Canadian Student Magazine // Issue:4 by Ender Birer

ISSUE: 4 • SPRING/SUMMER 2010 • CAD 6.95

Arctic Degrees: Thriving in the High North Discover the World in The Netherlands Create Your Own Career

Teach English in a Spanish Mountain Resort Ten Steps to Selecting a Business School Hong Kong Education System and Options

Special Supplement:

Entrepreneurship

Message From

THE EDITOR Dear Readers: Spring is here and summer will soon be upon us, bringing with it sunshine and freedom of spirit, as well as academic, professional and personal opportunities. Having shared the recent excitement of hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, I am sure that all Canadians are standing just that much taller with pride: pride in our athletes; pride in our hospitality; pride in our nation. But what particularly stood out to me during the games is the sense of determination and commitment that each and every one of the competing athletes exhibits. The focus, the training, the perserverance, the sacrifices, the vision – the overall pursuit of personal excellence. In particular, while watching the Paralympic Games events, I was moved to the core by the tenacity of these men and women, and what kept going through my mind was imagining the athletes chanting, ‘I can do it!’ There is no obstacle too big to overcome, as they have proven. It is with this strong sentiment that I turn to students in Canada. Whether are you still in high school, about to graduate, or in university looking to your next step – in the working world or in academics – I hope that you embrace the challenges rather than fear the obstacles. You can do whatever you put your mind to, and while embarking on new challenges can be daunting, it can at the same time be exhilarating, as any of the Olympians who graced our country with their presence can attest to. There is so much to choose from, as you can see again from the pages in this issue of Canadian Student Magazine. What to do?

Well, why not try your hand at spending a week in Spain giving intense English conversation guidance to Spanish professionals; or, find out how the university of your choice wants you to send in your SATs; if looking for a Canadian university to study at, you may want to enquire if they have exchange agreements with universities in Hong Kong, Germany, France, Norway, Korea, Holland, Italy or Spain – or any country that you think it would interesting to spend some time in; look into picking up – or brushing up on – a foreign language in an exotic destination; or compare teacher education programs in Australia. Your first step is to get informed. Check out the information here, contact the top-quality providers you see in these pages, and start planning. They are at the ready to give you information and assistance in choosing and arranging your direction. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Fall University Fairs, taking place across Canada starting in Vancouver and ending in Toronto, September 23-27, 2010. Starting soon, you will find all the information on GoStudy.ca, and for schools and counsellors, check RecruitInCanada.com now already for details on taking part in these important events. And as with our beloved Olympians, whatever you do, do it with determination, commitment and grace. Have a great summer and see you in September!

Anita Kuehnel, Editor/Publisher Canadian Student Magazine

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INDEX

4-7

NEWS

8-9

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

14-15

Ontario/Baden-Württemberg University Student Exchange Program The World is Your Oyster

A Tradition of Academic Excellence: Study in Germany

How do you Prepare for Studying in the UK?

20-22

The United Kingdom: The Going Abroad Choice

26-27

Enrich Yourself – and Others – For Eight Days in a Spanish Mountain Resort

28-29

Queretaro: Where the Past and the Future Converge

Profile: DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Create Your Own Career

Profile: UNIVERSITY OF SINT EUSTATIUS SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

16 Canadian students applying to UK institutions up 19.4%

25 Studying in Spain

31 Do Your Homework Before Choosing a University!

38 Special Supplement: Youth Entrepreneurship

rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. Director and Owner: Anita Kuehnel Chief Editor and Publisher: Anita Kuehnel anita@canadianstudentmagazine.com Administrative Manager: Sheila Fee sheila@canadianstudentmagazine.com

Private Career Training

Consultant: Savaş Akar We thank the following individuals and education bodies for their editorial contributions: Alexandra Niesslein, AUCC, BCCCA, CampusFrance, CYBF, DAAD, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, IE University, Impact, John Kelly, Lies Ouwerkerk,

60-61

34 Canada’s Universities A Profile of Your Higher Education Options

55 Grenada: The Spice of the Caribbean

Arctic Degrees Thriving in the High North

How to Find a Job with a Fashion Design Degree

Find U.S. Education Opportunities with the Help of the U.S. Commercial Service Canada

70-71

Score Choice How many times should you write your SAT?

76-78

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About STUDIES IN FRANCE

80-81

Discover the World in the Netherlands

84-85

Profile: THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

89-91

Students Complete Internship in Vanuatu

56 Discover Norway A Great Place to Study

64 Hong Kong’s Educational Reform and Attraction for Foreign Youngsters

Coming Back Home studying teacher education in Australia can prepare for a career back home

84 73 Ten Steps to Selecting the Right Business School

NUFFIC, Ontario/Baden-Württemberg Exchange Program, Oztrekk, Prepskills, QS Top MBA, SIU, Students Solution, Tech de Monterrey, U.S. Embassy Ottawa, UCAS

92 Hands-on Experience in International Development Projects

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

© 2010 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

Recently ranked 54th among the world’s top 200 universities by Times Higher Education, Boston University offers a choice of nearly 700 summer study courses in more than 70 academic subjects. Boston University Summer Term invites you to join a diverse campus community of students and professionals from the U.S. and over 46 countries. Study with BU’s renowned, award-winning faculty—and spend your summer in the historic, cosmopolitan city of Boston. Summer Term 2010: Summer 1: May 18–June 25 Summer 2: June 28–August 6 To plan your summer study at Boston University, visit the Summer Term website at www.bu.edu/summer.

University of Nevada, Reno provides high quality education at competitive prices with a variety of funding opportunities. Approximately 80% of international graduate students receive graduate assistantships from academic departments.

• New/Transfer International Student Awards are

offered to International Undergraduate Students in F-1 or J-1 visas. Applications for the upcoming Fall semester are due April 1st.

• International Awards are offered to International

Undergraduate Students; competitive application process is directed at students currently enrolled.

• The International Conservation Volunteer Exchange

(ICVE) is a volunteer program in which students can earn scholarships while serving the environment!

• Graduate Assistantships (Teaching and Research) are valued at over $28,300 and include a monthly stipend of $1,400, a per credit grant-in-aid, health insurance, and in-state resident status for tuition purposes. Students should contact the intended academic department directly.

• The Graduate Student Association (GSA) offers

graduate students assistance in variety of ways, including travel grants for students to attend professional conferences; Outstanding International Graduate Student Scholarships; Research grants of up to $2,500; computer loans up to $1,500; financial crisis grants; medical hardship and child care scholarships; GSA Household Items program distributes free furniture items and other household necessities to current graduate students.

For more information visit the OISS Grants and Scholarships webpage at: http://www.unr.edu/oiss/ admissions/index.html#finasst

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

The University of Newcastle opens in Sydney. The University of Newcastle has been delivering high quality postgraduate business programs for over 23 years. The University’s Sydney-based programs balance the benefits of studying with a high-ranking, long-established institution with easy access to the conveniences of Sydney’s CBD and surrounding areas. Conveniently located at the corner of Bathurst and Sussex Streets in Sydney’s CBD, we are accepting applications for the following programs:

• Master of Business • Master of Professional Accounting* • Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced)* • Master of Professional Accounting / Master of Business*

• Graduate Certificate in Business Administration • ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students)

* Accredited by Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)

For more information on how to apply, email us at Sydney@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/location/sydney-cbd

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Students who study and intern abroad gain the cross cultural exposure and expertise that are essential in today’s global marketplace. EPA Internships provides challenging pre-professional experience in an international setting. Students have the opportunity to work in an exciting and challenging internship in the field of their choice, study academic courses, and explore new ways of thinking and living that deepen their knowledge and understanding of different cultures.

In the Business of Medicine St. George’s University’s Centre for Advancing International Management has officially launched two new MBA programs taught primarily online with short residencies in Grenada, West Indies. The MBA in Multi-Sector Health Management and the MBA in International Business are based on principles established by the “father of modern management,” Peter F. Drucker. These include an emphasis on managing social impacts and social responsibilities, performance, contribution, productive work, achieving workers and the social sector, which emerge throughout the coursework. The MBA in Multi-Sector Health Management is also offered as a dual degree with the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. www.sgu.edu

Visit www.epa-internships.org for more information. London * Edinburgh * Brussels * Madrid * Bonn * Berlin Decide today to increase your prospects!

SÉJOURS LINGUISTIQUES LANGUAGE STUDIES ABROAD

14 languages in 40 countries! Learning foreign languages comes in all shapes and forms. ESL offers you Plus de 200 écoles the most variety of options to address all of your linguistic desires. Choose dans les plus belles from destinations English, du Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, monde Russian, Arabic, Portuguese and Greek – and now also Turkish, Thai and Dutch courses are offered through ESL. More than 200 schools in the most beautiful

destinations in the world English off the beaten track! Looking for an exceptional linguistic experience? Travel abroad to discover India or the Philippines and add a some exoticism to your English learning experience.

The Faculty of Business Administration (FSA) of Université Laval is proud to present its new integrated bilingual Bachelor of Business Administration program (BBA) for English speaking students wishing to learn or strengthen their French language skills while studying management.

ESL, the language studies abroad specialist. Connecting you to the world!

The BBA now offers a French language component to facilitate the integration of university bound students from English Canada. To facilitate the integration, a « preparatory » year has been included which will allow students to quickly develop their French language skills. More than half of the BBA program’s courses can be taken in English.

Istituto Marangoni has been teaching three generations of professionals – over 35.000 students – since 1935. And many of our students have gone on to become some of the fashion and design world’s most respected names, such as Domenico Dolce / Dolce & Gabbana. The institute currently has 2.400 students from 92 different countries studying at the three campuses, all in the heart of the indisputable international fashion and design capitals: Milan, Paris and London. Courses are constantly being updated and are delivered by professionals, enabling students to interact passionately and hands-on with the profession. Marangoni offers courses at all levels (from 3 years to Master Programmes), divided into two faculties: Fashion and Design.

www.ulaval.ca

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

www.eslcompany.com info@eslcompany.com

www.eslcompany.com

SEJ-10-canada-105x297-quadri-HDbis.indd 1

3/4/10 4:13:07 PM

www.istitutomarangoni.com

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

100% employment success rate for recent Anglo-European College of Chiropractic graduates Findings of a recent survey have revealed that 100% of graduates from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) in 2008 found employment within six months of graduation. The Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey showed that 49.1% of graduates from the AECC’s Master of Chiropractic (MChiro) course began full-time or self-employed careers instantly or soon after leaving the college, while 49.1% went on to both work and engage in further studies. 1.9% of graduates gained part-time employment. More than 60% of the AECC class of 2008 began their first jobs on a greater starting salary than average for first degree graduates in employment six months after leaving higher education. The average starting salary for AECC graduates was £22,875, with the national average currently standing at £19,677 (Higher Education Statistics Agency figure).

Campus life in the heart of the city!

IE University Scholarships for Outstanding International Students.

At Queen Mary, we know how important it is for you to feel at home and to make the most of your student experience. Our Mile End campus is the largest self-contained student campus in London and one of the very few city-based campus universities in the UK. So our students have the best of both worlds – on the one hand, experiencing life in one of the world’s most exciting cities and on the other, benefiting from the lively community feel of campus life.

IE University ensures that wellrounded students with a solid academic record are given the opportunity to study regardless of their household income. In fact, 50% of IE University students receive some form of financial aid to participate in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Business Administration, Tourism Management, Architecture, Art History, Communication, Biology, and Psychology.

Why study at Queen Mary, University of London?

• A cosmopolitan community

with students from over 100 countries • A University of London degree – recognized all over the world • A beautiful and fully integrated campus set in the heart of London • A UK leader in employability and graduate starting salaries Full details of all our facilities and programs of study can be found at: www.qmul.ac.uk/international/ index.html

www.aecc.ac.uk

The Medical School for International Health is a unique collaboration between BenGurion University of the Negev and Columbia University Medical Center. This American-style medical school incorporates global health coursework into all four years of the medical school curriculum, and classes are taught in English. Fourth-year electives are taken at Columbia University Medical Center and its affiliates, and students complete an eight-week International Health and Medicine clerkship

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

There are several organizations in every country that fund the cost of university studies for both talented students and those with limited financial resources. The IE Foundation and IE’s Financial Aid Office provide a number of options for funding the cost of the University’s Bachelor degrees; and the IE Foundation will award scholarships worth more than 2.5 million Euros to IE undergraduate students in the 2010/2011 academic year. Visit our Financial Aid Office at http://financialaid.ie.edu and explore all that IE University can do to help you with your studies. Your future is next; come and discover a new model of higher education! www.ie.edu/university

in supervised, clinical settings in underserved parts of world such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Peru, Nepal, India, Israel and the United States. Residencies are conducted in highly-regarded medical facilities in the United States and Canada. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Medical School for International Health, in collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center. www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/bgcu-md

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

STUDY ABROAD at CQUniversity Australia, is an experience unlike any other university in Australia. We are located in the ‘Real Australia’ and we are totally committed to your satisfaction and academic success. During your time at CQUniversity you will get a firsthand taste of one of the world’s most exciting and geographically unique locations, near the Great Barrier Reef and ‘The Outback.’ Prepare yourself for academic challenges, diverse cultural experiences and the opportunity for the adventure of a lifetime. Environmental Science ;Exercise and Sports Science; Psychology; Biology; Nursing; Teacher Education; Indigenous Studies; Communication and Cultural Studies; Management & Marketing… and much more!

The University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, has introduced landmark educational reforms known collectively as the Melbourne Model. In moving to the new model, the University is responding to the challenges of today’s changing environment as well as aligning itself with the best of European and Asian practice and North American traditions. Under the Melbourne Model, students studying a new generation undergraduate degree complete a major in a particular discipline together with breadth subjects. These breadth subjects, along with the opportunity for internships, study abroad and participation in industry projects, offer students the chance to explore a range of interests. Learn more about the ‘Melbourne Experience’ by visiting us at www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au or email us at mcha@unimelb.edu.au.

http://studyabroad.cqu.edu.au

City College of San Francisco is an accredited college with more than 50 academic departments and more than 100 certificate programs. CCSF has many articulation agreements with private and public universities for transfers to 4 year institutions throughout the U.S. Among CCSF’s top programs are Math & Science, Health Science, Computer Science & Information Technology, Biotechnology, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, and International Business. An intensive English program is available to prepare students for the academic program. Student support services include counseling and mentoring, free tutoring, writing labs, and assistance in registration, housing & health insurance. Conditional admission is available.

www.ccsf.edu

Students at Pittsburgh Technical Institute now can prepare for growing healthcare careers in Practical Nursing and Patient Care Technician in 12 months or less. Does helping others make you feel good? Are you compassionate and understanding? The nursing profession could be right for you. State-of-theindustry technology and lab facilities and instructors with field experience create a hands-on learning environment in each of PTI’s healthcare programs: Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nursing, Surgical Technology, and Therapeutic Massage Practitioner. Learn more about PTI’s career-focused majors and internships. Visit What We Teach at www.pti.edu. More than 25 majors available.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

PHYSIOTHERAPY & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT NEWCASTLE The Bachelor of Physiotherapy program at the University of Newcastle in Australia is supported by experienced clinical teachers and the latest physiotherapy diagnostic and therapeutic technology. It provides an early introduction to clinical practice. The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy program at Newcastle has a great reputation. It has a particular strength in integrating occupational science, mental health and role emerging experiences. These factors, combined with an embracing student social culture and Newcastle’s proximity to top class surfing beaches, mean that students in these programs at the University of Newcastle enjoy a learning experience second to none. www.newcastle.edu.au

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The teachers of the nursing program at CCSF were knowledgeable, and supportive, and helped me through one of the most challenging programs at CCSF. They won’t babysit you, but they will help you prepare yourself for the real world. During my two years at CCSF, people I met have become my friends, who I have no doubt will be life-long friends. Nobu Nameta CCSF – City College of San Francisco

As I finish up my third year here at the MSIH, I am starting to look ahead towards residency programs and electives in North America. I think that studying in Be’er Sheva has given me a very unique perspective on what it means to practice global health and population-based medicine including cross-cultural medicine. I am hoping to be an asset to the programs that I will join and to offer some different perspectives on how to approach medical situations. I am eager to integrate my medical education from Israel into a North American system throughout my remaining year and future training. Will Goldstein Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Medical School for International Health, in collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center.

I took a Study Abroad semester at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, studying Human Movement Sciences. CQUniversity is passionate about their international students having the opportunity to experience the true Australian culture. One of the most interesting experiences had to be the Aboriginal Dreamtime Centre, where we learned how to throw boomerangs and play the didgeridoo. I also had the opportunity of backpacking the entire east coast, scuba diving the

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Great Barrier Reef, surfing in Byron Bay, and taking a road trip into the middle of ‘the Outback.’ It is truly the most beautiful country with so much to see. Erika Santarossa Windsor, Ontario

My semester in London with Educational Programmes Abroad was certainly the most unique time of my undergraduate career. My time spent in the House of Commons has helped me broaden my understanding of the real world application of politics, contributing greatly to my experience as a Political Science major, and also encouraged me to pursue my goal of attending law school after graduation. As I continue my studies back in the States, I constantly remember my time in London, all of the excellent opportunities I took advantage of, and the memories I made there. Daniela Schofield

Becoming a University of Melbourne student has been an absolute pleasure. The university puts in great effort to ensure that international students are comfortable and up to date on what’s happening within the program, around campus and the city as well. Many get-togethers have been organized for international students in welcoming and informing us on information about the program. Jasmina Grmaskoski University of Melbourne, Master of Teaching

I’m very satisfied with my German course as well as my accommodation. I’m staying in a shared apartment with a father and his two sons who live in Hamburg. This type of accommodation allows me to talk to my “roommates” in German very often and even if I prepare my own meals,

I often have dinner with them. My courses at the Cólon Language Center school are demanding and I have to study at home as well, but I like the fact that I have two teachers per day and that each teacher concentrates on a specific subject; the first teacher on grammar and the second one on conversation. I like Hamburg very much, especially the large harbour and the beaches in summer. Benoit Dubuis, 21 years, social education assistant, two months in Hamburg (Germany) with ESL – Language studies abroad

I decided to transfer to the IE University for many reasons but the key one was to get an opportunity to study in an international and interactive environment. After seven months of intense classes in Business and Communication, I can strongly state that our university provides a complete and fascinating learning experience. It is a hub where the best teachers, students and programs combine to promote innovation, creativity and team work. Various perspectives provided by this environment enable students to receive a solid view on theories but also to relate the scientific findings to real life practices. We analyze economies, societies and political situations, learning from their histories and observing their current behavior. We learn about companies on their road to success or failure, absorbing the best practices in leadership and competitive advantage. My university is about maximizing one’s ambitions and supporting true personal growth. It provides an opportunity to gather enough intellectual and relationship capital to face and conquer the real world of business and life, waiting outside our great campus. Katarzyna Niemycka, Poland BBA Student IE University

I was looking to obtain a degree from an internationallyrenowned institution and have a chance to win a national football championship. When I discovered that Laval University

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Justin Morrow, Ontario, Canada BBA graduate, Laval University Rouge & Or football Canadian champion

Newcastle is a suitable place to study as it is nice and quiet with not that many distractions. The beaches here are great too. The university is comfortable and has a natural look. The people here are also friendly and you can find people from all over the world which makes it interesting. My degree utilises Problem Based Learning, which is a very good system. I was able to do clinical practice early, which is more interesting than just studying from a book. The teachers in my program were very helpful and friendly. My degree helps change the way I think. It teaches me how to work in teams and learn to work with people from different countries and learn to communicate with one another. The things I enjoy the most about Newcastle are the weather and the beaches! It’s a relaxing place to be. I originally graduated as a product designer in Brazil. After my bachelor’s degree, I returned to my family’s origins in Italy in order to complete my training in the center of design and luxury. I attended the Master in Fashion Accessories in 2006 at Istituto Marangoni Milan. I pursued many unique opportunities at Marangoni, in particular winning the Chivas Regal– China competition and collaborating with Orciani to design the Westy Bag, which went into production in 2007 as a new brand, the “It Bag.” I later developed my experience of “Made in Italy” design and production through a professional position at Orciani and then Versace before concentrating on the realization of my dream: To create my own collection of shoes and accessories produced in Italy. Paula Cademartori Istituto Marangoni

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

It was the small size and personal attention that attracted Laura Sutherland, a senior communications major from North Bay, Ontario, to Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania. Looking back on the past four years she says it was a move that she doesn’t regret. “I really like the people who went out of their way to make sure I felt comfortable here.” Sutherland has taken full advantage of all Neumann has to offer. She has chosen to minor in French and has an internship in the university’s admissions office working with prospective students, giving tours, and planning events. Laura Sutherland

I was offered an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). After going on a campus tour, I was impressed with the overall University experience. UNR is medium sized but I can’t seem to go anywhere on campus or around the community without seeing friendly faces or meeting someone who recognizes me because I play on the football team. The thing I like the most about studying at UNR is studying at a campus that offers me every opportunity to succeed. I care about getting good grades and I am able to do that through several resources – the free tutoring, math center, and other resources where students can seek support if needed. Living in Reno, Nevada is great! There are many good restaurants, at low prices and a lot of different shows come to town (concerts, rodeos, and cultural events). You can never get bored in Reno as there is always something going with the support of community. This University is located in beautiful and low-cost location, four-blocks from downtown. John Bender, Three Hills, AB, Canada Marketing/Management, Senior

I was searching for a college with a creative program focusing on movies and 3-D animation. Pittsburgh Technical Institute has everything and more, including an impressive multimedia lab and lots of computers.

I transitioned from Potsdam, Germany, to PTI with my dedicated admissions coordinator’s help. She took care of the paperwork so I’d have approval to study in the U.S. I’ve made friends and gotten involved in activities like my favorite hometown sport – disc golf!

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

not only offered both of these but a second language as well, the decision was a no-brainer. Another bonus: I didn’t have to extend the length of my degree in order to reap the many rewards that come with being bilingual, a skill that has already provided me with unique career opportunities and, I’m sure, will continue to give me a competitive edge in the business world.

PTI’s instructors are awesome. They notice when I don’t understand and offer assistance. PTI was the right choice for me. Volkmar K. Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Multimedia Technologies student

While I was first drawn to Queen Mary, University of London because of its good reputation and London location, it was not until after my first contact with the Admissions team at the School of Law that I felt certain the College would be a good fit. As an international student, I had specific questions about life in London, student accommodation, and the courses on offer. Those I spoke with provided me with detailed answers and seemed genuinely interested in discussing things over. If willing to make a commitment to study, I believe students here are given the support needed to succeed. This year the Department is introducing a `buddy program` that will see third-year students teamed up with new students to assist with the transition. I have signed up and look forward to taking part. David O’Hare Senior Status Student from Canada & President of the Law Society

The most important factor in choosing St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, was the option to become licensed in all 50 US states and the opportunity to complete my clinical rotations in the US. I came to Grenada looking for a Basic Medical Sciences education and I’m leaving with unforgettable life experiences. I had the opportunity to take part in the Thailand Selective, a program St. George’s University offers whereby students spend one week in Bangkok to do rotations at Siriraj Hospital and another week in Krabi, learning the different aspects of traditional Thai medicine. My time in Thailand was truly amazing. I will carry those memories with me for the rest of my life. Joses Jain, Tsawwassen, British Columbia St. George’s University, Third Year Med Student

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

GERMANY

A Tradition of

Academic Excellence:

Study in Germany 12

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

If you have any questions or concerns about study and research opportunities in Germany, please feel free to contact a member of our office at daadca@daad.org.

Why study in Germany? Did you know… • that German is the most widelyspoken language of the European Union? Are you looking for a unique international study experience in one of Europe’s leading academic research environments? Then look no further – the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is here to provide you with the information you need about finding, securing, and financing your academic stay in Germany. Since it was founded in 1925, DAAD has been funding international academic exchange between Germany and the rest of the world. Financially assisting over 55,000 students annually, DAAD may help you realize your dream of studying abroad in Germany! For more information about DAAD scholarships available to students in Canada, visit: www.daad.org Germany is an exciting travel and research destination. With centuries of colourful history, a diverse and multicultural student population, and some of the most well-known and acclaimed academic institutions in the world, Germany is sure to offer an academic programme that suits your personal and professional needs.

The DAAD Information Centre Toronto: Providing information and guidance to students in Canada The DAAD Information Centre in Toronto is your primary resource for information about study and research opportunities in Germany. Every day, students from across Canada contact us with questions about how to find the perfect study program in Germany, and how to set their study abroad experience in motion. An important part of our work is participating in Canada’s most important education fairs and conferences. Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

• that Germany has the largest economy in Europe and the thirdlargest in the world? • that Germany has more than 300 universities and more than 12,000 Bachelor and Master degree programs? • that in Germany there are currently more than 200,000 international students? • that Germany is ranked 3rd worldwide for the number of books published? • that Germany has a rich cultural scene, with about 120 opera houses, more than 350 theatres, and more than four thousand public museums? German isn’t only an important language for business, but also one of the most important languages for academic and cultural affairs, too. Last but not least, Germany is a fantastic and diverse travel destination.

Did you know that Germany offers plenty of degree programs that are taught either partially or completely in English? It’s true! International Degree Programs (IDPs) are widely-recognized degrees, with internationalized curricula, accreditation, and a professional support network for students. German universities have very low tuition fees – even for international students – and offer high-quality academic standards and a world-class learning environment. “During my three month stay, I lived out incredible adventures, discovering the culture of soccer (ok, football), meeting other similarminded students and traveling across Europe... all this in between some

very rewarding research conducted at the Chemistry Department of Humboldt University.”

GERMANY

Does your university have an annual international fair? Let us know – we’ll do our best to be there!

Matthew Morantz – Concordia University, Chemistry Major

For more information about study opportunities and Germany’s International Degree Programs (IDPs) taught in English, please visit: www.study-in.de

Unique summer internship opportunities for young scientists! Would you like to gain career-building, hands-on experience abroad? How about getting a head start on developing important professional relationships for lifelong networking with an international community of scholars and researchers? The Research in Sciences and Engineering (RISE) internship program of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) might be the CV booster you need. RISE undergrads have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects at top research institutions (e.g., Max-Planck-Institutes) and universities in Germany for a period of 1.5 to 3 months during the summer. Students are paired with German PhD students in a unique mentoring partnership to ensure immediate integration into hands-on lab work and a built-in social network with an excellent opportunity to develop new technical skills. Most RISE participants receive a scholarship to cover living expenses. For more information, visit: www.daad.de/rise/en

DAAD Young Ambassadors in Canada “For me, studying in Stuttgart was a great chance to broaden my perspective on education. International education is a great cultural, academic, and personal experience,” says University of Calgary student and DAAD Young Ambassador Justin Waghray. Like Justin, there are many Canadian students who have studied in Germany and are happy to share their experiences. The DAAD Young Ambassadors are undergraduate students from North America who have recently studied in Germany and are interested in Study In Canada • Study Abroad

GERMANY promoting study in Germany at their home universities and colleges. Young Ambassadors help inspire their fellow students to study in Germany by working with their universities’ study abroad offices, volunteering at study abroad fairs, answering questions from students, and organizing their own events on campus. Justin is just one of many Canadian students who have enjoyed a rewarding academic experience in Germany. “My experience studying abroad at Humboldt University in Berlin was the best experience of my life,” says Simon Fraser University student and DAAD Young Ambassador Krista Lum. “As an International Studies major, looking to ‘internationalize’ my degree, I know that my decision to go study abroad in Germany was a great one.” Over the past semester, Krista has been active around the SFU campus promoting Germany as a study destination and telling her peers about her experience. “Academically, my time abroad was very rewarding, with interesting seminars to look forward to, personable professors, and friendly classmates.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Studying in Germany allowed me to immerse myself in another culture, as well as learn another language,” says Lum. “In addition, studying in Germany was also tons of FUN! I made friends from all around the world, had opportunities to travel lots, and went out every day whether to a student party, a museum, a local festival, or to a café. If I could repeat my opportunity to study in Germany again, I would, without hesitation. Don’t just think about it – do it! It will be the best decision of your life.” Similarly, University of Alberta student Steffen Janzen claims that his exchange experience in Germany

“brought an important international component to my degree, challenged and stretched me as a person, and allowed me to experience Europe.” Throughout his study abroad year, Steffen kept a blog of his daily activities and life in Germany, and updated his personal website for friends and family. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to have an international academic experience of your own – speak to someone at your university’s international office or a member of the DAAD IC-Toronto office today! To find a DAAD Young Ambassador that lives in your area, please visit: www.daad.org/?p=ambassadors

Studying in Germany: A Life-Changing Opportunity ‘’My exchange to the University of Heidelberg during my undergraduate degree was without question the most thrilling, perspective-altering year of my life. In one year in Germany, I learned more than I ever could have imagined possible.

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Academically speaking, studying in a new environment was both exciting and challenging. Not only was I exposed to new methods of learning, but I was also introduced to new perspectives and ideas, different from those taught in my own country. Being involved in internationally-themed discussions with students and professors of different academic backgrounds was invaluable to the development of my own international perspective, and generally helped me to become a better student in my own field of study. Professionally speaking, my cross-cultural experience and exposure to foreign languages and education in Germany helped me to identify, pursue, and attain my ideal job. Currently, I’m doing something I want to be doing, all the while maintaining my international connections and practicing my foreign languages in a formal, business setting on a daily basis. On a personal level, more than anything else, my exchange taught me about who I am and who I want to become. It taught me to roll with the punches, and to accept change and difference, and to do the best I can with what I’ve got. In the end, everything was worth it, and my experience in Germany will continue to positively influence my actions and my career for the rest of my life.’’ Jessica Denenberg – York University, International Studies Major

Stay Informed

SÉJOURS LINGUISTIQUES LANGUAGE STUDIES ABROAD

Plus de 200 écoles dans les plus belles destinations du monde

More than 200 schools in the most beautiful destinations in the world

Want to know when DAAD is coming to your city? Keep up to date with DAAD’s events and information sessions in Canada by signing up for the DAAD IC-Toronto quarterly newsletter! Just send an email with your name and email address and the subject line “SUBSCRIBE” to daadca@daad.org. The DAAD Information Centre Toronto website is your guide to study and research opportunities in Germany! For more information about living and studying in Germany, as well as various funding opportunities to finance your period abroad, check out the IC-Toronto website: www.daad.org/?p=canada For questions regarding study and research opportunities in Germany, please contact a member of our office. DAAD Information Centre Toronto c/o Munk Centre for International Studies North Side, Room 207, University of Toronto 1 Devonshire Place Toronto, ON M5S 1K7 +1 416 946 8116 daadca@daad.org Prof. Dr. Alexandra Hausstein, Director hausstein@daad.org Jessica Denenberg, M.A., Program Coordinator denenberg@daad.org Contributed by: DAAD Information Centre Toronto www.daad.org

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

www.eslcompany.com

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Ontario/Baden-Württemberg

University Student Exchange Program Baden-Württemberg, located in the South-West of Germany bordering on Switzerland, Austria, France and Bavaria, is one of the most beautiful and culturally vibrant States in Germany. Situated in the very heart of Europe, it is just as famous for being the industrial home of globally renowned companies like Mercedes Benz, Bosch, Porsche or Boss, as for its excellent educational system. The Canadian province of Ontario and the German State of BadenWürttemberg look back on a long and highly successful history of co-operation and exchange in higher education. Established in 1990, the Ontario/ Baden-Württemberg Exchange Program offers 50 students on each side the opportunity to study for one academic year at a university in the partner jurisdiction, or to participate in a shorter, research-oriented summer stay. The Program is supported by a consortium of 13 Ontario universities, by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, and by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts. On the Ontario side it has its office at York University and is co-ordinated by Dr. David Darby of the University of Western Ontario; on the Baden-Württemberg side it is

co-ordinated by the International Office of the University of Konstanz and its Director Ms. Regina Sonntag-Krupp. The OBW program is open to undergraduate and graduate students from all fields of study. It is particularly keen on the Ontario side to encourage increased participation of students at all levels of study in science and engineering disciplines. Students from the Ontario side participating in the year-long program receive a pre-departure orientation in Toronto as well as a stipend from the BadenWürttemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts for an intensive German language course before the start of their semester/year abroad. For the Summer Research stays there is no German language prerequisite. Baden-Württemberg Universities Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Rupprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg Universität Hohenheim Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Universität Konstanz Universität Mannheim Universität Stuttgart Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen Universität Ulm Ontario Universities Carleton University University of Guelph

Laurentian University / Université Laurentienne McMaster University Nipissing University University of Ottawa / Université d’Ottawa Queen’s University Ryerson University University of Toronto University of Waterloo University of Western Ontario University of Windsor York University / Université York Ontario Director Dr. David Darby Modern Languages and Literatures University of Western Ontario London, ON Canada N6A 3K7 Tel.: +1-519-661-2111 ext. 85857 E-mail: ddarby@uwo.ca Baden-Württemberg Director Ms. Regina Sonntag-Krupp, Director Auslandsreferat/International Office Universität Konstanz 78457 Konstanz Germany Tel. +49-7531-88-30 89 E-mail: regina.sonntag@uni-konstanz.de Contributed by: Ms. Regina Sonntag-Krupp, Universität Konstanz

The World is Your Oyster Germany for one year, has so far been the BEST year of my life! There are no words to describe just how amazing my year abroad in Baden Württemberg has been. It has included travelling throughout Europe, making friendships with people from all around the world, exciting adventures, learning German, and lastly gaining an International academic experience at one of the most prestigious and respected universities in Germany. Taking part in the OBW Exchange at the age of twenty, and having the opportunity to study and live in 16

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Professionally speaking, if you want to stand out and have an edge over

other Canadian graduates, you would have had to do something significant like studying on exchange that sets you apart from other students. By having this experience on my resume, I know that it will open many doors for me in the future. It is not just the courses taken overseas that set you apart, it’s the cross-cultural skills and life experiences that you gain which will be imperative in the future when employers look at your credentials and resume. I have learned to be self reliant, independent, confident in my abilities, adaptable, and cultured, and I am able Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Prior to coming to Germany in September of 2009, I attended an orientation session in Toronto at the end of May where I was able to meet the two other girls going to the same German University as me, as well as other Ontario students going abroad to Germany, all of whom have now become my close friends and study at different Universities throughout Baden Württemberg. This orientation run by the OBW Program office in Toronto helped me prepare for everything that I needed to know prior to departure and I gained an abundance of information that assisted me in getting ready for my exchange.

When I first arrived in in September, the International Office at the University of Konstanz was fantastic. They helped me with everything from registering at the University, to all the paperwork, to selecting courses and settling into my new environment. Before the semester started, I took part in an intensive German Language course where I attended classes every day for the entire month of September with other international exchange students from all over the world. I found that the

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intensive German course, which was paid for by the Baden-Württemberg government, really helped me refresh my German before starting actual University classes in mid October, and it was a great opportunity to practice speaking German with other foreign students without worrying about making mistakes. After the September German language course finished, the winter semester began and I not only took many classes in German for improving my German language capabilities, but also a few classes relating to my major in English. So, if your German is not perfect and still needs lots of improvement and you worry that you might not be ready to take all your classes in German, no need to worry! You have the option to take classes taught in both German and English. I had only learned German for two years at McMaster University prior to coming on exchange with the OBW program, and it is safe to say that my German has improved exponentially.

months, I have grown so much as a person, my German has improved tremendously, I’ve made many new friendships, and have had the incredible privilege and opportunity to study while living in one of the most beautiful places in all of Germany: Lake Constance, which borders Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Every day when I’m at the University and look out the windows of the cafeteria, I see the pristine Lake Constance with the Swiss Alps in the backdrop; and it never ceases to fascinate me the incredible beauty of this region. I truly do feel like I’m living in a dream.

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to step out of my comfort zone and thrive in new experiences. I’m now able to explore fresh territory without being fearful.

This is the time of our lives, and it is up to us to make our lives what we want it to be. As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Aside from my academic life throughout my first semester, the international office organizes events and monthly get-togethers for the North American students studying here at the university. These have included dinners at the local Irish Pub, meeting at the Weihnachtsmarkt during Christmas time, and other exciting events. They also organize very affordable excursions to wonderful cities throughout Germany and Switzerland. I had the opportunity to go to St.Gallen, Stuttgart, Tuebingen, Meersburg, Zurich and Berlin. My first semester here has been incredible, and I have nothing but positive things to share about my experience. Within these last six

Contributed by: Nicole Hemmer OBW Participant 2009-2010 Nicole Hemmer is a Communication Studies and German Major at McMaster University, currently on exchange at the University of Konstanz in Baden Württemberg, Germany.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

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Canadian students

applying to UK

institutions up 19.4% The latest figures from UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) show that the number of applicants from Canada is already up from 1,201 to 1,434, that’s a 19.4% increase over the same reporting period last year based on data taken as of January 22, 2010. The figures also show that the top five subjects that Canadian students are applying to are: • Law • Pre-clinical medicine • Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy • Politics • Ophthalmics At the end of the 2009 cycle, out of 1,853 Canadian applicants, 914 were accepted on to a course in a UK university or college. UK qualifications are respected around the world and every year tens of thousands of people come from abroad to study here. Britain has around 1.6 million full-time undergraduates in higher education and of these, more than 99,000 are international students.

The job of handling applications from all these students is all part of the work of UCAS, based at Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. UCAS has an International Team which travels the world, talking to schools and colleges, advising students, giving presentations and holding workshops and training sessions. In fact, one of the team, Kristine Murray, travelled to Canada last year, making a series of school visits in Vancouver and Toronto. Kristine has been to Canada several times over the past few years owing to the increase in students applying to study in the UK. Hopefully, she’ll be back again some time in 2010. Kristine said, “By visiting schools in Canada, we have an opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them when researching UK higher education courses. This then enables us to find out what other resources UCAS can provide to our overseas applicants.” The UK system is unique because students only need to fill out one UCAS

form for all their applications. This makes the UCAS system so much easier than many other countries where applications have to be completed individually for different universities. UCAS is there to help anyone who wants to enter higher education in the UK. A good starting point is the UCAS website www.ucas.com. Students can research the kind of course they are interested in, check entry requirements and find out about the whole application process. There is even an online video tailored exclusively to international applicants. If a student is thinking about applying to study in the UK, one of the first steps for international students is to check that their qualifications are recognised in the UK and that they will be accepted by higher education institutions here. UCAS provides a qualifications hotline too. Prospective students can email their questions to: qualsenquiries@ucas.ac.uk Higher education institutions have a good understanding of the large range of qualifications offered by applicants

Each course has minimum entry requirements. Colleges and universities will look at a candidate’s qualifications to see if they meet those standards, but they will also be looking at a student’s overall suitability for the course. Students can find out what’s needed by using the Course Search feature on the UCAS website. The prospectus or website of their chosen university or college will have entry information too.

Once they have decided what to study and where, students need to complete their application online using the Apply section of the UCAS website. The process is straightforward and UCAS provides assistance throughout, guiding applicants through the options available. If you are applying from outside the UK or EU, whatever your nationality, you need to be aware of the three application deadlines; but many universities and colleges will consider your application up until 30 June 2011. This does not apply to applications for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or veterinary science. For all of these, all applicants must apply by 15 October 2010. Universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications they receive after 15 January 2011, and some popular courses may not have vacancies after that date. Please check with individual universities and colleges if you are not sure. You are advised to apply as early as possible. Remember to allow enough time for entry clearance or immigration; also travel and accommodation arrangements, which can take longer during the summer when immigration departments are busy.If you think you may be assessed as a ‘home’ student (UK or EU) for tuition fees, you should apply by 15 January 2011. Contributed by: Darren Barker, Corporate Communications Executive Policy and Public Affairs UCAS www.ucas.com

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from different parts of the world. Some have specific sections on their websites outlining the qualifications they will accept from each country and the sort of grades they expect.

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.

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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.

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

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

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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

Choosing to study abroad is one of the most important decisions one can make in life. There are various visible as well as hidden factors that need to be considered in order to be well prepared for the transition, and to minimize facing unpleasant surprises that may be lurking around the corner. Therefore, it is important to allow enough time for accumulating as much information as you can prior to leaving your country. Here are some tips that will address some of the most common concerns you may have regarding your arrival and settlement in the United Kingdom under student visa status.

Accommodation

It is important to start making accommodation arrangements as soon as you have been accepted to your course/program. During your first week in the UK, until getting settled, it is a good idea to stay temporarily with someone you know – if possible – so that you can learn first-hand about local information that will be beneficial in helping you with your transition. There are two main types of accommodation for students enrolled in higher education programs: • University accommodation and • Private accommodation owned by private landlords. Before you leave, it may be difficult to arrange private accommodation, as sometimes you might not get what you anticipating. Many students use some of the more popular services found on the website as their first place to get ideas on accommodation. If you want to stay in University accommodations, you should contact the accommodation or welfare office, or the students’ union at the institution. They may have lists of local accommodation available for rent. They may also have inspected the accommodation to check that it is suitable, so they can help you if you have any problems.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Medical

UNITED KINGDOM

How do you Prepare for Studying in the

Students going to the UK are entitled to get quite a few free National Health Service (NHS) treatments such as hospital treatment. On a study visa, you can register as a patient with a local General Practitioner. As a student under Tier 4 student visa, studying in UK either for six or more months or less than six months, the following services will be free of charge: • consulting a GP and most other GP services (e.g. visiting a clinic) • treatment in a hospital (both emergency and non-emergency treatment) If you have any questions, please contact NHS or nearest GP from your place. You may need to pay for: • medicine prescribed by your GP • some GP services (eg. vaccinations for travel, getting a sickness certificate) • dental treatment • optical treatment

Work

Students going to the UK under a Tier 4 (student) visa will be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during the holidays. Once you have completed your studies, you can apply for a Tier 1 (post study work) migrant visa, which will authorize you to work full time once your application has been approved.

Websites

As there is a lot of information available on the internet, and it can be both beneficial as well as confusing. However, the following websites are recommended as musts for those going to the United Kingdom to study. UK student visa: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk Pre-departure tips: www.britishcouncil.org/canadaeducationuk.htm Contributed by: Yasir Majid, President Students Solution www.studentssolution.co.uk Study In Canada • Study Abroad

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The United

Kingdom The Going Abroad Choice 22

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Choosing to go abroad for a university education can be one of the best educational and lifestyle decisions you’ll ever make. Just take a glance at the academic qualifications of luminaries in every professional field and notice how many include an abroad educational experience as core to their development and maturity. However, the choice will only be as good as the university you decide to attend and why you choose it. When embarking on your plans, it is important to learn how to select a university in the U.K. that will best responds to your educational interests and lifestyle aspirations. You shouldn’t be doing this on your own: You need to retain the services of an education advisor, many of whom provide a cost-free service to you, who is familiar with the educational institutional framework and knowledgeable about the universities. It is important to decide whether you’re determined to be in London or are interested in exploring alternative locations, as some of the world’s great universities are also located in other parts of the country. London is one of the most historic, exciting, vibrant and livable cities in the world. You can’t beat it for a memorable cultural and life experience. It is also the locus of the University of London, the umbrella for 19 universities, many of which are internationally-renowned institutions like the London School of Economics for economics and politics, and Queen Mary University of London for law. However, for many students it’s London or bust and you should feel comfortable and excited about the prospect if you’re one of them. The excitement quickly wanes for many students when they learn that, although international university tuition is fairly

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

This is an opportunity to explain the overall cost situation to students. There is good news for Canadians even when you factor in the cost of living in London, as the Canadian dollar has shot up in value and the British pound has decreased. The U.K. educational experience will be a bargain for Canadians for the next several years. Estimate tuition at approximately CAD$15,000 - $16,000 per year (compared with the top-tier Canadian law school tuition of $20,000 - $25,000 per year). Factor in living expenses of $10,000 - $12,000 per year outside of London and $15,000$18,000 per year in London. The cost of the experience is $27,000 -$32,000, per year, depending on the choice you make. When you consider the added value of experiencing living abroad, it’s competitive with attending university in Canada.

make your decision. Don’t automatically apply to a university because of its name brand, no matter how prestigious that might be. Or because a friend or friend of a friend heard who may have never had a first-hand experience with the institution told you about a friend who visited the locale and had a great time.

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John G. Kelly

uniform throughout the public university system in the U.K., London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in: Think of double the cost of living in Toronto or Vancouver. Add an additional $3,000- $5,000 per year on to your living expenses if London is your ultimate destination.

The first step should be to attend information sessions. Many Canadian universities conduct graduate school fairs, which are educational shopping malls. Cruise the mall and do some booth shopping. Look for educational advisors, particularly those who have registered UCAS representative status. They’ve been vetted and their credentials have been validated, and UCAS representatives often hold

More good news is that you are able to apply for Canada Student Loans and provincial assistance such as OSAP. In addition, international student visas entitle you to work up to 20 hours a week at the U.K. minimum wage of approximately $13 per hour, nearly double that of Canada. It’s relatively easy to earn $150 ($4,000-$5,000 per school year) for a weekend day’s work at U.K. universities that guarantee oncampus employment for international students. Find out before you go if the universities you are interested in offer Canadian students on-campus, parttime employment. Failing this, you are still eligible to work off-campus so you can search where you like. You apply to U.K. universities through the University and Colleges Application Service (UCAS), an electronic registration system. There’s a nominal registration fee of approximately $35 that permits you to choose five universities.

How do you choose? There are a number of steps you should take that will help you find the best match. Prior to going through them, you should know how you should not

information sessions. If you’re looking for a professional school in areas like the health professions or law, make certain you attend a session with a UCAS representative who is familiar with the accreditation (degree recognition) standards of the specific profession. Make a point of attending one or more of the information sessions offered by universities directly or conducted by their UCAS representatives.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

UNITED KINGDOM The U.K. has a number of university rating systems that will provide you with a second opinion on your choices. The most popular are the Times of London and Guardian newspaper guides. They provide rankings for universities in general and for specific schools of study such as law. A university that is ranked as number five on the Times site may be ranked as number seven on the Guardian site or vice versa. Moreover, the amount of sampling data available for any particular year will influence rankings accordingly. Professional schools in law and the health professions with their relatively small enrollments are susceptible to changes in ranks with minor changes in number of participants in surveys. A law school that ranked number five in the 2008 Times of London Guide may suddenly drop to number nine because of skewed data. You’re well advised to undertake a comparative ranking over a 2-3 period when using these popular guides. The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) is an exercise undertaken approximately every five years on behalf of the four U.K. higher education funding councils to evaluate the quality of research done by faculties within universities. This is a particularly important ranking mechanism for professional schools. A high RAE rating indicates that a professional school has internationally respected professors on faculty who are conducting leading edge research into issues within their field. It will often be an indicator of a world-class institute for research and teaching in a designated specialty. Look for a high RAE rating in the area of most interest to you in law and you’ll be guaranteed a high quality legal education. You’ve gone through all of the ratings and rankings. You’re now at the point where you not only can make a decision but you must make a decision. What should your choice be? This is the point that, despite all of the steps you’ve taken, and all of the due diligence you’ve done you’ll end up making what is essentially a gut decision. But it will feel good and you should do well. Contributed by: John G. Kelly B.Comm., D.PIR., LL.B., M.Sc., M.A. (Jud. Admin.) FCIS. John G. Kelly is president of Canada Law From Abroad (www. candalawfromabroad.com), a registered UCAS representative for a consortium of U.K. Law Schools that provides an international education bridge for Canadian students to study law abroad in the U.K. He can be reached at johng@ canadalawfromabroad.com

As one of the UK’s leading research universities, the University of Bristol is the first choice for many British and international students. We offer a wide range of programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Medicine and Dentistry, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Engineering, Science and Social Sciences and Law. In addition to our three, four and five year Bachelor degrees, we also offer taught Masters, Masters by Research, Postgraduate Diploma programmes, Doctoral Research and the taught Doctor of Education. Set in the heart of a beautiful, historic yet vibrant and cosmopolitan city, the University of Bristol is an outstanding study destination. For more details please visit our website www.bristol.ac.uk or send an email to iro@bristol.ac.uk to request one of our CDs for international students.

STUDY CHIROPRACTIC IN THE UK

At the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Bournemouth, United Kingdom

CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic is an expanding healthcare profession, primarily concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of conditions and complaints of the musculoskeletal system. The chiropractic profession is known throughout the world as a specialist body of practitioners who can provide help and relief for many individuals who would otherwise suffer prolonged pain and illness. Chiropractic is one of the fastest growing healthcare professions across Europe, Canada and the rest of the world. There are over 2,200 practising chiropractors in the UK presently, with the profession continuing to grow year-on-year. Chiropractic is a fully regulated profession in the UK, Canada and most major countries across the world. The MChiro degree offered at the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) is accredited by the Council for Chiropractic Education and is therefore recognised globally.

EXCELLENT CAREER PROSPECTS

The AECC has a wide international alumni, with graduates of the college currently working in 28 different countries around the globe. Chiropractic is a rapidly growing profession in various territories across the world. The Department of Human Resources and Social Development in Canada has reported strong growth of the profession across the country. The vast majority of AECC graduates secure jobs in chiropractic or set up their own practice soon after gaining their degree. Latest figures from the UK Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey revealed that 100% of AECC class of 2008 gained employment within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for AECC graduates was £22,875, with the national average currently standing at £19,677 (UK Higher Education Statistics Agency figure).

STUDYING IN THE UK

The AECC has been established for over 40 years and has a worldwide reputation for excellence in chiropractic education. With a student base of around 600, the AECC has an intimate feel, with most individuals here forming friendships which will stand the test of time. The AECC’s mix of students (50% from the UK, 40% from Europe and 10% from the rest of the world) also ensures diversity of culture and tradition which is apparent from the moment you set foot in the College. The AECC is situated in Bournemouth, a seaside town on the south coast of England, which enjoys a mild climate and has seven miles of sandy beaches. Bournemouth is a young and vibrant university town with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, music venues and nightclubs. Bournemouth has excellent road and rail links and is less than two hours away from London and Heathrow International Airport. The town is served by its own local airport, providing affordable links to central Europe and by nearby Southampton Airport and Ferry Port.

For more information on the AECC Visit www.aecc.ac.uk Email admissions@aecc.ac.uk Call +44 1202 436502

Student Profile Nathan Lee – Third Year AECC Student From Toronto “When I was considering studying chiropractic, I asked chiropractors for their opinion on the best schools to attend. Despite good institutions in Canada and the States, the AECC was often mentioned as the best institution in the world in terms of evidencebased education. On further investigation, it also turned out that it is cheaper to study at the AECC than in Canada. The fact the college is close to the beach and that mainland Europe is easily accessible for holidays is another factor that makes studying here very appealing. Coming from Toronto, I’ve enjoyed the change of scenery and lifestyle in a university town. I like the college campus, which has a warm, family feel and lots of history too. The lecturers here are very laid-back and genuinely operate an open door policy, which means you can chat with them about your studies at any time. The AECC really does come highly recommended.”

Spain offers the chance to study and experience life in a major European country, and to be immersed in a dynamic, multicultural society. It is one of the main hubs for student exchanges in Europe and has become, through time, a top destination among international students looking to enhance and bring added impetus to their education and, ultimately, their job prospects.

Higher education is fairly straightforward in Spain There are basically two types of Spanish universities: state-run and private. Most have embraced the Bologna Process – also called the Bologna Accord – which seeks to standardize higher-education degrees for all member countries. Hence, a degree obtained in Spain is automatically recognized in 46 countries around the globe, including the European Union, Turkey, and Russia. It also means that some universities now teach entire degrees in English, offering international students an alternative to the more traditional education. The Bologna Process has transformed the higher-education landscape of Spain, which now comprises the following: -- Grado: Bachelors, usually completed in four years. These Bachelor degrees tend to be longer than the traditional BA or BSc in Europe because they often include a compulsory year abroad. -- Master: Masters Degrees, completed in 1one year. -- Doctorado: PhD, completed in two years.

This would be the official path followed by a student who undergoes his or her entire higher education in Spain. Additionally, many of these courses offer exchange programs, ranging from a semester to a full year. Choosing the right qualification and selecting the appropriate university is therefore extremely important as many degrees (architecture, business, law) are taught differently depending on the university. Spain´s El Mundo newspaper publishes a ranking of universities each year that can be helpful in reaching a final decision.

So you want to study your degree in Spanish… Before choosing this path, prospective students must determine whether their Spanish language skills are strong enough. Most universities include their own Spanish language test as an entrance requirement. Nevertheless, passing the DELE exam with a good grade usually exempts you from going through a Spanish exam at every university you apply for. The DELE exam is a recognized language test that determines if you have a beginner, intermediate, or advanced level in Spanish.

A big step towards your future career Studying in Spain will open many doors, bringing great career opportunities. It is one of the fastest-growing countries in Europe, and a large number of Spanish multinationals, like BBVA, Banco Santander, Zara or Massimo Duti, are leaders in their respective sectors.

SPAIN

Spain Studying

Spanish business schools have moved in lockstep with Spain’s emergence as a leading European country, to the point that three of them (IE, IESE, INSEAD) now figure among the world’s top ten schools in some international rankings. Furthermore, over half a billion people speak Spanish, making it the second most used language in today´s business environment. Thanks to its geographical position and history, Spain has a strong influence in Europe and Africa and plays a major role in Latin America. The direct consequence of this is that Spanish employers are eager for employees with international profiles, to keep pace with global business developments.

Student life in Spain In comparison with other European countries, living costs in Spain are low. Food is relatively cheap and the night life Spain is so famous for its affordability. Accommodation, on the other hand, can be tricky. A one-room apartment may cost you between 500€ to 1000€ per month, depending on the city, and campus accommodation rates range from €350 to €850. (1€=1.60CAD) Flat-sharing remains the best option. Not only is it cheaper, but it is a chance to meet people from around the world. Averaging between €200 to €300 per month (€400 max with all gas/electricity bills) flat-sharing is the best option for any student´s budget. Just like in the film L´Auberge Espagnole, you will learn from your flat mates, share many memorable moments, and build an extensive network of lifelong friends. It is no secret that Spain is a European hub for student exchanges and an attractive destination. The experience is unique and exciting. Some universities have adapted their learning processes to meet the needs of their multicultural students, delivering a truly international education.Spain’s key cities have all the facilities a student could need, and the Spanish approach to life is guaranteed to maximize every student´s social life. Last but not least, the business environment offers excellent career opportunities. Contributed by: Geoffroy Gérard Associate Director of Communications IE University, Madrid www.ie.edu

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SPAIN

Enrich Yourself – and Others For Eight Days in a Spanish Mountain Resort How about a holiday in Spain, free of charge? With your own comfortable room with a superb view over the mountains or the ancient town below, hearty breakfasts and gastronomical lunches and dinners, a lovely swimming pool, and splendid weather? And the opportunity to get acquainted with 20 highly-motivated Spanish professionals who fill you in on ‘everything Spanish,’ plus another 20 interesting Anglos from all walks of life and every corner of the English speaking world? “Great,” you may say, “but what’s the catch”? Well, it’s hard to believe, but all you really

have to do is hang out with your new friends and converse with them in your native tongue, English! As soon as I heard about the program of Pueblo Ingles, a Spanish organization that pairs English-speaking volunteers with an equal number of Spaniards who are eager to improve their conversational English, I could not resist the temptation and signed up for a week in Spain in the month of June. The only things required were to: speak English only, enjoy meeting and talking with new people, and make one’s own way to and from Madrid. Although the program does not come cheap for the Spaniards – mostly executives sent by their firms, with an intermediate knowledge of English – the Anglo group is paid for their contributions with free room and board. The program runs in various parts of the country (small villages close to Salamanca and Soria in the North, and Jaen in the South), from January until November. There are also teen camps during the summer months. On the first day of our program, all participants gathered in the early

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morning on the pavement of Calle Almagro in downtown Madrid. From there, a bus brought us to the ancient mountain village of Cazorla in the province of Andalucia, about four hours south of Madrid. While waiting for our transport, most of the Spaniards clustered quietly together, obviously intimidated by hearing all the different English accents around them from 20 Aussies, Brits, Irishmen, Texans, New Yorkers, and Canadians. “That was not exactly the English we had learned in the classroom!” would be their comment, some time later that week, on the variety of pronunciations and slang words they suddenly heard that first morning. The engaging program directors had no pity for their timid compatriots, however, and cheerfully enforced the ‘no-Spanish rule’ as soon as we boarded the bus, making sure that each Spaniard was seated next to an Anglo. That soon broke the ice and paved the way to what was still to come: an intense week of non-stop English conversation and the forging of new, close friendships between people ranging from 20-something to over 70 years of age.

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Each day, wake-up call was at 8.15, followed by a lavish buffet breakfast. Then it was up to the announcement board in the entrance hall, where we would have to mark our choices for lunch and dinner, and would find the schedule for the rest of the day. The program included several daily one-to-one conversations of one hour each, carefully planned by the program director in order to give every Spaniard the opportunity to meet with each Anglo participant. Topics were of our own choice, and varied from sharing information about our jobs and families to discussing controversial and current news issues. But we also learned a lot about Spain itself. Miguel, a scientist and connoisseur of wine from Oviedo, talked about apple cidre, one of the main products from

Asturias; with Isabel, an executive from Sevilla, I compared the similarities and differences of mortgages in our respective countries; and Alberto, a paramedic from Madrid, taught me the first steps of the paso doble. As most Spaniards loved walking, many conversations also took place on nature paths or on the way to and from the village. Others resorted to the shaded patios and the lovely terraces of the hotel overlooking the surroundings, or even paddled with their feet in the swimming pool while sharing Spanish recipes or discussing the latest victories of tennis superstar Rafael Nadal. After lunch and the short siesta that followed, we continued with little group discussions on assigned topics such as the threat of terrorism and ETA, what we would do if we would win the lottery, and whether children have any rights to privacy. As the small groups were always made up of men and women of different nationalities, ages, and convictions, we often had heated debates with most interesting differences of opinion! To bridge the gap between late afternoon and dinner (consumed between 9 and 11 pm), there was often entertainment in the form of short presentations by participants, songs, and hilarious skits or silly games which, although they sometimes went beyond our comfort zone, were often so funny that we repeatedly laughed ourselves to tears. At the end of the day, the better we all got to know each other, the longer we kept lingering over coffee after dinner, or chatting on the terrace. Within just a few days, everyone seemed one big family.

Although the Spaniards got more and more exhausted in this total immersion setting over the course of the week – some of them starting to complain that their brains simply could not take anything in anymore, others admitting to even dreaming in English – their conversation skills improved dramatically, and by the end of the week they were as comfortable speaking with their new Anglo friends as talking between themselves in English. And while the last day’s goodbyes were certainly bittersweet, we were encouraged by the fact that Hector now felt comfortable to begin his trip through England, that Anna was sure she would shine during her presentation at an upcoming international conference, and that Gregorio was confident he would finally be considered for the promotion he so much desired.

SPAIN

Upon arrival, we were each assigned a room with en-suite in one of the villas of our four-star hotel, from where we could enjoy wonderful panoramic views: an old castle in the mountains, the whitewashed medieval town of Cazorla, and the sierra with its endless rows of olive trees. As soon as we were settled in, lunch was served in the cosy dining room, an encouraging introduction to the excellent food that our imaginative chef would conjure up for us three times each day during the week to follow. His menus would include regional specialties from all over Spain such as the Asturian fabada (peppers, white beans, and chorizo), the cocido from Madrid (various meats with tomatoes and onions), and the well-known seafood paella from Alicante. Seating at the small tables was arbitrary, as long as we made sure that Spaniards and Anglos were evenly divided.

As for the Anglos, the backpackers from Ireland continued their European tour, the retired Aussie couple set out for the coast of Southern Andalucia for an extended vacation, the actress from New York decided to try her luck in Barcelona, and some others feasted their last night in Madrid’s many tapa bars before catching their next days’ flights home. Despite our many differences, there was one thing we Anglos all had in common: Feeling tremendously enriched by the experience and the many close friendships we had formed in such a short time. We all vowed, without one single exception, to sign up again as a Pueblo Ingles volunteer in the year to come. Contributed by: Lies Ouwerkerk: Lies is originally from The Netherlands and currently resides in North Hatley, Québéc. She works as a columnist and as a freelance writer and photographer for various travel magazines. All photos are also contributed by Lies. For information on the Pueblo Ingles program, visit www. puebloingles.com

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

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MEXICO

Queretaro Where the Past and the Future Converge Originally, the majestic valleys and mountains were inhabited by indigenous Chichimec and Otomi Groups, but in the year 1531 the Spanish arrived. The combination of the natives and the Spaniards gave birth to a state, small in size, but immensely rich in culture, history, sights and landscapes that include grottos, deserts, waterfalls, and forests that a lifetime would not be enough to explore: This state is Queretaro.

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Founded in 1531, Queretaro has become ‘the window into the geographic and cultural diversity of México.’ And in 1996 UNESCO declared the downtown area of the city a world heritage site. All over the state one can see impressive buildings that date back to Queretaro’s past. Los Arcos, the city’s aqueduct from the18th century, is one of the many examples, and like los arcos, temples and grand villas were built by order of the Spanish

viceroyalty. Moreover, just 7km outside of the city centre one can find the pyramid of El Cerrito, the biggest one in the central region of the country. Queretaro has something for everyone. Besides its historic sites, the city offers spas, shopping malls, bars, night clubs, cultural centers, museums, parks, and restaurants where one can enjoy Mexican and international cuisine. With a temperature that ranges from 18-30C,

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MEXICO one can enjoy outdoor activities or simply walk around the city, which has one of the lowest rates of crime in Mexico. One does not need to have a vehicle to get around as the public transportation is affordable. El Parque Bicentenario is a park just outside of the city but it was so well designed that one can instantly connect with nature there. The park includes a rollercoaster and other mechanical games, a river, swimming pools, lakes, and paths that allow you to venture into the woods. Queretaro has around thirty festivals in which one can sample and take pleasure in the traditional cuisine. These festivals include Charreadas, Mariachi concerts, parades, and plays to represent the nativity scene. Other celebrations include days to honour saints and other religious figures. One of the biggest celebrations takes place in the month of September. In this celebration the Concheros wear metallic costumes adorned with feathers and dance for three consecutive days. Holy week and day of the death celebrations are especially remarkable because they represent the combination of the old and the new.

EVERYTHING IS CLOSE TO QUERETARO. It is located close to Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Morelia. All of these cities are full of history, culture, art, and picturesque old buildings. Thanks to the central location and advanced highway systems, Queretaro is one of the most progressive, innovative and modern states of Mexico and is a key driver of the Mexican economy. Its 18 industrial parks house national and international companies

and have been acknowledged as the best industrial centres in Latin America. Moreover, Queretaro is home to the first industrial park of the aeronautic industry in Latin America. Come to Queretaro and be enchanted by the magical atmosphere! Contributed by: Eduardo Mora â&#x20AC;&#x201C; undergraduate student of International Business at Tecnologico de Monterrey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Campus QuerĂŠtaro

www.canadianstudentmagazine.com

INFORMATION

Do Your Homework Before Choosing a University! It’s never too early to start thinking about university options. For senior high school students, campus tours and school visits often take place in October and November, which doesn’t leave much decision time before applications are due! Even those not in their senior year may need to think ahead about pre-requisite courses for certain career paths. As a student (with the enlisted help of parents in some cases!), narrowing down school options can be a daunting, but very important process. Before you start randomly filling out those application forms, take time to consider some of the many variables that affect the “fit” of a university to your unique personality and educational goals.

Course content

Have a look at the university calendars and read the individual course outlines. You can also compare how individual programs are designed by different universities and the flexibility offered each year in terms of what students can choose to study.

Prerequisites needed

Make sure you have the required high school credits and that you meet other criteria for your program of choice.

Size and location

Do you want a university that’s downtown in a big city, close to restaurants and shopping? Or would you prefer to be on a campus that’s a world unto itself, set apart from the city? Your budget and a city’s cost of living (for food, rent and social activities) will affect your decision.

Distance away from home

While it’s great to go away to university, living at home is much more affordable. If you’re going away, figure out how far you’re willing to travel. Remember that being far from home may have some benefits, but it also means you’re less likely to see your friends and family often during the school year, so get ready for at least a small dose of homesickness.

Scholarships and financial assistance

Many universities now have scholarship grids, which are incremental charts that guarantee entrance scholarships to incoming students based on their high school final marks. Don’t hesitate to ask about the scholarships available, and also check out other forms of assistance like special work-study programs. Once you’ve identified the factors that are most important to you, you’ve taken the first steps to making a successful choice! Contributed by: Glen Ashworth Marketing and Communications Manager Gestionnaire du marketing et des communications Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Association des universités et collèges du Canada www.aucc.ca

Cost

Remember to consider not only tuition fees, but also housing, food, books, supplies, and personal living expenses. These costs are different depending upon the type of program, type of university and the size and location of the school.

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CANADA

Private Career Training In the private post-secondary education and training sector, regulation is administered by the Private Career Training Institutes Agency [PCTIA]. There are 394 registered institutions in BC. PCTIA also administers an Accreditation process; in BC 180 private institutions are accredited by the Agency. Accredited schools are identified by a logo showing a golden apple at the centre of the green leaves of a tree. Institutions that are accredited are known as ‘designated’ – which means that these institutions are eligible to offer Canada & BC Student Loan program access to eligible students who register at these institutions. 34

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A non-designated institution may not offer Canada & BC Student Loan access to its registering students. The PCTIA and the BC Career Colleges Association (BCCCA) perform complementary roles in the postsecondary education and training sector, both operating within a set of published by-laws. PCTIA regulates programs of study that are longer than 40 hours and that cost $1000 or more in tuition fees. PCTIA grants accreditation status to institutions to a maximum of five years for any one accreditation period, and it performs a role in consumer protection.

THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CAREER COLLEGES ASSOCIATION The BCCCA represents school owners and administrators for the purposes of: 1. communications among post secondary institutions, professional organizations and governments ministries and agencies, 2. advocacy initiatives and position papers to government regarding the importance of the private training sector to economic health and the availability of a trained workforce, and

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SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR & THE PUBLIC SECTOR In general, the two-post secondary education and training sectors are both similar and different. These sectors are similar in that they: 1. provide a wide range of learning options and program types to the student; 2. provide a learning and program outcome that is recognized by the award of a certificate, a diploma, or a degree; 3. charge tuition and associated programming fees. The sectors are different in that: 1. public sector institutions generally accept applications based upon the ‘grade point average’ [GPA] of the applicant’s previous transcripts, whereas private sector institutions accept applications based upon the published ‘admission requirements’ found in the program descriptor; 2. public sector institutions traditionally focus on academic programming and have been moving into vocational training fields, whereas private sector institutions are better known for focusing on vocational training courses and programs and are moving into some academic field; 3. program start dates at public sector institutions are generally fixed in a traditional academic calendar with starts in or around September and January, whereas start dates at private sector institutions can occur anytime and often have multiple program entry dates due to flexible scheduling formats. THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE SECTOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING It is generally understood and agreed that the private sector offers programming structures that can be more advantageous to the adult learner than the programming structure found in the public sector. Examples of this are:

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1. programming structure in the private sector frequently offers more compressed training plans, with few breaks in the schedule; 2. job success rates are oftentimes immediate as fewer graduates enter into the labour market at any one time – as opposed to public institution graduating classes in the spring and the fall of a year; 3. flexibility of enrollment starting points allows for frequent – and in some cases continuous – intake dates throughout the year; 4. admission requirements are more likely to be based on the ‘portfolio’ approach, and the applicant’s experience, than on the GPA of a previous transcript;

PROGRAMS AND AREAS OF GROWTH The social need for education and training has never been greater. British Columbia and Canada lead the way in building the knowledge economy, which is essential for growth and competitive advantage in labour marketplace. Program areas that are experiencing high growth are given in many webbased sites, including: workfutures. bc.ca, workinfonet.bc.ca, youthpath.ca, careerpathsonline.com, and BCjobs. ca. A recent visit to one of these sites provides three examples of expected ‘most in-demand’ jobs in Canada:

5. the likelihood that there is no waitlist;

1. science and engineering,

6. year-round training reduces the learner’s living costs and therefore the dependence upon family, savings or loans; and

3. legal professionals.

7. private sector training is more consistent with current concepts regarding social responsibility & the ‘greening’ of education and training, by providing the leanest and most cost efficient structures for job training – thereby reducing the carbon footprint required to reach a student’s desired outcomes. THE ORGANIZATION The BCCCA is a communication and advocacy organization that is the voice for private, post-secondary education and training in the province of BC. The organization speaks to the significant role that private educational institutions play in training adult learners for local and regional labour markets, as well as upgrading the skills sets of currently employed persons. THE DESCRIPTOR Each year, the private sector trains in excess of 61,000 [data: 2007] students. These adult learners are provided skills that are immediately relevant to employers and professions throughout the province. The BCCCA represents schools that offer a wide range of training opportunities. The success outcomes of graduates from private sector education and training are equitable with the success outcomes of graduates from the publicly-funded sector.

CANADA

3. professional development processes and events that sustain the standard of student services, administrative currency, and increases the links between the private sector and the professions.

2. health care and the caring professions, and

ACCREDITATION A final note is devoted to the discussion of accreditation. What was once a process for ‘quality assurance’ that existed largely in the professions, now is an increasingly important factor within educational institutions, programs of study, and professional associations. An example of this is the International Standards Organization [ISO] which is well-recognized in many industries. In Canada there are many forms of accreditation, as indicated above. Prospective students are well advised to inquire whether accreditation applies to education and training institutions associated with their areas of interest. Accreditation is one indicator of quality. WELCOME British Columbia and Canada welcome all interested and potential students to make further inquiry into an educational and training program in the beautiful Pacific Coast region of the country. This is one of the finest places in the world in which to situate your studies, offering an enviable environment in which to pursue your goals and your dreams. We welcome you. Contributed by: Daniel Chowne Dip.Ed., M.A. Education and Training Consultant Vancouver BC Canada www.bccca.com

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CANADA

Canada’s Universities A Profile of Your Higher Education Options Canada offers a wealth of higher education options and life-enriching opportunities at its universities and university colleges. These institutions are diverse - varying in size and programs - and are located across the country. Universities offer programs that range from fine art, biology and commerce to astronomy, media studies and religion. Currently, there are more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered in Canada as well as professional degree programs and certificates. Regardless of the program, a Canadian degree is globally recognized and considered equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities. Each university has a style of its own. You can study at a large, researchintensive campus in an urban centre, or if you’d prefer, you can enrol at a small liberal arts institution with a focus on undergraduate education, where most of the students live in residence.

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Our universities also play a vital part in their local communities - offering concerts and plays, day care centres, sports and fitness facilities, lectures, museums, on-campus radio stations and art galleries. Together, our universities make up a diverse, vibrant, dynamic, and high-quality system. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) is a notfor-profit organization representing 95 Canadian universities and universitydegree level colleges. AUCC’s advocacy priorities are improved funding for Canada’s universities; enhanced support for research; increased internationalization of higher education in Canada; improved student assistance policies; and intellectual property policies that allow university education and scholarship to flourish. AUCC is the most trusted source of information on higher education in Canada, as well as a trusted administrator of corporate scholarship programs and international development projects.

Universities at-a-Glance Universities are educational institutions that one attends, usually after completing 12 years of primary and secondary school, for studies that lead to a degree. All members of AUCC offer three or four-year bachelor degree programs; most offer master’s and doctoral (PhD) programs as well.

Qualifications for acceptance

Each university has its own entrance requirements and determines the equivalency of your academic experience. It is usually the registrar’s office of each university that provides details about the application procedure. Canadian universities normally admit students to commence studies in September or January. And although it may not be necessary in all cases, it is generally recommended that an international student apply to a Canadian university eight months prior to the expected program start date.

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A new bilingual BACHELOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION in Québec City!

You wish to complete an undergraduate business program while learning a second language? This program is for you. Within four years, you could graduate from a Bachelor in Business Administration while mastering a second language, French. • Study business in English while learning French • Choose Université Laval’s Faculty of Business Administration, an internationally recognized and accredited business school Selecting a program and university

The AUCC Directory of Canadian Universities (www.aucc. ca/DCU) provides an excellent overview of every university in Canada. For many years, it has allowed students and counsellors to compare programs and facilitate educational decision-making. The detailed national program index will help you uncover the options you have for studies, as well as determine where you can study a certain program.

• Increase your chances of employment • Enjoy studying in a safe campus with a complete range of services

Visit Canada’s universities online (www.aucc.ca/can_uni/ search/index_e.html) to see for yourself how varied and enriching their offerings can be for you. Contributed by: Glen Ashworth Marketing and Communications Manager Gestionnaire du marketing et des communications Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada Association des universités et collèges du Canada www.aucc.ca

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

www.fsa.ulaval.ca/English

HIGH-DEMAND

bachelor’s degrees IN BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY In as few as three years DeVry’s fast-track degree programs can help you earn an approved bachelor’s degree in today’s hottest fields, on campus or online, in as few as three years. Discover the education that puts DeVry students ahead…faster.

Calgary Campus location – 2700 3rd Avenue SE Put your future on the fast track today. Visit DeVry.ca or call 1.800.363.5558. The government of Alberta has granted DeVry Calgary approval to award degrees in Bachelor of Business Administration*, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Bachelor of Computer Engineering Technology*, Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology and Bachelor of Network and Communications Management*. *Non-resident programs of DeVry University, Arizona.

PROFILE

DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY School/Institution Name: DeVry Institute of Technology Founded in U.S. in 1931 Founded in Calgary in 1982

Institution Type(s): Post Secondary Degree Granting Institution Public / Private: Private

DeVry Calgary DeVry is one of the largest degreegranting higher education systems in North America, comprised of nearly 70,000 students enrolled in Canada and the U.S. at its 94 locations, as well as online. DeVry Calgary offers bachelor’s degree programs in business and technology both on-site at its campus and through DeVry Calgary’s online delivery. In Canada, the government of Alberta, through Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, grants accreditation for baccalaureate degrees awarded by DeVry Institute of Technology, Calgary. A degree that works At DeVry, your education is about more than memorizing facts. You learn the skills you need from faculty with realworld experience. Then you will practice what you learn. A DeVry degree offers the education and confidence you need to succeed. Trusted by top employers You will gain the skills and information employers want. In fact, for DeVry Calgary graduates and online graduates living in Canada from October ‘06, February ‘07, and June ‘07, 90% of those in the active job market were employed in their fields within 6 months of graduation. Convenience to fit your lifestyle – on-site or online Earn your DeVry degree full time, part time, days, nights or weekends. Whatever suits your schedule. The aim is to make higher education accessible for a greater population of Albertans. And so DeVry Calgary also offers some of its bachelor’s degree programs online. Programs offered through DeVry Calgary’s online delivery include Business Administration (with Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

nine concentrations), Electronics Engineering Technology and Computer Information Systems (with seven concentrations). Small classes, integrated education We keep our class sizes small so you get the attention you need and deserve. You’ll learn from industry experts in a business-model environment where critical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork are taught hand-in-hand with technical, business and general education. In other words, you do as you learn. Earn your education sooner with DeVry’s year-round classes Start the career you’ve dreamed of in no time. And start earning a salary to match. With DeVry’s year-round semester system you can earn your bachelor’s degree in as few as three years. Your Quality Higher Education is within reach To help make a college education affordable, DeVry’s Student Finance Advisors provide students with the information they need about financial aid options, such as grants, loans and work programs. DeVry also offers scholarships to qualifying students. DeVry’s scholarship program consists of awards ranging in value from $1,000 to $1,500 per semester. DeVry Calgary students are also eligible to apply for the Canada Student Loan (CSL) and various types of student aid from their province of residence. Contact or visit a DeVry advisor to see if you qualify. DeVry Calgary is located at 2700 3rd Ave. SE, a short distance from downtown, just off Barlow Trail, with easy access to the Franklin C-Train Station. For more information, visit www.DeVry.ca or call 1-800-363-5558.

Programs Offered: Business Operations (BSOP) with emphasis in: • Business Information Systems • Finance • Hospitality Management • Production Management • Project Management • Sales and Marketing • Security Management • Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship • Technical Communication Computer Engineering Technology (CET) Computer Information Systems (CIS) with tracks in: • Business/Management • Computer Forensics • Database Management • Information Systems Security • Systems Analysis and Integration • Web Development and Administration • Flex Option Electronics Engineering Technology (EET) Network and Communications Management (NCM)

Student Life: Students can work on groundbreaking projects as well as compete internationally by participating in one of the business or technology-oriented organizations on campus. At DeVry Calgary, these include Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE), Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE), Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS), Aerospace and Electronics Systems (AESS - IEEE), Computer Systems IEEE (CS - IEEE), and extensive robotics teams through DeVry Advanced Robotics Enterprise (DARE - IEEE).

Contact Details: DeVry Institute of Technology 2700 3rd Ave. SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W4 Telephone: +1 (800) 363-5558 Web site: www.devrynow.ca

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youth

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Special Supplement:

Entrepreneurship

A Student’s Perspective The first time I heard about Impact Entrepreneurship Group I was a third year humanities student in the University of Toronto. I didn’t have a business card or a Blackberry, and any new connection I made would be trivially scribbled in the margins of my little black notebook, beside ideas for short stories and screenplays I never had the time to write. That night, I entered the condo lounge where “the Impacters” were gathered, munching on appetizers and deep in conversation about “what needs to be done.” If anyone inquired about the tall girl awkwardly circling the room, I would tell them I was there for “moral support,” providing company to an old high school friend interested in business. I could not relate to these people, even through they were my age, because they were living in a world far different from the academic one I had grown comfortable with. “Engineering.” “Computer Science.” “Commerce.” “Human Resources.” “And what do you do?” “I write,” I told them, “I write about renaissance history.” The reaction I got was unexpectedly enthusiastic, and a flurry of questions about my academic career ensued: What did I plan to do after my degree? What had I written? Where was I published? Was I interested in writing about entrepreneurship?

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Entrepreneurship? I immediately imagined a small momand-pop shop crushed by an enormous Walmart crane. Why would I write about that? I remembered my Russian father shaking his head and muttering in his heavy accent, “Vhen you’re businessman, every day is business day!” and, “Dhey go to sleep, think about business. Wake up, think about business. Vhat a life!” Somehow a steady income and an overbearing supervisor seemed less daunting. It was only after I joined Impact that I realised I had something to offer the organization. I was a writer, and they needed a writer on their communications team. I connected with people that shared my ambition to succeed and my determination to create something, something I could stamp my name on and call my own. Little did I realise that this was the “entrepreneurial spirit” that Impact was trying to promote all along. My relationships with fellow Impacters thereafter were different. I felt supported, encouraged, and understood. And as the new generation of youth came circling the room, I found myself sharing words of wisdom with shy students with little black notebooks. “Sociology.” “Fine Art.” “Music.” “Classical Studies.” “And what do you do?” “I’m an entrepreneur.”

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What is Impact?

Today’s youth: They walk briskly around our college and university campuses, lugging their book bags over drooped shoulders, determined to get from point A to point B in the fastest and easiest way. They have talent and imagination, energy and determination, yet they are encased in a deceptive bubble of misconceptions, unaware of the multitude of opportunities. In 2004, Kunal Gupta, an engineering student at the University of Waterloo, organized a one-day entrepreneurship conference he called Impact 2004. “Engineering is a practical program,” he says, “but there isn’t a lot of exposure to entrepreneurship and leadership.” Today, Impact has grown far beyond a one-day event on a single campus. It is Canada’s largest non-profit, student-run organization dedicated to encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit amongst youth in Canada. Impact believes that students should strive to develop independent initiatives and explore the field of entrepreneurship. Consisting of over 100 student volunteers nationwide, Impact is dedicated to driving the entrepreneurial spirit, and since 2004 Impact has developed both local and national programs that have reached over ten thousand young people each year. But what does it mean to be an entrepreneur? While many recognise the value of enterprise by obtaining a fashionable business degree that will undoubtedly induce a wave of offers from the likes of Deloitte, the prospect of starting a business from scratch appears dangerously uncertain. What most fail to realize, however, is that there are many organizations that provide support, mentorship, and basic resources for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, youth are largely unaware that these resources exist, and their general misconceptions prevent them from considering entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Furthermore, entrepreneurship is not restricted to specific fields. In the twenty-first century, ingenuity and innovation will help broaden the entrepreneurial spectrum with unconventional, almost eccentric ventures. Whether you are an artist or a mechanic, entrepreneurial thinking can help you generate value from your skills and ideas. Impact’s 2010 programs create platforms to connect youth with successful industry leaders and entrepreneurs. The Impact National Conference, which is held every November, is recognized as Canada’s premier youth entrepreneurship conference! For more information on Impact’s programs and how you can get involved, visit www.impact.org. The stage is set for youth to be involved in entrepreneurship today!

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Impact National Conference Events:

Speakers:

Every November, Impact hosts a two-day conference for over 500 student delegates and industry guests. Impact National Conference events provide participants with an opportunity to develop and practice key business skills such as teamwork, strategizing, decision making, taking initiative, and creativity. Throughout the years, Impact has expanded from a regional entrepreneurship event lasting a few hours into a vast multi-day national conference.

The 2009 conference featured a variety of events including the 6th annual gala dinner, interactive workshops, breakaway sessions, office tours, exhibition, and much more. Delegates were inspired by several keynote speakers who are chosen for their experience and success in business and entrepreneurial ventures. These remarkable, widely-respected and highly-accomplished individuals presented their inspiring experiences and allowed the delegates to absorb the insight and wisdom of the leaders who shape our world.

Workshops: The most important skills can only be learned by doing. Our delegates learned valuable business skills through interactive, hands-on events led by carefully-selected experts. In the past, Impact had the pleasure of hosting workshops organized by Edward Jones, and Women in Leadership. Also, workshops such as Start-Me Up, hosted by the Ontario Centres of Excellence, aimed to reveal the process, obstacles, and rewards of taking an idea to business. Delegates were able to listen and participate actively in an interactive discussion with experienced entrepreneurs.

Exhibition Showcase: Our exhibition showcased innovative student initiatives from across the country and featured our corporate partners, who highlighted their products and services. The exhibition brought together Impact’s intelligent and ambitious delegates with business, service providers and innovators. Delegates were able to seize this opportunity to meet business partners, learn about the finer points of particular industries, and find amazing job opportunities. In past years, IBM, Deloitte, RIM, Telus, Michelin, and many other companies were present at the Exhibition.

Gala: As part of the Impact National Conference, a gala event was held the evening of Friday, November 20th. The Gala brought over 800 guests together, including the top 500 student delegates from across Canada and over 300 industry guests. This event is a unique opportunity for Canada’s most promising young leaders to learn, discuss, and network with peers and distinguished members of the entrepreneurial community. It also featured keynote speaker Justin Trudeau.

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2010 Impact National Conference: Are you interested in planning the largest youth entrepreneurship oriented conference in Canada? If so, then why not join the Impact National Conference (INC) Team? The 2010 Impact National Conference team is currently recruiting student leaders from across the country to help organize Canada’s premier youth leadership conference for over 500 post-secondary and secondary students. Hosted in November during Global Entrepreneurship Week, INC is one of Impact Entrepreneurship Group’s most successful events! Being a part of the INC team not only makes you a part of this unforgettable event but will provide you with valuable opportunities to network with Canada’s top youth and industry leaders. Check out conference.impact.org to find out more about past conferences. If you are interested, contact Yue Liu (yue.liu@impact.org) to get more information!

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Success Stories Impact Entrepreneurs 1) Kunal Gupta:

2) Ray Cao:

Founder of Impact Entrepreneurship Group [www.impact.org]. Founder and CEO of Polar Mobile – a leading mobile publishing solutions provider [www.polarmobile.com].

Co-founder and CEO of Eighty Twenty Group – providing technology solutions to large service groups [www.eightytwentygroup.com].

How has your experience on Impact contributed to your success as an entrepreneur? Impact is a great ‘sandbox’ to learn about entrepreneurship, and it gave me the opportunity to practice leading my own projects and initiatives. After I graduated, Impact was still extremely useful when it came to networking. Many of the people I ended up working with in Polar Mobile were members of Impact. What sets Impact apart from other non-profit organizations dedicated to entrepreneurship? Impact is a youth-led organization. It is self-run, selfgoverned, and acts in an unbiased way. It is not constrained by boundaries and geography, and it is better at defining its role in relation to the entrepreneurial spectrum. What is your best memory of Impact? In the 2005 Impact Conference, we hosted Harry Rosen as a keynote speaker. We had really ambitious targets for that year and we surpassed them all. You started Polar Mobile fresh out of University, and you spoke of a “youth advantage.” Why do you think it’s important for youth to be entrepreneurial? First, it is important to know that business professionals like to help young people. As well, the opportunity cost is the lowest – it will always be higher tomorrow than it is today. And lastly, youth can learn the most about entrepreneurship by just doing it themselves. People think that entrepreneurship is a risky option, but when you work for somebody else, you have less control over what happens to you.

What inspired you to get involved with Impact? There are many good people behind Impact. It’s a passionate environment. For the last few years you’ve seen Impact grow exponentially as an organization. Did you ever predict that this would happen? What has been the biggest surprise? I actually did see this coming – it was only a matter of time! From one generation to another, we keep getting the top talent. We make mistakes, but we learn from them. These young people are dedicated to and passionate about entrepreneurship. Also, Impact is relevant to the world – it is about technology, social media, and connecting to people in new ways. It’s hard not to expect this type of growth. How has your experience with Impact contributed to your success as an entrepreneur? It gave me experience leading people. Leadership is in great demand, and there aren’t enough good leaders in this world. What we’re taught in school does not prepare us to be better leaders. We all went into Impact as individually successful, but how do you empower others to do something special and retain the quality of the work that’s expected? Leadership means to keep people motivated in times of success and failure. What sets Impact apart? The way in which we develop our people – it’s a ‘people first’ mentality. Other organizations are more programbased. Impact invests in people and grows them into the next generation of leaders. It’s a different approach with a different outcome. Because of this there’s also intrinsic motivation – people stay committed to raising the next generation of leaders, and they want to remain affiliated with the organizations because of what it has done for them. Best memory? The 2007 National Conference and the establishment of the British Columbia office – our BC president refused the job at first, so it took some convincing!

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 3) Aditya Shah:

4) Kyle Vucko:

Co-founder of Eighty Twenty Group.

Founder of Indochino.com – largest seller of custom suits on the internet, sold in 50 countries.

What inspired you to get involved with Impact? I first attended the 2005 Conference with Harry Rosen, and I was inspired to join the team. Impact game me a feeling that I was doing a lot more than just school. I knew that this would help me define my career, ambitions, and aspirations. It is also a way to get exposed to talented individuals. Entrepreneurship was fascinating for me. Did you predict Impact’s growth since 2006? You could tell that the right elements were in the mix and that good things would happen. The organization allows smart people to foster and expand their ideas – it is a recipe for something magical. The rate and magnitude of the growth was surprising, however. How has your experience on Impact contributed to your success as an entrepreneur? I have an engineering background, but I needed to go after my dreams and be entrepreneurial. You can expand your horizons by being confident and by taking risks, and by working with people who will inspire you. If we encourage entrepreneurship, we need to practice what we preach.

What inspired you to get involved with Impact Apprentice in 2007? It was a cool experience and a good opportunity to meet like-minded, inspirational students from across Canada. It was a nice break away from the day-today monotony – a way to reframe things. Why do you think it’s important for youth to be entrepreneurial? It is the time to be entrepreneurial. There are natural risks involved, but as a student those risks are unbelievably lower. We have money to begin with, no mortgage, etc. The opportunity cost is really low for students. Best memory of Apprentice? Definitely the sales challenge – trying to figure out how to sell. It’s something I have to work with now, so it was a useful experience.

What sets Impact apart? First, the people. The transition from one generation to the next is strong, and it sustains success. People grow with the organization and want to ensure it lives on after them. Secondly, the relationships with the external community are tremendously helpful; Impact gets support and respect from people without encouragement. Best memory? My best memory was when I was asked to lead the conference. I was only with Impact for a year, but they had confidence in me! I knew people would support me, so I did it with their encouragement. Everything came together beautifully, and seeing something come to fruition is amazing. Why is it important for youth to be entrepreneurial? It’s the independence you get, and ability to do what you want to do. It allows you to think clearly and deeply about what you are passionate about. It’s about executing yours passions – entrepreneurs get a front-row seat to that. Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

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10 for 2010: Impact is proud to present ten exciting programs this year! 1) Impact Innovate (March 6): Impact Innovate 2010 was a one-day discussion about innovative thought and the entrepreneurial spirit, held in Kingston, Ontario. This was the first large-scale event for Impact in Kingston. The day was filled with great conversation, networking, and engaging words of advice from our talented speakers. Most importantly, there was a lot of interest received from delegates to get involved further with Impact and entrepreneurship. The following are testimonials from some Innovate participants: “Some of the best speakers I’ve heard while at Queen’s [University], without a doubt!”

Compete against teams from coast to coast, all across Canada. All of the profit goes to a charity of your choice. One week, one hundred dollars, one challenge. Are you up for it?

3) Impact Apprentice (Summer): Impact Apprentice is a real-life, challenging, hands-on competition that will test the business smarts and wits of Canada’s top entrepreneurial-minded students.

Jenny W., 3rd year student.

4) Impact Expo (Fall):

“I’ve thought in depth about this, and I think Impact Innovate was one of the best conferences I’ve ever attended at Queen’s!”

Taking place in University of Waterloo, the Impact Expo is a conference attracting over 2000 students featuring case study competitions, keynote speakers and more.

Raminder S., 4th year student.

“It ran great, the speakers were fantastic, I got some refreshing ideas and perspectives.” Paul R., 4th year student.

“The speakers were amazing, it was so well organized and everything was just great. Plus, it was free!” Andrea B., 1st year student.

Join us at Kingston in 2011!

2) Impact Microcredit (Spring): One week, one hundred dollars, one challenge. It’s simple. We give you one hundred dollars and one task: to turn that one hundred dollars into as much money as possible in one week. This is your opportunity to be an entrepreneur. Be bold. Take risks. Innovative ideas often prove the most successful, so don’t hesitate to try something extraordinary! Grab a group of three to five friends from your high school and do something big. Make use of everyone in your school. It’s not just about your team, it’s also about the thousands of people in your school and community. This is about harnessing your talent by challenging you to think WAY outside the box, push boundaries, and build an 46

initiative from the ground up. Impact Microcredit gives you the tools and the money to create a real-life project that’s entirely your own, run in whatever way you choose.

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5) Impact National Conference (Fall): Recognized as Canada’s Premier Youth Entrepreneurship Conference, the Impact National conference attracts 500 of the top high school and post-secondary students from across Canada.

6) Impact Connect (Year-round): With a focus on connecting students interested in entrepreneurship with the industry leaders who can inspire them, the Impact Connect team will be organizing entrepreneurship competitions, networking events, and seminars throughout the year.

7) I Am My Ambition (Year-round): Exposing an interview series aimed at highlighting ambitious and successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists and politicians to shed light on their starting up stories, and transfer lessons learned through experience while emphasizing immediate action.

8) Youth Canada (Year-round): Youth Canada is the top online resource for Canadian high school students to find insight and opportunities to further enrich their lives.

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How to Get Involved! Are you looking to get involved in Impact? We welcome high school students, university students, young professionals, and anyone else who is willing to help us grow as an organization. Please email Yue Liu, Director of Human Resources, at yue.liu@impact.org with a resume and cover letter introducing yourself and your interest in Impact. Contributed by: Lena Shulman External Communications Manager Impact Entrepreneurship Group lena.shulman@impact.org

9) Impact.org Network (Year-round): The Impact.org network strives to build an online and inperson community around Impact’s people, programs, and partners.

10) Impact Speakers’ Bureau (Yearround): More information coming soon! To find out more information on any of these programs, and to register, visit www.impact.org

Lena Shulman is a creative writer and an undergraduate student of the University of Toronto. Born in the former Soviet Union, Lena immigrated to Israel with her parents during its collapse in 1990. Six years later, they moved yet again, to Toronto, Canada. Lena’s writing centers on the Italian Renaissance and 20th century European history. Her poetry has been published in Urban Voices, and her Arts and Comment pieces can be read in The Varsity newspaper. Lena has participated in study abroad programs in the University of Oxford, England, and in the University of Siena, Italy. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, songwriting, stand-up comedy, and architectural photography. Photo credits: Impact

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P re - L a u n c h C o a c h i n g • B u s i n e s s R e s o u rc e s • S t a r t - U p F i n a n c i n g • M e n t o r i n g

Entrepreneurship is a

career choice.

“Entrepreneurship has many advantages: you control your own future, have the satisfaction of earning your own money – not someone else’s, you put your talent to use, and most importantly, you do something you truly enjoy.” Yan and Sébastien Gagnon GG Telecom www.ggtelecom.ca

For more information:

1.800.464.(CYBF) 2923 or cybf.ca

This ad was made possible by Canadian Student Magazine.

CANADIAN

YOUTH

BUSINESS

F O U N D AT I O N

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CREATE YOUR

OWN CAREER While the world obviously needs more doctors, teachers and lawyers, the world also needs more entrepreneurs. Once considered a last resort, these days entrepreneurship has become a valid career option. Where else can you apply your education to design your ideal job, where you can do what you love, report to yourself, and be as creative as possible?

multitude of other challenges, I opened GumDrops’ flagship boutique on West 4th Ave in Vancouver. Since GumDrops opened its doors, there have been both great successes and challenges.

Just two weeks after we launched, I had sold out of inventory and then had to wait another month until we were fully restocked. Then in the summer of 2008, I grossly overestimated the amount of inventory I’d need to get me through, and had to pay to store the extras; I won

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) offers young people between the ages of 18 and 34 the opportunity to do just that. By providing start-up financing, pre- and post- launch coaching, successful mentors and business resources, CYBF has helped launch more than 3,000 Canadian businesses since its inception in 1996. Here are three first-hand stories from young business owners who decided to roll up their sleeves, take the plunge and create their own business. Gumdrops Wet Weather Boutique Vancouver, British Columbia Shanda Jerret, CEO and Founder Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night and are definitely not to be ignored. Whether it was a wonderful dream or a fleeting thought, never ignore your subconscious, as it may hold the building blocks to your door into the crazy and wonderful world of entrepreneurialism. It was January of 2007, and I had bought a pair of playful gumboots to help my early morning walk in to work through another one of Vancouver’s soggy winters. People were constantly asking me where I got them, and I soon realized I had a target market just asking to be served. I sat straight up in bed, smacked my husband in the arm and said, “I’m opening a rainwear boutique!” Nine months later on October 1, 2007, with 13 financial institution rejections under my belt, and having faced a

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a national retail concept award; and in the Fall we experienced (ironically) a flood at the store. The following year was a big one. The winter of 2009, I launched our e-commerce website; experienced British Columbia’s driest summer in over 100 years; won a provincial small business award from CYBF; and launched my own line of Canadian-made rain coats, presenting one to His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, during his visit to Canada. I thought I had manufactured enough coats to get us through the fivemonth season, and yet ended up selling them all in a month and a half! I knew I had found a worthwhile retail product line when I arrived to work in the winter of 2009 and discovered that we had been robbed. Not of cash or computers, but instead Hunter rain boots! Despite the sacrifices, and rollercoaster entrepreneur experience, I love what I do and I wouldn’t change it for the world. So a few words from the wise:

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1. Research, research, research 2. Dream as big as you want 3. Believe in yourself and the people around you. Anything is possible! 4. Defy your inhibitions and those who say you can’t do it 5. Learn as much as you can You will make mistakes. You will screw up. But how quickly you can pick yourself up will determine the path you follow. GG Telecom Victoriaville, Québec Yan and Sébastien Gagnon, Cofounders Everything started in 2004 when our uncle asked Yan to develop a special security system for him. He had experienced several break-ins at his remote cottage in Québec and he didn’t have electricity or a phone line to install a conventional method of surveillance. He asked Yan to develop a kind of device that would be able to

photograph intruders. Yan developed a rudimentary kit including a standard motion sensor and a regular digital camera. Surprisingly efficient, it worked and we caught the uninvited guests. With this success, we turned to the Centre for Technological Entrepreneurship (CENTECH), which provides start-up business support to engineering students at the Ecole de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) in Montréal. We met with our new mentor, Jean-Guy Furois, who supported the product from our first meeting. As the retired founder of Graphicor Ltd., JeanGuy urged us to take part in a trade show in Montréal, where we could “test the waters.” We arrived at the trade show with 15 home-made systems, sold them all, and took another 20 pre-paid orders. We knew then that we had an idea worth pursuing, and GG Telecom was born. We started selling our product in one store, then two, three… and now distribute our security systems around

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GG Telecom, under the brand name SPYPOINT, is now sold in more than 30 countries. We are developing, designing and manufacturing more than 30,000 cameras per year, along with more than 30 other SPYPOINT products, and have offices based in Canada, the US, and Germany. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, and we continue to work with the same burning passion that has fueled us over the years.

PropertyGuys.com Moncton, New Brunswick Walter Melanson, Director of Partnerships Launching a start-up while still at university was definitely a challenge. Those challenges, most now overcome, are still a big part of what our company has become today. As young entrepreneurs, our drive and passion have always outweighed the difficulty of the task before us. Let us explain. Back in 1998, we had the idea of creating an online, private sale, real estate franchise network. Bringing that concept to life and creating our own business became our mission and our calling. Developing PropertyGuys.com meant a lot of late nights and sometimes challenged our

very resolve. But in the end, those sacrifices were a big part of what helped us become the entrepreneurs that we are today, and helped PropertyGuys.com achieve the success that it has (now with more than 100 franchises across Canada).

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the world. We financed our business through the help of CYBF, our own sales, and even using part of our student loans. Banks wouldn’t lend to us because of our lack of business experience – but that isn’t a problem any longer.

Many of our accomplishments can be directly attributed to attracting the right kind of people who were willing to encourage and mentor us. For us, mentorship was all about people willing to point us in the right direction or give us something to think about. Whether it was a professor, a neighbour, or a local business person, we always made time for people willing to share their knowledge. Entrepreneurship is definitely not a journey for the weak at heart. With the exception of a few people, many whom we spoke with didn’t believe us capable of accomplishing what we set out to do. At that time, naysayers were all around us – but that was a good thing. It helped us drive us to prove them all wrong. Our story is one of a team that all brought something very different and special to the table. More importantly they brought it at the right time. As a small company, it was not only important to get the people involved but critical. Each partner in PropertyGuys. com has their own unique abilities that are invaluable to our business. We had a vision that others around us could believe in. That’s where we stood out. Belief in our collective abilities as entrepreneurs was always our best playing hand. No matter what the situation, that same old hand continues to provide us with a win, time and time again. That very belief is what allows us to enjoy the fruits of our labour today. Our advice to young people thinking of making the entrepreneurial leap is easily summed up: “Love what you do and believe in what you love.” Contributed by: Lori Paris Senior Manager, Media Relations and Communications Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) www.cybf.ca Photo Credits: CYBF

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Unıversıty of Sınt Eustatıus School of Medıcıne

The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine is an affordable investment in your future as a medical professional. Tuition for USESOM is highly competitively priced, and the university is approved by OSAP. Additionally, living expenses on the island of Sint Eustatius are lower than that of most other Caribbean schools and significantly less expensive than North American based institutions. • 20-month Basic Sciences Program based on U.S. medical school curriculum • Smaller class sizes offer higher teacher-student ratios. When medical students come to Statia we all have one common goal – to one day become excellent physicians. Being a student at Sint Eustatius School of Medicine ensures that you will not only have help and support of the faculty, but from other students as well to make sure you succeed. When it comes to life outside of the classroom, Statia is peaceful and safe and in a short time the culture becomes a part of your own. Statia may be a small island, but it has more to offer than you could ever imagine. Jaclyn Guliano

• Unique educational philosophy under the guidance of an esteemed Board of Governors, President, and Provost. • Approved for Canadian financing. • The beautiful and relaxed nature of the island of Sint Eustatius provides students with a quiet learning environment and a variety of recreational activities. • Optional 5th Term in the United States. • Testing Center is designed to simulate USMLE testing environment for all Basic Science exams to better prepare students for USMLE Step 1. • Excellent opportunities for Clinical Rotations and Residency Placements.

www.eustatiusmed.edu 52

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PROFILE

University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine School/Institution Name: University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine

Institution Type: University

Public / Private: Private

Since the dawn of man, healers have been respected, revered and worshipped in every culture of the world. Now, more than ever, additional healers are needed to see to the well being of a growing global community. Entering the medical profession is a time-honored path for individuals who strive to help their fellow man and improve the health and wellness of those around them. Technological advancement, research, and increased knowledge of the human condition make it an excellent time to become a physician with the ability to heal and improve the quality and length of life. The University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine, located on the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius (regionally known as Statia), was called into existence over 10 years ago to showcase the motivation, adaptability, intellect and caring nature of individuals who, for the most part, had been overlooked. A strong and enhanced curriculum, combined with the commitment of its faculty and staff, is what has earned USESOM its reputation for unparalleled dedication to its students. Considering your path through medical school is a serious undertaking. With over 600 graduates, we have proven that the standards required for enrollment in most North American Medical schools is not indicative of a student’s success. Achievement in medical school is directly related to motivation, will, and tenacity; a “never give up” attitude coupled with knowing that your call to medicine transcends the possible material benefits. Our Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

program is structured to accommodate that type of student and by applying to the University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine, every facet of your life and experience will be considered by our team. The Basic Sciences will provide a strong foundation of knowledge, an introduction to clinical learning, and an awareness of cultural and clinical sensitivity necessary to practice medicine with a global perspective. Successful completion of the USMLE Step 1 will allow you to advance to the clinical phase of your education where you will have the advantage of working in various clinical settings with access to prominent doctors and professors with advanced medical care technologies and therapies encompassing the wisdom you will need to earn the trust of your patients and the ability to tend to their wellbeing. Why the University of Sint Eustatius? In two words: WE CARE! We care about the medical profession and the preparedness of our curriculum. We care about our service to our students, and their service to the global community. We care about your individual success and interests, and your future opportunities. Visit www.eustatiusmed.edu to learn more about the island and its culture, and our philosophy and curriculum. We look forward to you becoming a part of the Sint Eustatius Family in the near future and experiencing the Statia Difference for yourself.

Special Features of the Location: Located on Sint Eustatius which is a pristine, culturally diverse island in the northern Caribbean offering beautiful year round weather and minimal distractions from studies.

Programs Offered: Doctor of Medicine Program 20 months Basic Science, 72 weeks Clinical Medicine = 4 years

Total Number of Students: 400 active students (20% Canadian, 80% US citizens)

Accommodation Options: A variety of accommodations prevail; students live in the community and rent from local residents.

Student Life: Numerous activities related to the ocean and the island’s natural landscape are enjoyed, and the students have developed a variety of social and academic clubs.

Contact Details: University of Sint Eustatius School of Medicine Tel: 516-656-9250 Email: info@eustatiusmed.edu Web: www.eustatiusmed.edu

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St. George’s University is located on the True Blue peninsula of Grenada, West Indies, and offers programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, nursing, public health, business, liberal studies, and a wide variety of research and sciences to its community of international scholars. The University, the first of its kind, was originally established as a private Caribbean medical school in 1977, providing a program leading to a Doctor of Medicine degree. The 33 years of ensuing academic development resulted in the addition of a School of Veterinary Medicine, a School of Arts and Sciences, and a Graduate Studies Program. As the University’s founding program, the School of Medicine has been assessed intensely over the course of its history and the excellence of its curriculum is confirmed by numerous studies, accreditations, and approvals from institutions and governing bodies worldwide.

Curriculum St. George’s University offers a variety of options in medical and veterinary medical studies, as well as arts and sciences. Students may choose to enter into a four-to-seven year program, which leads to the Doctor of Medicine degree or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Alternatively, they may choose the Doctor of Medicine/Master of Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine/Master of Public Health

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joint degrees. Each program lays a firm foundation in medical studies that has been proven through several top accreditations and medical board approvals. St. George’s University provides programs that afford each student the option that best fits their academic backgrounds.

Medical International Leader The University has cultivated an environment that encourages excellence in education. St. George’s University is also acknowledged as the 15-year leader in USMLE Part 1 and 2 first-time pass rates in the Caribbean. The internationally focused program appeals to world-class scientists and researchers who make up a faculty of 1,100+ global leaders in education. Students enjoy the opportunity to develop the distinctive social and professional skills they need to practice medicine on a global scale. Attending St. George’s University, students are given opportunities to take part in many innovative programs. The African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) accepted 15 students in Spring 2009 to participate in the first Topical Medicine Selective in Kenya. Students and their African peers visited research institutes and hospitals in Nairobi, as well as attended AMREF-hosted lectures and seminars on tropical medicine, public health, and current methods to combat tropical diseases.

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True Blue Campus

Truly International

The True Blue campus houses more than 50 state-of-the-art buildings. With the latest construction, the $250+ million campus offers up-to-date amenities that provide a firstrate educational adventure. All students enjoy a wirelessenhanced campus, which includes a library, anatomy labs, dormitories, lecture halls, and a research institute.

St. George’s University is a melting pot of diversity and cultures. The University culture encourages student support through personal evaluations, course tutorials, and various seminars in time management, study skills, and note taking, and almost 100% of the students take advantage of these opportunities to hone their academic skills. The professors at the University do the same and the “Let’s Talk Teaching” program helps them to continually develop their teaching expertise. Leading-edge laboratories, unparalleled faculty, and visiting professors from esteemed universities worldwide all combine to provide a high-quality international education.

Students can also immerse themselves in Grenada’s rich history of museums, tours and markets. During study breaks, students find themselves partaking in a myriad of extracurricular activities, such as hiking, exploring, sailing, or diving. Although many languages are spoken, English is the national language of the island.

For more information on St. George’s University, visit the University website at www.sgu.edu. View St. George’s University’s students talking about their experiences on www.youtube.com/St.GeorgesU

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33 years ago, we turned medical education on its head. We’re not going to stop now. At St. George’s University, we baffled the medical world by founding a University devoted to the idea of global medicine. Today, after adding almost 10,000 physicians into the global health care system, we continue shaking up the health care world with innovative programs in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, and Multi-Sector Health Management. As for tomorrow, well, you’ll just have to wait and see.

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.

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

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.

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 over 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.

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GRENADA

Grenada

The Spice of the Caribbean

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: http://www.sgu.edu/about-sgu/ school-of-medicine-grenada-partnership. html http://www.grenadagrenadines.com

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

NORWAY

Discover Dear Student:

You have many exciting experiences ahead of you. As Norwegian Ambassador to Canada, I am eager to tell you about some unique opportunities to combine higher studies at undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate level with genuine immersion into the lives and ways of our country. Please take a minute to read about the High North Scholarship and how it is to study in the world’s northernmost university, University of Tromsø, or at the International research station UNIS in Svalbard at 78° N. Norwegian universities and university colleges offer 200 Master’s programs in English, and all our institutions are open to hosting exchange students for a semester or two. Some also have established partnerships with Canadian institutions in a few chosen fields of expertise. There are many similarities between our countries. Like Canada, Norway is a modern nation with plenty of natural resources. Going to Norway, you will feel welcome and at home while away from home. I have been warmly welcomed by your country, and I would like to extend to you an invitation to come visit Norway and study at some of our finest universities. I promise you the experience of a lifetime. Velkommen til Norge! (Welcome to Norway!) Else Berit Eikeland, Ambassador

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NORWAY

Norway

A Great Place to Study

Norway is a great option for Canadian students who want to pursue international education. About 70 higher education institutions in the Nordic country offer a vast array of quality study options in subject areas such as petroleum engineering, marine biology, environmental technology, peace keeping and childhood studies. Nearly 200 full Master’s degree programs are taught in English.

Ever since Viking explorer Leiv Eriksson landed on the shores of Newfoundland about a thousand years ago, the bonds between Canada and Norway have been strong. While different in size and population, the two nations share a lot when it comes to landscape, climate, natural resources and a close proximity to the North – similarities that lead to common interests in research and education. Norway is an increasingly attractive destination for students and researchers from all over the world. Currently, more than 12 000 foreign students are preparing for their future careers in Norway. Andrea Bozman from Vancouver Island University spent one semester in Norway, as an exchange student at Bodoe University College in 2009. She enjoyed it so much the first time she decided to go back. “In Canada I studied fisheries and aquaculture at Vancouver Island University, a field in which Norway is a world leader. Northern Norway, as one of the most cold-water productive regions worldwide, makes Bodoe a natural choice for marine science studies. As I continue my academic career, I want to shift my focus to marine ecology, and again Bodoe provides the courses and research options I need to achieve my goals,” she says.

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NORWAY

Although Andrea did not know that much about Norway before she arrived, she realized there was no need to worry. “My knowledge of Norway didn’t extend much past the climate, lutefisk, cost of living and Nordic skiing. Once I arrived, I found Norwegians to be incredibly helpful, whether it be with study related issues, everyday life such as where to find the least expensive grocery store or social activities,” she adds.

Higher Education in Norway The majority of Norwegian institutions of higher education are publiclyfunded, and there are normally no tuition fees at public universities and university colleges. This also applies to foreign students, regardless of their country of origin. Fees may be charged, however, for certain professional education programs or by private institutions. Norway has seven accredited universities, nine accredited

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specialized university institutions, 25 accredited university colleges, two accredited national colleges of the arts, and 29 private institutions of higher education. Combined, they offer over 200 Master’s programs taught in English, and a range of courses tailored for exchange students, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Norway is undoubtedly a place to consider for students wanting to specialize in fields such as aquaculture, petroleum, shipping, environmental technology, renewable energy or welfare. Inspiring, highquality programs and courses in a number of other disciplines are also available for visiting students.

of exchange agreements between Norwegian and Canadian institutions, for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Norway was one of the first countries in Europe to implement the so-called Bologna process. An important aim of this agreement is to make academic degree standards and credit systems for higher education more comparable and compatible throughout Europe. The introduction of bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees and ECTS credits make transfer of credits easy between institutions in Norway and Canada. There are a number

For students coming on exchange to institutions in Northern Norway, the Fellowship Program for Studies in the High North offer both travel stipends and a monthly scholarship. Through the University of the Arctic, students can go on exchanges through the mobility program North2North, which also includes a scholarship. International students are also allowed to take part-time jobs while studying in Norway.

Funding Since there are no tuition fees at many Norwegian institutions, studying in Norway would generally be a good deal for Canadian students, even if the cost of living is somewhat higher than in Canada. But for exchange students who pay home tuition during their stay abroad, the added costs add up fast. Luckily, there are some scholarships available.

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In the northern corner of the world, you can combine your studies with exciting outdoor activities, both winter and summer. As a student in Norway you will never be short of possibilities for unique experiences. Andrea Bozman admits that she really misses Canadian food while being away from home. Nevertheless, she is fully aware that studying abroad is a very smart move when considering your future career. “It gives you a unique chance to experience a different culture and way of life. This is important for anyone, student or not, and can only promote personal growth,” she says. Andrea also believes that exposure to different academic environments gives you new perspectives and insight. “This may take academic goals in a new direction, one you may not have been exposed to at your home institution,” she concludes. 160°

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Links Information resources: www.studyinnorway.no is the official gateway to higher education in Norway for foreign students. The web site provides information regarding studies and research in Norway. Information for Canadian students and researchers: www.studyinnorway.no/ canada Fellowship Program for Studies in the High North: www.studyinnorway.no/ highnorth Exchange programs and scholarships: www.studyinnorway.no/sn/TuitionScholarships/Scholarships Follow Study in Norway on Twitter: www.studyinnorway.no/twitter Study in Norway on Facebook: www.facebook.com/home.php?#/ pages/Bergen-Norway/Study-inNorway/6142259093?ref=ts

Étudier en Norvège - une expérience incomparable La Norvège offre une multitude de programmes dans divers domaines, comme le génie pétrolier et les études sur la paix et l’environnement, et

près de 200 programmes de master enseignés en anglais. La plupart des universités et collèges universitaires proposent également des cours de baccalauréat et de doctorat en anglais. Que vous veniez d’atteindre un niveau d’enseignement supérieur ou que vous soyez un étudiant de niveau plus élevé cherchant une spécialisation dans un domaine spécifique, les établissements d’enseignement norvégiens peuvent vous offrir des cours et des programmes répondant à pratiquement tous vos besoins. Venez faire une expérience d’étude incomparable!

NORWAY

The outcome of studying abroad

Contributed by : SIU - Senter for internasjonalisering av høgre utdanning/ Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education linda.prestegard@siu.no www.siu.no www.studyinnorway.no Photo credits: SIU

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FUND YOUR JOURNEY TO ARCTIC DEGREES.

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HIGH NORTH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM • Students from Canada, USA and Russia • All education levels 100° • Travel stipend and monthly scholarship • Seven higher education institutions above the Arctic Circle Learn more: www.studyinnorway.no/highnorth 80°

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Arctic Institutions

LOOK UP AND DISCOVER NORWAY. A GREAT PLACE TO STUDY. 40°

WWW.STUDYINNORWAY.NO

NORWAY

Arctic Degrees Thriving in the High North

Northern Norway offers education of high quality as well as exotic experiences at high latitudes. Canadian students pay no tuition while studying here. In addition, they are eligible for scholarships covering travel and accommodation. If you travel north in Canada, to the Yukon territories or to Baffin Island in Nunavut, and stop at 66 degrees north, you will be standing on an imaginary circle of latitude that indicates the borders of the Arctic. This is the Arctic Circle, where the lands of eternal winter, polar bears and the midnight sun begin. If you travel east from here, across the cold landmasses of Greenland and the vast Atlantic Ocean, you arrive at the shores of Northern Norway. There, you will find a climate dramatically different from Canada’s high latitudes. Thanks to the warm currents of the Gulf Stream, people live and thrive, apples are grown, and – despite what mischievous locals might tell you – there are no polar bears roaming the streets. There are seven institutions of higher education located north of the Arctic Circle in Norway. The largest, the 62

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University of Tromsoe (UiT), is the world’s northernmost university. There are five university colleges located in the region, each with distinct approaches to the surrounding environments. The most remote institution, the University Centre of Svalbard (UNIS), is located on an island at 78 degrees north, over 800 kilometres from the mainland. Undergraduate and graduate students can come here to study the Arctic through subjects such as Biology, Geology, Geophysics and Technology. The University of Tromsoe’s academic options and spectacular surroundings attract international students from all over the world. The institution offers 24 Master’s degree programs taught in English in a variety of fields such as science and technology, human rights, indigenous studies, fisheries and laws of the sea.

International university life Bachelor student Arthur Gierach is on exchange here from the University of Saskatchewan. He is in Tromsoe to study his fields of choice: arctic biology and ecosystems. To him, the choice was easy: “When I first became interested in doing an exchange program, I was quickly introduced to the opportunity of doing some of my studies at Northern universities. The idea of going to the world’s northernmost university was exciting. The University of Tromsoe also has a number of respected researchers in all sorts of fields, from arctic ecology to conflict resolution,” he says. Arthur also received a scholarship from the Norwegian Fellowship Program for studies in the High North. This helped Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

“The main difference between student life here in Tromsoe compared to Saskatoon is the number of international students and their influence on the university. It is not uncommon to see many different nationalities of students when you walk the building at the UiT. Being so close to nature, it also seems that the students here are involved in many unique outdoor activities such as surfing and Kite-skiing.”

Easy financing The Norwegian Fellowship Program for studies in the High North is available to students from Canada. Each fellowship recipient receives a travel grant of approximately 1800 Canadian dollars, and a monthly stipend of approximately 1500 dollars. Institutions of higher education in Norway do not charge

tuition fees from international students, and the stipend is intended to cover housing and living expenses. To be eligible for the High North Fellowship Program, students must be registered at a higher education institution in Canada, and go to Norway as an exchange student. Only the seven institutions north of the Arctic Circle offer the scholarship to students from Canada. In addition to UiT and UNIS, these include Bodoe University College, Harstad University College, Narvik University College, Finnmark University College and the Sami University College.

Exotic excursions Andrea Bozman is another Canadian who received a scholarship from the Fellowship Program for studies in the High North. She spent one semester as an exchange student at Bodoe University College in 2009, while studying fisheries and aquaculture at Vancouver Island University.

”I knew Norway was a leader in aquaculture and associated research, but I did not realize how accessible it would be for me as an international student,” she says. ”As my first semester in Bodoe came to an end, I started thinking about my future goals. After returning to Canada, I reapplied to come back to Norway to continue my education.”

NORWAY

pay for his trip to Norway and most of his accommodation expenses while in Tromsoe. He also found the city’s student culture very appealing – and more international than he expected.

Going back to Norway wasn’t a hard choice for Andrea. ”Not only did I enjoy Norwegian way of life, and the beauty of the surrounding area. I was also greatly impressed by Bodoe University College, for different reasons: The staff to student ratio, the subjects offered and, most importantly, the diversity of ongoing research and the opportunity for students at all levels of post secondary education to partake in research activities.” According to her, a field excursion to the arctic island of Svalbard for her marine ecology course was the highlight of her first semester in Norway. ”The trip was a rare opportunity for me to learn about the arctic environment and visit one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

Enjoying Norway Both Arthur and Andrea highly recommend studying in Northern Norway to other students from Canada. “University life in Norway is really great. It is easy to find and meet new friends. The pace isn’t hectic and the people are very approachable and friendly”, Arthur says. Andrea gives the following advice to fellow Canadians ready for a study experience in the High North: “Be open to new things. Join a club that interests you. Try to learn some Norwegian – it’s not vital, but it can help a bit. Enjoy your time in Norway, as a student and as a foreigner!” Contributed by : SIU - Senter for internasjonalisering av høgre utdanning/ Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Higher Education linda.prestegard@siu.no www.siu.no www.studyinnorway.no Photo credits: SIU

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ITALY

How to Find a Job with a

Fashion Design Degree So, what do you once you get your fashion design degree? The path is simple: market yourself, market yourself, market yourself. You know that you are talented, and armed with your fashion design degree, so it is time to make sure everyone else knows this too. While you are in school, decide what aspect of fashion design you wish to focus on, and then do what it takes to get there. It is no secret that fashion design is a skills-based industry – creativity is crucial – but your applicable skills are just as important if you want to get your foot in the door. Potential employers want to see what you know, and what you can do. Show them! The first way to properly marketing yourself involves building out a thorough, professional-looking portfolio. Do not fret if you are a recent graduate; employers understand this and are happy to consider your best student work as an example of your abilities. Spend time carefully tailoring your selections because the portfolio 64

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you present is your chance to make a memorable first impression. It is also important to have versatile skills. It is likely that you won’t start out as the head designer or the creative directory, no matter how wonderfully talented you are. You want to be seen as an asset no matter what position a potential employer has available. So, make sure that you have the creative skills, the ability to troubleshoot, and developed critical-thinking skills. Impress your employers no matter what role you fill. So the most important advice we offer budding fashion designers is to be prepared for and willing to make a start. Don’t be afraid to take a job answering phones for Calvin Klein or manning the copy machine for Prada. Just view any opportunity as a way to get started. Keep your eye on your long-term goal but be willing to settle for less in the beginning. Just for a little extra boost of encouragement, consider the first jobs

of some of the most famous designers in the industry: Ralph Lauren was a tie salesman; Salvatore Ferragamo worked in a boot manufacturing plant; Marc Jacobs was a stock boy for a New York clothing store; Laura Ashley was a secretary; and Manolo Blahnik was a jean buyer for a department store. Humble beginnings? Certainly. The talent of the household brand names mentioned here didn’t just suddenly pop out of out nowhere. Instead, these designers believed in their talent and were willing to do what it took to break into the industry. Remember this. Whatever you do, pursue your career in fashion with passion and intense dedication. Start each day with a healthy dose of optimism and know that if you work hard enough for long enough, your dream job can happen. See you on the runway! Source: www.fashion-schools.org/ howtogetajobarticle.htm, author Julie Moore.

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Fashion and Design School. Milano, Paris, London.

BASIC PROGRAMMES Fashion Design Fashion Business Fashion Styling Interior Design Product Design Graphic Design ONE-YEAR PROGRAMMES Fashion Design Interior Design

Fashion Design Fashion Styling Fashion Accessories Menswear Pattern Making & Production E-Fashion Fashion Promotion Brand Management Fashion Buying Interior Design Design Direction Product Design SUMMER COURSES Fashion Design Image Consultant Visual Merchandising Fashion Marketing Interior Design Advertising Design Product Design

Camille Aponte – USA & Canada Representative Rockefeller Center / 7th Floor, Room 752 / 1230 Avenue of the Americas / NY, NY, 10020 t. +1 917 639 4454 / c.aponte@istitutomarangoni.com

www.istitutomarangoni.com

Student’s project: Rocco Iannone / as appeared on “Vogue Talents” / Vogue Italia Sept. 09 issue

MASTER PROGRAMMES

HONG KONG

Preparing for the 21st Century:

Hong Kong’s Educational Reform and Attraction for Foreign Youngsters

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Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

HONG KONG Hong Kong is a place where East and West meet. People from different parts of the world come to Hong Kong for education, business, enjoyment, and for exposure to the blend of Chinese and Western cultures. Hong Kong provides a desirable learning environment for preparing students to meet challenges in a globalized world. The English environment and Englishspeaking tertiary institutions facilitate overseas students to study here. The cosmopolitan nature of campus life is nurturing the inter-cultural competence students require to be future world citizens. The rich Chinese language and cultural environment prepare students who are interested in developing their career in Asia, particularly in the Greater China region. In Hong Kong, we welcome overseas students to study, to conduct academic research, and to take part in educational exchange activities.

The New Academic Structure In September 2009, Hong Kong started the implementation of the New Academic Structure (NAS), which marked the beginning of a new era in education. The NAS facilitates the development of the human resources necessary for sustaining the position of Hong Kong as an international city, amidst worldwide changes brought by globalization, economic restructuring, and rapid development in Mainland China. The first cohort will complete their senior secondary education in 2012.

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Main Features of the NAS • Comprises three-year junior secondary, three-year senior secondary, and four-year undergraduate education. • Offers a broad and balanced secondary school curriculum (i.e. no more streaming of Arts, Science or Business subjects); emphasizes generic skills like critical thinking, creativity and communication, and learning to learn; caters to students with diverse interests, aptitudes and needs by offering more choices. • Students are required to study four core subjects and choose two to three electives. -- Four core subjects – Chinese, English, Mathematics, and Liberal Studies* -- Elective subjects that range from traditional subjects like Sciences, History, and Geography, to Applied Learning courses and other foreign languages courses like French, Spanish and Japanese *The Liberal Studies aims to broaden students’ knowledge base, enhance their social and national awareness and global outlook, and develop their multi-perspective and critical thinking skills through studies of a wide range of issues. • Other Learning Experiences (OLE) and Student Learning Profile (SLP) – both within and outside of the classroom, such as moral and civic education, community services, careerrelated experiences, aesthetic

development and physical development – form an essential part of the new senior secondary curriculum. Students will be encouraged to develop an SLP on their OLE, awards/achievements gained outside of school, and self reflections for reference of admission to post-secondary and university education, as well as for employers.

Examination and Assessment under the NAS • At the end of the sixth year of the secondary curriculum, students will sit for one single public examination in order to obtain the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE). • Standards-referenced Reporting will be adopted for the HKDSE examination for reporting a student’s overall performance. Levels 1 to 5 will replace the existing Grades A to F. Each level will be accompanied by descriptors that depict the performance of a student at a given level. Results of candidates indicate the standards achieved in terms of knowledge and skills, regardless of the performance of other candidates taking the same examination. • The new examination articulates to multiple pathways in local postsecondary and higher education institutions. • It has gained positive international recognition. The National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) and the Universities Study In Canada • Study Abroad

HONG KONG

and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) have conducted benchmarking studies on the recognition of the HKDSE examination and its articulation to overseas universities. The NARIC study shows that the HKDSE compares favourably with alternative qualifications in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The UCAS benchmarking studies enable comparisons of the HKDSE examinations with awards in the United Kingdom and other regions for university admission purpose through a tariff point system. The Australian Government has also recognized the HKDSE as equivalent to the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. International recognition of HKDSE, together with students’ SLP, will serve as a reference in student admission for overseas universities.

Background of Hong Kong’s Educational System • Hong Kong aspires to be a regional education hub. • Hong Kong has 50 international schools, offering a total of 35,100 primary and secondary school places. • There are twelve degree-awarding institutions in Hong Kong: three are ranked within the top 50 in 2009 by the Times Higher Education Supplement.

Non-local students in Hong Kong • Some 9,200 non-local students are now studying in Hong Kong’s tertiary institutions at various levels. The quotas for non-local students at publicly-funded institutions have been doubled from 10% to 20% since 2008. • Employment restrictions have been relaxed to allow non-local students to take part-time jobs during their studies. Non-local students may also stay in Hong Kong for 12 months, without any restrictions, after graduation. We have set up a scholarship fund with one billion Hong Kong Dollars to award government scholarships to outstanding local and non-local students.

Research opportunities in Hong Kong

stipend, conference attendance, and research-related and travel allowance for the awardees for a period up to three years. This prestigious scheme will unite top international research postgraduate students and Hong Kong’s world-class research institutions. We hope that it will nurture the best students excelling in their chosen research fields, with elevated knowledge and a global outlook, who are poised to cope with the challenges of a changing world.

Enquiries For more information about our NAS and our higher education institutions, please visit our website www.edb.gov. hk/334/EN; websites of the individual institutions listed below: • City University of Hong Kong (www.cityu.edu.hk)

• In 2009, we established a Research Endowment Fund with HK$18 billion and shall create, in phases, 800 additional publiclyfunded research postgraduate places.

• Hong Kong Baptist University (www.hkbu.edu.hk)

• Among the 800 places, about 400 will be earmarked for supporting a Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme. This scheme aims to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to pursue their PhD programmes in Hong Kong’s institutions. The scheme provides a monthly

• The Hong Kong Institute of Education (www.ied.edu.hk)

• Lingnan University (www.ln.edu. hk) • The Chinese University of Hong Kong (www.cuhk.edu.hk)

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (www.polyu.edu.hk) • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (www. ust.hk) • The University of Hong Kong (www.hku.hk) • The Open University of Hong Kong (www.ouhk.edu.hk) • The Hong Kong Shue Yan University (www.hksyu.edu) • Chu Hai of Higher Education College (www.chuhai.edu.hk) • The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu) You are also welcome to contact the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Government via email at 334@edb. gov.hk Contributed by: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Toronto Tel: 416-924-5544; Fax: 416-924-3599 www.hketo.ca

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Study in HONG KONG Here are just a few reasons to study in Hong Kong: • An international city, where East meets West • International academic recognition • Robust quality assurance system • World-class tertiary institutions; three ranked in the world’s top 50 universities* • Smooth articulation to four-year undergraduate programs (from 2012) • Excellent academic preparation for future world citizens • Government scholarships for outstanding students • Work during studies and stay up to 12 months after graduation • Departure point to many exciting regions

Open yourself to the world by studying in Hong Kong, Asia’s regional education hub. Experience superior teaching, exposure to different cultures, English-taught programs, learning another language, top-rate academics, valuable credits to add to your CV – and the experience of a lifetime! Find out more about Hong Kong’s education system and programs for your academic and career planning on www.edb.gov.hk/334/EN

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office 174 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2M7 Tel: 1-416-924-5544; Fax: 1-416-924-3599 E-mail: info@hketotoronto.gov.hk Web site: http://www.hketo.ca

* Times Higher Education Supplement

A Plan for Your Future

… In the City of Dreams

Wagner College offers the tranquil beauty of a park-like, traditional campus, located in New York City. Undergraduate Programs • An innovative, world-class education that integrates the liberal arts with practical career preparation

Graduate Programs • Master’s degrees in accounting, business administration, education, microbiology, nursing, and advanced physician assistant studies

www.wagner.edu Undergraduate Admissions: 800-221-1010 / admissions@wagner.edu Graduate Admissions: 718-390-3106 / graduate@wagner.edu Wagner College • One Campus Road • Staten Island, New York 10301

USA

Find U.S. Education

Opportunities

with the Help of the

U.S. Commercial

Service Canada U.S. colleges and universities are among the best in the world and are known worldwide for the quality of their facilities, resources, faculty and programs. With the help of the U.S. Commercial Service, students in Canada can learn more about U.S. colleges, universities, and English language programs.

Information Sources When searching for career options in the United States, students, parents, high school and university guidance counselors are encouraged to contact National Education Specialist, Luz Betancur (luz.betancur@mail.doc.gov), who supports the U.S. Commercial Service’s efforts in promoting the benefits of a U.S. education to students and educational institutions across Canada. Useful tools including the recently launched ThinkEducationUSA site (www.thinkeducationusa.org), provide students in Canada and the Canadian education community with unique features on U.S. education, including a link to profiles of U.S. universities, colleges, institutes, and English language programs, including videos. Students, parents, and school Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

counsellors can learn about different programs, not only by reading about them, but also by watching and listening to students experiences while enrolled at a U.S. educational program. Another benefit of this interactive site is a translation feature that allows prospective undergraduate and graduate students to read a profile or watch a video of a specific school, in their native language, making it easier to share information with parents, siblings, friends, etc.

The U.S. Commercial Service also invites you to visit our State and City International Education Consortia site (www.buyusa.gov/studyusa/97. html), which displays a list of education offices promoting education programs in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Oregon, Philadelphia, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and New Jersey. The goal of this consortia initiative is to increase name recognition of U.S. States and educational institutions, and to promote these States as the world’s premier education destinations for international students. Additional sources of information on U.S. education are available on our Study USA page at www.buyusa.gov/ studyusa/forstudents.html.

The U.S. Commercial Service and its network of 109 offices in the United States, and 5 offices across Canada, can help you get into contact with U.S. school recruitment offices of your choice at no cost. Simply contact the U.S Commercial Service at 613 688 5216, and we will facilitate your contact with any school in all 50 States. There are more than 4,300 colleges and universities in the United States, any one of which can offer Canadian students excellent facilities, programs, faculty, and a range of social and academic environments. With the help of the U.S. Commercial Service Canada, we can make your search experience much more enjoyable, interactive and effective.

For more information on educational opportunities in the United States, and to receive a copy of the ThinkEducationUSA booklet, contact National Education Specialist, Luz E. Betancur, at 613 688 5216, or email luz. betancur@mail.doc.gov. Contributed by Luz E. Betancur, National Education Specialist, U.S. Embassy Ottawa, Canada.

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INFORMATION

Score Choice

How many times should you write your SAT?

Just over a year ago, the College Board introduced Score Choice – much to the delight of students worldwide, many of whom believed it had just made applying to American universities and colleges a lot easier.

The College Board introduced the policy of “Score Choice” in order to provide students with the opportunity to choose which SAT scores they report on their college admissions applications.

Score Choice is a policy that relates to the SAT Reasoning Test—a test that students must write to gain admission to 80% of American colleges. In the past, the College Board (the non-profit organization that administers and runs the SAT) has stipulated that if a student writes the SAT repeatedly, all of her scores would necessarily be sent to colleges as part her admissions application. With the introduction of Score Choice just over a year ago, the situation has changed dramatically.

Prima facie, Score Choice sounds like a great policy all around—a transformation in score reporting that ultimately favours the student. Consider the new scenario: you can now write, and rewrite, and rewrite, and rewrite some more…until you got the score that you want. In fact, the only limitation to your rewrites is the number of exam sessions each calendar year (there are only six in Canada).

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In this new Score Choice world, you can, in theory, pick your highest scores from a plethora of possible SAT sittings. No one will ever know that you might have scored a 1600 (out of a possible 2400) on your first try given that you later scored 2200 (you only have to report the second score). Not surprisingly, many students (and their parents) thought the new Score Choice policy had just made getting into American colleges a lot easier. Unfortunately, Score Choice has created a more complicated admissions world than students first realize.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

The first is that Score Choice is a College Board policy, which individual colleges and universities can choose to opt in or out of. Individual universities and colleges devise yearly policies towards Score Choice reporting, and many of them have rejected Score Choice. For instance, when Score Choice first appeared in late 2008, a number of Ivy League universities and top state schools boldly declared they wouldn’t accept it. The University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Columbia and Cornell all continued to require that students submit every SAT score on their exam transcript. Failure to do so disqualified a student’s admission application.

strategies), a student can increase her score. This is not the case. Studies analyzing the behaviour of students who rewrite standardized exams indicate that repeat exam sessions do not improve scores. In fact, among one-third of students, scores actually decrease over repeat sessions. This is because standardized exams are designed to make students score within a certain bandwidth. If a student’s first score on the SAT is 1600, his second score won’t be far off – especially if he does nothing to target his test-taking skills in the interim. Learning SAT-specific test-taking skills is the only way to improve a SAT score. The best bet, therefore, is to learn these skills before you ever sit down to take the exam. What to do?

This meant that students who plan to apply to multiple universities and colleges need to be careful about whether they chose to rewrite the exam at all, let alone rewrite it repeatedly. Multiple rewrites do not look good on an admissions application, and if your college rejects Score Choice, then you must report all scores (including your poor scores).

1. Plan to enrol in an SAT-specific training course with a Canadian provider that specializes in sending Canadian students abroad. Canadian companies know where the curriculum differs between American and Canadian high schools. These courses generally take 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your skills levels. So plan ahead!

3. Plan to write your SAT at the end of Grade 10 or in Grade 11. Do not leave it until Grade 12. There is no Grade 12 content on the exam, and if you leave it until Grade 12, it might be too late to meet early admissions deadlines for your college. Contributed by: By Joanna Severino, President of PREPSKILLS® Inc. For more information on preparatory training services for the SAT visit www.prepskills.com Courses are delivered in class within the Greater Toronto Area and online via distance learning options for other Canadian locations

The second reason Score Choice has hindered some students’ performances is that it has added to the mythical view that by simply rewriting the SAT (i.e. without doing anything to improve upon SAT-specific skills or test-taking

Rather than worrying about whether you should rewrite the SAT, we recommend that students “Do it once, do it right!” To succeed on the SAT, start with these steps:

2. Learn about the SAT-specific scoring penalty, which penalizes you for incorrect answers. When working with a Canadian preparation provider, they will analyze a student’s score range to determine the degree to which this penalty is artificially hurting a student’s score. If you are unaware of the scoring penalty, take some time looking at the College Board website (www.collegeboard.com) to learn more about it.

INFORMATION

There are two reasons why.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

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The faculty are willing to do anything to help you…. As a student at Neumann, I never went through a day without talking to someone who truly cared about my success. — Maureen, Class of 2009

Learn. Explore. Discover.

SUMMER’10 BOSTON • 700 undergraduate and graduate courses • Academic programs for high school students • Faculty of leading scientists, authors, and scholars • 70 subjects including math, psychology, economics, history, management, and sciences • Over 60 courses in 16 foreign languages, plus study and travel in China • Boston Studies courses Date:

2/18/10

Summer 1: May 18–June 25 Contact: Steve Bell Job # 2009683 Summer 2: June 28–August 6 Client:

Neumann University

Size:

4.133” x 11.653”

Publication:

Canadian Student Magazine

Insertion Dates:

bu.edu/summer | 617-353-5124

Neumann University welcomes students from Canada. Canadian applicants are eligible for Neumann scholarships and funding from their provincial governments through programs such as Alberta Advanced Education & Technology (Alberta AET), Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), Student Aid British Columbia (StudentAidBC) and others.

neumann.edu I 1.800.9.NEUMANN

INFORMATION

Ten Steps to Selecting the Right Business School

In 2005 I decided to leave my job and go back to school. Things were going well at work but I wanted to stay ahead of the game and get additional qualifications that would allow me to keep moving forward in my career. And I wanted to invest in a degree that would give me a solid business education. Other than knowing that an MBA stands for a Masters of Business Administration and that many important business leaders have one, I really didn’t know that much. It just so happened that around that time QS had an MBA fair in Paris where I was based. So I signed up, grabbed the closest thing I had to a suit at that time, and off I went. I still remember clearly the moment I entered the fair. It was like joining a whole new world and I very quickly realized how deciding to do an MBA is a big, time-consuming, and expensive decision. Two things jumped out at me right away. First, that there are a lot of different programs to choose from around the world, all with slightly different focuses, different quality, different kinds of students, different kinds of opportunities. Second, there were a lot of other potential students there, all looking at the same schools, all hoping to start an MBA that year. Here are my top ten tips and words of advice to help you through the process. 1. Why an MBA? Begin by clearly defining your reasons for wanting to do an MBA. What are you hoping to get out of it? What do you want to do post graduation and how will the MBA help you get there? Start speaking with people who have done one and reading articles to get an idea of what the MBA can do for you. 2. Do your research! Before you attend an MBA fair sit down and prepare yourself so that you can get as much as you can out of the experience. Where do you want to do the MBA? Are you interested in a one or two year program? Are you interested in exchange opportunities? How about dual-degree programs? Do you Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

want a specialization within the MBA like marketing or entrepreneurship? There are quite a few options to choose from. 3. Make an initial list but be flexible. Start putting together a preliminary list of the schools that you would like to go to. If rankings are important to you, take a look at the different rankings out there to get a feel for what the best schools are in the field or location you want to be in. Once you get into the fair, check out the tables of the schools you are interested in but also take the time to roam around and see the other options that exist which you might not have considered. 4. Work on your introduction. One of the most useful parts of the fair is the opportunity to meet and speak with admission representatives from the different schools that interest you. Take this opportunity to gather as much information as you can but also to make a good first impression. Prepare a brief, oneminute introduction of who you are and why you are interested in the MBA – their specific MBA if possible - to get some initial feedback from the representatives of whether or not you fit the school’s profile. 5. Gather all the information you can. Have some well-planned questions to ask the admissions representatives. Just by listening to what they say you can gather quite a bit of useful information about the school that will help you with you application essays. Pick up brochures, magazines and other bits and pieces to read on the ride home. 6. Don’t forget the seminars. Most fairs have quite a wide selection of seminars and speakers which provide some very useful information on a range of topics, from how to choose an MBA, the application process, how to pay for the MBA or tips on the GMAT. Don’t forget that once you narrow down your list of schools you will need to be able to write a fantastic application and get a good score on your GMAT. The seminars will help.

7. Take the application essays seriously. Don’t rush the essays. Really take the time to write a strong essay. Be honest about your answers, who you are and why you are interested in the programs. Find friends, family or, even better, current students or alumni at those schools to read over drafts and comment. Your essays are your ticket in so start these as early as you can. 8. Finding the right fit. Once you have narrowed down your list, ask around and try to meet current students and alumni from the different universities to hear about what their experiences were like. It is important to choose a school that you are passionate about and feel that you will fit into well. Visit the schools. Once you have narrowed down your schools and are working on your applications, plan to attend the events that the school has planned in your area. Also sign up to visit the campus on an open day if at all possible. These are excellent opportunities to meet the admissions team again in a quieter setting and to meet other applicants who might become your fellow students. 9. Think big but be realistic. Choose a program that will help you get to where you want to be, that you can really feel a part of, contribute to and learn from and of course one that you think you have a chance of being accepted into. Aim high but be realistic about what program is likely to be interested in your profile. I remember leaving the fair exhausted but excited. It really helped turn my plan to do an MBA into reality and get me started on the whole process. It was a lot of work but all worth while the day you get your acceptance package in the mail. Contributed by: Giselle Weybrecht, London Business School alum and author of The Sustainable MBA www.topmba.com

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Interested in a career in global health? The Medical School for International Health

is the only four year medical school that incorporates global health coursework into all four years of the required M.D. curriculum. I chose the MSIH because it gave me the unique opportunity to study population health and cross-cultural medicine as part of my M.D. degree and gave me clinical experience in areas like refugee health and humanitarian emergencies. Classes are taught in English. The campus in Beer-Sheva, Israel is the perfect location for hands-on experience with diverse populations. I did my International Health and Medicine clerkship in Nepal and my clinical electives at Columbia University Medical Center. After graduation I placed in a competitive U.S. residency program and now have my own Family Medicine practice in Pennsylvania.

Where will you be in four years? Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

The Medical School for International Health in collaboration with Columbia University Medical Center

212-305-9587 admissions bgcu-md@columbia.edu www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/bgcu-md

University of Nevada, Reno

 Established in 1874, University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a fully accredited public university.  The University's 16,000 students come from all over the United States and represent more than 75 countries.  Students can choose from world-renowned program leading to more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. y listed in U.S. News & World Report p among g “America’s Best Colleges.” g  UNR is consistently  International awards and some scholarships are available to undergraduate international students.  Eighty percent of international students receive graduate assistantships (teaching or research).  Conditional admission is offered to international undergraduate students who are academically qualified but cannot meet the English requirement for acceptance. At graduate level, conditional admission is offered to international students applying to the Master Master's s program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) only only.  The campus is 30 minutes from world-renowned Lake Tahoe and a four-hour drive from San Francisco.  UNR is in a safe, friendly, small city environment with big city attractions.  Tuition and living expenses are affordable. University of Nevada, Reno Office of International Students and Scholars/MS 0074 120 Fitzgerald Student Services Reno, Nevada 89557 USA Phone: 775‐784‐6874 Fax: 775‐327‐5845

international@unr.edu www.unr.edu/oiss

FRANCE

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About

STUDIES IN

FRANCE Do you know that France is the third biggest destination in the world for international students, behind the United States, and the United Kingdom and ahead of Australia, Germany and Canada?

and specialist schools (engineering, business and management, architecture, etc.) offer programs leading to specific professions. These institutions can be either public or private.

In 2009, 266 000 international students pursued their studies in France, making up 12% of the total number of students at French institutions.

The French higher education system offers both short and long programs. Short programs essentially prepare students for the industrial, commercial and service sectors. These programs are offered in technical institutions attached to universities and in various specialized institutions. They all lead to professional degrees, include academic as well as technological coursework, and involve internships in companies.

Why do they choose France?

1. High-Quality Education French universities and Grandes Ecoles are internationally-recognized and provide a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. Students emerge from these institutions as mature adults ready to face the world. The 83 universities offer programs providing technological and professional coursework and cover all disciplinary fields. The Grandes Ecoles 78

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Long programs are offered by the universities and Grandes écoles. They enable students to progress to the highest levels of specialization in their subject area (research). French Higher Education is now based on a new common European model. University studies consist of three

programs. The LMD reforms (LicenceMaster-Doctorate: Bachelor-MasterPhD) allow for better integration of study programs at French universities, Grandes Ecoles, and research establishments within the global market. Years of advanced study after the high school diploma

Diploma awarded

3 years

Licence /Bachelor

5 years

Master

8 years

Doctorate/PhD

The ECTS - European Credit Transfer System - is designed to allow for easier transfer of credits between universities. It applies to all national diplomas and it promotes flexibility between the courses of study. ECTS credits are cumulative and transferable within the European Higher Education Area. Credits may be transferrable to Canadian universities depending on the policies and regulations in place in each institution in Canada. Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Scientific research plays an important role in France. Indeed France is ranked 4th in the world for patents, 5th in the world for scientific publications, and 5th in the world for hosting international researchers. The number of French Nobel Prize winners (for example, Albert Fert, 2007 Nobel Prize for Physics), as well as the number of Field medals in Mathematics (Wendelin Werner, 2006 or Laurent Lafforgue, 2002) show that France is a country with dynamic innovation and research. All French Higher Education institutions can take in international students and can also offer distance learning courses and create joint degrees with foreign universities at the Master ‘s or PhD level.

2. The French way of life France is what we refer to as a multicultural society. With its colourful history and deeply-rooted regional traditions, you will find France anything but boring. Explore the famed French Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

cuisine, dare to taste new flavours, and get to know the locals. A great way to do so is to participate in the many celebrations and events held here or by visiting the fêtes and markets. In France, a unique blend of customs has emerged, where the traditional rural and new urban lifestyles live side by side. Globalization has also opened up France to many other cultures around the world. Because of its culture, geography, and famous gastronomy, France is the world’s number one tourist destination (nearly 80 million arrivals annually). Paris is considered the capital of the world in terms of quality of life (Healey and Baker). An international education program is not only about studying. Encouraging students to go on excursions to various parts of the country is very much part of the agenda. Swim in the Mediterranean, ski in the Alps, surf in the Atlantic, visit the castles of the French Kings

... All this is possible in France! These trips are beneficial in both ways; academically and leisure-wise. Also, from France, it is easy to take trips to major European cities like London, Madrid, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Infrastructure, particularly in terms of transportation and health, is at the forefront of modernity. Higher education institutions are often located in the downtown, close to museums, bookshops, cinemas, theatres and libraries. International students, like French students, can obtain reduced ticket prices for the cinema, theatre, public transport, university restaurants, etc. Living in France is the best French immersion: Put your language studies into action and learn a language by living it, not just by reading it in a textbook. The ability to speak French is a useful asset for lots of reasons as some 200 million French speakers can be found in Frenchspeaking countries spread across Study In Canada • Study Abroad

FRANCE

Foreign students may enter any university or other establishment. It should be pointed out however, that foreign degrees and degrees awarded in France are not necessarily considered equivalent. Consequently, the French institution in which enrolment has been requested makes all decisions relating to the recognition of foreign diplomas or coursework.

five continents. With the appropriate skills there are also possibilities for employment in engaging fields like international business, tourism and hospitality industries, etc. But since many programs in France are now taught in English, the language is no longer a barrier to studying. The French higher education includes more than 35,000 programs – licences, masters, doctorates – offered by some 6,000 institutions in English. Immerse yourself in another culture and learn about French traditions, culture, and society from the inside. Experience an in-depth look at a different society, a perspective that you would never get as a tourist.

3. The French Touch Foreign students who wish to register for the university or other academic institutions should consult with CampusFrance Agency (Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Moncton or Vancouver). Registration is on-line and an official advisor whose purpose is to promote French higher education abroad assists foreign students with their preparation to study in France. CampusFrance (www. canada.campusfrance.org) is a service supported by the Embassy of France in Canada that offers a wide range of services, from providing information on programs to institution enrolment. Foreign students wishing to come to France to study should obtain relevant information well before the beginning of the year in which they participate to start their program.

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International students have the same benefits as French students: student accommodation supplement, student social security coverage, and the possibility of engaging in professional paid employment, provided the hours worked do not exceed 60 % of full time employment over a one-year period. Indeed Canadian students holding a temporary residence permit bearing the status ‘student,’ may practice a paid professional activity in France, without applying for a work permit. This activity must be carried out as secondary to their course of study, and is limited to 964 hours per year. The ‘student’ card allows the holder to obtain any paid employment in mainland France. International Students holding a degree equivalent to a Master’s can request a temporary residence permit. This permit allows working in France after studies for six months. Higher education in France is very affordable and benefits all students, thanks to a major effort by the State which contributes on average 10,000 euros per student whether they be French citizens or international - per year. Fees for international and domestic students are the same in France. Moreover, the French State awards numerous

scholarships to international and European students. In addition to the French Government Scholarships allocated through French Embassies worldwide, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put in place some scholarship programs for international students.

The final word? See the world from a different perspective. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity for personal growth that will have a lasting impact for the rest of your life. Give your résumé a boost: The experience gained while studying abroad will set you apart from other people in the job market. The skills you gain while living abroad will give you an advantage in just about any career field. For more information, students are encouraged to contact the nearest CampusFrance office in Canada and to visit www.campusfrance.org. Contributed by: CampusFrance Canada www.canada.campusfrance.org

HOLLAND

Discover the World in the

Netherlands Would you like to study at an excellent university and enjoy an international environment? What about studying in the Netherlands, a country that is a melting pot of knowledge, ideas and cultures from all around the globe? The Dutch combine scientific insights with a relentless drive for innovation. You can find Dutch people all over the world, whether it is in the business sector, the football world, the art scene or the scientific community. It is no coincidence that they are known for their knowledge of foreign languages and their love of travel. The international orientation of the Dutch is not really surprising. The 16 million inhabitants of the country are used to working with people from international backgrounds. Over the past few 82

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hundred years, many people from all across the world have travelled to what is sometimes called ‘the delta on the North Sea.’ 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 the Netherlands you will see that despite its international orientation, the country is very capable of manifesting itself in an increasingly globalizing world. Its economic, technological, cultural, and scientific strengths may surprise you.

English-language programmes

If 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 the Netherlands is the equivalent of developing an open mind and expanding the international view of your discipline. You may be interested to know that the Netherlands was one of the first non-English speaking countries to develop English-language educational programmes. Today, 1,477 English-language programmes 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 Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Academic Mindset No fewer than 76,000 international students travel to the Netherlands each year. If you study at one of the 14 research universities in the Netherlands, 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 the Netherlands 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 as an international student can easily become involved in the instructional process.

Quality The quality of Dutch higher education is excellent. A comprehensive system of quality assurance 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

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

student’s behaviour code’ applies in the Netherlands. This allows education 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

of students who are seeking specific knowledge. For more information about programmes browse the database: 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, in the Netherlands 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: Kasia Tyrybon Communications Officer Nuffic (Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education) For more information visit: www.studyinholland.nl

The Netherlands Bachelor Master PhD Graduate Schools

Since its inception in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study paths encourage students and researchers to develop their individual talents. By joining forces and pooling resources with prestigious international partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen plays an important role in the exchange of knowledge.

Economics and Business Humanities Law Behavioural and Social Sciences Life Sciences Science and Technology Spatial Sciences www.rug.nl/internationalstudents

Global Failure Global Education + Global Netw to Curb HIV = Global Opportunities The provision of HIV prevention services for injecting drug users, essential to contain the spread of HIV, is inadequate in most countries around the world and presents a critical public health problem. The findings are part of a landmark review by Australian researchers published this week’s in The Lancet. “Injecting drug use is an increasingly important cause of HIV transmission in most countries,” says the study’s lead author Dr Bradley Mathers from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. “Of the estimated 16 million injecting drug users worldwide, three million are thought to be HIV positive. Injecting drug users are estimated to account for 10 per cent of all those living with HIV around the globe.”

Hooray for Hollywood

Animator and COFA digital media graduate Philip To has won an Annie Award, the animation industry’s highest accolade. The College of Fine Arts (COFA) at the University of New South Wales in Sydney is Australia’s premier art and design school.

At just 26 years old, To took out the Individual Achievement category for Best Character UNSW JohninNiland Scientia Buildingfor Dr Mathers and his colleagues found that Animation a Television Production his work on Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant while Australia rated as one of the best Pumpkins from Outer Space – DreamWorks countries in the world for provision of HIV University New South (UNSW) He welcomes students from 135 was up against four other prevention The services amongofinjecting drugWalesAnimation. animators – two from DreamWorks and two providing a dynamic international learning environment users, there were huge discrepancies in from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

countries

coverage worldwide including some countries n Ranked 47th in the world in the 2009 Times Higher Education - QS World University Ran “I feel very fortunate to have been given the having no HIV prevention services for injectors. n Offering premium professional programs business, science, architecture, enginee chances toin: progress my career and work on some amazing projects,” says To. “My career medicine, law, arts and social sciences, fine arts and design has allowed me to travel around the world as

5 star ratings acheived in 7 key performance the 2010 Australian Good Un well which hasindicators been a hugeinbonus.”

Ranked in the top category by the National Union of Students for the quality of stud www.international.unsw.edu.au and student support

www.unsw.edu.au 84

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www.unsw.edu.au

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4 UNSW International Office, Australia: Tel. +61 2 9385 6996 n internationaloffice@unsw.edu.a UNSW Representative, North America: Tel. +1 778 995 8688 n y.tham@unsw.edu.au

Global Education + Global Networks = Global Opportunities

UNSW John Niland Scientia Building

The University of New South Wales (UNSW) welcomes students from 135 countries providing a dynamic international learning environment n

Ranked 47th in the world in the 2009 Times Higher Education - QS World University Rankings

Offering premium professional programs in: business, science, architecture, engineering, medicine, law, arts and social sciences, fine arts and design

5 star ratings acheived in 7 key performance indicators in the 2010 Australian Good Universities Guide

Ranked in the top category by the National Union of Students for the quality of student services and student support

www.unsw.edu.au

UNSW International Office, Australia: Tel. +61 2 9385 6996 n internationaloffice@unsw.edu.au UNSW Representative, North America: Tel. +1 778 995 8688 n y.tham@unsw.edu.au

PROFILE School/Institution Name: The University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education Institution Type: A graduate school of the University of Melbourne Public / Private:

The University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education

Public Special Features of the Location: The Melbourne Graduate School of Education is located just north of the city of Melbourne, close to the University’s historic Parkville campus. The coffee shops, bars, restaurants and shops of Melbourne’s vibrant Central Business District are just a short walk away. Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest and most cosmopolitan city, and consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities.

Programs Offered: The groundbreaking new Master of Teaching, for graduates from any discipline who wish to become teachers, is helping reform Australian pre-service teacher education. There are three streams available: • The Master of Teaching (Secondary) • The Master of Teaching (Primary) • The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood/Early Years) The Master of Education, which is designed for experienced educators, offers a wide range of specialist options and streams to cater for students’ particular interests and career goals. A number of postgraduate certificates and diplomas are available in areas such as TESOL, Assessment & Evaluation and Early Literacy Intervention. Doctoral degrees are available for graduates seeking to develop high-level research skills.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education (MGSE) is Australia’s leading school of education, and one of the top schools of education in the world. MGSE is an exciting place to be. We are home to a number of internationally renowned experts and at the forefront of innovation in education, working closely with partners in early childhood settings, schools, higher education and tertiary settings, communities, government and beyond. Our flagship program is the Master of Teaching, an ambitious pre-service teacher education program which links theory and practice more closely than ever before. Teacher Candidates spend one or two days per week in a partner school or early childhood centre from the first few weeks of semester and consolidate teaching during full-time placements.

Total Number of Students: 4,565 Total Number of International Students: Approx. 400

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

The Master of Teaching’s exciting new curriculum provides powerful insights into children and the learning process, meaning graduates know how to bring out the best in each individual student in their classroom.

The program is already proving to be an outstanding success, with the 2008 evaluations indicating that, after just one semester on the program, Master of Teaching candidates were in many instances at the same level as beginning teachers. The Master of Teaching is making a huge impact on the Australian profession and its graduates really are the ‘master teachers’ of tomorrow. We also offer a full suite of programs for experienced educators. Our Master of Education offers a wide range of specialist streams and options to cater for almost any direction you would like to take your career in education, and a number of postgraduate certificates and diplomas are available too. Every program offered by MGSE is informed by the highest level of education research. We out-perform every other Australian education school in research on every measure, securing over a third of all nationwide Australian Research Council funding in education last year. The impact of our research can be seen locally and internationally, in classroom practice, education policy and social institutions. We embrace the study of education in its broadest sense, covering areas as diverse as early childhood education, youth research and assessment. This breadth of knowledge, coupled with our depth of expertise, makes the Melbourne Graduate School of Education an excellent choice for anyone keen to advance their education career.

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“I decided to study the Master of Teaching after realising what a significant impact we make on children’s lives as early childhood teachers. I wanted to make sure I did the children justice, by being as qualified in my field as possible.” It was the program that brought Brittany to the University of Melbourne, in particular

PROFILE

Originally from Canada, Brittany worked as an early childhood teacher in Asia before coming to Melbourne to study the Master of Teaching, which she will complete this year.

the opportunity to gain a Masters level early childhood qualification. The unique Master of Teaching placement model has proven to be a highlight of the program: “The Master of Teaching is a great program; the long term placements mean you build relationships with the children in a way that you just wouldn’t be able to completing three week blocks here and there. I also really value the strong support networks in place.” After completing the Master of Teaching, Brittany plans to spend more time abroad before heading home to Canada.

Accommodation Options: There are twelve Residential Halls & Colleges affiliated with or owned by the University of Melbourne. Many students choose housing options located in suburbs surrounding the University, which are offered through the private rental market. As part of the University’s Arrival Services program, International Student Services offer a temporary accommodation booking service for new Study Abroad, Exchange and International students. It is recommended students do not leave housing to the last minute as there is a great demand for affordable housing in Melbourne, especially before each semester.

Student Life: As a University of Melbourne student, you can get involved in the many clubs and societies on campus, take part in or watch a theatre production, attend seminars and public lectures from world renowned experts, catch a movie, a session at the gym, visit the gallery, or enjoy a coffee in one of our many cafes and food outlets. The Melbourne Graduate School of Education recognises that many international students require a bit of extra support, and our Student Experience and Support Officer is here to help you settle into life in Australia.

Contact Details: Melbourne Graduate School of Education Education Student Centre Tel: +61 3 8344 8285 Online enquiry: edfac-unimelb.custhelp.com Web: www.education.unimelb.edu.au/teaching

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

AUSTRALIA

Coming Back Home Studying teacher education in Australia can prepare for a career back home Kelly and Jeff Cowan

An Australian Education

Kelly Cowan never imagined she would find herself teaching in an elementary classroom in a small-Ontario town. But that’s what happened after falling in love with and marrying a Canadian. Cowan, originally from Port Macquarie, Australia, travelled to Canada in 2006 to visit her parents, who were living in Canada for a year. It was then when she met Jeff, and after their first date, they knew it was the real thing. Multiple e-mails, phone calls and airplane flights later, the two married and now reside in Ontario. It was here where Kelly first experienced life as a teacher in Canada. But it wasn’t without consistent hard work for Kelly to ensure her teaching degree would be of use on Canadian soil.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Following high school, Kelly decided to move to Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, a pleasant city with its warm beaches and laid-back lifestyle. She enrolled in the teacher education program at the University of Newcastle and spent many hours in the classroom, getting practical experience and learning components to become an efficient and effective teacher. Following graduation, she spent two years teaching in Sydney, until she and Jeff decided she would make the move to Canada in order to permanently start their lives together. But before packing her suitcase, Kelly says she knew she had to do some research into her career options. “I knew had to be organized before I boarded that plane,” she says. As a teacher educated in Australia, she had to apply and register with the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), the official provincial organization that provides certification allowing teachers to practice in Ontario. To apply, Kelly had to submit her transcripts and other required documentation to allow her to be considered for approval through the OCT. Kelly says she quickly learned the importance of starting the OCT application process early so that it

would be reviewed prior to her arrival in Canada. “Start doing your research a few months before coming to Canada, because it does take time to organize your documents and complete the application process,” she explains. “The earlier your start, the more prepared you will be once you come home to Canada.”

After Graduation Canadian Jasmina Grmaskoski will soon embark on the same journey as Kelly. Currently enrolled in the Master of Teaching program at the University of Melbourne in Australia, Jasmina says the program has prepared her well for a career in the classroom. “The practicum aspect of the program has been an unquestionable experience. Although the material covered in lectures and tutorials are highly useful, the experience of working within a school and the classroom itself, being a part of the environment, the staff and students’ school life, is immeasurable knowledge gained,” Jasmina says, adding that her international education experience should make her a solid teaching candidate when applying for jobs back in Canada. Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

“I hope to come back to Canada and bring my international experience to the classroom, which in my opinion, will prove to be invaluable for my future students and furthering my professional development,” she explains. “The benefit of studying at a renowned university is that you can take that education and use it worldwide.” Going through the experience, Kelly offers tips to students such as Jasmina. That’s because Kelly is now using her knowledge to help guide Canadian students who wish to study teacher education in Australia and return to the Canadian classroom. Kelly explains that while the curricula between Australia and Canada have parallels, particular components do differ. For those with ambitions to return to the Canadian classroom, Kelly says it’s important to familiarize oneself with the Canadian curriculum. “Get online and research the outcomes and indicators of the province’s curriculum,” she says. As well, when returning home, it’s all about making contacts and gaining experience. “You have to set yourself apart from the other applicants, so to do this, supplying teaching or volunteering in a classroom is key,” says Kelly. “That way, you’ll make contacts and get your name in with the school board.” Contributed by: Cathy McNally, the Communications Manager for OzTREKK education services. Reach Cathy at 1-866-698-7355 or cathy@ oztrekk.com. For Canadian students interested in studying in Australia, visit www.oztrekk.com

The University of Newcastle, Australia is a progressive international university and one of Australia’s leading research institutions. We are ranked: n

Australian top 10 for research funding and outcomes 61st University in the Asia-Pacific (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking 2008) 375th University in the world (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Ranking 2008)

Our student population is just over 30,000 including some 6,000 international students from more than 80 countries studying both on and offshore. The university has five faculties: Business and Law; Education and Arts; Engineering and Built Environment; Health; Science and Information Technology. Our graduates are highly regarded both in Australia and internationally. We have a first class International Foundation program that provides a nationally recognised pathway to undergraduate degree programs as well as a modern, fully equipped Language Centre. The centre is also an official test centre for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We also offer exciting and challenging Postgraduate coursework and research programs all of which are available either on-campus, by distance or online. Our students enjoy outstanding facilities including well-stocked libraries, award winning buildings, a state-of-the-art sporting complex as well as shops and cafes all set within a natural bushland campus. We believe it is the perfect place in which to grow – academically, professionally and personally. Visit our website: www.international.newcastle.edu.au

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

or contact us: international@newcastle,edu.au CRICOS Provider 00109J

A PLACE OF

OPPORTUNITY

UoNi 2009/0059

Ask a question: www.newcastle.internationalstudent.info/

The NewYorkTimes has votedTasmania as Australia’s hottest travel destination for 2009! 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.

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A vibrant state, boasting delicious wine and food; Tasmania is a class act. The University ofTasmania (UTAS) offers you the chance to experience all of what Australia’s southern-most state has to offer. Every student has access to world-renowned teaching and research facilities as well as some of Australia’s most 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.

www.international.

.edu.au

AUSTRALIA

Students Complete

Internship in

Vanuatu

When Mike Healey decided to enroll in the University of Queensland’s medical program, he wanted to take advantage of any opportunity to travel. And he did just that when he completed his first-year internship in Vanuatu, an island country located northeast of Australia. Healey, a student originally from Vancouver, said he decided to complete his first year internship in Vanuatu because of his desire to work and provide support in a developing nation.

“As a Canadian medical student studying in Australia, I am not sure how long I will be living in this part of the world, so I felt it was a great opportunity to visit a region of the world that I may never get to see again,” he says. “I believe that at this stage in my medical training, I would be of more use in a developing nation than in developed countries like Canada or Australia. After discussion with a couple of mates that had sailed through this region before, I felt that Vanuatu was the perfect choice.” And perfect it was.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

AUSTRALIA

group threw a party and ended up collecting more than $1,000 for the hospital. Arriving in Vanuatu When Healey first arrived in Vanuatu, he says that its people are what made the country so special to him. “I have never seen a country where every person that walks past you greets you with a big smile and a hello,” he says. “On several occasions, we would be walking down the street, and people would come running out of their house to ask us how we are enjoying our stay in Vanuatu. They all just appeared so proud that we chose their country to visit and wanted to ensure we were enjoying our stay.”

Hospitality for the Hospital

simply travel to the country to get medical experience.

Healey says that he, along with six other Canadian medical students, decided to complete their four-week internship at the Vila Central Hospital in Port Vila, which is located on the Vanuatu island of Efate. But Healey says they wanted to do more than

“During our research of the hospital, we read numerous reports that indicated how limited resources were, so we decided as a group to raise money for the hospital as a way of thanking them for taking us on,” Healey explains. To raise money, the

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Medical Experience Healey spent his first two weeks at the Vila Central Hospital working alongside a doctor in the outpatient/emergency ward, and his last two weeks were spent with the surgical team. He says that as first-year medical students, they were nervous during their first few days, but their jitters didn’t last long.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

AUSTRALIA “All the patients we dealt with were very understanding and seemed eager and happy to help us with our training,” he says, adding how the locals called the medical students, ‘Baby Doctors.’

Now back in Australia and preparing for his second year at UQ, Healey says his experience in Vanuatu was unforgettable, and he’s glad he made the decision to go.

Because not every patient spoke English, Healey says the doctors translated for them, but within a week, Healey was able to pick up enough Bislama to take a history from a patient on his own.

“I have always felt it’s important to take any opportunity to travel, witness other cultures and have new life experiences.”

Contributed by: Cathy McNally Admissions Officer OzTREKK educational services www.oztrekk.com

STUDY IN THE HEART OF QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA Stay and play in our amazing climate and lifestyle

jn10-1044

Semester Study Abroad Undergraduate Programs Postgraduate Programs Coursework and research options available in the following discipline areas: Arts, Business, Informatics, Education, Science, Engineering and Health International students are welcome at ‘our place’ in Queensland, Australia. More information: visit www.cquni.edu.au or email: cqinternational@cqu.edu.au

BE WHAT YOU WANT TO BE

www.cquni.edu.au CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD - 00219C; NSW - 01315F; VIC - 01624D

INSPIRATION

Hands-on Experience in International Development Projects After completing my master’s degree in International Development Studies, I was looking for a position as an International Development worker. It soon dawned on me that finding a paid position, particularly one in the field, was not easy. One of my fellow students, also a Canadian, mentioned that the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) offered six months long paid internships to enable young people with no prior work experience to gain practical skills in the field of International Development. Various interviews were conducted, and I was offered a position in Argentina. Upon completing a pre-departure training in Ontario, my team and I, five people in total, were sent to Puerto Iguazu. The city of Puerto Iguazu is located in the north of Argentina, right on the border with Brazil and

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Paraguay and is home to the Igauzu Waterfalls, a world-renowned tourist destination. Our project partner was a technical institute that had previously participated in a CIDA funded program, which had aimed to tackle the increasing problem of youth unemployment, among both indigenous and non-indigenous Argentineans. The program offered computer and English classes as well

as three-month long training programs to become a maid, receptionist, waiter or pastry chef. While the training programs had been intended for both indigenous and non-indigenous people, it soon became apparent that the two groups were unable to participate in the same programs. This led to the subsequent creation of a separate program for the indigenous community, namely a bi-lingual school (Guarani and Spanish) to train local indigenous guides. With the creation of this school came the idea of building a path within the adjacent rainforest to be able to give tourists a guided tour of the cultural and natural heritage of the local indigenous population. The project aimed to help the community gain an income, at the same time ensuring the preservation of their culture.

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Coming from the Western world, my aim was to complete the tasks in the most timely and resourceful manner possible. However, I soon realized that my concept of work ethic and time management did not coincide with that of Argentines, much less that of the indigenous community! One of my colleagues was an anthropologist, which greatly helped my understanding of the indigenous culture, as he was able to explain some of their cultural heritage and thinking. I learned that for this ancient culture the aim is to follow the sound of the water in search of the land without evil. Therefore the indigenous people are similar to nomads, which effectively means that their perception of time, possessions, and community are very different from mine. This was an important learning progress that I am very grateful for, as it taught me a lot about patience, empathy, and diplomacy.

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

INSPIRATION

My job title was “Indigenous People Entrepreneurship Support Officer,” which meant that I worked directly with the indigenous community program. My role was to help build the capacity of the indigenous community and develop their cultural tourism enterprise to such an extent that it could become an indigenous-owned, financially-viable business venture. Luckily for me, my Spanish at this point was at a high intermediate level, as all community members spoke only Guarani (local indigenous language) or Spanish.

Having faced years of discrimination by the white Argentine population, as well as the Spanish colonizers, it was no surprise that they seemed rather skeptical when confronted with a group of white strangers. Despite my intentions of wanting to do good deeds, I learned that it is vital to understand peoples’ background in order to be able to work with them effectively, in such a manner that it not only prioritizes their wishes but also respects the rhythm of their own culture. Moreover, I learned that the bond established between indigenous and white people is always very delicate, and it is of utmost importance to never make a promise that will not be kept.

The local project manager was a knowledgeable, enthusiastic Argentine who had worked with the indigenous community for the past seven years. He had managed to establish a good working relationship with them and proved to be a vital asset in the successful completion of projects. Having familiarized myself with the community and their reality, which was largely marked by discrimination on all levels (education, health etc.) and chronic poverty, caused mainly by low education levels and unemployment, we began to plan the activities of the program. It was not easy to find a middle ground between what the program sought to achieve in the given

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION

time frame and what the indigenous community was realistically able to commit to. In addition, my team and I faced continuous health problems, as the north of Argentina has a very hot, subtropical climate and is home to many diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever and the old time favorite for travelers - diarrhea. About two-thirds of the way into my internship, activities were well on their way and we were able to successfully complete our planned capacity-building sessions. Moreover, we managed to expand the path that had been built, and with the arrival of a group of Canadian volunteers, we managed to put up signs and construct some basic infrastructure (benches, stalls etc.), enabling the community to become better equipped for hosting tourists. As CIDA’s support had come to an end during the year of my internship, there was an urgent need for funding to be able to continue the planned activities. My colleague and I thus spent the final months of our internship writing a funding proposal, which was granted a few months later. With the new funding, the indigenous community will

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

be able to increase the much needed infrastructure to be able to host tourists adequately (eg. toilets) and continue their capacity building sessions, in order to be able to effectively manage their business enterprise. I was actually able to extend my stay in Argentina to nine months, which enabled me to guide the community in this next stage of implementation of the new program. I left Argentina with a heavy heart, many new friends, a rich intercultural learning experience, and many new professional skills. My team and I went on to various jobs both in Canada and abroad, working either for NGOs or government agencies. During my internship I realized that one’s own initiative is a key ingredient to one’s professional and personal growth. The internship proved to be not only a vital personal and professional learning curve, but also a great stepping stone towards a career in International Development. Despite currently living in Africa, I have returned to Puerto Iguazu various times and maintain very good relationships with both the local project

manager as well as my Canadian host organization, and continue to support the project wherever possible. To me, the internship was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I am grateful for having been given this opportunity. Contributed by: by Alexandra Niesslein Proyecto Mate was created as part of a three year, CIDA-funded program in the city of Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. It was implemented by Niagara College, Instituto Technico Iguazu, and the indigenous community of Yyryapú. The program was designed to deliver community based education and social development programs as well as support self-sufficiency among the indigenous community of Yyryapú. In 2009 the community formed an independent, indigenous managed foundation called Foundacion Mate, which will be administering the new grant from the Inter-American Foundation. The Escuela Clemencia, the bi-lingual school, is separately supported by a Canadian registered charity called Friends of Yyryapu. Alexandra Niesslein worked in Argentina until June 2009. She still acts as a consult and advisor to the project. Today she works and lives in Africa. Photo credits: Alexandra Niesslein

Spring/Summer 2010 • Issue: 4

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The Directory of Canadian Universities

2010 EDITION Looking for a quick reference guide to Canada’s universities? The Directory of Canadian Universities is published annually by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), and is the number one source for information about AUCC member universities and the programs of study they offer.

The 2010 edition includes:

• 95 Canadian university profiles • Listings of over 10,000 academic program options • �A university location map • �Articles on higher education ONLY

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to www.aucc.ca/DCU or call us at (613) 563-3961 ext. 205