ISSUE: 17
FALL/WINTER 2016
Master’s Degrees in Germany Managing Student Stress Experience Switzerland How to Apply to a UK University Tourism and Hospitality Management Study in Sweden
SPECIAL FEATURE:
AMERICAN CAMPUS
See you in Spring 2017 Vancouver V March 2, 2017 GRAD FAIR March 1, 2017
MontrĂŠal M March 4, 2017 Toronto
March 5, 2017
T
Canada’s Largest International University And Student Travel Expo
www.studyandgoabroad.com
Go to school. Stay out of debt.
Message From
The Editor Welcome to the Fall/Winter issue of Canadian Student Magazine. As we head into our eighth year, we are pleased to continue to bring our readers – students, parents, educators – news on relevant topics about studying in Canada and studying abroad. In this issue, we have some great editorial contributions from our friends in Europe as well as North America. They share with you their knowledge about their countries, education systems, programs that are new and innovative, and the contributors’ enthusiasm to inform and welcome you. Everyone is at a different phase in the planning of their future, and we hope to give you valuable insight, regardless of what stage you are currently at. So whether you get inspired to study Tourism and Hospitaliy Management; learn about honors colleges at U.S. universities; get excited about studying in Demark; or get motivated to join some of our international students in engaging in the community. There is something for everyone. Remember as well to check our year-round website, StudyandGoAbroad.com, for up-to-date information about studying, volunteering, working, or travelling abroad. And mark your calendar for the Spring 2017 Study and Go Abroad International University and Student Travel Expo. We will be in several major cities again from March 1-5, 2017. For now, we at Canadian Student Magazine and the Study and Go Abroad team wish you ongoing success and discovery.
Anita Kuehnel, Editor Canadian Student Magazine and www.studyandgoabroad.com
/Study and Go Abroad @studygoabroad /+Studyandgoabroadfair StudyandGoAbroad /studygoabroad Study and Go Abroad Fairs
CONTENTS
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
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Hot off the Press
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Student Testimonials
8
Welcome to Switzerland
10
The Search For Adventure An Economics Graduate’s Journey to Switzerland
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Prepare for a Career in Tourism and Hospitality Management
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Looking for a Super, Natural Education Experience? EducationPlannerBC Will Help Get You There
17
Discover Perth
18
Mastering Your Future: Master’s Studies in Germany
20
Study in Denmark
22
Design and Architecture: What is Danish Design?
30
Welcome to Sweden
33
Experience an Education in Sweden
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International Students Engage With Their Host Community
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International Education The Value and Importance to a Student’s Future Success
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Five Reasons to Take the New SAT
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UCAS The UK’s higher education admissions service
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Learning Across Continents: A Chiropractic Student Reflects on Her Experiences in Auckland
rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. Director and Owner: Anita Kuehnel
14 Stress and the Student
Chief Editor and Publisher: Anita Kuehnel anita@canadianstudentmagazine.com Administrative Manager: Sheila Fee sheila@canadianstudentmagazine.com Consultant: Katie Idle, Knowmarketing Canada Ltd katie@canadianstudentmagazine.com We would like to thank the following for their valuable editorial contributions:
26 So You Want to be a Travel Writer? Here’s What You Need to Know
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Aarhus School of Architecture American Campus Boris Brorman Jensen Carrie Jung, Capilano University The College Board DAAD EducationPlannerBC Guard.me International Insurance Kaare Bach - Study in Denmark Maria Boublil - iSolve Consulting New Zealand Education Study in Sweden Study Perth Swiss Embassy Ottawa TalentEgg.ca UCAS
Graphic Design: IQ Design A. Ender Birer
39 Special Feature: The Insider’s Guide for International Students
60 New Zealand Will Enchant and Surprise You
Printer: Şan Ofset Istanbul, Turkey Advertising and Sales: ad@canadianstudentmagazine.com rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. 1484 Doran Road North Vancouver, BC V7K 1N2 Canada Tel: +1 604 986 7704 Fax: +1 604 986 3047 info@canadianstudentmagazine.com www.canadianstudentmagazine.com www.recruitincanada.com
© 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 semiannually. Printed in Turkey.
ABROAD’ fairs! Come and meet with Linda Hammond, our Partnerships Director and Admissions Tutor, to find out more about the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme. Linda Hammond will be visiting Canada from 29 September to 4 October 2016 and will be attending fairs in Study in Denmark – Exclusive Scholarships for Canadians! Ottawa, Toronto and Halifax.
PSYCHOLOGY?
ished Clinical Psychology training
and research practice to achieve r staff are practising clinical ducational experience in a range of
Thinking about studying abroad? Choose Business Academy Aarhus and get a 50% scholarship towards tuition fees and $500 (CAD) FOR MORE INFORMATION towards living expenses every month for one academic year. Visit our page: You’ll study with undergraduates from over 60 different countries – www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-go-abroad/ all taught in English. You’ll graduate from one of the largest and most dclynpsi internationally diverse business academies in Denmark. or contact us:
debbie.ditcham@canterbury.ac.uk Why should you care? Because you’ll experience “the happiest for any questions aboutin our Doctorate in getting an exceptional quality education country the world,” while Psychology. The University a and international experience – for next to nothing! o can draw on the best and most of Warwick,Clinical world-leading ipo@canterbury.ac.uk n think critically about, and reflect British university (48th in the world in the QSfor any questions about the fairs. www.baaa.dk/canada al practice. World University Rankings 2015/16) has some exciting Contact: Andy Grantham, International Student Recruiter, new scholarship opportunities: gran@baaa.dk ber | Halifax – 4 October Warwick Business School is offering over £2 million in scholarships available across its postgraduate portfolio. The most talented applicants for 2017 entry will automatically be considered, without the need for a further scholarship Study In The Uk – Your Future Criminal Justice Education at application, but early application Starts Here at Canterbury Christ Humber’s Centre for Justice is advised. For more details Church University Leadership visit www.wbs.ac.uk/courses/ scholarships. The vision of Thinking about studying abroad? With new breakthroughs WBS is to be a world-leader in For over fifty years, Canterbury in forensic technology and business education, research Christ Church University has the ever-changing criminal and engagement, helping to been providing people from justice landscape, the time create a better global society. around the world with a rich is right to start a career in academic and professional law enforcement, private education. security, crime prevention or Want to study Law and enjoy an rehabilitation. international study experience? With students from 100 The University of Warwick’s different countries, we have a Humber offers degree and School of Law, a pioneer passionate belief in the power diploma programs in small class department for studying Law in of Higher Education to enrich sizes that allow instructors to context and a leading UK Law and transform lives. Our record help students develop critical problem-solving skills. Key School (16th in The Guardian for graduates in employment is to skill development is the 2017 league table) is offering one of the best in the UK, and 18,000-square-foot Centre for four full-fee scholarships for our research community has Justice Leadership that features LLM applicants. an international reputation. We a technology-based forensic lab If you’re interested in securing offer a huge range of courses, and mock crime scene studio in one of these scholarships you so if you want to give yourself a addition to high-tech driving and will need to submit a 500-word real advantage in an increasingly conflict simulation labs. statement outlining the reasons competitive world, look no why you should secure the further. Sound interesting? Find program funding. Alternatively, apply information and the “Criminal Visit: http://www.canterbury. for one of our undergraduate Justice Quiz” at ac.uk/study-here/international/ three- or four-year LLBs. For communityservices.humber.ca international.aspx full information about these programmes visit Contact: ipo@canterbury.ac.uk www.warwick.ac.uk/law
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Study In Canada • Study Abroad
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
GRADUATE WITH A MONASH ARTS VERTICAL DOUBLE DEGREE IN FOUR YEARS NEW FRESHMEN MERIT SCHOLARSHIP For students with strong academic records applying as first-time freshmen to the University of Michigan-Flint, our Freshmen Merit Scholarship program offers automatic awards up to $7,000 USD/year. Minimum requirements for scholarship eligibility are a high school GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale and a 24/ACT, 1090/OLD SAT, or 1160/ NEW SAT. No separate scholarship application is required and applicants will automatically be considered. For details, visit umflint.edu/merit. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP $1,000 USD to $4,500 USD scholarships available to qualified undergraduate international students. For priority scholarship consideration, students must submit their completed application, by March 1st. www.umflint.edu/international/scholarships-0
Would you like the opportunity to gain a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in four years? Are you focused, driven, and want to make a difference? If so then the Vertical Double Degree with Arts is your destination. This fantastic opportunity enables you to focus on your area of study and gain both qualifications in just four years. You will have a choice of complementing your Bachelor of Arts with one of seven destination masters degrees: Communications & Media Studies; International Development Practice; International Relations; Tourism; International Sustainable Tourism Management; Journalism; or Cultural & Creative Industries. By choosing Monash University, you can be sure you’ve taken your first step to a successful career. To find out more, please contact Mr Rob Cioffi at Rob.Cioffi@monash.edu www.monash.edu
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Giving up my career, risking my achievements and accomplishments. These were my thoughts as I battled with myself trying to make my decision to move to the US and pursue my MBA at the University of Michigan-Flint. I said to myself, even if I don’t reach the goal I seek at the end of my journey, I would still have an MBA from a wellrespected University. Now you ask me, was it worth it? Absolutely! Not only have I acquired new skills and knowledge from my MBA, but I also landed the job of my dreams even before graduation.
The University of Warwick is excellent in every way, from food to accommodation to lecturers. The faculty here is very friendly and supportive. I like the concept of small classes for discussion and opportunities to talk personally with the professors. It was an honour to learn alongside such a great blend of brilliant minds from all over the globe. Warwick offers a wide range of social activities as well. Above all I also like the fact that United Kingdom is one of the safest places to study and live. The knowledge and experience I gained here will help me throughout my life.
Mohamed Mohamed, Network Analyst MBA Student ‘17 University of Michigan-Flint
Gaurav Singer, Master of Public Health, 2015-2016
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
The Dream of Becoming a Police Officer Kevin Gonneau, a student in the Humber Criminal Justice Degree Program, always dreamt of becoming a police officer. After seeing the facilities at Humber, he knew that this was where he would make that dream a reality. “One of my main reasons for pursuing a degree at Humber was for future advancement in policing. In this job market, people are attaining higher levels of education and I know through Humber’s reputation and my experiences here, this degree will put me ahead of the pack,” says Gonneau. Kevin Gonneau
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
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© Elenarts - Fotolia.com
SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Switzerland Switzerland is an excellent location for living, studying, and working. Its cultural variety, beautiful landscape, and innovative environment offer first-class surroundings for both personal well-being and career advancement. The Swiss higher education landscape comprises postsecondary studies at the ten Cantonal Universities and the two Federal Institutes of Technology. In addition, there are various public and private Universities of Applied Sciences, as well as Pedagogical and Fine Arts Universities, which provide a more profession-oriented focus. Great minds from around the world come to Switzerland to benefit from its world-class institutions and enjoy an outstanding quality of life. And so could you! Here is why: 8
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
World-class education at affordable costs All Swiss universities share a drive for excellence in teaching and research, resulting in their consistent ranking among the best universities in the world. In fact, according to the 2015 Times Higher Education university rankings, the ETH Zurich is ranked number nine, and six other Swiss universities are amongst the top 150 universities worldwide. In other words, 79% of all students in Switzerland can claim to attend one of these top institutions. Public funding contributes not only to a high standard of education, but also to affordable fees. The average tuition cost for one semester at one of the 12 doctoral/research universities is about CAD 1,600 for international students.
Excellence in innovation Switzerland is one of the most competitive countries in the world and has been ranked as the world’s most innovative country for six years in a row by the INSEAD/ Cornell University Survey. This is made possible thanks to the universities’ cutting-edge research and considerable investments. Both the public and private sectors invest heavily in research, particularly in the pharmaceutical, chemical and engineering fields. A lively start-up scene, new innovation parks, and the relocation of international tech companies to Switzerland speak to this innovative spirit. This is supported by excellent infrastructures, such as the worldrenowned CERN in Geneva.
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
SWITZERLAND Switzerland is part of the global community Switzerland lies in the heart of Europe and at the crossroads of several languages and cultures, attracting people from all over the world. Thus, it is only logical that Swiss universities are also very international. More than 50% of all PhD students and post-docs and 45% of the faculty members at Swiss universities come from another country. Furthermore, many UN organizations and international NGOs are located in Geneva and over 10,000 multinational companies are headquartered in Switzerland. English and French are widely spoken and used as languages of business, higher education, and research. Thanks to international airports in Basel, Geneva, and Zurich, and train stations in almost every town, cities such as Paris, Rome, Vienna, and Berlin are at your doorstep.
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
How to get there: Immigration, scholarships and internships You have chosen your Swiss university; now what are the next steps? Canadian citizens need to apply for a student visa at the Swiss Consulate in Montréal or Vancouver. Be aware that an application takes several months to process and careful preparation of the documents is required. Regarding scholarships: contact your host university and they will be able to provide you with a list of opportunities. Furthermore, the website of the Canadian Bureau for International Education offers a database with grants and scholarships available to Canadians. www.cbie.ca If you would rather like to gain work experience during or after your studies, consider applying for the Swiss-Canadian Youth Mobility Program. Though applicants are
required to find a job themselves, the program facilitates the work permit application process and allows Canadians to improve their language and professional skills abroad. Visit the following websites for more information: https://www.swissuniversities. ch/en/higher-education-area/ studying/studying-in-switzerland/ www.studyinginswitzerland.ch www.swissworld.org For work permits: https://www.sem.admin.ch/ sem/en/home/themen/arbeit/ berufspraktikum.html Contributed by: Urs Obrist, PhD – Senior Science and Technology Officer, Embassy of Switzerland, Ottawa
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
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SWITZERLAND
The Search For Adventure An Economics Graduate’s Journey to Switzerland It wasn’t long after graduating that Samuel Loum decided to take his studies abroad. Armed with a degree in Economics from York University, Samuel wanted to find a way to stand out among his fellow graduates, but he also wanted to pursue a profession that would allow him to interact with a diverse range of people in a fast-paced environment. He knew he wanted every workday to be different from the last, and after some soul searching, he landed up in the hospitality industry. “I wanted to learn about something that could be applied to a range of fields and give me an edge in terms of work-related skills and social development,” says Samuel. He loved the idea of making sure that each and every customer had a special, unforgettable stay, and he realized that hospitality could help him impact people’s experiences abroad. After picking an area of interest, his next step was finding the right school. Lucky for him, he found the perfect place: the hospitality program at a prestigious hotel school in Montreux in Switzerland. After just a few months, Samuel was going abroad himself!
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match for the hospitality industry. The finance specialization in hospitality that the program offered meant that Samuel could apply and further polish the skills he had learned in school to this exciting field.
the school spoke only in French and that most retail activity stopped around 7:00 p.m.,” he says. “But the prevalence of French allowed me to exercise and improve a language that has always interested me.”
With his choice made and destination set, all Samuel needed to arrange was a visa before he packed his bags and moved to a new continent for the educational experience of a lifetime.
Needless to say, the residences were also a little different than what he was accustomed to at York University. In Montreux, Samuel explains, the Hotel Miramonte and Hotel Europe serve as the school’s lecture halls and residences. Gone were the days of crowded dorms and messy hallways; Samuel was now living and learning in a renowned fourstar hotel!
Samuel takes on Switzerland Fast forward to Montreux, where Samuel began his new journey as an international student.
The school was an obvious choice for Samuel, not only because of its impressive scholarly resources, but for its reputation as one of the best platforms for hospitality education in the world. It also didn’t hurt that Switzerland is a country known for its innovation when it comes to new trends in the field.
Everyone experiences some degree of “culture shock” while traveling – that feeling of disorientation when you’re suddenly surrounded by an unfamiliar culture or way of life. For Samuel, this meant adjusting to the relaxed nature of the city. Samuel, Cairo-born and Torontoraised, was used to the hustle and bustle of big-city life; for him, adapting to a new culture was an educational experience in itself.
Plus, Samuel’s business-based education turned out be a great
“I had to come to terms with the fact that most people outside of
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
These historic buildings are not only stunning in their own right, but they also provide stellar lake views from the centre of the town, a place Samuel describes as, “So beautiful and more peaceful in comparison to bigger cities.”
Life at Montreux When he was settled into his beautiful surroundings in Montreux, it wasn’t just the quiet, small town atmosphere that Samuel had to get used to, but the classroom experience as well.
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
“It was also easier for fellow classmates to consult each other for help and support,” says Samuel. By the end of his semester, his fellow classmates had bonded together, forming lasting friendships. The most exciting educational difference for Samuel was the heavy incorporation of technology in classes and around the campus. For example, students were provided with iPads that allowed them to collaborate with teachers and other students in order to create a unique learning experience. This early adoption of technology allowed Samuel to learn about cutting-edge trends that are changing the hospitality industry, trends that he would soon be implementing in hotels around the world.
Fun Fact: Samuel grew up in Cairo, Egypt. The last time he made a move this big was when he moved to Canada! This experience helped shape my future career In addition to his in-depth studies, new friends, and beautiful surroundings, Samuel had the incredible opportunity to work as a night auditor intern for a four-star hotel in the heart of Geneva. “I spent three months living at the foot of the Jet d’Eau (a stone’s
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
throw from the famous flower clock of the Jardin Anglais) and shared an apartment with a very kind front office colleague in the famed neighborhood of Carouge,” says Samuel. “It was an unforgettable experience – I was able to visit famous landmarks on a daily basis.” He also got the chance to meet students and professors from all over the world, each with a thrilling life story and awe-inspiring professional experiences. “My peers and professors are the most valuable resources I’ve gained from this journey,” says Samuel. “They are the people who supported me and motivated me to achieve a lot more in my time abroad than I initially thought I would.” Even now, long after his Swiss experience has ended, he remains close with the international friends he’s made, and is already thinking ahead to his next adventure. “We always find a way to stay in touch and to remind each other that the good times we have shared are evidence of good times to come,” he says. “They’ll be able to lend a couch to crash on if I choose to visit any part of the world they are working in, and of course, I’ll return the favour!”
What’s next? In the next few years, Samuel sees himself having completed an internship in North America and working in the financial department of a Canadian hotel or company. He says that his social skills have improved dramatically from this experience and believes his newfound abilities will help him be more creative and vocal in the workplace. Ultimately, the greatest skill Samuel gained abroad was the ability to forge long-term, solid relationships with coworkers and clients.
SWITZERLAND
“Class sizes were considerably smaller than those I pursued at York,” explains Samuel. Instead, the small groups of about 20 people reminded him a little of high school, where students had the chance to collaborate closely with each other and their instructors. Since teachers were able to provide more support to individual students than is possible in large lecture halls, he adapted to the new format quickly and began to thrive in this new atmosphere.
There’s no denying that the future is looking exceptionally bright for Samuel, wherever in the world he chooses to live. “Travelling abroad will open your eyes to new opportunities that you never considered before,” he says. “It will also allow you to develop your social skills, deductive reasoning, learn new languages, and make friends that may become the cornerstone of both your professional and personal life.” Samuel’s advice for students and grads 1. Do your research on as many different institutions as possible. 2. Don’t just look at internet rankings, but also consider the quality of life outside of classes. 3. Do look for events happening in and around the location you choose – those are great places to find like-minded people and make some local friends. 4. Consider your proximity to the airports if you plan to travel outside of the country a lot 5. Apply for a visa early - Samuel had to make sure the process was started at least 12 weeks in advance. 6. Prepare for your new climate! Switzerland’s winters require some bundling up. 7. Put yourself out there and don’t let the language barrier cause you to miss out on new experiences! Contributed by: Sarah Bartnicka, TalentEgg.ca TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for college and university students and recent graduates.
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
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© Dmitry Kalinovsky - Shutterstock.com
CAREERS
Prepare for a Career in Tourism and Hospitality Management “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca What is Tourism and Hospitality Management? Tourism and Hospitality/Hotel Management is a specialized field that services primarily the hotel, travel, and tourism trades. This includes hotel management, tour services, various transport services, travel, business and marketing – there are many wonderful areas making up this vibrant, global sector.
Preparing to work in the industry There are thousands of institutions around the world offering programs ranging from certificates and diplomas, to Bacherlor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Tourism and Hospitality/Hotel Management. Depending on the area you wish to specialize in, and the degree of study you will choose 12
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
to pursue, you will find an array of potential courses that can be directly applied in the field. Some of these may include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Front desk and hotel reservations systems Food and beverage services Recreational tourism Micro- and macro-economics Hospitality and Tourism marketing Hotel Administration Spa management Lodging management and operations Environment impact and sustainability Hospitality and tourism business communications Tour operations Service quality and revenue management Hospitality law Convention marketing
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As well, most programs include a co-op or practicum, during which time you will gain either local or international work experience. This can make you directly employable upon completion, armed with invaluable knowledge and experience in the sector, or prepare you to embark on the next academic level in the field.
What are the prospects in this sector? Tourism and worldwide travel figures continue to rise, indicating that along with those increases, so is the need increasing for educated, well-trained, and passionate professionals. According to the UN World Tourism Organization Network (UNTWO), recent figures are promising: ‘’2016 started on a strong note for international tourism. International tourist arrivals grew by 5% between January and April 2016 according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. Results were robust across almost all subregions and many destinations reported double-digit growth. Prospects for May-August remain positive, with around 500 million tourists expected to travel abroad in the Northern Hemisphere summer holiday peak season. Destinations worldwide received 348 million international tourists (overnight visitors) between January and April 2016, some 18 million more than the same period last year (+5.3%). This follows an increase of 4.6% in 2015, and could make 2016 the seventh consecutive year of above-average growth, with international arrivals increasing by 4% or more every year following the crisis in 2009. ‘Results show a strong desire to travel and this continues to drive tourism growth. Destinations keep benefitting from solid demand across all world regions despite ongoing challenges,
showing that tourism is a dynamic and resilient economic sector,’ said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai.’’ Here are some of the areas you can consider focusing on in your studies: Hotels and resorts After completing an applicable program in tourism and hospitality management, you can be prepared for a career in hotel and/or resort management. This typically involves hotels, motels, and resorts, but can also be useful for running a family B&B or a private spa resort. Ideally, you would look at landing a management position in any of the many areas within the establishment. The program you take and the speciality you focus on will make a difference in what type of position you get, but don’t be afraid to start smaller and dream big. The more experience you gather, the further your career can take you. The airline and cruise industries With a program in tourism and hospitality management, you should be able to pick up the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the multibillion dollar cruise and airline industries. With the rigorous and continuous competition within each of these areas, leading companies are looking more and more to build image and improve systems, and to achieve this, they need to work with the brightest stars in their fields. Event management This is an exciting area to be in, as it can span so many different sectors. With a focus on, and passion for, organizing events, you can work with concert promoters, fundraising organizations, political establishments, convention centres, etc. If you are good at seeing ‘the whole picture’ and knowing all the parts that make it up in order to put on a successful event, this could be the right focus for you in your schooling. Sources: www.UNWTO.org www.mastersportal.eu
CAREERS
These are just a few of the areas that can be found in the programs available. The course offerings will vary from school to school, and depend on the length of the program. You can explore and find the fit that best suits you.
© Mindmo - Shutterstock.com
INFORMATION
Stress and the Student Adolescence and young adulthood are fraught with stress. Students are faced with academic and social pressures, in addition to redefining family dynamics. As teens grapple with physical, emotional, and cognitive changes, they also face an onslaught of academic, family, and peer pressures. All of this with little to no life experience on how to manage these student stresses. 14
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
It is unrealistic to think that stress can be eliminated from a teen’s life, and as most adults would admit, it is a state that many deal with regularly. It therefore becomes paramount to help young adults understand and manage stress in a healthy way. These tools will not only help them with their current state, but will ensure they are better equipped adults.
How to Manage Stress Acknowledge the stress and the emotions associated with it. Labeling an emotion and talking about feelings associated with stress will help to reduce the intensity of the emotion. It will also help the teen better understand what they are feeling, as well as explore the causes.
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Change your perception of stress. In a recent TED Talk, entitled How to Make Stress Your Friend, Kelly McGonigal discusses how stress itself is not what is bad for you, rather, it is your negative perception of it that is detrimental. That by viewing stress as a positive factor we are able to manage it and experience fewer negative effects. Get sufficient sleep. We have heard this countless times, however it cannot be emphasized enough. Adequate sleep is paramount to healthy brain
function. Recent studies show that the brain is more active during dreaming than when awake. During sleep our brain makes decisions, clears toxins, strengthens synapses from learned experiences, makes memories, and much more. Without sufficient sleep we are irritable, emotionally charged, and often irrational. Find positive activities to engage in that bring a sense of joy and fun. This cannot be overstated. More and more research from the Positive Psychology field shows the importance of mood in cognitive brain function, learning, and general well-being. Set goals that are broken down into incremental steps. Often stress is rooted in abstract fear or unknowns. Setting goals provides a concrete grounding as well as an action plan. The feeling of regaining control is empowering and results in reduced stress.
Let go of the fear of failure. Understand that everyone experiences failure at some point and that these are often the times of greatest growth and learning. Exercise and eat well. Although this may be obvious, in times of stress this is often forgotten. Remember that exercise and eating well will help you in countless ways on the road to feeling better physically and emotionally. Contributed by: Maria Boublil Maria is an educational consultant and founder of iSolve Consulting, specializing in educational and career planning for high school and postsecondary students. Her focus is to help students identify their interests, understand program options, and create a strategic plan for their future. www.isolveconsulting.ca
CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIRE SERVICES HUMAN SERVICES
POLICE FOUNDATIONS
CHILD AND YOUTH CARE
PROTECTION, SECURITY & INVESTIGATION
Serve your community or serve your country. Protect the public or come to the aid of people in need. Whatever your motivation may be, Humber’s School of Social and Community Services offers the degree and diploma programs that can take you there. We are changing the lives of our students by providing critical work placements, extensive industry partnerships and a solid reputation across the fields of criminal justice, fire and human services.
communityservices.humber.ca
PRE-SERVICE FIREFIGHTER
DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES WORKER
BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE
INFORMATION
As teens grapple with new emotions and situations, they may not always be able to identify and label what they are feeling. Adults can help teens through this process by naming and discussing the emotion they observe. Relaying a personal story or experience can also help the teen see that it is normal to feel that emotion or have a stress response, but what matters is how we handle it.
CANADA
Looking for a Super, Natural Education Experience?
EducationPlannerBC Will Help Get You There
Work, travel, school, life – the pursuit of our goals and dreams. When’s the right time for one thing or the other? We face these questions, each and every one of us, from the time we graduate high school and throughout our life journey. So you’ve done the travel thing, the work thing, the study abroad thing, and perhaps now that real-life explorer-learner in you is thinking about that college/ university thing in British Columbia, Canada. In super, natural British Columbia (that’s our tourism slogan by the way), we’re surrounded by abundance and it’s not only in the majestic mountains, rain forests, glaciers and oceans, lakes and river ways; it’s in our post-secondary options. BC’s postsecondary institutions offer flexible movement (aka transferability) in and among each other that allows you to have options that suit you when it is the right time for you to start or to return to furthering your education and career training.
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floating data bits together so that you can make an informed decision, check out EducationPlannerBC.ca. EducationPlannerBC is a sector-led, governmentsupported project where an innovative, online system helps you find out what you need and want to know, and takes you straight to the application to get you there. And it’s free! EducationPlannerBC has all the relevant planning information to figure out your next steps when you do decide to pursue post-secondary studies, like what kinds of programs exist that you’d love or need to take; how much each program at a university or college is going to cost; and in which community you would live, should you choose one school over another. Make it easier on yourself and use EducationPlannerBC.ca as your main resource for planning and applying to a postsecondary institution in BC. It’s free, easy to use, and will help get you to the program of your dreams.
Factoid: By 2025, of the nearly one million expected job openings in BC, eight out of 10 will require postsecondary education. A key goal of BC’s Ministry of Advanced Education is to support a smooth plan that takes students from high school through postsecondary education and right into the workforce, and to provide more support to those who want to gain that foothold in the job market.
Don’t miss out on the potential post-secondary and career opportunities that exist, and discover the student journey that will help in the pursuit of your goals and dreams.
Rather than perusing (or slogging) through all the information out there on the interwebs, trying to wrap your mind around it and bringing together all the
Contributed by:
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Search. Plan. Apply. And good luck!
EducationPlannerBC.ca
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
AUSTRALIA
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Discover Perth Perth, Western Australia’s capital city, has established itself as an education destination of choice for international students. There are currently over 56,000 student enrolments from over 140 countries around the world studying in this modern, cosmopolitan city. Perth’s appeal is based on the excellence, diversity, and affordability of education in Western Australia, with opportunities for quality learning and research that range from English language programs, to specialized vocational training, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Education institutions and courses are fully accredited and quality assured with standards protected by both State and National Government regulations. Your Western Australian education experience will be further enriched by the high quality lifestyle, recreation, and part-time work opportunities available. Perth has continuously been ranked in the world’s Top 10 Most Livable Cities (The Economist
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Intelligence Unit, London 2004 2016) with destinations like the port city, Fremantle, and Kings Park – the world’s biggest inner city park close by. Perth has a friendly, open community offering a dynamic mix of nightlife, restaurants, and cultural experiences along with an average of 265 sunny days per year, white beaches, and beautiful parklands and gardens. Beyond Perth, there are thousands of kilometres of coastline and a diverse landscape that provide unique experiences and adventures that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Most importantly, the greatest reward you will receive by choosing a Western Australian education will be the life-long friendships you make with fellow students and the city’s local people.
a leadership role in building the profile of international education in WA overseas. Our member institutions include the state’s five world-class universities, plus numerous vocational education providers, primary and secondary schools, and English language colleges – both from the public and private sectors. It gives us great pride to see that 97% of the 56,000 international student enrolments in Western Australia are hosted by one of StudyPerth’s member institutions. Now is {your} time. Be part of it. Contributed by: Emily Rose, PR and Marketing Officer StudyPerth www.studyperth.com.au
StudyPerth is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to obtain information on studying and living in Perth, Australia. In collaboration with governments, educational institutions and stakeholders, StudyPerth provides
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
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GERMANY
Mastering Your Future: Master’s Studies in Germany In today’s job market, it can be important to build upon a bachelor degree by pursuing master’s level studies. If master’s studies are in your future, be sure to look into the attractive opportunities open to you at Germany’s universities and universities of applied science. A country with a long, proud history of academic excellence, Germany is home to more than four hundred universities that offer a wide variety of study programs at the master’s level. Each year, hundreds of Canadians carry out degree studies at German universities. Among those students who chose to do their master’s studies in Germany is Laurence Martel, a Canadian and recent graduate from the University of Hamburg’s program in Politics, Economics and Philosophy. When asked if he would recommend master’s studies in Germany to other Canadian students, he was clear: “Totally! It was a challenging and amazing time. Looking back, I would say that I made the right decision in doing my master’s degree in Germany.” 18
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Why study in Germany? There are many factors that make Germany an attractive destination for university studies and these include the following: • Graduates receive a degree recognized by employers all over the world. • The German university system offers a broad range of programs spanning the disciplinary spectrum. Whether you are interested in a more traditional, academic education or a practice-oriented approach, chances are good that you’ll find a program that meets your needs and interests • You can study in English; nearly 1,000 master’s programs at German universities use English as the language of instruction. • The costs associated with post-secondary education in Germany are relatively low; Many study programs are tuition free, even at the master’s level and even for international students. Add to that a cost of living that averages out at about EUR 800 / month and it’s clear that study in Germany makes dollars and sense.
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In Canada, the German university system is represented by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which has an Information Centre in Toronto. This office provides interested individuals from across Canada with information on study and research in Germany, and also gives details on DAAD scholarships and grants open to students and faculty at Canadian universities.
Of course, studying in Germany will also place you at the centre of Europe and provide you with an excellent jumping off point for exploring this fascinating continent. And don’t forget studying in Germany will give you an opportunity to learn German, Europe’s most spoken language and one central to commerce and culture around the world. German universities are also extremely diverse settings, bringing together students from around the world. Today more than 320,000 international students (or nearly 12% of the student body) are pursuing their studies at German universities. For Laurence Martel, this international flavour was an added attraction and he notes: “The strong international composition of the student bodies at German universities is another opportunity to open yourself to discoveries. You can expect to learn not only about Germany, but about the entire world.”
GERMANY
© John Paul Kleiner - DAAD
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Canada
DAAD’s Study Scholarship is specifically designed to support exceptional graduates of Canadian universities who wish to carry out master’s studies in Germany. Deadlines to this program typically occur in October or November of the year before you plan to begin your studies in Germany. For more information on this program, please visit: www.daad.org/study-scholarship. Staff at the DAAD’s Information Centre in Toronto will be happy to assist you with questions you may have as you navigate your way toward study in Germany. To contact the Centre, please visit their website at: www.daad.org/canada. Contributed by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Canada
Things to keep in mind While the German university system is open to students from all around the world, it’s important to remember that you’ll be studying in another academic culture. Isabel Taylor, a Canadian who completed a Master’s in Law at the University of Tübingen, points out that, “Study is significantly less structured in Germany. It is essential to do a lot of additional reading above and beyond the set texts for exams. Professors have less of a supervisory role than they do in the English-speaking world, and you will mainly have to rely on student assistants and other students for hints on exam and essay preparation.”
Where to start? If you’re interested in learning more about studying in Germany, a great place to orient yourself on all aspects of pursuing degree studies there is the Study in Germany website found at www.study-in.de. The Study in Germany portal contains information on all aspects of studying in Germany from the academic to the practical; it even includes a searchable database with entries on every degree program on offer at German universities. Matches generated by a search are linked directly to the university program pages and there you will find further information on the study program including details on how to apply.
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Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS) FUBiS is an intensive academic program. FUBiS sessions take place both in summer and winter. Term I: January 3 - January 26, 2017 (3 weeks) Term II: June 3 - July 15, 2017 (6 weeks) Term III: July 22 - August 19, 2017 (4 weeks) FUBiS participants can choose from: • • •
Intensive and semi-intensive German language classes Subject classes on various topics (mostly in English) Term I special: subject class taught in Spanish
Find out more on our website at www.fubis.org or contact us at fubis@fubis.org.
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DENMARK
Study in Denmark Studying abroad is like any travel: It inspires you to see things in new ways. We invite you to study in Denmark – to be inspired and to gain an excellent foundation for your future career. Whether you are interested in a research-oriented programme or more hands-on vocational training, you will have plenty of options in Denmark. As an international student in Denmark, you can choose between more than 600 degree programmes and 1300 courses taught in English, with an array of degree options: Academy Profession, Professional Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. You can also visit as an exchange student or attend a Danish summer school or short-term programme. You can study either for a full degree or add credits to your current degree. Subject areas cover a wide range of disciplines, including science, technology, pharmaceutical sciences, business, architecture, design, humanities, and much more.
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An ongoing accreditation and quality assurance is your guarantee that all programmes are of the highest international quality and relevance.
About Denmark Denmark is a kingdom of thriving cities and idyllic landscapes. It is an innovative society with a green lifestyle. Denmark is located in northern Europe and is part of Scandinavia. The country consists of the Jutland peninsula, the larger islands of Zealand, Funen, and Lolland-Falster. There are 429 other named islands between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, 72 of which are inhabited. Nowhere in Denmark is more than 50 km from the sea. And just a few kilometres from Denmark’s major cities of Aarhus and Copenhagen, you find idyllic villages and pristine woodlands and lakes.
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Read more about what Denmark has to offer at www.denmark.dk – the official website of Denmark.
On www.studyindenmark.dk, you can find blogs, testimonials, interviews, and videos with international students that share their experiences about studying in Denmark.
Connect with us! Read more about what to study, where and how to apply on our website www.studyindenmark.dk where you – amongst other things – will find information about and links to educational institutions.
Why study in Denmark? Each year students from around the world come to Denmark to pursue a quality education in a friendly, safe, and innovation-driven environment. What they get is outstanding quality in a wide range of educational areas such as health, engineering, and social sciences. With their different perspectives, they also contribute to creating a diverse and inspiring Danish learning environment.
On our Facebook page – facebook.com/studyindk – you can also follow the latest news, information and suggestions about studying in Denmark, and get answers to your own questions. So don’t hesitate to connect with us!
Global challenges demand innovative solutions
Ministry of Higher Education and Science
In Denmark, higher education is focused on bringing about solutions for the real world. Thus, traditional lectures are combined with industrial collaborations and teaching methods that promote students’ ability to use what they have learned and to turn new knowledge into innovative solutions. As a student in Denmark, you will attend lectures, study independently, and undertake projects on your own and in groups of students. These projects will challenge you to think freely, to use your initiative, and be creative. They will also give you experience in using new knowledge to solve complex, real-world problems.
DENMARK
Denmark’s location also makes it a gateway to other Scandinavian countries and the rest of Europe. Berlin is just an hour’s flight away. London and Paris can be reached in less than two hours. And Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, and Prague are all also just a short plane ride away.
Contributed by: Kaare Bach, Editor in Chief
Studyindenmark.dk is a Danish government website about higher education in Denmark for international students. The website contains academic and practical information about studying, living and working in Denmark. The website is run by the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science.
Meet the world VIA University College
Study in Denmark
This way of studying requires a high degree of personal initiative and independent thinking. Thus, for some, studying in Denmark can be challenging and different from what they are used to. We feel confident that it will inspire you and help you succeed in whatever you decide to do in life.
The Danish educational system is designed to promote creativity, innovation, and analytical and critical thinking. You will be met by an up-to-date learning environment, where you can learn from industry experts and undertake internships in internationally recognized organisations. Furthermore, global partnerships between higher education institutions, businesses, science parks, and public research institutes ensure that study and research in Denmark reflect the latest knowledge and meet the needs of a global labour market. You can find all international programmes here: www.studyindenmark.dk/portal.
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COME TO DENMARK TO STUDY, TO WORK AND TO LIVE Degree Programmes in - Business - Construction and Technology - Design and Business - Engineering - Health Sciences - Animation, Film & Transmedia - Education & Social Studies
Bridging theory and practice in an international environment - Students from more than 60 countries - Over 200 international partnerships
VIA International E: tlb@via.dk en.via.dk
7612 - ilh - 08.16
The Danish education system
DENMARK
Design and Architecture:
What is Danish Design? ‘Danish Design’ has become a powerful brand and is in many contexts used as a common trade name for a host of different products and designs, ranging from Danish furniture classics of the 1950s to contemporary industrial products such as jewellery, clothing, and bicycles but also for projects and buildings designed by Danish architects. But the question, does it actually makes sense to talk about a particular Danish design DNA that permeates everything from wrist watches to town halls? And whether a special Danish architectural character really exists? You might argue that today being Danish has become somewhat ‘’cool.’’ The so-called Danish wave 22
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of young talented practices, led by BIG – which experienced success during the economic boom in the late nineties – has, in relatively little time, managed to gather considerable international attention and has helped give even relatively small and new Danish architectural offices a momentum of historic proportions. However, the so-called ‘Danish wave’ is only a limited section of the growth layer, and a more sober look at the breadth of Danish architecture soon reveals a far more diverse and varied picture. Fortunately, there are still very different opinions on what good architecture is. Also in Denmark. Competing institutions, factions, individual preferences, and temperaments help ensure great
diversity in Danish architecture, landscape art, and planning. Danish architecture may be riding a wave of international attention, but it has not yet struck out in a specific direction. In my view it should not be the formal characteristics that define what is special about Danish architecture. Besides, defining Danish architecture is not entirely unproblematic. Today, the majority of the large and more established architectural firms, such as 3XN, Henning Larsen Architects and SHL, obtain their revenue from projects located outside of Denmark. Several of the industry’s heavy players have long since established subsidiaries with local partners around the world. The language of work of the major
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to their citizens. To care for and nurse public space is a key motive in the upholding of civic pride and communal ideals. But space is becoming ever scarcer as the density of cities increase and land prices go up, fundamentally challenging the access to the public good.
The importance of the national characteristic and the question whether nationality and national affiliations should be seen as a privileged framework for cultural identity and production is the subject of lively discussions in many different contexts. To give an example: How should you refer to yourself if you are born in Poland, hold a Bachelor’s degree from TU in Berlin, an international Master from Aarhus School of Architecture, and are engaged in a promising career at 3XN’s office in Sydney? Do you need Danish citizenship to promote as ‘Danish Design.’ or is it a tradition that can be learned and carried on?
But the right to space is not solely a matter of public space. Democracy has spatial dimensions that are embedded in the Danish building law and mind-sets of Danish architects. What many consider to be inconvenient bureaucracy is not only rules but also important basic rights for people developed in parallel with the emergence of the welfare state. Through the creative and political exchange, the standards of, e.g. accessibility, sustainability, and basic rights to daylight, are constantly heightened and renegotiated through architectural solutions. This is the praxis of humanism translated into everyday life and decisions carried out by architects every day.
Curating the Danish contribution to the most recent architecture biennale in Venice provided me with an opportunity to discuss these issues with a wide range of practitioners, researchers, and teachers, both inside and outside of Denmark. And the answers were startlingly similar: The main common denominator of Danish architecture is its humanistic foundation and the social commitment of the discipline. More than 60 architectural practices, researchers, and individually practicing architects took part in the exhibition, submitting more than 130 projects which, in different ways, dealt with some fundamental questions about the way we arrange our society. Five agendas crystallised; these agenda frame the exhibition’s answer to what the red thread that runs through Danish architecture is. Claiming Space Denmark has a long history of prioritizing public space in the cities as a fundamental value
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Pro Community It is a trademark of an open democracy that civic society in all its forms, both organised and disorganised, can influence decisions about space made by authorities. That public institutions, cities, and planning authorities recognise the energy and drive based in the grassroots movements of society. The opportunities of citizens to engage in the development of the built environment are key to future urban planning and architecture policies. The success of citizens’ groups to mobilize the community and successfully carry ambitious projects through to the end is maybe the best evidence of a thriving democracy, where responsibility for the common is not only managed by the authorities. The Pro Community agenda may be the closest we can get to understanding the DNA of the social cohesion that is so strong in Denmark.
DENMARK
Danish architectural offices is often English, as a relatively high proportion of employees come from abroad. The same applies to the two architectural programmes offered in Aarhus and Copenhagen, where foreign students today make up 20% of the total number of students admitted.
Exit Utopia The existing official Danish architectural policy is entitled “Putting people first,” and seems to be based on a strong consensus about certain humanistic fundamentals of architecture and planning; a policy anchored in a long tradition of utopian aspirations, critical thinking and acknowledgement of individual rights to achieve quality of life. Unfortunately, progressive planning may fail, and great ideas about society may mutate into dysfunctional systems. As a matter of fact, the built heritage of the early modern age has left us with severe architectural hangovers. The claims on yesterday’s utopia are manifold, and retrofitting the great model has become more expensive than rolling it out. On one hand, the world still needs large-scale problem-solving equivalent to the massiveness of the modern movement. But the ideals of urban life have changed, and the city plans developed in the middle of the 20th century are blocking the view to the future. Massive urban growth and climate change drive a grand effort to developing new cities and transforming existing urban structures based on modernistcity thinking. Rethinking the relationship between nature and city, the overarching urban resilience agenda demanding smarter infrastructure solutions, supporting communities, and upgrading the built heritage - especially the large-scale modernist neighbourhoods - are central themes in future planning. Beyond Luxury The concept Gross National Happiness (GNH) was invented by Bhutan more than 40 years ago as an alternative quality-of-life indicator to the material wealth measured by the Gross National Product (GNP). GNH simply suggests that quality of life can be achieved by other means than consumption.
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DENMARK
Access to fresh air, daylight, spatial alliances with the natural environment, and the use of local materials has previously been promoted as classic virtues of Nordic architecture. Beyond Luxury is a call for a new understanding of the relation between wealth, consumption, and well-being. I’s about time we discussed how architecture and urbanism can promote a new understanding of quality of life. Beyond Luxury suggests an architecture that is something different and more than exclusive extravagance and excessive use of resources. An architecture of the humble mundane, that allows for spatial experiments in a time of crisis. Designing Life People’s behaviour and their physical surroundings are closely linked together. Architects are designing spaces that shape the conduct of the users and create an environment that enhances their ability to learn, change or heal. The knowledge and insight into the kind of physical environment promotes social interaction and the creation of communities is a central theme alongside the artistic articulation of architectural solutions. Putting people first is a powerful way of directing resources in
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society. Architecture and urban planning will always – intentionally and unintentionally – influence the behaviour of people. And it is through the understanding of the relationship between motivation, learning, and space in educational institutions that some of the biggest steps regarding well-being have been achieved. Art of Many The five agendas of the exhibition in Venice were brought together under the title “Art of Many,” to emphasize not only Danish architecture’s broad involvement with the community, but also to point out that Danish architecture is the art of many; that is, a pluralistic and diverse architecture aimed at people. A notion which is not only enshrined in current Danish architectural policy, but which also very much constitutes a set of values that permeates the Danish architectural education. Contributed by: Jørgen Helstrup, International Coordinator Aarhus School of Architecture www.aarch.dk Written by: Boris Brorman Jensen
Engaging Through Architecture “Boris Brorman Jensen is an independent researcher, consultant and practicing architect with fifteen years of research experience from architectural schools and universities around the world. He studied at Aarhus School of Architecture, pursued graduate studies at the State University of New York, in Buffalo, and obtained a PhD from Aalborg University. He has been a visiting academic at the University of Sydney and a guest lecturer at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, and at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, as well as an Aga Khan Fellow at Harvard Graduate School of Design.” Boris Brorman Jensen has published and exhibited numerous research projects on globalization, urban development and architectural theory and has been involved in several urban design and planning projects involving various collaborators. He has curated the current Danish contribution to the 15th Venice Biennale together with Danish architectural critic and philosopher Kristoffer Lindhardt Weiss.
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hatching student & grad careers
Find meaningful jobs. Explore career paths. Check out helpful resources. Visit TalentEgg.ca for co-ops, internships and entry level opportunities TalentEgg has everything you need to hatch a career with Canada’s top employers, including more student and new grad jobs and career resources than any other website in Canada!
CAREERS
So You Want to be a Travel Writer?
© T.Dallas - Shutterstock.com
Here’s What You Need to Know
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Let me paint you a picture: Imagine yourself travelling for the sheer joy of seeing the world, staying in the best five star hotels, eating the best food... and it’s free. Sounds too good to be true, right? Enter the world of travel writing! In this industry, you can travel the world and develop your career at the same time. You could be exploring every café in Paris in search of the best hot chocolate, or travelling through Europe in search of the country that offers the best scuba diving, or how about hitting up pub after pub in Ireland to determine which one serves the cheapest pint of beer? Sounds like a blast, right? That’s what being a travel writer can offer you; the key is getting enough exposure and experience to reach that dream. I don’t know about you, but it sounds like sipping champagne at Hotel de Paris is just a few well-crafted writing samples away.
What You Need to Know to Be a Travel Writer There’s no doubt about it: travel writers have the ultimate dream job. Getting paid to travel and write about your experience is most people’s idea of ultimate career #goals. While any kind of career in publishing is competitive, the travel industry is booming right now, meaning that there are opportunities for you to try your hand at travel writing. So, what does it take to be a travel writer?
full-time career once you have enough experience under your belt. Whatever you choose, travel writing can be an exciting new career option for you. There is nothing better than to do something you love and get paid for it.
How to Become a Travel Writer So now that you’ve decided that travel writing is something you want to try, the next question on your mind is probably: “How on earth do I accomplish such a feat?” Firstly, don’t quit your day job quite yet. You can’t be a travel writer tomorrow without some serious research and a portfolio of publications under your belt. A great way to get your feet wet would be to write about something in your own home town, or in an area close by that you can explore on a day trip. This gives you a chance to see what being a travel writer is like without any risk, and you can start practicing your craft so that you have writing samples to send to publications. Once you have several article samples written, you can then approach magazines such as Outpost Magazine and Bold Magazine, as well as countless travel blogs and websites, with your work and ideas for future articles. If a magazine likes your article and hires you, then chances are they will continue hiring you for future work. At that point you can pitch all of your interesting ideas to the magazine, and if they like them, they may give you the opportunity to travel on
Discover Your Path to a Bright Future
You don’t need to be a bestselling author to be a travel writer; all you need to do is be able to craft a good story, have a flair for writing about adventure, and be able to analyze the best trip advice for readers. To start, you’ll want to find a good pitch, such as the search for the perfect hot chocolate in Paris, and then start approaching publications.
Career and Educational Services for Teens and Young Adults
Your five-step guide to getting started as a travel writer:
Considering your post-secondary options? Our professional counsellors can help you discover your path.
1. Enjoy travelling 2. Practice writing about your travel experiences
• Workshops to help you choose a university
3. Discover your pitch
• Group coaching and advice for university applications
4. Send in query letters 5. Start your own blog about your travel experiences
• Online tests to assess your strengths, personality traits, and career interests
Adventures in Travel Writing
• One-on-one career counselling
Many people have chosen to retire as travel writers, leaving their desk jobs to see the world and getting paid to do so. You get to see the best places and if you’re on contract with a publication, you may not even have to shell out a cent of your own. You can choose to write part-time and disappear from the stresses of life, or you can eventually make it your
Our counselling office is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver at UBC Robson Square.
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CAREERS
What is Travel Writing?
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cstudies.ubc.ca/findyourpath 604.822.8740
CAREERS
a funded trip. Research is one of the hardest parts of being a travel writer, because you will need to find the publications that you want to write for and would suit your content. But there are some very real pitfalls to being a travel writer as well, and it might require some thick skin.
Is Travel Writing for You? You may think that travel writing is the perfect career for you, but there are a few things to consider first. Firstly, do you have the time to be a travel writer? You may have family obligations or responsibilities that don’t allow you to travel a great deal. That’s okay – it just may mean you can only take a couple of projects a year instead of using it as a career choice.
Dealing with Rejection No matter what, as a writer, you will face rejection and that’s where the thick skin comes in. It may take some time before your first article is accepted and it may not have any bearing at all on your writing ability; maybe the topic you chose to write on has been covered recently, or maybe the publications you’re approaching already have travel writers on staff. Rejection is just part of what being a writer is all about. It’s important to look at the rejection process as a chance to learn, and it’s certainly not a reason to give up. Don’t take rejection letters to heart, but learn from the criticism and be inspired to change your travel writing strategy.
Publications with Small Budgets
Procrastination is a true weakness for me, especially with all the tantalizing social media outlets out there. But when it comes to writing for a magazine or newspaper, time management is crucial to surviving in the industry. As a writer, it can be easy to get lost in your thoughts and become distracted, so you need to be self-motivated in order to meet your editor’s deadlines. These things can make or break a writer and it’s important to understand that having a career as a travel writer is not for the faint of heart. Decide if this is something that you really strive for and if it is, then go for it by starting your own travel blog. Write about trips you’ve taken and what you’ve learned, trends in the tourism industry, or thought-provoking pieces on the cultural, political, and social aspects of travel in different areas. Travel writing can be a fun and rewarding career; it’s just a matter of putting in the time it takes to research appropriate publications and write stellar pieces. Once you have a few articles under your belt, it will be easier to approach publications. After establishing a good relationship with a magazine or newspaper, the chances of them continuing to hire you grow. From there, the jobs may even start coming to you and then you will find yourself turning jobs down because your travel schedule just can’t take anymore! That’s a great problem to have. Heed the words of Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Contributed by: Kim Love, TalentEgg.ca TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for college and university students and recent graduates.
© akhenatonimages - Fotolia.com
Not all publications have large budgets to pay you the big bucks and send you travelling all over the world. One thing to consider when writing for magazines is that they usually pay after the article has been published. If they are a small publication, they may need to wait to get paid before they can pay their writers. If writing is your full time job, that can put you in a bind if you are on a budget. Just keep in mind that payment may not come as soon as you would expect when you are sending queries to publications.
Deadlines Are Very Important
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Gain a lifetime of experience and an experience of a lifetime...
Imagine completing your co-op or internship placement in vibrant Tokyo, taking an after-work jog along the Emperor’s Canal in Amsterdam or backpacking through the luscious rainforests of Costa Rica. Imagine meeting people from all over the world, tasting new cuisine, picking up a new language and making life-long friends.
International Co-op or Internship (open to students only)
Employer-specific work permit that is targeted to provide experience related to a field of study
Working Holiday (travel and work)
Open work permit that allows for travel and work anywhere in the host country to supplement travel expenses
Young Professionals (career development)
Employer-specific work permit that is targeted to provide experience related to a profession or field of study
Now, instead of imagining, take the plunge and make this your reality with the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program! The IEC Program gives Canadian and foreign youth aged 18 to 35 the opportunity to gain valuable international work and travel experience. Through the IEC Program, you can travel, work and live in any of Canada’s 32 partner countries for up to two years. The IEC Program has three types of travel and work options, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs and goals.
So, get started! Learn more about the countries that interest you, explore the different opportunities available to you and book your ticket to get a lifetime of experience and an experience of a lifetime. For more information on the IEC Program, please visit canada.ca/iec-eic or call 1-877-461-2346 (toll free within Canada only).
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SWEDEN
The Swedish higher education system is similar to that of other European countries. Here are the basics.
Degree programmes in Sweden Swedish universities offer degree programmes according to the European standard. This includes bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes. • Bachelor’s programmes, also known as undergraduate programmes, take place after upper secondary school (high school) and are usually three years long (180 ECTS credits). • Master’s programmes, also known as graduate programmes, build upon the knowledge developed during bachelor’slevel studies and can be one or two years long (60 or 120 ECTS credits). 30
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• PhD programmes, also known as doctoral programmes, are research degrees involving several years of work toward a dissertation. The duration and setup of PhD programmes in Sweden vary between universities; see PhD programmes for more details.
Programmes and courses: what’s the difference? A degree programme at a Swedish university is made up of a number of courses in a particular field of study leading to a specific degree. Courses, sometimes known as modules in other countries, are the building blocks of each programme. Each semester, programme students follow one large course or several smaller courses. Instead of applying for a full degree programme, it’s also possible to apply for admission to some
courses directly. When you apply for and enrol on a course rather than a programme, you are only registered for that specific course. When you apply for and enrol on a programme, you will then register for many courses over the duration of your programme. Examples: • You enrol on a two-year master’s programme made up of four semesters of study. During each semester, you take four courses for 7.5 ECTS credits each, for a total of 120 ECTS credits for the programme. • You enrol on a one-year master’s programme made up of two semesters of study. During each semester, you take one course for 30 ECTS credits, for a total of 60 ECTS credits for the programme. • You enrol on a 30-credit course in a subject you’re interested in. You take only that specific
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Academic calendar The Swedish academic year is divided into two semesters: • Autumn semester begins at the end of August and lasts until mid-January, usually with a short break at the end of December. • Spring semester runs from midJanuary to the beginning of June.
Course structure Full-time studies in Sweden correspond approximately to a 40-hour week, though you may only have a few hours of lectures or seminars each week. The rest of your time is spent reading and working on group projects and other assignments.
The structure of individual courses varies with the subject area. Technical programmes often include a high proportion of classroom and lab hours, whilst courses in the social sciences may involve fewer classroom hours and more independent and group work.
Lectures and examinations Courses usually include various types of meetings, including lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions with varying group sizes. Seminar groups can be as small as a few students whilst lectures
SWEDEN
You’ll often take only one course at a time for a period of several weeks, after which an examination is given directly. After the examination, a new course begins. For instance, during a 20-week semester, you might take four courses in a row for five weeks each. In some programmes, you might instead take several courses at the same time, with an examination at the end of the semester.
can be up to a few hundred. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills, and students are expected to be active participants in all forms of meetings. Required reading and independent work is usually extensive, regardless of your field of study, and students are expected to come well-prepared to class. Examinations usually take the form of written or oral tests, laboratory work, group work or special projects. Most programmes conclude with a degree thesis or project.
University or university college? Two slightly different terms are used in Sweden to describe institutions of higher education: university (universitet) and university college (högskola). The main difference is that universities have the right to award PhD degrees while many university colleges don’t. However, some university colleges do offer PhDs.
© Ola Ericson - imagebank.sweden.se
course and must turn in a new application if you wish to take additional courses. Degree programmes usually contain a mix of compulsory, recommended and optional courses.
SWEDEN
There is no difference in the bachelor’s or master’s degrees offered by universities and university colleges, and many university colleges are called ‘university’ in English. As an international student, your experience will be similar regardless of whether you choose to study at a university or university college.
Planning your budget Planning your budget is an important part of preparing to study in Sweden. Here’s an overview of the different costs you should include in your budget.
Student union fees Students usually join the local student union for a small membership fee. This gives you access to various student activities and student discounts. Fees range from SEK 50-350 per semester, depending on the union. Your relevant student union can provide information on membership fees and benefits.
in Sweden is 18, though some establishments – mainly in the bigger cities – may only admit people over 20 or 23 years of age. A lot of people go out for a drink on the weekend, and there can be long queues from early on outside the more popular places. Some nightclubs charge an entrance fee, usually ranging from SEK 50 to 150. City life It’s no surprise that big cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö offer an active cultural scene, with restaurants to enjoy, concerts to attend, and museums to discover. However, even smaller cities in Sweden have lots to offer off-campus. Discovering all your city and region has to offer and getting involved in your community can be a great way to meet Swedish friends. Ask your university for advice on local events and societies, or visit your local municipality’s website for listings.
100 CAD=660 SEK (see oanda.com or your bank for up-to-date exchange rates)
Textbooks On average, expect to spend about SEK 750 per month on textbooks. In some subjects, like law and natural sciences, this figure is likely to be higher. Many student unions organise book sales where students can buy used textbooks cheaply; it’s also common for students to post notices on campus selling their used copies of previous years’ textbooks. Websites for buying used textbooks are also popular.
Application and tuition fees
Student life in Sweden
Application and tuition fees apply to students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA/Nordic country or Switzerland, studying at the bachelor’s or master’s level.
Student life at Swedish universities is as varied as the universities and cities themselves. Whether you’ve chosen to study in an urban centre or a traditional university town, you’ll have a host of activities at your disposal. The hub of student activity is each university’s student union, which organises social events for students. However, you’ll also find many ways to get involved in your local community and in outdoor and sporting events.
Sport and outdoor activities Students at Swedish universities tend to be very active, and there are many ways to get involved in sport as well as to explore Sweden’s beautiful nature. Most universities offer sport or fitness centres, and many organise intramural teams for sports like football, handball, hockey or bandy. You can also get involved in local community teams through the organisation Korpen or through your municipality‘s listings.
Societies and interest groups Most Swedish universities are home to societies for students sharing a similar interest. Your student union will have listings of societies, and you can also keep an eye out around campus for flyers advertising societies and events.
Hiking, cross-country and downhill skiing, and orienteering are popular outdoor sports in Sweden. STF (the Swedish Tourist Association) offers advice on outdoor adventures across the country, and your university may also have advice on local activities.
Nightlife Many universities offer pubs and clubs on and around campus, and university towns and larger cities offer an array of bars and clubs. The legal age for drinking
Contributed by:
In Sweden, the currency used is the Swedish krona (SEK). As at September 1, 2016, conversions are (approximately) as follows:
The application fee is SEK 900. This fee is paid as part of your online application at Universityadmissions.se. Tuition fees These range between SEK 80,000 and 140,000 per academic year for most subjects. Programmes in certain fields may have higher fees. The tuition fees for each programme are listed at Universityadmissions.se and on each programme’s website. Read more about tuition fees and figure out if you’re required to pay fees at Universityadmissions.se. Living expenses An average monthly student budget is about SEK 8,000 per month. Of course, your costs will vary depending on where you live and your personal preferences. Read more at Cost of living and
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on the student blog https://blogs.studyinsweden.se/
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
Kaisa Tokar, Communications Embassy of Sweden, Ottawa www.studyinsweden.se
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
SWEDEN
Experience an Education in Sweden In 2014, Gimmy left Canada for a master’s degree at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. Two years later, he’s working at Volvo – and has learned a lot about what Sweden has to offer Canadian students. Hej, Canada! Canada and Sweden: Probably the two happiest countries in the world. Both countries provide great social benefits, and both endure equally long winters. Even the landscape in Sweden is no different than what you’ll see in Newfoundland. Swedes often ask me, why would a Canadian student choose to study here? Being an engineering student, Swedish university isn’t teaching me anything special. After all, I’m learning the same theories and formulae taught everywhere else in the world. Even so, studying in a foreign country has its own perks. If you are considering undertaking a master’s degree education, then put Sweden on the map of your study destinations. One thing is guaranteed – you will not be disappointed by the return on your investment in Swedish education. Let me give you two solid reasons why. When I was finishing my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, I had no clue if I should start working like most of my classmates, who were exhausted by endless projects and exams, or continue studying, even though I’m not particularly academically inclined. Both industry and academia opportunities presented endless possibilities, and I didn’t know where to steer my life. Some say that college is the best four years of your life, so why not have another two? Master’s degrees offered in North America are commonly research-based, whereas in Europe the degree is more course-based and industry-related. Not knowing what field to focus on and not keen on lab work, the European system certainly benefited me. During the four semesters of master’s education, I spent the first three semesters taking courses well-tailored for me, and I spent the last semester writing my thesis at a local automotive company. The Swedish academic year is also structured in a unique way. Instead of juggling five courses and struggling with all the exams at once back in Waterloo, we cleared our courses two at a time here at Chalmers. Although stress is still present, frankly this small change actually made my learning experience somewhat pleasant. In retrospect, picking studying over jumping into the workforce was the absolute right choice: The knowledge and skills I took away from the lectures, projects, and labs are invaluable; the courses and the thesis work were an enjoyable ride; and together they helped me get a grip on what I want to specialize in.
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Studying in Sweden gives you the chance to learn to become a Nordic citizen. It took some adjustment, but now I can also gulp down cups of tar-like coffee like a Swede. This living abroad experience also highlighted for me some of our wasteful behaviours in Canada. In the Swedish view, we hardly recycle anything in Ontario. Take note: Swedes separate clear glass bottles from coloured ones! Moreover, why does everyone in Calgary need to drive gas-thirsty pickup trucks to tow two dirt bikes, when Swedes can haul a boat with a Volkswagen Passat? Plus, why drive when you can take public transportation? Buses and trams in Sweden are modern, frequent, on time, and simply great. “Sustainability” is synonymous with “Scandinavia”. The voice of environmental awareness is simply louder here, and it isn’t merely a trendy buzzword: Swedes and Swedish companies act upon it. Studying in Sweden unexpectedly broadened my worldview that we don’t own the earth, we have borrowed it from our children, and as a result I’m now more actively protecting our little blue planet. I urge you to take inspiration from Sweden, too, and let us also do more to keep Canada beautiful!
It goes without saying that studying abroad has its share of difficulties: language barriers, cultural differences, homesickness, and lack of Tim Horton’s coffee, just to name a few. Once you overcome them, you’ll make unexpected discoveries. I’ve now graduated and landed a job at Volvo Cars. I call “Sverige” home now. Come visit me (with a box of Timbits, please and thank you)! Löv, gimmygöteborg Read more about Gimmy’s adventures in Sweden at blogs.studyinsweden.se/author/gimmy-liu, and learn about the 1,000 degree programmes taught in English in Sweden at studyinsweden.se. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat @ studyinsweden.
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VOLUNTEERISM
International Students Engage With Their Host Community “Giving causes me happiness. I appreciate that giving is the best gift ever for volunteer work.” For this young student from Taiwan, her experiences doing volunteer work during her English studies in Vancouver have not only helped her improve her English speaking skills but also her feeling of connectedness with the community at large.
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students who are learning English have opportunities to interact with native English speakers, not only do they develop their language skills but also they discover that they can make new friends, learn about Canada, contribute to Canadian society, and ultimately, experience personal growth.
International and domestic students in our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) department at Capilano University are required to participate in community engagement. They receive course credit for this participation, and by doing so, they encounter many different, wonderful, strange, exciting, and heart-warming experiences.
One student from China had been struggling in her English classes because of her weak speaking and listening skills. Outside of class, she stayed with other Chinese-speaking friends, and as a result, was not able to improve her English. She was also very shy, so in the classroom, she was reluctant to speak with classmates from other countries. She failed one semester and was placed in my class to repeat the same level.
The goal of community engagement is to encourage students to participate in activities and events outside of the classroom. We realize that when
For her community engagement work, I encouraged her to participate in activities on campus. After she began to volunteer at our university’s
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intercollegiate basketball games, she discovered to her delight that being pushed out of her comfort zone actually helped her develop self-confidence: “I was really nervous to talk with native speakers. However, after I took the opportunity of CE (community engagement) and talked with native speakers, I found out that they are friendly and some of them are shy. Now, I have more confidence while I’m speaking English.” Apart from improving their English and earning course credit, our students also realize that doing volunteer work can have longterm benefits. For example, after volunteering at an organization that provides support to autistic children, another student reflected that it was “great to make an incredible difference in their life by doing small, different things. I got to learn many different things that can be useful in my life and in my future.” This student from
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Students also delight in the social aspects of volunteering. Many of the positions allow volunteers to participate as a team. For example, on one occasion, a group of students from our university’s academic programs invited my EAP students to join them for a day of work at Canucks Autism Place. At the start of the day, we were shown a video that described how the children and their families have benefitted from the support of volunteers. While working together, the EAP students engaged in conversations with the students from the academic programs – in English. One of my Thai students told me that she enjoyed most the chance to chat with other volunteers because she was “exposed to many kinds of things such as the stereotype of each country, the attitude towards volunteer[ing] in a different country, as well as the people’s accent in a different country.” Other students also gain a stronger understanding of their
role as citizens in our society. One young man, an immigrant from Iran, wrote, “[W]ith my work serving breakfast to the homeless, I have learned how lucky I am to always have food on the table. I have also appreciated how thankful people are for what they have and the difference a breakfast can make.” Still other students discover personal growth through participating in community engagement, and they marvel at how their own outlook has changed. A student from China reflected, “Community engagement is one of the significant events in my life. I didn’t have any experience of [sic] doing volunteer work in my own country, and after I have done some volunteer jobs, it influences my opinion about volunteer work.” He went on to describe how his pre-conceptions about homeless people had been changed through his volunteer experiences. Sometimes, students encourage one another to participate in volunteering. One of my students from China, whose young daughter was born with a heart condition, felt very strongly about participating in a fundraising event
VOLUNTEERISM
Saudi Arabia plans to study Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) next semester.
organized by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In response to his friend’s reluctance to volunteer, my student pointed out that, as new citizens, they had an obligation to participate in Canadian society. He explained, “Because it’s your duty, man!” Perhaps the value of community engagement is best summed up by one student who is originally from Korea: “Now, I think that volunteer work is the greatest job in the world because most volunteer associations require only enthusiasm and passion.” For our students, enthusiasm and passion combine to help them learn and grow. They develop their language skills and gain a better understanding of Canadian culture. More important, they learn that community engagement is about participating, contributing, learning, growing. It is about Community. It is about Engagement. Contributed by: Carrie Jung, Faculty, EAP department, Capilano University Chair, Community Engagement Committee
Heart and Stroke Foundations’s annual fundraising event, the Big Bike ride. Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
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INFORMATION
International Education The Value and Importance to a Student’s Future Success International education is more accessible now than ever before, yet still only a fraction of North American students pursue this option. Other than it having the obvious benefits of fun and new experiences, how valuable is it to a student’s educational and careers goals? I work with high school and postsecondary students to create strategic educational plans and career goals. One of the key points I emphasize for students is that after high school, they are in fact beginning to build their professional résumés. The education they pursue, the work experience they gain, and the skills they develop will be reflected in their résumé and will therefore directly impact their career opportunities. Students need to be strategic in their post-secondary education and pursuits. They need to give careful thought to how their education and experience will reflect their skills, abilities, and knowledge.
One of the main questions students need to consider is: What will make them stand out from other job candidates? What education, experience, and skills can they list that will give them an edge above others? And this is where international education plays a significant and impactful role. Whether it’s a course, a semester, a year, a degree, or an internship abroad, the benefits to a student are substantial. From a career opportunity perspective, listing international education on a résumé will undoubtedly make it stand out from the rest. It signifies some key skills employers look for, including the ability to challenge oneself, seek out new opportunities, step outside one’s comfort zone, have improved communication, and acquire global knowledge. In a 2013 study, AIM Overseas identified the following skills that employers identify and value in candidates with overseas experience: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Adaptability Initiative Maturity Cultural awareness Leadership qualities Global perspective Confidence Strong interpersonal skills Cultural understanding Independence (autonomy) Teamwork skills Resilience
Technology has created an interconnected and globalized world. We live in a global knowledge-driven economy. It is a key area of focus for many industries, government, and corporations. Employers therefore place increased value on international education and experience.
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Study In Canada • Study Abroad
“International experience is one of the most important components of a 21st century education,” said Institute of International Education (IIE) President, Dr. Allan E. Goodman. “Studying abroad is one of the best ways undergraduate and graduate students gain the international experience necessary to succeed in today’s global workforce. And studying in another country prepares students to be real contributors to working across borders to address key issues in the world we share.” From a personal growth perspective, the benefits of an international education experience are significant. A large scale survey was conducted by the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) to determine the significance and impact that studying abroad had on student’s personal, academic, and professional life. Results showed that 97% said that studying abroad served as a catalyst for increased maturity; 96% reported increased self-confidence; 89% said that it enabled them to tolerate ambiguity; and 95% stated that it has had a lasting impact on their world view. An international education is not merely a “fun experience” but more importantly a key strategic decision toward building a marketable and valuable skill set. Contributed by: Maria Boublil Maria is an educational consultant and founder of iSolve Consulting, specializing in educational and career planning for high school and post-secondary students. Her focus is to help students identify their interests, understand program options, and create a strategic plan for their future. www.isolveconsulting.ca
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
SPECIAL FEATURE:
© Wavebreakmedia/Thinkstock
The Insider’s Guide for International Students
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
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Honors Colleges at U.S. Public Universities: The Best of Both Worlds school transcripts; in others, aspiring students must apply directly to the program. BY EDWARD B. FISKE Edward B. Fiske, founder and editor of the bestselling Fiske Guide to Colleges, is a former education editor of The New York Times.
Q: How do you get the equivalent of an Ivy League (or other elite private college) education at a fraction of the cost? A: Enroll in the “honors college” of a major public, or state-run, university.
Following are 10 top honors colleges to consider. More details on these and other excellent public universities with honors programs can be found in the Fiske Guide to Colleges, which describes the “best and most interesting” schools in the U.S. For additional information, check out: www.publicuniversityhonors.com. University of Alabama The Alabama Honors College wasn’t founded until 2003, but it has made up for lost time and now enrolls 6,500 students in three separate universitywide programs: computer-based, international, and university honors. All feature small class sizes and opportunities to write a senior thesis.
Honors colleges are elite “schools within schools” at public universities. They feature small classes, access to top professors, and academic perks such as priority in registering for classes. In many honors colleges, top students live together in designated dorms, or floors or other residences, creating close living and learning communities. A growing number of major public universities are establishing honors colleges or programs as a way to lure the best students away from elite private schools. Honors colleges, university representatives argue, offer the “the best of both worlds” – the personalized high-level academics of selective privates, plus the excitement and stimulation of the social, artistic and athletic resources of large universities.
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© University of Alabama
Another huge advantage: The cost of attending a public university is a fraction of what it would be at a selective private school. Needless to say, public university honors colleges are very selective. Only top students need apply. This makes them a good option for academically able students who, for whatever reason, fall short in the Ivy League admissions rat race.
Community service is part of the University of Alabama’s honors program.
The size of public honors programs varies widely – from fewer than 200 to more than 6,000 students – but a typical size is 1,700. In some cases, students are invited to join based on the strength of their high
Arizona State University ASU is the nation’s largest university, and in recent years it has pursued enrollment growth at the expense of academic quality. But within this desert
Study In Canada • Study Abroad
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
© Scott C. Soderberg, Michigan Photography
Star-gazing at University of Michigan’s rooftop observation deck.
of institutional ambition, the Barrett Honors College stands as a refreshing oasis. A residential program with a presence on four ASU campuses, it offers perks ranging from scholarships and internships to foreign travel. Clemson University Calhoun College, the Clemson honors program, is the oldest in South Carolina. Nearly 300 students live and work together in the Holmes Hall Learning/Living Community in the heart of the campus. All have access to the Honors Academic Activities Center, which provides workshops and lectures. University of Illinois The Campus Honors Program, which enrolls 125 first-year students annually, offers faculty mentoring, intensive seminars, advanced sections of regular courses, and a broad range of other special resources. U of I’s roots are in in agriculture, but it was a pioneer in the development of instructional technology. Other strengths include business, communications, engineering, and the natural sciences. University of Michigan The granddaddy of all honors colleges – it was established nearly 60 years ago – Michigan’s Literature, Science and the Arts Honors Program serves 500 students a year with a rich array of special intellectual offerings tailored to their individual interests. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill In 1789, UNC became the first public university in the U.S., and it continues to be one of the best values in higher education. Fittingly, Honors Carolina lavishes a remarkable collection of courses and other opportunities on its top students, both inside the classroom and in venues from Chapel Hill to Cape Town. Honors Carolina students receive priority registration in honors courses.
Brunswick, New Jersey — hosts a state-of-the-art Honors College with high-tech seminar rooms, live-in faculty apartments, on-site academic advising, and lots of common space for students to engage with one another. The program features intensive research groups and service projects. University of South Carolina USC may struggle with the image of being a step behind neighboring University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but students who enter its Honors College enjoy curricular and research resources as rich as they could find anywhere. Located in Columbia, a major city, USC boasts one of the nation’s top international business programs. University of Texas – Austin The Plan II liberal-arts honors program is one of the oldest in the country and one of the best academic deals anywhere. It offers qualified students a flexible curriculum, top-notch professors, small seminar courses and individualized counseling. UT-Austin, located in the bustling state capital, is one of America’s top 10 public universities. University of Virginia Students selected as Echols Scholars are arguably the most elite group of undergraduates at any university in the country, public or private. With traditions that date back to Thomas Jefferson and the American Revolution, UVA exudes academic excellence. Echols Scholars are exempt from normal academic requirements and are encouraged to take high-level courses from the first day they step onto UVA’s architecturally splendid campus. College descriptions adapted from Fiske Guide to Colleges 2016 and used by permission. Full descriptions of these and more than 300 other leading U.S. colleges and universities are available as an online program at: www.collegecountdown.com/store.
Rutgers University Rutgers is a huge institution spread across three regional campuses. The most prominent — in New
Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
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Get Ready to
Study in the USA! Applying to college in the United States from another country can be exciting and challenging. The process may be different from the one in your home country, but it need not be difficult if you get accurate information and follow the required procedures carefully. There are more than 900,000 students from other countries enrolled in degree programs at over 3,000 two-year and four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Many of these institutions have more applicants than they can accept in any year. As a result, college admission can be very competitive, especially for applicants from outside the United States. The key to successful admission lies in careful planning and timely completion of the required steps. Keep in mind the following advice during your college planning. Consider your own characteristics: • What kind of person are you? • What makes you happy?
• Why do you think studying in another country will be good for you? • What about studying in another country makes you feel anxious? • Have you been away from your family for long periods of time before? Planning Guide • Begin planning about 24 months before the date you wish to start studying in the United States. Contact universities that interest you at least one year in advance. • Identify the things that are most important to you when looking for a college. Make a list of those characteristics to help you compare the colleges that interest you. • If you have access to a computer with an Internet browser, you can link to the College Search on collegeboard. org, where you can find out quickly which colleges have the features you want. College Search also allows you to link
© Fuse/Thinkstock
• What are your interests?
• Are you sure you know what you want to study?
directly to college websites, which are a rich source of information about degrees and courses offered, costs, student services and financial aid. Some even provide a virtual campus tour.
• Consult an EducationUSA advising center or the EducationUSA website (educationusa.state.gov). • Talk with students in your country who have studied in the United States. • Start planning your college budget. Be realistic about how you will pay for your education. • If you plan to apply for scholarships, do so before leaving home. Little financial help is available once the school year starts. • Be sure that your information is current and correct. Don’t rely on hearsay or someone else’s experience. Contact universities directly to get information and instructions about admission. • Complete all the steps in the admission and financial aid process as early as possible. If you do not understand why a college asks for particular information or requires a particular process, ask them for more information about it. The picture you have of yourself -- your academic ability, interests, attitudes and personality -- is very useful in choosing colleges and in completing the application forms you will be asked to submit. Colleges will ask you about yourself because they are interested in you and believe that personal factors play an important role in academic success. From The International Student Handbook. Copyright 2014 The College Board. Reprinted with permission. For more information, visit: international.collegeboard.org.
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Cool Class:
Making Sense of Selfies BY LAUREN INGRAM Lauren Ingram is a writer and publicrelations specialist at Pennsylvania State University.
Kim Kardashian does it. So do Ariana Grande and Rihanna. Even President Obama and Pope Francis have it down. The art of taking the perfect selfie isn’t complicated, but there are a few tried-and-true rules: Don’t take the photo from below the chin, but not too high either. Lighting is everything, and it can be your best friend. While celebrities have turned the photographic genre into a branding and moneymaking venture, the rest of us are also posing and posting away. It’s estimated that one million selfies — photos taken of oneself usually with a smartphone or webcam — are shared every day across major social media platforms, and that millennials between the ages of 20 and 35 will take more than 25,000 in their lifetimes. While the exponential rise of the selfie is a recent phenomenon, Leisha Jones, an assistant professor of English in Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts, says people have been capturing self-portraits for centuries and that there’s more to the practice than sheer vanity. This spring, Jones taught an English course examining the genre and its cultural, historical, and social implications. She
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invited her class to help her suss out her big questions and examine their own preconceptions through the lens of gender, age, race, sexuality, nationality, and more. Jones, who researches visual culture and girl studies, was particularly curious about why females report taking more selfies than males; what happens when people are the initiator and object of an image; and the effects of sharing selfies as a life practice and form of personal branding. “I taught a course on social media about a year ago, and it seemed to me that the selfie merited its own looking at, since so many people (young women especially) practice selfie-taking every single day,” Jones said. “As a culture, we need to step back a little and see what it is we’re doing. And not strictly why we’re taking selfies, but how this practice affects our daily lives in regard to identity production.” Over the course of the semester, Jones’ students explored theories of identity and self-expression in class and blogged about their findings in Sites at Penn State portfolios. They also captured selfies related to specific themes and shared their photos with Jones and classmates using private Instagram accounts. “It’s not a photography course, so we don’t talk about lighting tips or head angles, but we do capture selfies as a way to think through the concepts we’re working on, whether it’s privacy or selfies as a
form of confession,” Jones said. For a 20-year-old, Emily Strohm, who is studying chemical engineering, takes very few selfies. She admits that before enrolling in the course she thought selfies were superficial but changed her mind as the semester progressed. “Coming from an engineering and science background, I’m used to working through problems with a lot of data and numbers,” Strohm said. “But in this course, we do a lot of reading and discussion, which requires you to speak up and think outside the box. It helped me think about selfies in a new way and to appreciate them as part of popular culture.” In class, students explored selfies of the past and present and how people use the medium to represent themselves and connect with others. Jones believes the intersection of selfies with issues such as online privacy, gender roles, dating and hook-up apps, and children’s relationship with social media also merit a deeper look. “The study of the selfie is relatively new, and English studies is a great lens for this exploration,” she said. “To me, selfies are not fluff; anything that millions of people all over the world are doing every day has to be about more than wanting to look hot or beautiful in a photo.” Excerpted from Penn State News
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© Mike Watson Images/Thinkstock
Which Degree is Right for You? Here’s a guide to help you choose the degree that best suits your needs and goals.
Undergraduate Degree Options Associate Degrees These are offered at two-year colleges known as community colleges or junior colleges. The most common associate degrees are the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS). An associate degree may be earned in either a terminal or transfer program. In a terminal program, a student receives training that leads to a specific career, such as graphic designer or culinary artist. A transfer program allows a student to use credits earned to transfer into the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Thinking about studying in the U.S.? You’ll need to decide which type of degree to pursue. Students who have completed high school are eligible to seek one of two higher-education degrees: an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. These are known as undergraduate degrees. Those who have earned a bachelor’s have the option of pursuing a graduate degree —such as a master’s or doctoral degree — which provides additional education and training in a specific field. 44
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Community colleges develop special agreements with fouryear colleges and universities so that credits and degrees transfer between the institutions. This means that you can earn a bachelor’s degree with two years of community college followed by two years of university study. Students should carefully design their programs of study and pay close attention to agreements between the institutions to make sure the courses completed at a community college transfer to the university program in which they’re interested.
Bachelor’s Degrees The bachelor’s degree, which is offered at institutions known as colleges, universities, or specialized institutes, usually takes four years to complete. It’s awarded after a student earns a specified number of credits in a major field of study. Every course is worth a certain number of credits, and each institution has its own requirement for the number of credits needed to graduate. Think about credits as the number of hours spent per week in a classroom. Most full-time undergraduate students take 15 credit hours each semester or term. Students can choose from a wide variety of courses or create their own unique programs. Courses within the degree program can be divided into one of four types: • Core courses provide the foundation of the degree program and are required of all students seeking that degree. • Major courses represent the student’s field of concentration and account for 25 to 50 percent of the total number of courses required to complete the degree. Most students pursue one major but some choose to “double major.” • Minor courses represent the student’s secondary field of concentration. Those who pursue a minor will usually complete about five courses in this field.
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• Elective courses may be chosen from any field of study. These give students an opportunity to explore other topics of interest.
Graduate Degree Options More than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities offer programs leading to a graduate degree in a wide range of fields. The two main graduate degrees are the master’s degree and the doctoral degree. Both involve a combination of research and coursework. Graduate education is characterized by in-depth training and specialized instruction. Compared with undergraduate programs, study and learning are more self-directed. An undergraduate degree in the same field is not necessarily required in order to enroll in a graduate degree program. For example, a student with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts may pursue a graduate degree in business.
Professional degree programs that lead to licensure in specialized fields, such as law or medicine, are also available in the United States. For most of these programs, a bachelor’s degree in a specific field is not required; however, some programs do require certain prerequisite coursework. For example, a student entering medical school may have a bachelor’s degree in religion, but the student will also have taken a significant number of prerequisite courses in the biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and behavioral and social sciences. Master’s Degrees This type of degree provides education and training in a specialized branch or field and generally requires one to three years of additional study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degrees may be academic, such as a master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS); or they may
be professional, such as a master of business administration (MBA) or master of social work (MSW). Doctoral Degrees Designed to prepare students for college faculty and research scholar positions – or for other careers that require advanced knowledge and research skills – a doctoral degree generally requires five to eight years of additional study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Previous completion of a master’s degree may be required for admission to some programs. These degrees may be academic, such as a doctor of philosophy (PhD), or professional, such as a doctor of education (EdD). Candidates are required to pass a comprehensive examination and complete a piece of original research leading to a dissertation, which is a long, formal essay about a specific subject.
Source: Education USA
UM-FLINT IS FOR YOU
At the University of Michigan-Flint, you’ll find everything you expect from a large, respected university, including a recognized University of Michigan degree. • Over 180 undergraduate and graduate programs • Up to $7,500 in scholarships available • Campus jobs and internships • CEA accredited full-time English Language Program (ELP) • On-campus housing
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A Chat with Martina Erdstein FRESHMAN AT: University of Southern California INTENDED MAJOR: Neuroscience HOMETOWN: Montréal
© Philip Channing/USC
Why do you want to study in the U.S.? I applied to schools in the U.S. because I believed they would allow me to have a more “interdisciplinary” educational experience — taking classes in a wide variety of fields as opposed to only in the field of my major — than schools in Canada would. It’s also always been a dream of mine to live in California. What’s the one thing about studying at USC you’re most excited about? I’m excited to take classes that are outside my realm of knowledge and comfort and to learn about new things from classes that I never could have even imagined. For example, one of my firstsemester classes is called Exploring Ethnicity Through Film. How many universities did you apply to? What was the most difficult part of the U.S. application process? I applied to 10 schools in total, seven of which are in the U.S. The most difficult part of the application process was studying for and executing the SATs.
Did you visit the USC campus before you applied? I visited in April, after I knew I had been accepted. How did you know USC was the right school for you? After I toured the campus, I tried to be rational and made a “pros and cons” list to figure out which school I should go to. Even though USC had more cons than the other two schools on my list, I felt like it was the place for me and I couldn’t ignore that feeling. Being on the campus made me happy, and I could picture myself thriving at the school. It wasn’t a decision based on rationality, because all the schools I was choosing between had a lot to offer. It was an intuitive feeling that USC is the place where I am meant to be. How did you choose your roommate? My roommate is from Toronto, and we met through the Facebook group for admitted students. We started talking online and realized that we have a lot in common, so we decided to request each other as roommates. Which extracurricular activities are you hoping to get involved with on-campus or off-campus? I am currently involved in an online publication for freshman students written by freshman students. I’m also planning on joining the cycling team as well as the Hillel. I’d like to do community service as well, and at some point in my four years I would love to participate in a research project with a professor. How often do you plan to go back to Canada? I’ll probably come home once or twice a year during Christmas break and in the summer.
The USC freshman applied to seven U.S. schools.
What are three tips you’d give to Canadian students who are thinking about studying in the U.S.? 1. Don’t rule out Canadian schools as an option just because of the way that American schools are glorified. Canada has a lot to offer in terms of education, and the application process is much easier. That being said, if you have good reason to want to study in the U.S., you can keep that reason in mind as you go through the application process. Remembering why you want to do this will make it a lot easier. 2. Try not to take the application process too seriously. This is not to say that you shouldn’t put in as much effort as you can, because you should. But once you have tried your best, there’s nothing more you can do, and wherever you end up, you can make the best of your four years regardless of whether it was your first choice school or your seventh. 3. Use the resources that you have available to you. Ask your friends, parents, teachers, and peers to read and revise your essays. Use online sources to help you study for standardized testing. Ask people that you know who attend different universities about their experiences at their schools so that you can make an informed decision. There are so many places that you can and should reach out to for help. This doesn’t have to be a decision or a process that you go through all alone. By KENDALL GAYNES Kendall Gaynes is an American Campus intern.
Doheny Library is in the center of campus. 46
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5
Useful Courses for Any Major
BY JULIA DUNN
Julia Dunn is a literature and biology double major at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a national columnist for ULOOP.
Many students who are particularly focused on their chosen field of study forget that there are other classes out there that could be useful in different ways. For some history majors, an engineering class may never have crossed their minds as useful or worth their time. Film or digital-media majors may find that they’d like to improve their problem-solving skills through an unexpected route: a chemistry class. Universities offer hundreds of classes in all sorts of topics; why limit yourself to just one field? Regardless of your proposed or declared major, there are several types of classes that will really benefit you in life: 1. Fundamental Biology You want to know how the world works, right? Even if you’re a business management/economics major, it’s important for life to have a basic understanding of biology. Knowing only that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell isn’t enough. Enrolling in the most introductory biology class offered at your university will ideally provide you with useful information about how your body works and how the plants/animals around you function. You don’t have to love cells or be fascinated by photosynthesis (although you should be!) to take a biology class. Learning about living things will help you understand life overall, and knowing basics about science is important to daily life.
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2. Statistics Statistics can sound scary to some students, mainly because it’s typically offered under the math department. However, it really has very little to do with math. It’s more of a logic class than a math class, and it’s quite easy — even for those who have an aversion to the idea of math. The course material is nearly entirely based on real-life situations and application questions that make you think about all the statistics you hear in the mainstream media all the time. It is critical that students be able to read graphs and understand concepts like percentages and probability because these can apply to any subject. A graph can be used to describe most if not all scenarios that could come up in your field of study, and being able to construct an effective graph can be powerful in certain contexts. 3. Logic A deductive logic or reasoning class is great for sharpening critical thinking skills. You’ll learn to focus on a particular problem and reason your way through it — a necessary life skill. These classes are usually required of philosophy majors, but a lower-division logic class may satisfy a general education requirement. (Check your university’s class search to find out.) 4. Introduction to Psychology Even visual arts majors have to deal with other humans from time to time. If you’re an astrophysics major wondering how to understand human behavior, a psychology class may be a great place to gain a better understanding of yourself and those around you. Typically, introductory psychology classes will cover social, personality and cognitive psychology, which provides a useful survey-approach to understanding how humans
function emotionally, along with the impact emotions have on behavior. Students from every major are eventually going to need to work with others, either for group work or in other team-oriented settings, so a basic understanding of psychology could be relevant. 5. Independent Study Any university position or activity that is related to academics or takes place on campus could give you course units in the form of an “independent study” course. For most student leadership positions associated with independent study credit, students work in exchange for credit units rather than money. This usually entails working for a campus organization or even serving as a course assistant in a classroom under a professor. All students should at some point hold a position that teaches them leadership and communication skills relevant to any future career. Many such opportunities count as “independent study” along the lines of an internship/ supplementary activity to your usual course load. As far as jobs go, employers like knowing that an applicant took time to explore a few classes outside the scope of their major field. Many classes like the ones described above teach life skills that you can use to search for a first full-time job, get along with coworkers, and resolve unanticipated problems in the workplace. If you take a class outside your major requirements, you will gain useful information and skills for success in life — and you may even discover a new interest! From ULOOP.com, online marketplace for college life
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Little Things Can Make a Big Difference in Applications BY PETER VAN BUSKIRK Peter Van Buskirk, former dean of admission at Franklin & Marshall College, is author of Winning the College Admission Game. For more tips, visit: www.bestcollegefit.com
Students who are beginning the college admission process are often unaware of the subtleties that can influence final outcomes. And at selective institutions in the U.S., the little things do, in fact, make a big difference.
Study Abroad in Sunny Florida
Consumed with the obvious — grades, scores and resumes — students sometimes skip over seemingly insignificant details in the presentation of their credentials. This can be their undoing in a tight competition. Don’t let it happen to you! Focusing on the most visible and, presumably, most consequential aspects of your credentials is understandable.After all, academic performance is what will put you on the “competitive playing fields” at your colleges of choice. Why not, then, strive to achieve at the highest levels possible? Surely, doing things “more and better” will put you over the top in the admission process, right? In my work as a college-admission consultant, I often hear questions from students about this: “Should I take a sixth AP class? Getting A’s in all of them will surely make the difference — won’t it?” Or, “It can’t hurt to push my SAT superscore from 2100 to 2200, right?” Even with superior academic achievements in hand, many students seem to think that no effort should be spared in burnishing their credentials. As a college applicant, though, the accumulation of superior credentials will not be sufficient at highly selective institutions if you are not attentive to the seemingly insignificant aspects of your application. The following are details that, if overlooked, can derail even the best of applications as admission officers seek to make fine distinctions between great candidates:
Florida Coastal School of Law (Coastal Law) is an American Bar Association-accredited institution whose culturally diverse students graduate practice-ready for today’s world through hard work and award-winning, ongoing practical training that is taught by supportive and experienced full-time faculty. Coastal Law was recognized in 2016 by the National Jurist Magazine’s Practical Training Honor Roll for the third year in a row
Practice-ready for all.
• Application preparation. Admission officers want to see whether your application reveals a clear image of someone worthy of admission. So, will you be content to complete the requirements and hit the “send” button — in which case your credentials will appear as a random, shapeless collection of data? Or will you be purposeful in using each part of your application to “connect the dots” in telling your story?
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www.fcsl.edu/admissions | admissions@fcsl.edu | 800.769.2125
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• Letters of recommendation. The people who write on your behalf really can make a difference in your candidacy — if you let them! Too often students are content to hand off recommendation forms to willing teachers with little more than a quick “thanks.” It would be worth the investment of 30-45 minutes of your time to meet with those teachers to make sure they understand your plans for college, the rationale behind the colleges you have chosen, and the key messages you hope to convey in your application. While you’re at it, remind them of those “aha” moments you experienced in their classrooms. In doing so, you put them in a better position to help you. • Senior (12th) year academic performance. Selective colleges are watching to see what you will do in the classroom when you don’t think you have to do anything. It will be at precisely that time when you don’t think anyone is watching that admission officers will make their decisions. What will your actions tell them about your commitment to learning? • Relationship building. Get — and stay — on the radar screens of the international recruiters from the colleges to which you’re applying. They are likely to be the first to review your application, and the last to have an opportunity to defend it. Engage them in a meaningful manner. Respond to their emails and surveys. Contact them if you have thoughtful questions. Don’t give them reason to question the sincerity of your interest in attending their school. Admission officers tend to regard applicants who seemingly materialize out of thin air as “ghost applicants” and place them on the waitlist — or worse. • Interview opportunities. There is no such thing as a meaningless interview. If a college offers an interview with a member of its admission staff, take it! This person is a decision-maker who can become an advocate for you in the admission committee. If a college offers an interview with a local alumnus, take it! While this person is not a decision-maker, it is the fact that the meeting has taken place — not the substance of the interview — that can make a difference for your application.
make the biggest difference with regard to how you are regarded as a candidate. Don’t let anything slide. Be thoughtful in your engagement and purposeful with your preparation. Don’t give those reviewing your credentials a reason to say “no.” © Darksite/Thinkstock
• Essay development. The number of essays you need to write will grow with the number of colleges to which you apply. As the fatigue factor sets in, beware of the tendency to cut corners and settle for “good enough.” Do you really want “good enough” to represent you in this high-stakes process? Or will you do what it takes to make a good essay great?
Angola, Indiana, USA
BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN: Engineering Health Sciences
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› Princeton Review ranks Trine among best engineering schools and for graduating students with the least amount of debt › Post-graduate employment rate of 98.8 percent › Internships and post-completion work authorization available
As you go through each step in the application process, your attentiveness to the little things will
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trine.edu/international-students-and-scholars
trine.edu/webcam Watch construction of the new Thunder Ice Arena.
Going to the Dogs!
Pup Power Fights Stress on Campus BY BARBARA GAYNES Barbara Gaynes is the editor-in-chief of American Campus and the editor of The New York Times e-book Choosing the Right College
The perfect formula for making stressed-out college students smile: Furry faces plus wagging tails. That’s the idea behind Kent State University’s Dogs on Campus Pet Therapy Program and similar offerings at more than 400 U.S. colleges. “Students who are away from home, especially the new freshman, are trying to find their way, trying to make friends and go to school… and they miss their family,” program founder Kathleen Adamle explains. “But most of all, they miss their dog or their pet. They can talk to their friends and family, but they really need that touch of their pet. It’s very cathartic for them.”
“I thought: Why can’t we take this philosophy and spin it and bring it to a well population?” she says. The program has been a huge success — and has had the added benefit of helping to bridge cultural gaps at Kent State, where students from more than 120 countries are enrolled. “When we first started, I had a lot of onlookers,” Adamle says, explaining the initial apprehension of some of the international students. “You have to understand that, culturally, not all dogs are house pets in other countries. The international students were a little leery at first. “However, I will tell you that now, especially at the finals week visits at the library, everybody from every country comes. They do not necessarily touch the dogs, but they’re all smiling. They all take © Dogs on Campus Pet Therapy Program
Throughout the school year, Adamle, a College of Nursing professor emerita, and other volunteers bring their friendly, specially trained dogs to visit with students at the library, residence halls, and other places on the Ohio campus. The goal is to lift the spirits of students who may be homesick or stressed — or just need a break from studying.
Kent State’s program, the first in the U.S., began more than a decade ago after Adamle was walking her own dogs on campus and kept getting stopped by students who wanted to pet them. Seeing their smiles made her wonder if pet therapy — which has traditionally been used for people in hospitals or nursing homes — could benefit college students.
pictures. And the selfies that go on are a riot! “This program has brought people together. They sit together and pet a dog. They talk to each other – which maybe they would never have talked to each other before. I do believe this is a common factor for all students, no matter what country they’re from, what their race is, their religion, their culture. It doesn’t matter.” Sometimes the dogs are brought to campus for a more serious matter, such as when tragedy strikes. “We call that an ‘SOS visit,” Adamle says. She remembers receiving a call after a student-athlete died: Could she bring the dogs to visit with students and staff members at the athletic department? Adamle agreed, hoping the pets might be able to offer comfort to the students and others who were struggling to cope with their loss. “During our SOS visits, it’s very quiet,” Adamle explains. “Dog handlers don’t say much. They let the dogs do the interaction.” The students usually hug, pet, and snuggle with whichever dog they choose for 10 or 15 minutes. Yet even that short amount of time can have a big impact, as Adamle learned that day at the athletic department. “Afterward, I had a kid say to me, ‘You know what? This is good. I can make it.’ “It’s very hard to find the words that actually show the magic of what happens at such a visit,” Adamle says. “It’s amazing.”
Bridget, a certified therapy dog, helps students relax and smile. 50
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American Campus content is Copyright 2016 GBBG Media LLC. All rights reserved. americancampusmag.com
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INFORMATION
© Miriam Doerr - Shutterstock.com
International Education Insurance Going Above and Beyond It happend as quickly as that: Ten students went swimming and only nine made it back to shore. A study abroad experience gone awry. Nobody knew what happened exactly – was he a weak swimmer? Did he swallow too much water? By the time they airlifted him to the hospital he was pronounced brain dead. After several days on life support the doctors said there was no hope. It was time to consider taking him off of life support because each day in the hospital was costing thousands of dollars. Everyone knew the drill: The insurance company would pay the bill and then make arrangements to return the body to the family. Travel abroad that ended in tragedy. But this time was different. “Let’s wait until his parents can come to see him,” said the insurance provider. ‘’It is the right thing to do,’’ they said. And they paid for the student’s parents to come and say good-bye, one last time, to their son.
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No one expected what happened next. As his parents sat by his bedside surrounded by ventilators and tubes, the young man suddenly woke up. “What are you doing here?” he asked, when he saw his parents crying with joy and disbelief. Not every insurance story is as dramatic as this one. And not every insurance story has a happy ending. We are glad that this one did. But as everyone who works in international education knows, and something about which all travellers should be aware, is that insurance is more than just policies and claims: It is about students who make the choice every day to open their hearts and minds to the world through education and travel; it is about parents who put aside their fears to support the dreams of their children; and it is about institutions, educators, and counsellors who believe that international education plays an important role in fostering learning
and understanding of different cultures and ideas. Finding the right kind of insurance for optimal coverage while you study or travel outside of Canada is of paramount importance, and must be part of your planning checklist before you go. Safe travels! Contributed by: Guard.me International Insurance Each year, millions of young people around the world leave the comfort of home to study and work abroad and guard.me is there to keep them safe when it matters most. guard.me International Insurance is dedicated to helping international students become the best they can be - not just inside the classroom but beyond. www.guard.me
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USA
Five Reasons to Take the New Have you ever considered going to college in the U.S.? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of attending an Ivy League school like Harvard or Yale. Or maybe you thought about what it would be like to be close to the beach at University of California’s campuses in San Diego or Los Angeles. Urban to rural, East Coast to West Coast, big sports teams, or challenging academic programs — you just need to decide what you want in a college and start planning how to get there. Taking the SAT® is an important part of your journey to college and is a globally recognized college admission test that allows prospective students show colleges what they know and how well they can apply that knowledge. The newly redesigned college entrance test was given for the first time in March of 2016 and students all over the world are excited about the changes. Here are five reasons why you should be too: 1. It’s focused on the few things that matter most for college. The SAT is made up of three sections: EvidenceBased Reading and Writing, Math, and (optional) SAT Essay. Rather than being tested on obscure vocabulary, you’ll be asked to interpret the meaning of words based on the context of the passage in which they appear. Instead of trying to master a ton of different math skills, you’ll be tested in just a few areas including problem solving and data analysis, algebra, and a few advanced math topics. 52
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2. There’s no penalty for guessing. On the new SAT, you will earn points for the questions you answer correctly. If you are unsure about certain questions, you can make your best guess and not worry about losing any points if you’re wrong. 3. It’s accepted by all colleges and universities in the U.S., as well as many top global universities in more than 60 countries. The SAT is an important part of your college application. In addition to your grades, course work, extracurricular activities, and personal essay, the SAT shows colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. 4. You can take it when you’re ready to take it. International students should take the SAT within two years before they expect to enter college. It is offered six times throughout the year in October, November, December, January, May, and June. Most students take the SAT in the spring of their 11th year in school and/or in the fall of their 12th year in school. Two out of three students improved their scores when they took the SAT twice. 5. The best way to prepare for the SAT is free for everyone. You don’t need to enroll in an expensive test prep program to prepare for the SAT. Every student around the world can use free, personalized SAT practice tools on Khan Academy®. The College
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• Start searching for colleges based on your preferences and interests at BigFutureTM.
USA
© Kaplan TestPrep - Shutterstock.com
If you’re considering studying in the U.S., the College Board has all the tools you need to get ready.
Living it up in New York City
RESIDENCE What do you call a place with ... • Easy access to Central Park and world—renowned museums • Single rooms that require no lease and offer convenient payment plans • 24-hour building security • A free WiFi connection
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• Build your personalized study plan, and start practicing for the SAT at satpractice.org.
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Time to get to it! The colleges are ready for you. Contributed by: Adele Hazan, Student Communications, College Board © 2016 The College Board. Khan Academy is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other jurisdictions.
Since 1874, 92Y has been home to New York City’s most exciting cultural events and programming. And every year, hundreds of students, interns and young professionals from across the country and around the world choose to call 92Y home, too.
For more information, a virtual tour and to book a room, visit 92YResidence.com, call 800.858.4692 or email 92YResidence@92Y.org Fall / Winter 2016 • Issue: 17
53 92nd Street Y | 1395 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10128 4 5 6 to 86th Street
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Board and Khan Academy teamed up to level the playing field and make sure all students had access to the best tools to build their skills for test day. Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy offers thousands of interactive questions with instant feedback, video lessons to explain problems step-by-step, full-length practice tests, study tips, and more. When you sign up for your free account at satpractice.org, you can create a personalized study plan based on the areas where you need the most work. Over 1.7 million students are already using these tools. It’s a real game changer!
STUDY IN BRITAIN
FREE EXPERT GUIDANCE AND ADVICE Across The Pond is the official Canadian partner to 47 UK universities and offers free support & guidance to students wishing to apply to them. From personal statement guidance to accommodation advice, we have it covered! • Official Canadian Partner of Top UK Universities • No LSAT Required for UK Law Schools • Master’s Degrees in 12 Months • Personal Statement Guidance
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Visit our website to find out more: ca.studyacrossthepond.com Study In Canada • Study Abroad
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LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY
LONDON’S GLOBAL UNIVERSITY / UCL is renowned for providing teaching and research at the highest international level. Ranked in the top ten universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2015/16), UCL is a multidisciplinary university with strength in depth across the academic spectrum. www.ucl.ac.uk/canada
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The UK’s higher education admissions service
© UCAS
UNITED KINGDOM
UCAS
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Students wanting to study a full-time undergraduate degree in the UK don’t contact each institution they’re interested in directly or individually. Instead, UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) provides a central service, with the ability for each person to apply to up to five different study programmes, referred to as ‘courses’ in the UK. Each year, over 1,100 Canadian students are accepted and take up their course after applying through UCAS. The most popular courses for Canadian students to apply for are law, medicine, and business studies. In total, UCAS processes over 2.5 million applications every year from 700,000 people, placing around 500,000 people from around the world in some 350 UK higher education institutions. UCAS is a strong advocate of making UK higher education more accessible internationally, and works closely with organisations like the British Council to support the recruitment of students from around the world. This means there’s already a broad range of advice on offer to international students. The UCAS website has a section where students, tutors, advisers, agents, and parents can find out more about studying in the UK: www.ucas.com/international
UNITED KINGDOM
Each year, around 2,300 Canadian students apply to a UK university or college through UCAS, the centralised admissions system for over 350 institutions.
UK qualifications are respected the world over, with all courses meeting strict academic criteria. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), assesses the quality of each university or college’s teaching standards, so students can make choices with confidence. The UK has some of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. Many of the world’s most influential leaders, businessmen and women, and academics have walked the halls of UK institutions.
The application process In simple terms, applying to university in the UK is a three-step process: • Choose your course • Apply online at ucas.com • Make arrangements to study
Choose wisely Wherever you decide to study, it’s important to do as much research as possible. If you can visit the UK before applying, you should consider attending some university open days – UCAS regularly updates a list of these online: www.ucas.com/open-days-dates. UCAS’ international team attend numerous overseas education conventions; take a look to see if they’re
At Warwick, knowledge is not taught. It’s created. Warwick is an acclaimed UK university, internationally-renowned for research and teaching excellence, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. We’re ranked in the top 50 global universities, and consistently listed in the UK’s top 10 universities. Our reputation attracts some of the world’s best students and staff into our cosmopolitan community. Located on an attractive campus, you will find a supportive, demanding and enjoyable environment at Warwick.
It’s somewhere that encourages you to ask questions and to challenge convention. Our staff and students consider new perspectives in a range of academic subject areas, including Business, Management, Economics, Law, Politics, International Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Health, Life Sciences and Medicine. Come to Warwick and develop alongside people who are constantly making exciting breakthroughs. Add new depth and complexity to your existing knowledge. Push the limits of your own energy, imagination and potential.
northamerica@warwick.ac.uk warwick.ac.uk/study
6th
in the UK (THE 2016)
48th
in the world (QS 2016)
20th
in the world for employer reputation (QS 2015/16)
UNITED KINGDOM
coming to an event near you: www.ucas.com/international-events Once you have an idea of what and where you’d like to study, you’ll find a wealth of additional information on the UK’s 37,000 higher education courses in the UCAS search tool – search.ucas.com. Here you have the opportunity to explore the subjects that interest you in more depth, find out entry requirements, student statistics, and specific course details.
Online application As an international student you apply for courses in exactly the same way as UK (and EU) students do. The admissions cycle begins each September, a calendar year before you begin your undergraduate studies. All applications are submitted online using UCAS’ Apply portal: www.ucas.com/apply When completing your application, you should give as much detail as possible about your qualifications. While the majority of universities will have an understanding of the most popular qualifications, it’s often worth explaining more about the specific subjects you’ve studied and how they relate to what you are applying for. Universities and colleges you apply to may also ask you to send copies of your qualification certificates to – take a look at UCAS’ international application advice for more guidance: www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/international/howapply/how-complete-international-application You also need to be aware of the three application submission deadlines. The key deadline date for the majority of undergraduate courses is 15 January; but there are two other deadlines to keep in mind: • 15 October – for applications to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or to any medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine/science course • 24 March – for some art and design courses (check with individual institutions for clarification) However, if you’re applying for performance arts subjects at one of the UK’s conservatoires, you’ll need to use the CUKAS admissions service – a dedicated performing arts admissions portal that’s also run by UCAS. Take a look at www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/ performing-arts for more information. One of the most important and time-consuming parts of the application is the personal statement. It’s the only opportunity you’ll get to explain to your chosen universities exactly why you’re a great fit for the courses you’re applying to, and to demonstrate how committed you are to your chosen subject. You can only submit one personal statement so it’s important to take the time to write this carefully. Check out www.ucas.com/personalstatement for more advice. The final part of the UCAS application is securing a reference to support your application. Most students
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elect their teachers or advisers to provide these. If your first language isn’t English, those supplying references for you should comment on your language ability, and indicate if any classes you attended were taught in English. The majority of UK universities and colleges require students to demonstrate good English language skills. This can be evidenced in a number of different ways. If English isn’t your mother tongue, check with individual institutions to find out what you need to do. After you’ve sent off your application you can see how it’s progressing by logging in to UCAS’ Track system – track.ucas.com (which is essentially an extension of Apply). Through Track, you can see when decisions are received from each of your chosen universities and colleges. If you don’t receive any offers, or decline the offers you do receive, you may be able to apply for an additional course through a scheme called Extra – www.ucas.com/extra. Extra, which runs from the end of February and early July each year, enables you to apply for any course that still has vacancies. When each university or college has received and considered your application, they will make their decisions. If they make an offer it may be either ‘Unconditional’ or ‘Conditional.’ • Conditional: a place is reserved for you, subject to entry requirements being met (usually academic conditions) • Unconditional: a place is guaranteed, as you’ve met all entry requirements The majority of offers made are ‘Conditional’ and, more often than not, are dependent on the results you get in your summer exams. Most universities reference entry requirements for each course in their prospectuses and on their websites. You’ll also find this information when researching courses via the UCAS search tool.
Making arrangements Students from Canada (as with all students from outside of the EU) will need a student (Tier 4) visa to study in the UK. While UCAS doesn’t arrange visas, there’s lots of advice on the Immigration and visas section of the UCAS website: www.ucas.com/ how-it-all-works/international/how-apply/studentimmigration-and-visas. In order to qualify for a Tier 4 visa, you will need to prove that you can pay for your first full year of tuition fees, and support yourself through the first part of your studies. Luckily, there are lots of different financial aid options on offer to international students – loans, bursaries, and scholarships. Tuition fees at UK universities are split into two categories: Home/EU, and international. Home and EU students can pay up to £9,000 per year, but
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UK government’s student finance calculator – www.gov.uk/student-finance-calculator International Student Calculator – international.studentcalculator.org
If you’re thinking of studying for a medical qualification, you may able to get funding from the UK National Health Service. There’s more information on the NHS Bursaries website: www.gov.uk/nhsbursaries/overview. If not, take a look at your chosen universities’ websites for more details. It’s also worth reading the financial section of the UCAS website: www.ucas.com/how-it-all-works/international/howapply/how-much-will-it-cost-study-uk.
UCAS – Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
Contributed by:
www.ucas.com
UNITED KINGDOM
non-EU students often pay more. You can find out exactly how much tuition will cost when researching different courses using the UCAS search tool. Many universities and colleges list any available scholarships and bursaries under the ‘Fees and Finances’ tab.
Additional useful websites include: The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA): www.ukcisa.org.uk/International-Students/ Fees--finance/Home-or-Overseas-fees British Council’s Education UK scholarship and financial support advice –www.educationuk.org/ global/articles/scholarships-financial-support
Come and visit us at the
‘STUDY AND GO ABROAD’ fairs! Come and meet with Linda Hammond, our Partnerships Director and Admissions Tutor, to find out more about the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme. Linda Hammond will be visiting Canada from 29 September to 4 October 2016 and will be attending fairs in Ottawa, Toronto and Halifax.
WHY STUDY OUR DOCTORATE IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
• We offer one of the largest and longest established Clinical Psychology training programmes in the UK.
Visit our page:
• Our programme integrates clinical, academic and research practice to achieve the highest quality of professional training. Our staff are practising clinical psychologists and have extensive clinical and educational experience in a range of modalities. • Our aim is to develop clinical psychologists who can draw on the best and most up-to-date knowledge and skills, and who can think critically about, and reflect upon, society’s influences on services and clinical practice.
DON’T MISS US! WE WILL BE IN… Ottawa – 29 September | Toronto – 1 & 2 October | Halifax – 4 October
www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-go-abroad/ dclynpsi or contact us: debbie.ditcham@canterbury.ac.uk for any questions about our Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. ipo@canterbury.ac.uk for any questions about the fairs.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand
Will Enchant and Surprise You If you are thinking of studying abroad, think new – think New Zealand.
Unpack the surprise that is New Zealand and you’ll find a world-class education in a fun, safe, welcoming, and beautiful environment.
Education drives success For a young country with just 4.5 million people, New Zealanders achieve remarkable success. We have produced Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medal winner in science and mathematics, and we are proud of our world-class filmmakers, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, and sportspeople. New Zealand education encourages this spirit of innovation and success, and if you study in New Zealand you will find yourself thinking new too.
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Culture New Zealand is a diverse country of many cultures, including our native Māori. We’re easy going and embrace different lifestyles and opinions. It’s a country where strangers soon become friends. You’ll find New Zealanders who will welcome you into their homes and their hearts, building lifelong relationships with an experience you will never forget.
Outdoor adventure activities New Zealand offers you the perfect blend of outdoor and urban adventure. Students will enjoy modern vibrant cities with a great nightlife, public transport,
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Scholarships:
Nowhere in New Zealand is more than 120km from the sea. Every city and town has native bush reserves with tracks for walking or cycling, parks, sports clubs, and swimming pools.
Many scholarships for international students – including PhD scholarships and scholarships for Masters’ degrees – are offered by the New Zealand government, educational institutions and philanthropists.
Hike into the mountains, kayak on a white-water river, tackle the back country ski slopes, surf in pumping waves – New Zealand will show you a new world beyond the classroom.
All eight New Zealand universities offer one doctoral Commonwealth Scholarship for Canadian students.
Education opportunities New Zealand has eight state-funded universities spread across the country, offering a diverse range of degree subjects from business to physical and life sciences. There are 16 Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics providing internationally recognized qualifications including degrees and diplomas. Learning is focused on practical skills and hands-on experience with strong links to local businesses. Importantly, you can take your Canadian Federal and Provincial Student loans to all New Zealand universities and many Institutes of Technology.
Quality New Zealand’s teaching culture is focused on developing critical and creative thinking skills to help graduates solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. All eight of our universities rank in the top three percent of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings), and each offers world-ranking subject strengths. For instance, the University of Otago is 12th in the world for dentistry; the University of Auckland is 20th for archaeology; Massey University is 25th for veterinary science; and Canterbury University is 50th for civil and structural engineering. They lead the way through academic excellence and personalised learning.
Study, career, and employment support One of New Zealand’s biggest strengths is its focus on producing ‘work-ready’ graduates who can hit the ground running – very attractive to future employers. Education institutions are well connected with business, with many courses offering built-in internships and providing experiences that instil independence and resourcefulness within and outside of the classroom. Skilled international graduates may also be able to work in New Zealand after they graduate, if they can find employment linked to their studies.
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restaurants, and shops combined with amazing outdoor adventures on land and on water.
• Victoria University in the capital city of Wellington offers a scholarship for Canadian students intending to do research leading to a Master’s degree in Geophysics – either Solid Earth Geophysics or Meteorology. • University of Auckland provides a Commonwealth Scholarship for PhDs (Doctor of Philosophy) or an approved Doctorate degree. Visit www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/ NZCommonwealthScholarships for more information on scholarships for Canadians.
More information Learn more about New Zealand and the exciting study opportunities waiting for you at www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz. We are sure you’ll be surprised by what New Zealand has to offer.
“Dunedin is a real student city! It reminded me a lot of Kingston or Peterborough, Ontario. Lots of student-centric entertainment, bars, nightclubs – but with better beaches, wildlife, hiking and weather! I had a great time as a student, was welcomed by so many people and got to see many uniquely beautiful places. New Zealand really welcomes Canadians – and I’d recommend it to anyone seeking an exciting and rewarding study experience.” Sarah Gauthier, Master of International Studies student, University of Otago, Dunedin Contributed by: Carole van Grondelle, Communications Manager New Zealand Education www.studyinnewzealand.com
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Learning Across Continents: A Chiropractic Student Reflects on Her Experiences in Auckland Kaitlyn Matheson always knew her future was in chiropractic. What she didn’t expect was that this passion would take her halfway across the globe. Raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kaitlyn attended St. Francis Xavier University and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics. After graduating in 2012, she kept an open mind as she carefully considered her next moves. After attending a career information session in her hometown, Kaitlyn realized that she could further her education abroad and pursue international opportunities. She began looking into programs around the world, and one stood out in particular: the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in Auckland. With this destination in mind, Kaitlyn applied to the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Fortunately, she was accepted, and her international journey began!
Making a decision Though Kaitlyn was a seasoned traveler, she had never lived this far from home for such a long period of time – a Doctor of Chiropractic degree usually takes four years to complete. Still, she was determined to follow her passion, seeking out the best opportunities that would allow her to balance both professional and personal growth. New Zealand had always been a destination on Kaitlyn’s bucket list, so accepting a placement with one of the world’s top chiropractic colleges was an easy decision to make.
Tip: There are many possible ways for students to fund learning experiences abroad. For example, many schools offer scholarships or bursaries to help students supplement costs.
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Having made her decision, it was time to prepare. She applied for her student visa and organized her funding options for her trip.
Moving to Auckland In many ways, Auckland was very similar to Kaitlyn’s hometown back in Canada: small, welcoming, friendly, and surrounded by beautiful landscapes and nature. The college’s small size provided an accommodating atmosphere, and her close relationships with her peers helped Kaitlyn feel at home. In her first year, Kaitlyn lived with five other students before moving closer to the college where she currently lives with six of her peers. “Living with others has its pros and cons,” says Kaitlyn. “But when you’re so far away from your family, it is great to have additional support around you.” This familiarity helped Kaitlyn transition smoothly to life in New Zealand; in fact, she describes these classmates and housemates as people who became her adopted family. These relationships would be crucial in supporting Kaitlyn’s academic and personal life because, in her first few months abroad, Kaitlyn’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Kaitlyn’s tips for students studying abroad: 1. Be sure it’s the right program: Do
extensive research on the school you wish to attend, the specific program to which you’re applying, and the support systems the institution offers its students. 2. Be open-minded: Don’t shy away
from new experiences! Immerse yourself in an unfamiliar culture by exploring what the city has to offer, participating in student activities, and meeting new people. 3. Trust your gut feeling: If studying
abroad is an experience that you feel is right for you, trust your instincts! If it’s something you really want, you are more likely to enjoy yourself.
it reconnects you to yourself and those who matter. Family and friends will always be there for you no matter how far away you are.”
A tough call
Life-long Connections
Kaitlyn is a firm believer in taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, so hearing that her mother was sick put her in a difficult position. She knew she’d have to make a decision about whether to return to Canada or remain in New Zealand and fulfill her dream.
For now, Kaitlyn is content to remain in New Zealand as she finishes her program and plans for the future. Once she graduates, she wants to begin working as a Chiropractic Associate but one day hopes to open her own business with her partner.
“I knew if I didn’t follow my heart and dreams of being a chiropractor, it would affect my mother’s state of mind as well,” says Kaitlyn. “I knew that deciding to stay was a difficult choice, but there was nothing I could do if I went back home.” Faced with this incredibly difficult decision, with her mother’s blessing, Kaitlyn bravely chose to stay at school and complete her semester. Fortunately, her new friends in New Zealand and her family back home helped her through these difficult times, giving her the strength and confidence to continue pursuing her dreams. “The most important lesson I have learnt from traveling abroad is to take life as it comes, don’t hold yourself back and explore every opportunity,” says Kaitlyn. “Yes, sometimes it can be difficult to stick to your goals, but in the end it is worth following your dream, because
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“The college was the main attraction, since this institution has trained some of the best chiropractors from around the world,” says Kaitlyn. “Also, traveling to New Zealand was always a dream of mine, so studying in an amazing place where I wanted to travel was a no brainer after I learned what the college had to offer.”
With the support of her new friends abroad and her family from back home, Kaitlyn continues to make the most of her opportunity abroad. She has made life-long friendships and has a new-found sense of independence that she credits to this incredible experience. Her mother also overcame her illness and is now cancer free. “Studying abroad changed my life and it continues to help me grow,” says Kaitlyn, “Everyone should have this opportunity in life.” “I’ve become the individual I had always aspired to be.” Contributed by: TalentEgg.ca TalentEgg.ca is Canada’s leading job board and online career resource for college and university students and recent graduates.
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Experience the World of Education
www.studyandgoabroad.com
Vivez l’expérience d’une vie et des expériences qui resteront `a tout ja mais gravées dans votre mémoire...
Imaginez terminer votre stage coop dans la ville dynamique de Tokyo, courir le long du canal de l’Empereur à Amsterdam après le travail ou effectuer une grande randonnée pédestre dans les forêts tropicales luxuriantes du Costa Rica. Imaginez rencontrer des gens de tous les coins du monde, découvrir la cuisine d’autres cultures, apprendre de nouvelles langues et créer des liens d’amitié pour la vie. Maintenant, plutôt que de l’imaginer, passez à l’action et concrétisez cette vision à l’aide du programme Expérience internationale Canada (EIC)! Le programme EIC offre aux jeunes canadiens et étrangers âgés de 18 à 35 ans l’occasion d’acquérir de précieuses expériences de voyage et de travail à l’échelle internationale. Il s’agit d’un programme par l’intermédiaire duquel vous pouvez voyager, travailler et vivre dans les 32 pays partenaires du Canada, jusqu’à concurrence de deux ans. Le programme EIC offre trois options permettant de voyager et de travailler. Vous pouvez donc choisir celle qui convient le mieux à vos besoins et à vos objectifs.
Stage coop international (ouvert uniquement aux étudiants)
Permis de travail pour un employeur en particulier permettant d’acquérir une expérience pertinente dans le domaine d’études.
Vacances-travail (voyager et travailler)
Permis de travail ouvert permettant de voyager et de travailler n’importe où dans le pays d’accueil pour financer vos déplacements durant votre voyage.
Jeunes professionnels (perfectionnement professionnel)
Permis de travail pour un employeur en particulier permettant d’acquérir une expérience pertinente dans sa profession ou son domaine d’études.
N’attendez plus! Apprenez en davantage sur les pays qui vous intéressent, examinez les différentes occasions qui vous sont offertes et réservez le billet qui vous permettra de partir à l’aventure de toute une vie et de vivre des expériences inoubliables. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements au sujet du programme EIC, veuillez consulter la page canada.ca/iec-eic ou composer le 1 877 461 2346 (sans frais au Canada seulement).
WITH A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY YOU GET GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES.
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