Canadian Student Magazine // Issue:15 by Ender Birer

ISSUE: 15

Volunteer in Peru A Rewarding Experience The Netherlands More than Windmills Classroom to Workplace Manage the Transition

FALL/WINTER 2015

Organize Your Own Fundraising Event Pharmacy Studies Down Under Study in the USA The Killam Fellowship

Be Ready: Plan Ahead

Experience the World of Education

www.studyandgoabroad.com

Visit TalentEgg.ca for co-ops, internships and entry level opportunities TalentEgg has everything you need to hatch a career with Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top employers, including more student and new grad jobs and career resources than any other website in Canada!

Message From

The Editor Dear Readers: Welcome to the Fall/Winter 2015 issue of Canadian Student Magazine. Another summer has come to an end, and I hope it was a great time for you, whether you were working, continuing studies, travelling â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever you did to fill the days of summer. Now it is back to the turning colour of the leaves, changing from flip-flops to boots, setting the heat up, and thinking of what is next in store for you. As always, Canadian Student Magazine contains valuable information for readers of all ages and in all stages of academic and personal planning and growth. Contained in these pages is information on studying in the USA, Holland, Ireland, Scotland, as well as useful tips on budgeting for your studies and travels abroad, career tips and more. Our articles are contributed by industry specialists, so be sure to check out their bylines and contact them for more information, check their websites, and sign on to their social media. As well, we are excited to announce the relaunch of our StudyAndGoAbroad.com portal. Previously, this site gave information about our fairs only, but now we have merged it with our education portal GoStudy.ca, so you can go to one site only for year-round information about studying, travelling, working, and volunteering abroad, as well as to find out up-to-date information on the semi-annual Study and Go Abroad Fars, Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest international university expo, held in cities across Canada. Be sure to sign up on all of our social media platforms, to stay informed about what is new and exciting in the world of education. Enjoy our publications and events, and keep on planning for your future!

/Study and Go Abroad

Anita Kuehnel, Editor Canadian Student Magazine and www.studyandgoabroad.com

@studygoabroad /+Studyandgoabroadfair StudyandGoAbroad /studygoabroad Study and Go Abroad Fairs

CONTENTS

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Hot off the Press

Student Testimonials

Mature Photojournalism Grad Gets Her Shot at Success

The Power of a Great Business Mentor Insights from a young entrepreneur

Considering an Exchange to the United States? Apply for a Killam Fellowship!

The Top Nine Things Grade 12 Students Need to be Doing Right Now for U.S. University Applications

Budget Tips for Foreign Students in Europe

A Student’s Perspective on Studying in Norway

Nine Tips to Help You Raise Money for Your Favourite Charity

Ace the School-To-Work Transition: Get Involved On Campus

Study in Denmark

Beyond the Windmills

Study at the Top of the World!

Helping to Define Canada’s Future

Study in Ireland The Land of 100,000 Welcomes (Céad Míle Fáilte)

Join the “Pharmily” Studying Pharmacy in Australia

Volunteering in Peru A Rewarding Experience

World-Class Study Destination: Scotland

Optometry Studies in the UK

12 The Power of a Great Business Mentor Insights from a young entrepreneur

rEvolve EPS Holdings Ltd. Director and Owner: Anita Kuehnel Chief Editor and Publisher: Anita Kuehnel anita@canadianstudentmagazine.com Administrative Manager: Sheila Fee sheila@canadianstudentmagazine.com Consultant: Katie Idle, Knowmarketing Canada Ltd katie@canadianstudentmagazine.com We would like to thank the following for their valuable editorial contributions:

32 Beyond the Windmills

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aston University CIMO - Finland Claire Wood EducationUSA Enterprise Ireland Futurpreneur.ca Loyalist College Ministry of Higher Education and Science, Denmark News Canada NUFFIC OzTREKK Rachel Fowler SIU – Norway Study in Scotland TalentEgg

Graphic Design: IQ Design A. Ender Birer

40 Study in Ireland The Land of 100,000 Welcomes (Céad Míle Fáilte)

48 Volunteering in Peru a Rewarding Experience

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.

A degree at the University of Sunderland is, quite simply, life changing. We have a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for those who want to continue their development and study in the United Kingdom.

The Master of Digital Media program is an intensive 12-month graduate program that engages students through coursework and projects to develop communication, collaboration and leadership skills. Guided by top-level faculty and industry mentors, students work with clients and peers on teambased, industry supported projects. Graduates leave with the ability to work at the highest level across all sectors as creators, producers, innovators or entrepreneurs. Graduates learn to:

• Collaborate and communicate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

• Create comprehensive business strategies and manage development projects.

• Design and deliver innovative, high-grade

products to clients on time and on budget.

Learn more at thecdm.ca

Whether you need advice with your learning, health, career, or any other issue, we have a supportive team ready to help you. Plus we have scholarships available for international students. Want to see for yourself? Visit www.sunderland.ac.uk

Above and Beyond Education Do you want to serve your community or your country? Protect the public or come to the aid of people in need? Whatever your dream might be, Humber’s School of Social and Community Services goes above and beyond education with critical work placements, extensive industry partnerships and a solid reputation in the fields of criminal justice, human services and fire services. Using the latest in digital technology, Humber’s simulation labs give students real life experience in the classroom that leads to a distinct advantage in the job market. Visit us at communityservices.humber.ca

3D printed anatomy to mark a new era for medical training The creators of a unique kit containing anatomical body parts produced by 3D printing say it will revolutionize medical education and training, especially in countries where cadaver use is problematical. The ‘3D Printed Anatomy Series,’ developed by experts from Monash University, is thought to be the first commercially available resource of its kind. The kit contains no human tissue, yet it provides all the major parts of the body required to teach anatomy of the limbs, chest, abdomen, head and neck. www.monash.edu.au

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Are you considering studying abroad in the United States? Need help? EducationUSA Canada is a FREE service. We provide advising and resources to assist Canadians with their questions about U.S. study. As part of Fulbright Canada, we are especially knowledgeable about Fulbright scholarships for graduate students and Killam fellowships for undergraduate students. Email us to set up your FREE 30-minute virtual advising session. ottawa@educationusa.info educationusacanada.ca

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

Brandon Jacko, a student in the School of Social and Community Services at Humber, transferred from the rigorous Police Foundations diploma program into the Criminal Justice degree program, “It was a challenging program that led me to be more serious about school. Humber was the reality check that made me want to do even more at a higher level.” In the Criminal Justice degree program, a multidisciplinary approach places special emphasis on understanding the perspectives of offenders, frontline professionals, administrators, the community, and others who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

real problems gave me hands-on experience for my career.

go, she always finds a way to help you.

Also, after one year in the program, I have lots of good friends and tons of talented colleagues!

Today, I am going through the last steps of submitting my application with confidence, eager to see what the future has for me, and thankful for everything EducationUSA(Canada) did for me. To anyone thinking of studying in the US, try it, your future awaits!

Camila Serrano Rueda, current MDM Student and Design Intern at Elastic Path Software

Philippe Noël, Quebec

Before coming to the UK, I did my research and found lots to recommend studying law at Sunderland. My experience has been amazing so far and studying here will allow me to complete my LLB in a shorter time than in Canada. This is a real advantage and one which will help greatly with my future career aspirations. Ranka Celap, LLB Law at the University of Sunderland.

The Master of Digital Media program was a life-changing experience in many different ways. I think school should be a safe environment to explore and find your talents. While working on different industry projects, I realized that I have strong User Interface Design skills and that it’s something that I really enjoy doing. Working directly with industry clients to solve

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Applying to university in a different country is clearly a tremendous task. At least, that is what I thought before working with EducationUSA(Canada).

When I first came across CLFA (Canada Law from Abroad), I was not sure which legal programme to take, although I did know that I wanted to study law. Talking to the advisor clarified what it was that I wanted to do with my career, as he clearly laid out the options and answered my questions. It was also important to pick the right university, as I wanted an LLM that allowed me to customize my courses based on my interests in commercial/ corporate law. My LLM led me to complete a PhD, something that was never planned but was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Vivian M. BA University of Toronto LLM Queen Mary University PhD Queen Mary University

The dedication of the counselor is truly amazing and, no matter what your goals are or where you want to

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

INSPIRATION 8

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

INSPIRATION

Mature Photojournalism Grad Gets Her Shot at Success Annie Sakkab always wanted to record what’s around her and to remember the things she has seen or done. Since she grabbed her first camera at age 16 — a birthday present from her brother — many frames in Annie’s life have made the cut, from attending a documentary workshop in Dubai that featured photographer Jack Picone, to graduating from an Ontario photojournalism program in June 2015. More recently, the Palestinian photographer (born and raised in Jordan), who turned 46 in July, was presented with the Student Photographer of the Year award from the News Photographers Association of Canada’s (NPAC) National Pictures of the Year (NPOY) awards competition, recognizing excellence in Canadian photojournalism. More than 1,880 submitted images were considered for the awards, which were announced at the NPOY Gala in May in Vancouver. “I have taken rolls and rolls of photos over the years. They weren’t necessarily great, in fact far from it, but they were pictures that I was happy with and enjoyed looking at,” said Annie, just a few minutes before graduating in June.

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

“I’ve never really thought of photography as a documentary practice. I’ve always thought of it as a form of art – until 2008, when a huge photo festival was taking place in Dubai, where I was living at the time, and where I decided to take a documentary workshop with Jack Picone.” That decisive moment — as well as a workshop held by a local photojournalism grad Donald Weber in Toronto in 2009, after she moved to the city — was an eye opener and a career turning point for Annie. Since 1995, she has worked and resided in London, Rome, Dubai, Amman, and Belleville, where she enrolled in a local college as a mature student in 2013. “I did the full two years of the Photojournalism Diploma Program, which was instrumental in the way I have developed my work,” she added. Annie’s documentary practice investigates sociocultural issues and questions of identity, and seeks to raise awareness on experiences of exile, uprooting, and displacement among marginalized groups.

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INSPIRATION

She added that the program she attended is well-rounded, in the sense that students are also taught to write news stories, and has enabled her to excel at something she really loves. “They taught us how to do captions, shoot features, write news stories, as well as doing video and photography, which gives us such a well-rounded expertise that we can take and apply to so many things,” she added. Annie’s photographs have been exhibited in Canada and abroad. Her recent series, Projections— Ghosts of Dubai’s Boom (2010), was featured in a group exhibition in the 2013 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto. Now that she has developed these skills, including storytelling, Annie doesn’t have to go back and ‘just’ do corporate and private events. She also runs her own event photography business. “I can work for non-governmental organizations, develop stories, pitch stories to magazines and newspapers, and work for different

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

sectors,” she said. “Studying at [the college] helped me expand my opportunities to go back and work as a freelancer doing different things. It’s not just about news; you can do so much more with these skills.” Enroling in a college program at age 44 was no picnic for Annie, but it paid off. She first felt isolated, thinking she wouldn’t fit in and be able to get along with her muchyounger classmates. She was one of two mature students enrolled in the program that year. “It was hard,” said Annie. “But then I got to meet everybody and it really felt comfortable. It was great! I decided to move to Belleville after the first semester and live with my classmates, and it was the best decision. It was really nice to have someone my age to be with, as well.” Just a few days prior to receiving her diploma, Annie was presented with another milestone recognition: the News Photographers Association of Canada’s Student Photographer of the Year award — an unexpected and firm pat on the back for her.

In addition to the prestigious award, Annie was awarded third place for Hearts of Feather and an honourable mention for To be a Boy, both in the Single Multimedia category. “Receiving these awards feels amazing as I wasn’t expecting it. I wasn’t going to go to Vancouver, but my Program Coordinator insisted I should, so I did,” she said. “It gives me a lot of confidence in my work. When I started the program, I was lost photographically; I didn’t know how to take my work further. So this recognition really shows how much I’ve grown as a photographer.” Annie is spending the summer working as a full-time photographer with The Record, a newspaper based in Kitchener, Ontario. Contributed by Loyalist College Loyalist College offers a Photojournalism two-year diploma, the only multi-year photojournalism program offered in Canada. For details, visit loyalistcollege.com.

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

UK LAW SCHOOLS

No LSAT Earn a qualifying Law Degree in two years Specialize with a 12 month LLM Internationally recognized degrees Comparable cost to a Law Degree in Canada

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? COME AND VISIT THE CLFA TEAM TODAY CANADALAWFROMABROAD.COM

CAREERS

The Power of a Great Business Mentor Insights from a young entrepreneur Denis Loboda, co-founder of Air Xposure, an aerial filming start-up based in Toronto, Ontario, had most of the necessary ingredients to build a thriving business. At only 24 years old, he had a strong vision, extensive knowledge about his product and market, and an entrepreneurial spirit. But he was missing one key component: A qualified business mentor who could offer the expertise and guidance to help him take the business to the next level.

Futurpreneur Canada matched Denis with an experienced and knowledgeable mentor based on his business needs. Gulam Juma, a volunteer mentor with Futurpreneur Canada and highly qualified senior executive, helped Denis push his business forward. In a candid interview, Denis described his experiences working with a mentor and running his own business.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

CAREERS

How have you benefitted from working with a mentor? Denis: I had a very helpful mentor who was interested in my business and its successes. I learned to think on a broader scale for generating revenue from the business and realized that aerial drone filming can be used for a large variety of applications worldwide. Describe your mentoring relationship. Denis: From day one, our relationship was friendly and relaxed. Although I had a lot of questions for Gulam, I was also interested in hearing about his business affairs, as he is also an entrepreneur and involved in several start-ups and businesses worldwide. Gulam helped guide me in the decision making for the business. I knew I could call or text him with questions and get a response back quickly. How has your mentor helped you improve your business? Denis: Because of Gulam’s entrepreneurial background, he had knowledge and experience in many of the common issues that impact start-ups such as cash flow, business direction, finances, and accounting. I was able to learn a lot from the business experience he had. For example, before I started working with Gulam, Air Xposure’s finances and accounting were lacking and unorganized. With his help, I was able to dramatically expand my knowledge of running a small business from an accounting perspective.

About Denis Loboda Co-Founder, Air Xposure

After completing his Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto, Denis joined the Hatchery, a start-up incubator at university, to begin working on Air Xposure. He later received mentorship, funding, and support through a partnership between Futurpreneur Canada and the Ontario Center of Excellence.

What are some of the challenges you faced with your business, and how did your mentor help? Denis: At one point, the business faced permit issues for flying the drone in Canadian airspace. Attaining permits for legally providing the service took longer than expected, so Gulam was very helpful in opening my mind to new opportunities and thinking outside of the box for potential cash flow. Is being an entrepreneur what you thought it would be? Denis: My initial expectation about entrepreneurship was pretty accurate; it involves a lot of risk and a lot of work. However, I have learned a lot of things about myself and the business world along the way. What advice would you share with an aspiring entrepreneur? Denis: If you put in a lot of work, you will be rewarded, but the payoff may not come in the ways you expect. It is good to have high ambitions, but also to be able to accept failures, learn from them quickly, and move on. Contributed by: Febbie Shikongo, Client Relationship Associate, Futurpreneur Futurpreneur Canada is a national, non-proﬁt organization that provides ﬁnancing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors. See more at futurpreneur.ca.

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

About Denis’ mentor: Gulam Juma, CPA, CGA

Chief Operating Officer, World Academy & World Trade Advisors Group Gulam Juma is a highly qualified senior executive with extensive international experience in the private and non-profit sectors. His areas of expertise include leadership and management, finance and the non-profit sector. “My time spent mentoring Denis in his business was enjoyable and productive. I stressed to him the importance of ensuring he had a robust business process in place with ethical underpinnings to encompass care, compassion and inclusivity. I encouraged him to always have an alternative plan in place in case the original plan ran into trouble!” – Galum Juma

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Find info and resources about Grad Schools, Online Courses, and Studying Abroad at Jobpostings.ca

careers. education. ideas. all of it.

POLICE FOUNDATIONS DIPLOMA Humber’s two-year Police Foundations diploma program focuses on the practical law enforcement and human relations skills required to police modern, socially, ethnically and technologically diverse communities. Students will learn how to investigate criminal offences, to intervene in crisis situations and to model ethical and professional behaviour. The Forensic Studio, Crime Scene Lab, moot ‘Court of Justice’, mock interview rooms and Driving Sim Lab provide students with an experience as close as it gets to real life. As well, the conflict de-escalation interactive simulator allows students to engage in scenarios where the subject’s reaction changes based on your approach.

communityservices.humber.ca

Humanitas University Medical School Integrated with a first-rate hospital and research centre in Italy. Humanitas University is the largest private international medical school in Italy, with 120 students per year. In a truly international context, Humanitas University hosts 150+ doctors specifically trained as teachers and tutors and visiting Professors including Nobel Prize winners and internationally acknowledged researchers. The MD degree is recognised in the EU and abroad to access the medical profession. Thanks to a cooperation with the US NBME, our graduates will be prepared to face the USMLE test and get admission to the US residencies. Merit-based scholarships and other forms of financial support available for deserving students.

Your future in medicine MILANO - ITALY www.hunimed.eu

USA

Considering an Exchange to the United States?

Apply for a Killam Fellowship! Studying abroad is an exciting – even transformative – experience, and definitely something worth considering. With some 3,000 institutions to select from, the United States has one of the most vibrant and varied selections of colleges and universities in the world. There are world-class private colleges and universities; large research-intensive public universities; and, of course, prestigious liberal arts colleges nestled in beautiful pastoral college towns. With so many

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

choices, it is easy to tailor your studies in the United States to the geographic and educational experience that will suit you.

institution will normally allow you to pay your home school’s tuition fees while you study abroad for one or two semesters.

So, we’ve agreed that the United States is a great choice for you and that study abroad is a great opportunity. What is your next step?

Once you decide to study abroad in the United States, apply for a Killam Fellowship. Visit the Killam Fellowships Program website (www.killamfellowships.com) and find out if your university is a partner institution. If your Canadian university is a Killam partner, the American partner universities are available for

Go to your university’s Study Abroad office and discuss your options. A reciprocal exchange agreement between your home school and your study abroad

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

The Killam award includes a $5,000 award per semester, a three-day orientation in Ottawa, a three-day spring seminar in Washington, D.C., a $500 health insurance allowance, and an $800 in-country mobility grant (travel within the United States). Still need a reason to apply for a Killam Fellowship? Hear what these alumni have to say: “The Killam Fellowships Program was definitely a life-changing experience for me. It provided me with an outstanding educational experience, which las led me

to grow and learn more in this short amount of time than in the culmination of my undergraduate degree. Through this opportunity, I have become a part of a network of incredible individuals and lifelong friends.” – Elli Hanson, 2012-13 Killam Fellow from University of Alberta to University of Southern California “The Killam Fellowships Program was an incredible experience that pushed me both personally and academically. I now have a network that extends throughout Canada and the United States. The independence and challenges of studying abroad ensured that each day offered a new learning experience. This program is the main reason I will pursue my Master’s degree abroad.” – Christian Norton, 2014-15 Killam Fellow from University of Prince Edward Island to Clemson University “The most valuable thing to me during the fall orientation was meeting some of the Fulbright

@EdUSACanada

scholars and learning more about migration, social determinants of health, and indigenous communities. Talking to them enriched my own ideas of different issues and got me even more excited about the things that I study.” – Samhita Misra, 2014-15 Killam Fellow from McMaster University to State University of New York, Plattsburgh

USA

reciprocal exchange, and you will apply through the direct partnerships program. If your university is not a partner, you can still apply through the open competition, although you may have to pay the U.S. university’s tuition and fees. The internal deadlines for partner institutions range from early December through mid-January.

“The Killam Program helped me to see this experience as a truly immersive cultural experience, and to learn from and appreciate all the different viewpoints we each bring to the table based on our own distinct backgrounds.” – Helia Safaee, 2014-15 Killam Fellow from University of Toronto to Brigham and Women’s Hospital Contributed by: EducationUSA For more information on the Killam Fellowships program, go to www.killamfellowships.com or contact ottawa@educationusa.info. Photos provided by EducationUSA

educationusacanada.ca

USA

The Top Nine Things Grade 12 Students Need to be Doing Right Now for U.S. University Applications

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

So, how are you going to do that? Turn up Eye of the Tiger and read these nine tips. EducationUSA will pump you up to finish the last leg of your college application marathon!

9. Remind your recommender to write your Letter of Recommendation Teachers, coaches – all adults really – have a lot going on, and they need gentle reminders to make sure they get your letters in on time. At this point, you can send an email every two weeks until they submit the letters. If your recommenders are not responding to your emails, go visit them in person and ask again if they are feeling good about writing this letter for you. If they seem less than enthusiastic, find another letter writer, pronto.

8. Visit campuses If you haven’t yet, and you have the financial means to do so, visit campuses. Nothing can better tell you if a school is right for you than meeting fellow students, checking out the quad, and sitting in on a lecture. Athletes, go on official visits. The school that is recruiting you pays for this visit, so by all means see if the school is a good fit.

7. Introduce yourself to admissions officers Write an email to each admissions office you are applying through. Introduce yourself and ask any additional questions that you have. Find out if there are any admissions officers planning on

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coming to a city near you, and definitely go meet them there. Face to face interactions are always the best.

6. Update your résumé one last time Review to make sure that all of your most recent achievements are on your résumé. Have a couple of adults look this over to make sure you did not forget anything major, like that Mathlete MVP award. If you have to submit your résumé as a Word document, make sure it is formatted well. Good formatting makes you look professional, and that goes a long way.

5. Retake the SAT or ACT (as needed) Hopefully you are happy with your score at this point, but if you are not, there is still time! Most schools will accept scores from the January SAT or the February ACT. Double check this, and do not wait until the last minute. If you are going to retake the test, you need to study. Otherwise you won’t make the improvements you hoped to see.

4. Rewrite your essay, again. And again. Your essay (or essays) should tie together your application and give the admissions officers a sense of who you are and what you want to accomplish. Your submissions needs to be polished. You should have at least two separate adults review your essay. At least one of those adults should be a champion in English grammar and writing style.

USA

It’s the fall, aka ‘Crunch Time,’ for Grade 12 students applying to universities in the United States. Your applications are due within the next couple of months, which means you are headed into the final stretch. Even though you have probably become tired of your essay draft and the ACT Science section, now is the time to dig in. Finishing strong will separate the good applications from the great.

of your school. They need to be a cheerleader, describing what a great environment you have come from. If your counselor needs any assistance with this, have them contact EducationUSA at ottawa@educationusa.info.

2. Apply for scholarships Many independent scholarship deadlines are not so conveniently placed during the application deadline season. This is because scholarship organizations need time to review submissions and make their award decisions. They may be able to grant you an award without necessarily knowing which university you will be attend. You need to be searching and applying for these scholarships now.

1. Reach out to EducationUSA Do you still have questions about what you need to do next? Don’t worry! That is what EducationUSA is here for. We provide free advising for Canadian students applying to U.S. universities. Use our website to guide you and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked in for daily updates. Come see us in person at an upcoming fair in your area (see website). Your EducationUSA advisor is standing by ready to help you succeed! Contributed by: EducationUSA Website: educationusacanada.ca Twitter/Facebook: @EdUSACanada Photos provided by EducationUSA

3. Meet with your Guidance Counselor Your Guidance Counselor is clutch for your U.S. university application. They usually write one of your letters of recommendation, so they need to know you well. Additionally, they help admissions officers understand the grading system and academic standards

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INFORMATION

Budget Tips for Foreign Students in Europe

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

While studying in Europe, you will have to spend money on everything you never thought you would have to pay for, starting with a fork and spoon and ending with buying a mattress. With the basics covered, you will surely think of travelling around the continent and although it may seem expensive, it is a one-time opportunity you simply have to do. Studying in two of the most expensive cities in Spain – Madrid and Barcelona – I learned a lot of tricks that helped me survive through my college, and also have a lot of fun. For those who are about to study in Spain or elsewhere in Europe, I prepared a list of top budget tips for foreign students in Europe. Read on. 1. Plan transportation ahead

Europe is one of those places where travelling seems so easy or even obligatory, with so many interesting countries being so close and easy to

get to. The key tip to travelling throughout Europe is planning things ahead, meaning three to six months. Book your budget airlines ahead, as you can often save about half of the price. The cheapest airlines in Europe are Spanish Vueling, British Easyjet, and Irish Ryanair. You can buy a ticket from Spain to Italy for as little as 17 Euros! Don’t forget about trains, as Europe has an excellent train system that will take you almost anywhere you wish to go, plus they are very cheap, especially if you use your student ID or a city card. 2. Know your budget and the current exchange rates When travelling on a budget, make sure to check the current exchange rate or, better yet, download an app that will do the math for you. Remember that it is never a good idea to exchange currency from a stranger, even the nicest one. There are special legal places where you can do it – exchange booths and banks – so shop for the best rates if you can, and the lowest commissions. 3. Join student travel groups There are numerous student travel groups, but the best in my experience were International Tourist Travel Club and International Friends.

INFORMATION

Being an international student means so much more than gaining knowledge in another country: it means exploring countries and gaining invaluable experience, culture shock upon arrival to another country, as well as when you come back home. It means meeting new people, trying new food, travelling as far as you can see, and also surviving on a tight student budget.

The benefits that come from joining these groups are countless. Not only are some trips subsidized, but you can also get to know a lot of new people from around the world, participate in free guided tours, get free or very cheap accommodation, and count on institutional support. 4. Look for discounts Europe has excellent student discount systems. Each major city has a city discount card that allows you to save up to 50% on accommodation, transport, entry fees, and even food. City cards are usually pretty cheap, they last from one to five days, and give you endless possibilities you wouldn’t afford on your own. For example, you can visit the world famous Prado Museum in Madrid, which costs about 20 Euros, for free and save on transportation throughout the city. You can also look for cafés and bars listed on discount cards and eat there half price. 5. Be open-minded about accommodation Accommodation might be one of the biggest expenses during your travelling. To save money, you will have to think outside the box. Places like most hotels are out of the question during budget travelling. Hostels used to be the cheapest places to stay in Europe and are still an option. Plus, it allows you to meet new people that could possibly become your travel partners. Another option is to try couchsurfing, a relatively new model of accommodation whereby people apply to stay in houses with people willing to host travellers. This option is 100% free and the service is now widely-known. Be careful when choosing this service, and make sure you are being introduced to your prospective hosts through a reputable service provider. Read the reviews before you book.

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INFORMATION

6. Do as the locals do Follow people in their everyday habits, because it exposes you to the real culture and traditions and because locals tend to do everything cheaper than tourists. Try to stay in the local area, see which places they prefer to shop at and go out to. Ask the locals what kind of pubs they like and the cheapest way to get to a famous sightseeing spot. Wherever you are in Europe, you will see that locals do not always stay in the downtown area and moreover, don’t eat in fancy restaurants daily. Waiters are also a great help, even if they are not from the area. Most of them are kind enough to tell you how to get around and which places to visit. 7. Drive away

If you think all people in Europe speak English then you couldn’t be more wrong. You can typically find Englishspeaking locals in major cities, but if you go to the countryside, then you may be on your own. Plus, it wins you a lot of favour with locals to at least be trying to communicate in the local language. 9. City-hop City-hop is a popular term among student travellers. Having little time and money to spare, it allows you to visit several places without having to pay for accommodation and basic services. You can sleep on trains and eat on the go. Of course, city-hopping is not appropriate for such giant cities like London or Rome, where two weeks won’t be enough to see everything. But when going through little towns in Belgium or the Netherlands, for example, this is quite an attractive option. 10. Pack lightly When studying in Europe, you will notice that most people wear light casual clothes with cute accessories. When travelling, you have to take only the most necessary items and if you think you have packed

lightly, think again. There is always something you can leave in your dorm/home. You may want to buy souvenirs or a little something to remember the trip by, so prepare to have some extra room in your backpack. As well, travelling light will not only save you from having to lug around heavy bags, but will save you money, as often extra charges apply for oversized bags in trains and planes. 11. Socialize as a local Or better with. Local students always know the best places to socialize and just like you, they have limited budgets. Try new things with locals if you can, like favourite food kiosks and entertainment venues. Go to little music clubs in Milan and dance a night away in the oldest dance hall in Barcelona. There are unlimited places you can visit, and usually the best places are hidden from a regular tourist. 12. Have fun! Contributed by: Rachel Fowler Rachel Fowler has lived and studied in Barcelona and Madrid, on and off for two years. She enjoys travelling and writing and currently works as a parttime contributor for College-Writers.com © bokan - Shutterstock.com

As mentioned earlier, European countries are very close to each other and sometimes it is cheaper and faster to rent a car instead of taking a train. If you want to visit famous little villages in France or Germany, for example, renting a car may be the best option. This way you will save some pocket money and enjoy incredible landscapes. And go with your new friends and share the cost of the rental and gas, making it a cheap and fun road trip for all of you.

8. Buy a phrase book

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

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NORWAY

Studying in Norway

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A Student’s Perspective on

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

NORWAY

What was your impression about Norway before you arrived? I imagined it being a lot colder than it actually was. I also was a bit afraid that I would have trouble communicating with people, but I was extremely impressed by the fact that most people in Norway speak near-perfect English.

How did you proceed in order to actually get to study in Norway? My faculty at the University of Victoria has done a good job of integrating the exchange semester into our degree. Essentially, you tell them if you would like to go on exchange or not and they do the rest for you. So it was very easy. The application for a residence permit and applying for housing were a few of the tasks I had to do on my own, but they were not too much of a hassle.

How do Norwegian courses compare to those in Canada? The way courses are structured differs a lot. In Canada, we tend to have a lot of assignments, essays, quizzes, midterms, and final exams, whereas at my university college in Norway, I found that there were a

The best thing about Norway? The people and the beauty of the country. © Sara Christopher

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

lot fewer components. Thus the responsibility is a lot more on the student to read and learn outside of the classroom.

All in all: The best thing about living and studying in Norway? The people and the beauty of the country. Norwegians are very friendly. They might be shy, but if you get to know them they are some of the kindest, most hospitable people I have ever met.

All in all: The worse thing about living and studying in Norway? I loved my time in Norway, so in retrospect it is hard to say bad things. I guess the only negative was that the cost of living was higher. However, it was manageable and not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Contributed by: SIU - The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education The Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU) is a Norwegian public sector agency that promotes international cooperation in education and research. www.siu.no www.studyinnorway.no

My appreciation for Edvard Munch’s art grew immensely throughout my stay. © Sara Christopher

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

VOLUNTEERISM 26

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

VOLUNTEERISM

Nine Tips to Help You Raise Money for Your Favourite Charity Making a donation to a charity is a true act of generosity that millions of Canadians do each year. But raising money for your favourite charity by holding a fundraising event can be more fun and even more rewarding. Here are nine tips to get you started.

1. Keep it fun and simple Remember, you need to make sure that both you and your participants enjoy the event, so keep it simple and make sure that you add an element of fun, whether it’s special decoration, a tote bag for each participant or guest, or a creative theme.

2. Share the load, get team support Turn to friends to help share ideas and workload. Brainstorming at the beginning may give you some new ideas and help give a unique twist to your event. Make sure that you break down the work amongst your team and delegates so that you are not overstretched. Again, sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that work the best. Your aim is to work towards your ambitious fundraising goal and aim to beat it.

3. Plan for the ‘what ifs?’ If you are planning to hold an event outdoors, or if you are relying on a local celebrity as a guest of honour, make sure you think of a few possible alternatives if it starts raining or if your celebrity doesn’t show up. This is key to successful event planning.

4. Timing is everything Check your community calendar to make sure there are no other important community events and fundraisers on the day that you are planning your event. You might want to check with other community or regional non-profit organizations. Try to pick the date that will bring in optimal attendance.

5. Watch the dollars Keep your costs down by getting items donated. Many grocery stores or restaurants will donate food or other items to your event. Very often events do not raise money as a result of overspending.

6. Take stock If your event is a large one, make sure you assign a reliable volunteer to collect all the money and send it back to your charity within 30 days of the event taking place.

7. A warm ‘thank you’ goes a long way Always remember to thank your guests or anyone who has donated towards your fundraising efforts.

8. Tell your charity about your event Once you choose how you’d like to raise money for your favourite charity, make sure to tell the charity about your event.

9. Check out your favourite charity’s website for ideas Many charities’ websites offer advice on how to raise money. For example, the human rights charity Amnesty International lists events and ideas at amnesty.ca/special-events. Printed with permission from: News Canada www.newscanada.com

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

CAREERS

Ace The School-To-Work Transition:

Get Involved On Campus

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Many students get so caught up in post-secondary education that they focus solely on classes and assignments, forgetting that this is a prime time to gain valuable experience that may help land a job after graduation.

Why should you get involved? It’s a great way to meet new people, network, and build your résumé. Here are some of the best ways to get involved on campus, wherever you are.

Check out your career centre

Join your student union Your on-campus student union usually offers a number of ways for you to get involved. These opportunities can include part-time jobs, elected student positions, and volunteer opportunities. Roles in your student union often offer real responsibility, and empower you to make significant changes or improvements to existing practices, or develop entirely new projects. This experience can be invaluable when you’re preparing your résumé for the school-to-work transition. Tip: Research where former student leaders from your school have gone after graduation. Reach out and ask them to share their insight. You’ll likely find many of them used their student union experience to land an entry-level job.

This is the optimal place to start. Most institutions have an on-campus career centre, which can help prepare an exceptional application, offer you job-hunt guidance, and connect you with on-campus events.

Connect with your school on social media

Many students mistakenly assume that the resources at their career centre are only for those close to graduation; in fact, there’s value in connecting with your career centre at every stage of your education and school-to-work transition.

Don’t underestimate the value of connecting with different departments, groups, and offices at your school through Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. In many cases, these social media platforms are the first place you’ll discover new opportunities on campus.

Tip: A little intimidated? Make a list of some general goals you’d like your career centre to help you with. Then look for resources that match your interests.

Participate in clubs or associations This is the best way for you to start getting involved, particularly if you’re a new student (or a little reluctant to put yourself out there). Finding a club that matches your interests or hobbies is a great way to meet new people and explore a personal passion. Over time, you can move into a leadership role with your club, which can involve managing finances, organizing events, and other activities that you can use as relevant professional experience when you’re looking to land a job. Tip: Can’t find a club or group that interests you? Start your own! That’s a great way to demonstrate initiative and leadership.

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CAREERS

You’re only a college or university student for a few short years – then you are sent off into the wonderful world of work, work, and more work.

You can’t be everywhere at once, so letting the news come to you is a great way to stay informed. Regular engagement with different groups on social media is also a great way to build connections to your school, which increases your visibility and exposure. Tip: Keep things simple. Connect with the groups you’re involved with or interested in, then look at the profiles and groups they connect with to start building your network. Start your search as soon as possible. Many oncampus groups look for staff or volunteers early. Some even hire months in advance, so your oncampus involvement will help you get set for success once you’ve finished your schooling. Contributed by: Lauren Marinigh 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

DENMARK

Study in Denmark 30

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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 shortterm 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. 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 LollandFalster. 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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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. Read more about what Denmark has to offer at www.denmark.dk – the official website of Denmark.

Why study in Denmark? Each year students from around the world come to Denmark to pursue a quality education in a friendly, safe, and innovationdriven 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.

Global challenges demand innovative solutions 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. 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.

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.

The Danish education system 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. 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. 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! Contributed by: Kaare Bach, Editor in Chief Ministry of Higher Education and Science 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.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

THE NETHERLANDS

Beyond the

Windmills

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

THE NETHERLANDS

Are you trying to decide whether you want to take on the adventure of studying abroad? Ever considered going to the Netherlands? The Netherlands (more commonly referred to as Holland) has a lot more to offer than windmills, clogs and tulips. Its open culture and drive for innovation are also characteristic. Canada and Holland have built up a long-lasting friendship, so why not make use of it? So what can you expect of Holland while studying here besides cheese from Gouda? And what about the Dutch education system? Relations between Holland and Canada have been friendly for a long time, but the countries grew even closer when the First Canadian Army liberated Holland at the end of World War II. The Dutch king and queen recently visited Canada in the spirit of this relationship and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. As part of the celebrations, scholarship programmes where set up for students from both countries.

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About the Dutch Despite the friendly relationship between the countries, you might not know all that much about Holland. The Dutch are known for windmills, tulips, cheese, and well, let’s say Amsterdam. But there is much more to know. It is an open and liberal country. This is evident in the age-old exploring spirit of the Dutch, the long history of emigrations, and its advocacy of gay rights. Dutch society is multicultural and focused on international relations. The Dutch like to think of themselves as entrepreneurs and discoverers. Innovation and working on original ideas is stimulated by the government, evident in Dutch education too.

Why study in Holland? • The Dutch have an open and interactive way of teaching. • Holland is the third best country in terms of English proficiency in the world. • The quality of Dutch universities is good. Multiple

universities are mentioned in the top 100 of various rankings. • Due to its geographic position, Holland is perfect for students who want to study abroad and see other parts of Europe as well.

The Dutch way of teaching The Dutch teaching style is interactive and student-centred. It provides students with the attention and freedom they need to develop their own opinions and creativity in applying their newly-acquired knowledge. It focuses on teamwork, which makes it easy to meet other international students. Studying in Holland means developing an open mind and increasing your international orientation. Holland has received international acclaim for its problem-based learning system, which trains students to analyze and solve practical problems independently through emphasis on self-study and self-discipline.

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

THE NETHERLANDS

Do I have to learn Dutch?

Student life

The English proficiency of Dutch people is the third best in the world (excluding people from Englishspeaking nations) according to Education First (2013). This means you can easily socialize not only with your fellow students, but also Dutch natives. Furthermore, there are over 2,100 English-taught study programmes in more than 30 cities. With 80,000 international students, Dutch classrooms are becoming more and more international. You won’t be the only international student.

All the big universities in student cities organize introduction weeks at the end of August. During this week, students (both international and Dutch) explore the city and get to know their fellow students. The biggest student cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Groningen, Nijmegen, Leiden, and Maastricht. All student cities have student associations. There is also a student association especially for international students that is active in multiple cities: ESN.

Higher education system

Travelling

Holland has a binary education system, which means that you can choose from two types of degrees:

Once you have arrived in Holland, you will discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Berlin, Brussels and Paris are just a few hours away by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will take you to London, Madrid or Rome.

• research-oriented education, offered by research universities (BA/BSC/MA/MSC); • higher professional education, offered by universities of applied sciences (B/M). Dutch universities are of good quality. Multiple institutions are mentioned in both the Shanghai and QS top 100 rankings. Degree programmes offered by Dutch institutions are evaluated against a specific set of criteria, assessing the content and the level of the course. The Dutch have identified nine key sectors in which Holland excels globally and that are a government priority. If you are studying in one of these fields it is especially interesting to study in Holland:

Travelling within the country is easy. You don’t really need a car to get around in Holland. The bicycle is the cheapest and easiest way to get around, especially if you live in a city. Traveling from city to city is done by train. Holland is a small country and public transport will take you almost anywhere you want to go.

Money matters

tuition fee for study programmes starts at approximately €6,000 for non-EU students. The cost of living in the Netherland is about C$1,400 a month. This includes housing, insurance, food, public transport, books, clothes, and leisure expenses such as cinema tickets. In celebration of Canada liberating the Dutch 70 years ago, the Liberation Scholarship Programme was set up. You can apply for this until 1 October 2015. If you don’t make this deadline, check the recently-launched Holland Scholarship Programme for nonEU/EEA students, which grants an amount of €5,000 to selected candidates. For more details on this and other scholarship programmes go to www.grantfinder.nl. For more information about studying in Holland, please visit our website www.studyinholland.nl. Contributed by: NUFFIC Study in Holland is an initiative of EP-Nuffic to promote and inform students about Dutch higher education worldwide. Study in Holland is the starting point for all international students who are considering Holland as a study destination.

Money is an important factor when it comes to studying abroad. You want affordable and good quality education. The average annual

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FINLAND

Study at the Top of the World! Finland: The country of about five and a half million inhabitants at the Northern edge of Europe is famous for its Northern lights, untouched nature, and sauna traditions. Increasing numbers of students from abroad who enjoy the international and openminded study environment testify to Finland’s growing popularity as a study destination. Jens Närger, who is working for the Finnish National Centre for International Mobility, provides first-hand experience. When I first considered studying abroad, only one option seemed reasonable for my heat-sensitive nature, namely to move further 36

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

north in Europe. While many already had found their way to Sweden or Denmark, I was looking for something else, something different. I found it in the form of a study exchange in Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Right from the beginning, I had a feeling that going to this country famous for hockey, beautiful nature with endless forests and lakes, as well as its education system, was going to mean more to me than a brief exchange period. Living in the bustling city quarter of Kallio with its many clubs, bars, and an abundance of local characters, provided the right setting for my studies at the University of Helsinki.

Student culture in Finland is one of a kind, and contrary to all clichés, people are astoundingly open and welcoming. Not a single day goes by on which leisure is in danger of being neglected: Local student associations that organize parties and trips provide the perfect meeting ground for internationals and internationally minded locals. One year of exchange and a subsequent Master’s degree from the University of Tampere later, it is safe for me to say that coming to Finland was the best choice of my life so far. The study situation was optimal for me. With plenty of courses taught in English to choose from, close studentteaching relationships, and open

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FINLAND © Oleksiy Mark - Shutterstock.com

study curricula helped me not only to grow as a researcher, but also as a person. While gaining the study experience abroad was my initial motivation, much more has come to pass that made me settle down up in the North. Having the beautiful nature a short bus ride away, and living within a healthily egalitarian take on society, made it is easy for me to feel at home. In Finland, Equality is written with a capital letter and serves as the education system’s baseline. The equal access to higher education for all is evident in the country-wide distribution of well-funded state universities and polytechnics, which currently do not charge tuition fees. Finland does not aim to have one or

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two top universities; instead, the quality of the learning environment is high regardless of whether you study in Lapland, Karelia, Ostrobothnia, or Southern Finland. Specialized study programs, tailormade to meet the needs of future professionals and researchers, can be found in smaller and bigger institutions alike. The institutions’ high degree of autonomy ensures their independence and allows them to provide an innovative study environment.

Read more on the governmental website www.studyinfinland.fi, which provides reliable information on everything concerning the application to Finnish universities or polytechnics. Contributed by: Jens Närger, CIMO Jens works for the Finnish National Centre for International Mobility. He lives and works in Helsinki, and as a foreigner, has never quite got the hang of hockey. www.cimo.fi

If you are looking for high quality education in a safe and natural environment you don’t need to look any further. Study in Finland and get your education on top of the world!

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

CANADA

Helping to Define Canada’s

The world this generation will inherit is not the one their parents used to know. Hard work and a related post-secondary education remains the foundation for success; however, today’s youth must navigate a maze of internships, micro-jobs, and short-term contracts that lead to a workplace they can call their own. This shift in landscape has forced generations Y and Z to develop a 21st century tool box that features resourcefulness, resiliency, and troubleshooting skills. The pessimistic cloud that surrounds today’s job market has many Canadian youth unable to envision a rewarding future and worrying about the professional and financial reality that awaits.

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Success in today’s world requires hopeful perseverance. Seduced by the self-esteem fad, generations X and Z have the mentality that success is due. University of Pennsylvania psychologist and author of the Optimistic Child, Martin Seligman, highlights the importance of optimism. Seligman’s research shows that optimism not only helps prevent depression, but it can also be taught. Emotional connection: Resiliency is a feature the modern day late adolescent must possess. The Youth Optimism Study highlights the connection between resilience and an individual’s surrounding support system. The study shows that optimistic individuals most look forward to social interactions such as coming home to a family member or loved one or spending time with co-workers. Optimists display better social skills than pessimists and are much more likely to confide in someone on bad days. Power of Meaningfulness: Nothing gives purpose to a day like anticipating something you enjoy. Compared to pessimists, optimists are much more likely to believe their daily activities are worthwhile (72% vs 28%). Finding contentment and purpose in life’s actions is important at every stage of development. The RBC Youth Optimism Study shows that the ability to have fun is a key driver of feeling that you can achieve anything you want, which in turn stimulates hope for the future. Canadian youth are embarking on a much different journey than previous generations. The path to success is filled with adversity and roadblocks that can only be overcome with the right mindset. Every

day presents opportunities to help young people learn resilience. The conscious and unconscious messages we send our children, the freedom to let them explore and discover on their own, and support we provide them all contribute to shaping their development. Printed with permission from: News Canada www.newscanada.com

CANADA

According to RBC’s Youth Optimism Study, the transition for many Canadians from childhood to late adolescence is filled with stress, worry, and anxiety. The study provides an unprecedented look into the mindset of Canada’s future by analyzing their attitudes toward themselves, their pleasures, and opportunities. Completed in 2014 by Ipsos Reid and prepared in consultation with an expert panel, the survey gives voice to nearly 2,400 Canadians aged 10 to 25 from coast to coast.

IRELAND

Study in Ireland The Land of 100,000 Welcomes (Céad Míle Fáilte) 40

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

Ireland is a beautiful island, combining contemporary modern cities with an unspoilt countryside, cityscapes steeped in history, and a rich natural habitat. Renowned for friendliness, our safe country offers the warmest of welcomes to students from all over the world. On average, 32,000 international students register with Irish Higher Education Institutes annually. Ireland’s hospitable nature, coupled with an unrivalled sense of fun, ensures your study abroad will be an unforgettable experience. Thirty-three percent of the population is under 25 years old and at any one time, there are 5,000 Canadians living in Ireland.

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Study In Canada • Study Abroad

IRELAND

So, why study in Ireland? 1. Ireland is a friendly and safe country Lonely Planet voted Ireland one of the Top 10 Countries to Visit in 2015. “It is the real deal, its traditions are firmly intact, and the cosmopolitan, contemporary Irish are just as friendly and welcoming as their forebears were known to be. The Irish themselves are inevitably at the heart of the best the country has to offer.” 2. English speaking country Ireland is the only Englishspeaking country in the Eurozone with close cultural, economic and educational links with North America and the UK. 3. Internationally recognized qualifications and extensive choice Students can choose from an extensive range of courses to meet their needs in colleges and universities recognized for their excellence worldwide. 4. Supportive learning environment Dedicated international offices work closely with academic, administrative, and specialist staff to fully support students throughout their time in Ireland 5. Innovative and creative culture Ireland is known for its entrepreneurial society: Eight of the world’s Top 10 ICT companies and nine of the top 10 Pharmaceutical companies have their European base in Ireland. 6. Distinguished graduates Ireland’s graduates are innovators, leaders and ambassadors for excellence all around the world. Qualifications earned and connections made in Ireland deliver a passport to success and a high rate of employability after college. 7. Leading global companies located in Ireland Companies that require a skilled, educated, and highly capable workforce

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

to drive their success choose to locate in Ireland; the long list includes Google, Facebook, Pfizer, Apple, and Intel. 8. Gateway to Europe Ireland is a gateway to Europe. Many students who study in Ireland take time during their school holidays to visit the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and other European countries that are just a stone’s throw away. Popular Programs for Canadian students include: • Architecture • Engineering • Travel, Tourism & Hospitality • Construction Management • Renewable Energy • Business – marketing, HR, management, accounting • Social Care, Early Childhood Care & Education • Public Affairs & Policy Management • Medicine • Pharmacy • Dentistry

Research in Ireland Ireland is making a marked and growing impact in every research field it is engaged in. Irish universities are now in the top 1% of research institutions in the world in 18 fields, spanning natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.

• 5th in the world in Material Sciences *Based on international scientific citation per paper Source: Essential Science IndicatorsSM from Thomas Reuters

Colleges Ontario/Institutes of Technology Ireland Agreement Since 2012, a new agreement has been in place between the Colleges of Ontario and the Institutes of Technology in Ireland which enables graduates of a two-year diploma in Ontario to study in Ireland for a further two years, receiving an honours degree upon completion. In some cases, Ontario students can earn their honours degree with just one additional year of study. This option is available across many disciplines of study. Tuition is set at a fixed sum of €7,500, students are still eligible for OSAP, and no work permit is required for up to 20 hours part-time work per week. (For more: www.ioti.ie/co)

Meet some Canadians who studied in Ireland 20142015

Ireland is ranked 16th in global scientific rankings for overall international scientific citations per paper, a remarkable achievement for such a small country. Ireland - 11th (of 143 countries) in the Global Innovation Index 2014 Ireland - 9th (0f 28 countries) on Innovation Scoreboard 2014 In terms of research*: • Ireland ranks number one in the world in Nanosciences • 2nd in Immunology • 3rd in the world in Animal & Dairy • 2nd in the world in Computer Science

Martikka Thorne “This past year in Ireland has opened my eyes in ways I wouldn’t have imagined if I completed my undergrad degree in Canada. I’ve met many brilliant lecturers, riveting guest speakers, and some great friends who took me into their homes like I was a part of the family. My experience here has not only been amazing

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IRELAND

but motivated me to also pursue a masters in Ireland. I’m glad I took this opportunity, it was the best way to spend my final year.”

Canadian students at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2014 (Cork, Ireland)

Taylor Osbourne “My experience with the students and the lecturers has been excellent. It’s really easy to integrate with the students here, I find that we get along very well. The lecturers are very helpful. You can go to them at any time if you have any questions and they’re more than happy to help you.”

International Student Ambassadors, Dublin, 2015

Student Ambassadors

Victoria Mascarenhas “The adventure that I have experienced in Ireland has been amazing and I encourage anyone who loves travel and other cultures to do an exchange. The people in and out of school have been so helpful and welcoming to all the international students and are always willing to help if you need anything. I hope that others seriously think about this opportunity that doesn’t come often because it’s completely worth it. I’ve had the best time and I have made so many friends that I know I will stay in touch with!”

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Education in Ireland has a number of student ambassadors who regularly post blogs about their experiences abroad. Follow their journeys: http://blog. educationinireland.com/ Contributed by: Ciara Halliday, Marketing Executive Enterprise Ireland, Canada Student photos supplied by Enterprise Ireland

For More Info Visit us: www.educationinireland.com Check out our Facebook: www.facebook.com/ educationireland.canada

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AUSTRALIA

Join the “Pharmily” Studying Pharmacy in Australia

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Fall / Winter 2015 • Issue: 15

For students, Australia pretty much has it all, which is why it is host to more than 250,000 international students, making it one of world’s most popular foreign study destinations. Australia is also home to some of the best universities in the world, and many Australian degrees are recognized in Canada, including the Bachelor of Pharmacy.

“There is so much to do: whale watching, deep-sea fishing, outlet shopping, amusement parks, shows, and much more,” he says. “I can’t comprehend how amazing the weather is in Australia – especially coming from Canada.” But even with the sunshine and beaches, three or four years of study on the other side of the planet can seem like a long time for someone so far away from his or her family. UQ Pharmacy graduate and Ontario native Deedee Xu liked that the program was similar to the Canadian programs and that there were lots of Canadians at

AUSTRALIA

When you think of Canadian winters, it’s not hard to understand why many students cast their eyes on the land Down Under as a desirable study location. Australia’s wonderful climate, picturesque beaches, and multicultural cities can be hard to resist for those of us susceptible to wanderlust.

the university for her to connect with. “Not to mention that the entire studying-abroad-in-Australia experience was absolutely amazing. I miss it every day,” she says. While Australian Bachelor of Pharmacy programs are open to high school graduates, many Canadians enter the program already holding a bachelor degree after realizing they possess an interest in not only science, but also in its application to the health care profession. There’s no denying the role of pharmacists is expanding, and according to Service Canada, job

With only ten pharmacy schools in Canada, each with a limited number of places, it’s no wonder many Canadian students consider pursuing their dreams outside the country.

Currently, there are 18 Australian universities that offer Bachelor of Pharmacy programs, 17 of which are open to international students. As the Bachelor of Pharmacy is an undergraduate program, applicants are permitted to apply directly from high school. For current Bachelor of Pharmacy student Roy Hu, his reason for choosing to study at the University of Queensland was simple: “The UQ School of Pharmacy has great facilities, including state-of-the-art equipment, and the professors are highly knowledgeable in their respected fields. I feel UQ really will prepare you for your professional career in the future,” he says. Of course, the beautiful locale and vibrant outdoor lifestyle are considered bonuses.

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Study In Canada • Study Abroad

AUSTRALIA

prospects in this occupation are good. Pharmacists are considered medication management experts and are recognized as an integral part of the Canadian health care system. There is a wide variety of career choices open to registered pharmacists, including retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, research positions within universities or research institutes, or various positions in the pharmaceutical industry. With so many career choices available, many Canadian students find participation inside and outside the classroom to be just as important as learning the material. What better way to find out which area of the pharmacy profession is for you? “My best advice I could give to someone coming from overseas is to get involved with the school early; it will make school a lot more enjoyable,” Roy says, “and it’s a great way to meet people who share the same passion for pharmacy and helping others as you do. You’ll be surprised as to how many doors will open if you get involved with the field.” In order to incorporate practical experience with in-class learning, pharmacy programs include placements, sometimes offering the student the opportunity to return to Canada. Very often, the biggest piece of advice Canadian students studying pharmacy in Australia have for future students is to encourage them to gain work experience – even by volunteering – on trips back to their homeland prior to graduation. James Cook University Pharmacy graduate Jeremy Warner suggests that students make the most of these placement opportunities. “JCU allows you to do a work placement in your home country. I would definitely take advantage 46

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of this. It really helped to learn the process of how things are done in Canada compared to Australia,” Jeremy says. He also stresses the importance of practical experience via the workforce. “I would also suggest getting a job at a local pharmacy as soon as possible. It will help with studying as you will be forced to look at products and discuss them with a pharmacist as well as with customers. I found this really helped me learn about the over-the-counter products and boost my confidence in discussing health concerns and medications with random strangers.”

What happens after you graduate? In Canada, the profession of pharmacy is regulated on a provincial and territorial level. The regulatory authorities are directly responsible for granting pharmacist licenses, assessing the competency of pharmacists, and ensuring public safety. If you graduate from an Australian Bachelor of Pharmacy program, you are eligible to apply for Canadian certification through the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC), and then for provincial certification through the provincial certification board in the province in which you wish to practice as a pharmacist.

Once you attain PEBC certification, each province has their own requirements such as practical experience, language proficiency, and jurisprudence examinations on pharmacy legislation and practice standards. “Be patient with the licensing process,” says Deedee. “You can complete the entire process within seven to nine months if you use your time wisely!” If you are considering pharmacy as your career choice, you have many options to choose from, including studying in the land Down Under. Australia may be far from home, but the opportunity to shorten the distance is as close as connecting with the people around you. “The best thing about the program is that you meet people from all across the world,” Roy says. “Together, you take part in classes, labs and rotations, and you hold each other accountable. You end up spending the next three to four years together and become essentially a family, or as we like to call it, a ‘pharmily’.”

Contributed by: Julie Reynolds, Communications Officer, OzTREKK educational services www.oztrekk.com

“I recommend doing the evaluating exam as soon as you graduate, to get it out of the way,” says Deedee, who is now practicing in Ontario. She also encourages graduates to really focus on studying for the qualifying exams. “Some of the material from the PEBC qualifying exam requires self-learning. A lot of time and effort went into that, but it’s well worth it.”

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Go to school. Stay out of debt.

VOLUNTEERISM

Volunteering in Peru

a Rewarding Experience

Graduation is an exciting time for everyone, as it marks the end of the familiar and the beginning of the unknown. For me, walking across the stage was especially exhilarating, as I knew that I would soon be leaving for Peru to teach English for six weeks. My knowledge of the country was minimal to say the least, and my decision to go there was the result of information I got from the Study and Go Abroad Fairs. I had always known that I wanted to volunteer

Study In Canada • Study Abroad

internationally and experience other parts of the world, yet had no idea where. After searching online for volunteer organizations I came across the one that suited my needs. What stood out about this organization was its variety of projects. Their website provided potential volunteers with opportunities to work on a vast array of projects including teaching English, building a skate ramp, or working at a dog shelter.

The organization also appeared to be very transparent with how your funds would be spent. This was a key part of my decision. After exchanging several emails with one of the organization’s managers, I committed myself to spending six weeks teaching English in the coastal town of Huanchaco. Culture shock struck me the minute I stepped off the plane in Peru. I was greeted by a woman

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VOLUNTEERISM

from the organization who promptly informed me that one of the most important things to remember during my stay was not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. At that point, I realized I wasn’t in Canada anymore. When I met my host family later that day, I could do nothing but stare at them with a blank expression as they welcomed me into their home, speaking only Spanish. Did I mention that I didn’t speak Spanish? In an attempt to clear my head, I decided to go for a walk and explore the city, only to further submerge myself into culture shock as I walked through the surrounding area, gawking at the strange buildings and dogs running through the street. I was so afraid to enter any restaurants that I returned home to eat leftover crackers from the plane for dinner. The next day I was introduced to the other volunteers, which is when my experience took a turn for the better. We went for lunch, where we quickly bonded over ceviche, a Peruvian specialty made from raw fish soaked in lime juice. What was incredible to discover, was the broad range of nationalities that had come here to volunteer. Somehow, I had found myself sitting at a table in Peru with people from Austria, Italy, France, Armenia, and England. From that point on,

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we could almost always be found together, watching movies, making ‘family dinners,’ or embarrassing ourselves trying to learn salsa at the local bar each Thursday night. Teaching was quite challenging at first, mostly because of my lack of Spanish. Thankfully, I was paired with other volunteers who had basic knowledge of the language. It was hard not to feel helpless when a student would ask a question and all I could say was “no entiendo.” I also began working at a related organization that gives kids a place to go when they aren’t at school. I wish I could describe how incredible those children were. One of the students, Fran, was so smart; every day he would come up and show me his notebook from school. Even though we didn’t speak the same language it was clear how proud he was of everything he had learned. During my spare time, I would visit the dog shelter with Pepe, the local veterinarian. Some days at the shelter were extremely difficult. The dogs were constantly fighting and injuring one another and many were quite sick. I called my mother crying one night after Pepe informed me that my favourite dog had passed away. Thankfully, there were happy times to make up for the sad. One such joyful experience

was when we held an adoption event and found homes for four of our dogs in three hours. Although I struggled when I first arrived in Peru, it eventually felt like home. Teaching and even daily life became easier after a few Spanish lessons. I made some incredible memories. The experience proved to me how capable I could be when faced with a difficult situation. One example is when I travelled into the interior, and I failed to write down the hotel’s name. I walked around the city for two hours in the dark. Crying. Eventually, with a bit of luck, I found my way by following landmarks I had noticed earlier in the day. When it finally came time for me to leave Peru, I felt a tremendous mix of emotions. I was happy to be returning to my family in Canada, and to be able to once again drink water from the tap. I was also sad because it meant leaving the people who had become my family in Peru. I still miss the many incredible individuals I met there, and the constant chaos which I grew to love. Contributed by: Claire Wood, age 18, Victoria, BC

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SCOTLAND

World-Class Study Destination:

Scotland

Scotland has more worldclass universities per head of population than anywhere else in the world. Three key features of higher education in Scotland, which makes it a destination of choice, include the quality of education underpinned by world-class research, the tremendous breadth of learning on offer, and a focus on employability.

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Scotland has four universities in the world’s top 200. Around the world, Scotland’s universities are synonymous with excellence. The quality of teaching in Scotland’s universities is recognized as world class. A highly renowned and rigorous quality-enhancement framework underpins this, as overseen by the Quality Assurance Agency. A particular feature of Scotland’s quality assurance mechanisms is a strong element of student participation in the review process, and a national programme of enhancement, aimed at developing and sharing good practice. This model is now being mirrored in universities across Europe. All degree programmes have a strong theoretical underpinning and many have a strong vocational element, and both learning and teaching take place in close association with advanced research and scholarship activity. Every university undertakes some research deemed to be of world-leading quality, meaning that students have the potential to be taught in an environment shared by academics that are pushing the frontiers of their fields and gaining recognition globally. Researchers in Scotland’s universities are responsible for many world-changing discoveries and innovations including the MRI scanner, development of keyhole surgery, and the theory that first posited the existence of the Higgs Boson particle. In the 2013 National Student Survey, which records the satisfaction levels of final-year undergraduate students with their learning experience, Scotland’s universities were judged to have the highest overall satisfaction ratings in the UK, with 86%.

Employability Employability is embedded as a strong focus within the curricula in Scotland. This commitment

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returns dividends, as Scotland’s universities are proud to boast the highest rate of positive designations in the United Kingdom. Nine out of every ten graduates go on to work or further study within six months of graduation. Graduates from Scotland’s universities also have the highest starting salaries in the UK. Each institution also has a set of graduate attributes, which they look to develop in every student irrespective of their course or discipline studied. Such attributes, which are in high-demand from employers across the globe, include the capacity to think independently, to exercise judgement and initiative, the cultivation of team-working and leadership skills, and the application of evidence-based argument. Universities regularly engage with employers, professional bodies, and others in the design, development, and accreditation of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses they offer. At last count, universities in Scotland worked with over 115 professional bodies, which can give employers additional reassurance that graduates emerge from university workready. In addition to the curricula content, Scotland’s universities have a network of professional careers staff to offer support and guidance to their students, from enrolment to graduation – and beyond. International students (those not from EU countries) are eligible to work for up to 20 hours per week for the duration of their studies. Post-study work opportunities are also available for international graduates who meet certain criteria of the UK Borders Agency Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website, www.gov.uk/browse/ visas-immigration.

SCOTLAND

World-leading quality

Breadth of study Scotland’s university sector is able to offer over 4,500 courses in more than 150 subject groupings at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Scotland’s four-year undergraduate degree structure is sometimes referred to as the ‘gold standard’ of university education. It follows a longestablished European tradition, which is emulated by a range of nationals across the world. The four-year undergraduate degree model has been copied by many countries including the United States and most recently Hong Kong. No other country within the UK offers this degree structure as standard. Advantages of the four-year undergraduate degree include: Enhanced flexibility in subject choice, which allows students to experience new subjects without committing to them longer-term; the opportunity for students to mature academically, honing their intellectual skills, and personally before committing to a specialism; academic breath, which is valuable in terms of academic development and is attractive to employers; and the opportunity for specialization in later years of the undergraduate degree but from a broader base, which provides stronger academic foundations for later study. The framework of the fouryear degree is fully compatible with the Bologna Process, which supports the increased mobility and compatibility of degree programmes across the European Union. Each university develops its own curricula and method of assessment within the parameters of the academic infrastructure, drawing on the strengths and expertise of its academic staff. This means that no two degree courses are exactly the same. This diversity is one of the great strengths of the sector in Scotland. Source: www.studyinscotland.org

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UNITED KINGDOM

Optometry Studies in the UK

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UNITED KINGDOM

UK optometry schools offer BSc and Masters programmes, both of which will prepare you for entry to the IOBP. Credentialing information for entry onto the IOBP can be found at http://forac-faroc.ca. The IOBP will take either two months or one year (depending on how you do on the entry exam), after which students are required to write the Canadian board exam.

What is an optometrist? Optometrists are primary healthcare specialists trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality, and problems with general health. A detailed examination of the eye can reveal conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Optometrists make a health assessment, offer clinical advice and, when necessary, prescribe glasses or contact lenses. In addition, optometrists can dispense, fit, and supply glasses or contact lenses.

Where can I study optometry within the UK? Canadian students are welcome to apply to study optometry in UK institutions; the universities that currently offer the programme are: • England -- Anglia Ruskin University -- Aston University -- University of Bradford -- City University of London -- University of Manchester -- University of Plymouth • Wales -- Cardiff University • Scotland -- Glasgow Caledonian University • Northern Ireland -- University of Ulster – Coleraine campus

If I study in the UK, can I return to work as an optometrist in Canada? If you’re internationally trained as an optometrist (i.e., in a country outside of North America), and you wish to return to practice in Canada, you need to complete the International Optometry Bridging Program (IOBP). So, you are able to practice optometry in Canada, there’s just an extra step required.

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I am confused about which programme I need to apply for. Do I need to do the BSc Optometry, MOptom and ‘Doctor of Optometry’? In the UK, most optometry students will have completed GCSEs and A-levels before entering onto an Optometry BSc degree programme. Students are not required to have an undergraduate degree like they are in Canada. The route to becoming a qualified optometrist in the UK includes the following steps: 1. Completion of a BSc Optometry degree 2. Completion of the Scheme for Registration, which usually takes around a year. Students are based in an optometric practice anywhere in the UK and are paid during this year. During this year, students sit professional qualifying exams that are set by the College of Optometrists (see http://www.collegeoptometrists.org). Once these exams have been passed, the student can apply for registration with the General Optical Council (www.optical.org) This process takes around four years in total. In the UK, optometrists to not automatically use the prefix ‘Dr’ like they do in Canada. There are two ways in which UK optometrists might become Doctors of Optometry: 1. By completing a PhD by research 2. By completing a Doctor of Optometry

What are the A-level courses that form part of the entry requirement for UK applicants? A-levels are requirements for UK students. In the UK, optometry, medicine, dentistry, and all other vocational degrees are undergraduate programmes that students apply to when they are in their second year of A-level study (aged 17-18 years). Canadian applicants can apply to study optometry directly from High School, or after you have completed an undergraduate degree (please check the course webpages for specific details). However, it is important for you to be aware of requirements for entry onto the International Optometric Bridging Programme (IOBP) when considering your application, if you are planning to go back to Canada to work as an optometrist:

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UNITED KINGDOM

Canadian applicants to the IOBP must either: • have completed three years of full-time undergraduate university studies in science subjects prior to enrolling to the optometry programme, or, • have completed three years of work experience in the UK after completion of the pre-registration period and registration with the General Optical Council. For more detailed entry requirements please contact the Admissions Team within each university.

How do you apply? All applications should be made via the UCAS system (https://www.ucas.com/)

Can you apply before you complete your undergraduate degree? Yes – if you apply before completing your undergraduate degree we will do one of two things: • Make you an unconditional offer based on your High School grades. This means that, if you accept, you will automatically have a place on the programme for the next academic year. If your High School grades do not meet our entry criteria, then we may..

• Make you a conditional offer based on your performance to date on the undergraduate degree programme. For example, we might say that we will accept you onto the programme if you achieve a GPA of 3.5. If you do achieve a GPA of 3.5 then you will automatically have a place on the programme. If you don’t, you may still be offered a place depending on how many other applicants meet the terms of their conditional offers. The vast majority of offers that we make to UK applicants will be conditional on their A-levels results. This means that we don’t know how many places are filled until the A-level results are released in August.

How many references do they require, and what type of references? Follow the guidelines provided for the UCAS system. We usually expect at least one reference and this reference should be an academic one. If you have additional work-related references then you can submit these additionally. Contributed by: Dr Hannah Bartlett, Admissions Tutor for Optometry, Aston University, UK. www.aston.ac.uk Photos provided by Aston University

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International scholarships available Get in touch with our representative in Canada, Olga Skordou on 647 621 1912 or oskordou@gmail.com www.sunderland.ac.uk/international

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