very strict tax policies, so it’s a good idea to always file a tax return wherever you’re working and to make sure your tax affairs are in order, especially in case you want to return. Plus, it could mean more money in your pocket if you’re owed a refund! Choosing a Tax Preparation Professional If you find the whole idea of filing a tax return a bit daunting, it’s a good idea to use a professional. There are a number of good tax agencies out there

who specialize in both Canadian and international tax refunds. Make sure that when you choose a tax preparer, you choose one that is transparent and trustworthy. You should be able to get a free estimation of your tax refund before you apply, without having to give your Social Insurance Number (or tax number, if you’re working in another country). Once you do apply with a company, you should receive regular updates on your account and be notified as soon as your refund comes back from the tax office. So, while tax is probably going to be the last thing on your mind while you’re studying for finals or planning your end-of-year celebrations, applying for your tax refund can mean quite a lot of extra cash – who knows, it could help fund your big trip overseas or your study next year! Contributed by: Janine Bennetts, Communications Manager, Taxback.com www.taxback.com

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Your International IQ

Jean Marc Hachey

People who go abroad are different!

People who live abroad are different than those who have not traveled. International employers recognize this and so do the expat families who make a living abroad. I remember being uneasy meeting diplomats when traveling to Lagos, Nigeria, after 88

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taking my first flight and first excursion outside of my home province of New Brunswick, Canada. These diplomats alarmed me with their “we are different than thou” attitude. But, after a few encounters, I realized that they were different, their spouses were different, and even their children were different. Their unique skills set them apart from the average North American. I now identify these unique skills and traits with the term “International IQ.”

Your International IQ Just imagine yourself in a few years looking for an international job, applying to study abroad, or selling your skills as an international intern. Following are four categories outlining how “international people”

are different. These insights will help you understand what international recruiters are looking for and will help you learn how to join the ranks of those working and living abroad. Political, economic and geographic knowledge Imagine a dinner conversation taking place around a table in a lush garden terrace at your home in Oagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. Your seven guests are from France, Belgium, the US, and Burkina. The expatriate conversation is rich in world politics, economics, and geography. The conversation is lively and intellectual. Even if you are on a beach drinking beer in Thailand, you’ll find yourself engaged in worldly Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

conversations with other travellers. You enjoy the dialogue, and you know these conversations are so much better than the typical North American conversation about weather, neighbours, or the costs of housing renovations. International people can converse intelligently about international news, world events, and multiple countries and their ethnicities. If you want to be an international person, start traveling and reading up on your world politics and geography. Your first test question: How many countries are there on Earth? Knowledge about the international aspects of your field There is an international aspect to every field of work, to every area of study, to each and every field of interest. If you are going to go international, you have to have a good knowledge of the international aspects of your area of expertise. Know which organizations work internationally in your field, what the types of jobs are, and what aspects of your work have an international application. Knowing how your specialization is practiced in an international setting allows you to focus your education, job research, networking contacts, and your discussions with peers on landing the right job abroad for you. A bit of research will uncover the international aspects of your area of expertise: look for the umbrella organizations, the web sites, the trade magazines, and international conferences in your field. Your first challenge: Talk to people in your field who have worked abroad and find out what skills they have and how they broke into working internationally. Cross-cultural knowledge and skills Do you know when to burp at a table or when to hold it in? Can you figure out how close to stand next to a stranger in an elevator or while holding a conversation at a cocktail party? Can you tell that someone is only being polite when they agree to your proposal but know that they will not follow through? International people have the cross-cultural skills and knowledge to be effective in another culture. They study the country’s belief systems, modes of behaviour, and attitudes before they arrive. International people are like cross-cultural detectives: If they

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

are thrust into an unfamiliar culture or meet someone with an ethnicity they have never encountered before, they will be adept and skilful — they will quickly display the appropriate cross-cultural traits required to make any new relationship work. Their skills are portable and can be carried from country to country, place to place, and culture to culture. The ability to utter a few words in the local language is important to those living there. Your first assignment: Acquire these skills at home by seeking out people from other cultures, becoming active in cross-cultural groups, and learning a second or third language. Personal coping and adapting skills Can you deal with change? Can you deal with having to eat soup each morning for breakfast as they do in some parts of India instead of sitting down to cereal? Can you sleep in a room with a humming fan, a stifling mosquito net, and the constant noise of goats and chickens just outside your bedroom window? How about being so overwhelmed with a continuous stream of well-meaning visitors — so many that you fake the need for prayer time just to have two hours alone? These are just a few of the numerous cross-cultural challenges that require so many small adjustments that you may think at times that you are going mad. With practice and insight you can improve your personal coping and adapting skills to help you deal with culture shock. People who enjoy living and working overseas are adaptable and tend to embrace challenges. You will face changes in culture, friends, work, climate, and food. Therefore, having a sense of adventure, as well as humour, curiosity, and a great deal of patience, is invaluable. To prepare yourself you can do volunteer work or participate in organizations that put you in contact with other cultures either in your home country or by visiting a country where the culture is radically different from your own. Your test question: Do you like change? Your ability to enjoy change may be the single biggest factor in assessing your suitability for working and living abroad.

Overseas Effectiveness Skills This list of characteristics will help you assess your suitability for overseas work and assist you in preparing to

live in a foreign environment. Selfknowledge is power in today’s job market. When you understand your skills and career objectives and have a professional self-assessment of your cross-cultural work skills you will be much more effective and focused when dealing with international recruiters. • General traits: enjoyment of change, desire for challenge, having street smarts, sense of adventure, open mindedness, patience, and curiosity • Adaptation and coping skills: emotional stability and ability to deal with personal stress, understanding of culture shock, receptivity, flexibility, humour, and self-knowledge • Intercultural communication skills: tolerance, sensitivity, listening and observing skills, nonverbal communication skills, and second language speaking skills • Overseas work-effectiveness traits and skills: independence and self-discipline, training experience, resourcefulness, versatility in work, persistence, organizational and people skills, leadership, energy, calm demeanour, project planning skills, writing skills, verbal communication skills, diligence and dedication, loyalty, diplomacy and tact, and philosophical commitment to your field of work

A Last Word International recruiters are looking for people who are different: people with a high international IQ. By carefully assessing your own international skills and traits against the cross-cultural blocks of skills described in this article, you can compile a strong skills inventory and convey these qualities to recruiters. Keep your international skills inventory in mind when applying as an overseas volunteer or intern, for international scholarships, and full time work overseas. If you can professionally explain that you have a high international IQ, your next hot assignment abroad will be just a short flight away. Contributed by: Jean-Marc Hachey, Author and Publisher: The BIG Guide to Living and Working Overseas. jmhachey@workingoverseas.com, www.WorkingOverseas.com Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION

Les étudiants et étudiantes s’unissent pour les enfants, avec l’UNICEF “Si tu penses que tu es trop petit pour changer les choses, essaie de dormir dans une chambre avec un moustique.” ~ Proverbe africain UNICEF Canada lance un appel à tous les élèves des écoles secondaires et à tous les étudiants et étudiantes des cégeps, des collèges et des universités pour qu’ils contribuent à sauver la vie d’enfants dans le monde. Vous pouvez prendre part à l’action de l’UNICEF auprès des enfants les plus vulnérables dans le monde dans le cadre de l’une des campagnes suivantes :

Un filet d’espoir Pour bon nombre de gens, les moustiques sont associés à l’été: des piqûres qui provoquent une démangeaison dérangeante au parc ou autour du feu de camp. Toutefois, pour des millions de personnes dans le monde entier, les moustiques sont porteurs de la malaria, aussi appelée paludisme, une maladie responsable d’un million de décès chaque année. En raison de leur petite constitution et de leur système immunitaire en développement, les enfants courent un risque particulièrement élevé de souffrir des graves symptômes de la malaria, ou même d’en mourir. Cette maladie est la principale cause de mortalité chez les enfants africains de moins de cinq ans; elle est responsable du décès de près d’un d’enfant sur cinq en Afrique. L’objectif de la campagne Un filet d’espoir consiste à aider à prévenir la dissémination de la malaria chez les jeunes de l’Afrique en recueillant des fonds afin d’acheter 500 000 moustiquaires pour le lit imprégnées d’insecticide de longue durée aux familles du Libéria et du Rwanda. Chaque moustiquaire vaut 10 $. Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

Date importante : Le 25 avril, Journée mondiale du paludisme Ce que vous pouvez faire : Participer au défi Un filet d’espoir et afficher l’exposition Perspectives d’enfants qui présente des photos prises par des jeunes du Libéria et du Rwanda. Consultez : www.unfiletdespoir.org

Unissons-nous pour les enfants, contre le sida Chaque jour, près de 800 jeunes de moins de 15 ans meurent de maladies liées au sida et plus de 1 000 enfants deviennent infectés par le VIH. Plus de 15 millions d’enfants ont perdu un parent ou les deux à cause du sida, et des millions d’entre eux n’ont pas accès à des médicaments, à des soins ou à un soutien pourtant vitaux. La campagne mondiale Unissonsnous pour les enfants, contre le sida centre ses priorités sur les « quatre P », des impératifs urgents visant à prévenir la transmission du VIH de la mère à l’enfant, à procurer un traitement pédiatrique, à promouvoir la prévention de l’infection chez les adolescents, les adolescentes et les jeunes ainsi qu’à protéger et soutenir les enfants touchés par le VIH et le sida. Date importante : Le 1er décembre, Journée mondiale du sida Ce que vous pouvez faire : Organiser un festival du film sur le VIH et le sida et inviter une personnalité locale qui s’est illustrée dans la défense des droits ou dans un autre domaine. Consultez : www.uniscontrelesida.ca

La Campagne Halloween UNICEF et le programme Des écoles pour l’Afrique En Afrique subsaharienne seulement, environ 41 millions d’enfants ne vont pas à l’école. Près d’un enfant sur deux grandit derrière le mur invisible de la pauvreté et de la discrimination et n’a pas accès à l’école primaire. Les jeunes d’ici soutiennent ceux des pays en développement depuis plus de 50 ans en participant à la Campagne Halloween UNICEF qui se déroule chaque année. Cette campagne permet d’offrir l’éducation, un cadeau qui peut transformer des vies, aux enfants du Malawi et du Rwanda dans le cadre du programme Des écoles pour l’Afrique. Date importante : Le 31 octobre, Journée nationale de l’UNICEF Ce que vous pouvez faire : Organiser une collecte de fonds dans le cadre de la Campagne Halloween UNICEF ou relever le défi Osez l’Halloween. Consultez : www.campagnehalloweenunicef.ca

Exprimez votre créativité! Si l’une des causes auxquelles l’UNICEF se consacre vous intéresse particulièrement, pourquoi ne pas lancer votre propre campagne de collecte de dons et de défense des droits? Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION

Autres dates importantes : Le 12 août, Journée internationale de la jeunesse Le 20 novembre, Journée universelle de l’enfant Pour plus de détails sur l’une ou l’autre de ces campagnes ou sur l’action de l’UNICEF, écrivez-nous à jconan-cormier@unicef.ca. Contribué par : Par Muneeb Syed, Coordonnateur des campagnes aux écoles et à la jeunesse d’UNICEF Canada

L’école polyvalente Le Carrefour de Gatineau est solidaire L’an dernier, plusieurs écoles du Québec ont participé à la campagne Un filet d’espoir en menant différentes initiatives visant à permettre aux enfants du Rwanda et du Libéria de bénéficier de moustiquaires pour le lit leur permettant de survivre au fléau majeur qu’est la malaria. Cette maladie tue un enfant toutes les trente secondes; elle est responsable de vingt pour cent des décès chez les enfants en Afrique. Pour affirmer leur engagement envers la cause, les élèves, le personnel enseignant ainsi que la direction du programme international de la l’école polyvalente Le Carrefour à Gatineau ont mis en place plusieurs initiatives qui leur ont donné la possibilité de recueillir 5 114,54 $, ce qui permettra de procurer 511 moustiquaires pour le lit afin de sauver la vie de plusieurs enfants du Rwanda et du Libéria. Pour obtenir de tels résultats, les élèves du premier cycle du secondaire du

programme international ont participé à une dictée traitant de la malaria qui a été commanditée par leurs parents et amis. Ainsi, moins ils faisaient de fautes, plus ils obtenaient de fonds de la part de leurs commanditaires. Cette activité leur a permis de recueillir plus de 3 000 $! Les élèves de la troisième année du deuxième cycle du secondaire de la classe de leadership ont vendu des friandises et ont agi à titre de formateurs et formatrices pour d’autres élèves de l’école en les informant sur les effets de la malaria afin de les motiver à participer de façon plus active à ce projet. De plus, les élèves de la deuxième année du premier cycle du secondaire régulier ont organisé un quille-o-thon comme dernière activité de ce projet fort apprécié par les enseignantes et enseignants, ainsi que la direction du programme international de l’école. Plusieurs écoles du Québec ont participé à la campagne Un filet d’espoir en menant différentes initiatives visant à permettre aux enfants du Rwanda et du Libéria de bénéficier de moustiquaires. L’école polyvalente Le Carrefour a recueilli le plus de dons parmi les écoles du Québec et a remporté le premier prix, soit la visite de Marie-Mai, ambassadrice d’UNICEF Québec, et de ses musiciens qui ont offert un spectacle privé à leur école! Leurs efforts auront valu la peine! Contribué par : Meriem Bougrassa, Représentante d’UNICEF Québec - Région de l’Outaouais

Le Sommet Junior 8 de l’UNICEF J’ai découvert l’existence du Sommet du Junior 8 de l’UNICEF en naviguant sur Internet et j’ai convaincu mon école, l’école secondaire Richmond de la ville de Richmond en ColombieBritannique, d’y prendre part. L’équipe RHS J8, composée de Wilson, Khalil, Alex et moi-même, a

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été créée à la suite d’un processus de sélection. Nous avions tous la conviction que le J8 serait un excellent moyen d’unir nos forces, de proposer des solutions novatrices et peut-être d’avoir le privilège de représenter notre pays et de communiquer nos idées sur une scène planétaire au Sommet du G8 de 2008 au Japon. Nous avions tous entendu parler du travail de l’UNICEF et participé à la Campagne Halloween UNICEF dans notre enfance, mais le J8 a réellement été le catalyseur de notre collaboration avec l’UNICEF. Au Sommet du J8, nous avons fait la connaissance de gens fantastiques venus de partout dans le monde et nous avons été en contact avec d’autres cultures et points de vue ainsi qu’à des idées inspirantes. Nous avons tous amélioré notre aptitude à communiquer, notre leadership et notre capacité de travailler en équipe, et nous sommes beaucoup plus éveillés à l’actualité et aux difficultés associées à la résolution des grands problèmes du monde d’aujourd’hui. Depuis notre retour du Japon, nous avons présenté notre travail au Richmond Student Leadership Conference (Congrès annuel du leadership étudiant de Richmond) où nous avons dirigé deux ateliers sur l’engagement des jeunes. En 2009, nous prévoyons mener une vaste campagne Un filet d’espoir dans notre école et notre ville. Notre équipe espère aussi collaborer avec UNICEF Colombie-Britannique à l’organisation d’un congrès des équipes qui s’inscriront au concours du J8 cette année afin qu’elles puissent simuler cette expérience avant la tenue du Sommet. Les équipes dont la candidature ne sera pas retenue pourront néanmoins tirer profit de l’échange d’idées et des témoignages inspirants. Plusieurs d’entre nous espèrent donner un coup de main pour le Sommet du J8 qui se tiendra en Italie cet été et nous souhaitons tous poursuivre notre travail bénévole auprès de l’UNICEF pendant de nombreuses années. Pour plus de détails sur le J8, consultez le www.unicef.ca/sommetduj8 Contribué par : Stephanie Liou, Participante au Sommet Junior 8 et représentante du Canada

Spring/Summer 2009 • Issue: 2

www.canadianstudentmagazine.com

COME+SEE HOW SMALL THE WORLD IS FREE ADMISSION

VISITOR DRAW PRIZES

www.goabroadfair.ca EXPERIENCE > TRAVEL > STUDY > WORK

THE GO ABROAD FAIR COMES THIS FALL TO VANCOUVER, TORONTO AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, MONTREAL! > Learn about a wide variety of study, travel, volunteer, internship and work abroad opportunities > Meet representatives from organizations showcasing exciting programs from around the world > Our information seminars are a must see with in-depth information on specific programs and destinations

Vancouver: September 12 & 13, 2009 Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre

Toronto: September 19 & 20, 2009 Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Montreal: September 25 & 26, 2009 Place Bonaventure Organized by: