DIPLOMA, CERTIFICATE AND DIPLOMA/DEGREE PROGRAMS
Welcome to the Marine Institute. This guide contains information that will help you with your arrival plans and transition to life in Canada. We encourage you to read it carefully. MI is committed to assisting you with any problems or concerns you may have during your studies here. So, don’t hesitate to contact us any time!
ABOUT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY (MUN) AND THE MARINE INSTITUTE (MI) Memorial University is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary, public, teaching and research university. It offers more than 100 degree programs to more than 18,500 students at four campuses and throughout the world. Not far from the St. John’s Campus, the largest campus among the four, is the Marine Institute (MI). MI is Canada’s leading centre of marine learning and applied research. We are dedicated to education, training, applied research, and industrial support.
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YOUR CONTACT POINTS MI International (MII) is the international office at Marine Institute. With Student Affairs and Office of the Registrar, MII manages international student recruitment and provides international student services at MI. We also collaborate closely with the Internationalization Office (IO) at the St. John’s Campus to provide various support services for you! Please see our contact information below: MARINE INSTI T U T E ( M I )
155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, NL Office Hours: Monday to Friday — 8:30am to 4:30pm (8:30am to 4:00pm during summer)
MI INTERNATI O N A L ( M I I ) O F F I C E
MI STUDENT AFFAIRS
Room C3218, 3rd Floor Tel: (709) 778-0408 E-mail: internationalstu@mi.mun.ca Facebook: facebook.com/International.MI
Room W3011 & W3013, 3rd Floor
Angie Clarke
Director Tel: (709) 778-0565 E-mail: angie.clarke@mi.mun.ca
Sonia Ho
International Student Coordinator Tel: (709) 778-0631 E-mail: sonia.ho@mi.mun.ca Skype: miinternational_isc
Krista Sweetland
Student Liaison Officer Tel: (709) 778-0611 E-mail: krista.sweetland@mi.mun.ca
MEMORIAL UNI V E R S I T Y ( S T . J O H N ’ S C A M P U S ) :
Internationalization Office (IO)
Corte Real, Room 1000A, Burton’s Pond Apartments 57 Allandale Road, St. John’s, NL Tel: (709) 864-8895 E-mail: international@mun.ca Facebook: facebook.com/MUNinternational Twitter: twitter.com/memorial_intl Instagram: instagram.com/muninternational 3
WHAT’S NEXT? Now that you have been accepted and have paid your $150 confirmation fee by the assigned deadline, you should be completing the following: POST ADMISSION (PAGES 4-7):
❑ Apply for study permit (p. 5) ❑ Decide on housing (p. 5) ❑ Join MI Mentorship Program (p. 5) ❑ Set up your MUN Portal, MUN e-mail and MI Accounts (p. 6) ❑ Complete medicals and collect additional documents (if applicable) (p. 6-7) AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (PAGES 8-16):
❑ Book temporary housing if permanent housing is not confirmed (p. 8) ❑ Book your flights to YYT (St. John’s) and sign up for airport greeting service (p. 8-9) ❑ Register with the Internationalization Office (IO) (p. 9) ❑ Register for your courses (p. 9-10) ❑ Understand your fees and health insurance (p. 10) ❑ Pay your fees ahead of time and transferring money (p. 10-11) ❑ Familiarize yourself with the Academic Calendar for school regulations and Academic Diary for important dates (p. 11) ❑ Pack and prepare for travel (p. 12-16) AFTER ARRIVAL (PAGE 17):
❑ Settle in and update your family/friends ❑ Visit MI International (MII) ❑ Attend orientation!
If you have any questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
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POST ADMISSION APPLY FOR STUDY PERMIT Most international students are required to obtain a study permit before studying in Canada. Depending on your country, you may be required to apply for a visitor’s visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) as well. For more information on these documents and how to apply, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (www.cic.gc.ca/english/study). If you have any additional questions, please contact IRCC (www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts). As this process could take up a long time, you are strongly recommend to apply RIGHT AFTER you are admitted to your program. You can check the estimated application processing times here: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times.
DECIDE ON HOUSING MI students can access MUN Student Residences as well as resources at the Off Campus Housing office at St. John’s Campus. Student Residences (www.mun.ca/residences): Most on-campus accommodations are located approximately a 15-minute bus ride to Marine Institute. There are three types of housing: dormitory, apartment style housing, or family housing. To apply, you need to follow the instructions on the Student Residence website above. Space fills up quickly, and you can apply as soon as you have applied to a MI program. Off Campus Housing (www.mun.ca/student/DepartmentsUnits/offcampus): If you choose to live off-campus, you can begin your search online through the rental properties listing on the Off Campus Housing website. You should look for housing that is close to school. If the housing location is farther way, you should consider how you will commute to school. More information about the local bus system is available under the “Pack and Prepare for Travel - Research about Canada, Newfoundland and St. John’s” section below. The IO also provides some helpful tips and resources on housing here: www.mun.ca/international/students/housing.php
JOIN MI MENTORSHIP PROGRAM MI Mentorship Program matches new students with senior students, who could provide some help in navigating the academic system and the new environment. A mentor will be assigned depending on availability. For more information and to apply please visit: www.mi.mun.ca/departments/disabilityservices/mentorshipprogram.
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POST ADMISSION (CONTINUED) SET UP YOUR MUN PORTAL, MUN E-MAIL AND MI ACCOUNTS Once accepted to MI, you will be assigned a MUN Portal (my.mun.ca) account and an @mun.ca e-mail account. The MUN Portal will allow you to access various services (including Self-Service, where you can register, view your timetable, pay your fees, check your marks etc.), and important e-mails from the university will be sent to your MUN e-mail regularly. To set up your account, visit login.mun.ca, click “create account” and follow the prompts. In addition, you will have @wave.mi.mun.ca email account, where you will receive MI specific information regularly. You will also need to set up your MI computer account to access the computer network in the building. More information about these two items will be covered at the MI Orientation.
COMPLETE MEDICALS AND GATHER ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE) For certain programs, you are required to complete a medical and provide additional documents. TRANSPORT CANADA (TC) MEDICAL / CANADIAN ASSOCIATE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCERS (CAPP) MEDICAL TC Medical is required for students in the following programs: • Diploma of Technology/Bachelor of Technology: Ocean Mapping • Diploma of Technology: Marine Engineering, Marine Environmental, Nautical Science • Technical Certificate: Bridge Watch, Harvesting, Marine Diesel Mechanics CAPP Medical is required for students in the following programs: • Diploma of Technology/Bachelor of Technology: Underwater Vehicles • Technician Diploma: Remotely Operated Vehicles Fire Rescue (Technical Certificate) students will receive more information from the Admissions Office regarding the medical required. Please note that, the TC and CAPP medical examinations must be completed by physicians in Canada. International students should obtain a general medical before coming to Canada to ensure there are no major medical issues that can inhibit you from completing your programs. For more information please refer to the information sent to you by the Admissions Office. Once in St. John’s, the two medicals can be performed at Atlantic Offshore Medical Services (4 Henry Street). It generally costs about $130-180 Canadian dollars. Appointments should be made via e-mail (clinic@aoms.nf.net). For the TC Medical, you are required to obtain a Candidate Document Number (CDN) at a Transport Canada Office prior to completing the medical. The office in St. John’s is located at 10 Barter’s Hill, within walking distance to the Atlantic Offshore Medical Services office.
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POST ADMISSION (CONTINUED) OTHER DOCUMENTS A Certificate of Conduct (sometimes known as a police record check) is required for students in the following programs: • Diploma of Technology/Bachelor of Technology: Ocean Mapping, Underwater Vehicles • Diploma of Technology: Marine Engineering, Nautical Science • Technician Diploma: Remotely Operated Vehicles • Technical Certificate: Bridge Watch, Fire Rescue, Marine Diesel Mechanics In addition, a Seaman’s Discharge Book (also known as Seaman Service Book, Seaman Record Book etc.) from students’ home country will be required for the programs below: • Diploma of Technology: Nautical Science, Marine Engineering • Technical Certificate: Bridge Watch, Marine Diesel Mechanics Please bring these documents along with you when you come to Canada.
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED BOOK TEMPORARY HOUSING If you have not confirmed housing in St. John’s, you may wish to book temporary housing for the first few days of your arrival as you look for long term accommodation. For suggestions on temporary accommodations, please visit: www.mun.ca/international/students/temphousing.php.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND SIGN UP FOR AIRPORT GREETING SERVICE Orientation for all new first semester undergraduate students will take place on September 5 and September 6 for Advanced Diploma Students. All your lectures will begin on September 6. If you are staying at a campus residence, please check with Student Residences Office directly for the first day you can move in. In general, it is not necessary for you to arrive far in advance of the start of classes. Arriving a few days to a week before classes begin should be sufficient. If you are planning to search for off campus housing after your arrival, you should arrive at the end of August. Check with your travel agency or the airline directly about the most reasonable fares for travel between your point of departure and St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. There may be discounts for students, so do not hesitate to ask. Air Canada now offer direct flights through London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and WestJet offer flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Please ensure your final destination is St. John’s (YYT) in Newfoundland as there are many cities with similar names. If you are not flying through London, your flight to St. John’s is likely connected through one of the following Canadian international airports: • Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) • Toronto, Ontario (YYZ) • Montreal, Quebec (YUL) • Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ) Please note that you will go through Customs and Immigration at the first point of entry in Canada. You should allow at least two hours to go through immigration when booking your connecting flight to St. John’s. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for documents you need to bring and show to the immigration officers when you first arrive in Canada: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/arriving.asp Your final destination should be St. John’s, Newfoundland and not any other city in Canada. Some travel agents cannot book flights within Canada, but you can book it yourself through the websites of Canadian airlines such as Air Canada, Westjet, Porter and Sunwing. Please make the booking BEFORE you leave your country. If you decide to stop over at any city in Canada before you fly to St. John’s, please ensure you have enough money to cover costs for food and accommodation (you may want to do so anyway in case of delays or flight changes and for your taxi ride when you first arrive). 8
AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED) Finally, when you reserve your ticket, please ensure your name is spelled exactly the same as it is on your passport. The IO offers a friendly airport greeting service for students arriving in St. John’s! Cost of transportation to your accommodation is not covered. You can register for the airport greeting service by following the steps here: www.mun.ca/international/students/beforearrival/#airportgreeter. Upon arrival, you can also hop into a taxi outside the arrival area of the St. John’s International Airport. Taxi fare to downtown St. John’s generally costs $30 or more. Metrobus (bus system in St. John’s) Route 14 is now servicing the airport. Cash fare is $2.50. More information about the service can be found here: www.stjohnsairport.com/to-from-airport/ground-transportation/public-transportation/.
REGISTER WITH THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OFFICE (IO) In order to register with the IO, you must have your MUN Portal and MUN e-mail account set up (see the “Set up Your MUN Portal, MUN E-mail and MI Accounts” section above on how to do so). Visit my.mun.ca and log in. Then, click the ‘Students’ tab at the top of the page and ‘ISA Services’ at the bottom right hand corner. Follow the instructions and answer the questions on each screen. You can leave the questions incomplete if you are unable to answer. Upon arrival, you must attend one of IO’s information sessions. We will offer one on the MI Campus within the first couple weeks of school. These sessions will provide you with important information on things such as health insurance, immigration and other initiatives offered through the IO.
REGISTER FOR YOUR COURSES Registration for courses usually begin more than a month before the semester begins. For Fall 2017, registration will begin July 17 and will be ongoing until September. Students in programs that require medicals will not be permitted to register for classes unless satisfactory copies of the required documents have been received by the Registrar’s Office. You should not register until your study permit is approved, as you are required to pay your school fees once registered. If you are not able to come, we do not want you to incur any school fees. If for some reason you did register ahead of time but are not able to pursue your studies, please ensure you drop ALL your courses BEFORE the full refund date.
Students who do not register before the registration deadline may be denied permission to register. If late
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED) registration is permitted, students must pay a late registration fee. No student may register after the official deadline for adding courses, which is usually two weeks into the semester. Please follow the instructions below to register: www.mi.mun.ca/departments/officeoftheregistrar/howtoregister/ For information about important deadlines and dates, please visit the 2017-2018 Academic Diary: www.mi.mun.ca/media/marineinstitutewwwmimunca/mi/officeoftheregistrar/files/ AcademicDiary2017-2018.pdf
UNDERSTAND YOUR FEES AND HEALTH INSURANCE It is important that you check your financial charges on Self-Service at the beginning of each semester. You are responsible for paying all your fees by the first day of class, otherwise a late fee will apply. All registered students are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan. International Students are automatically enrolled in the foreign health insurance plan. More information regarding health insurance coverage for international students is available here: www.mun.ca/international/programming/healthinsurance/.
PAY YOUR FEES AHEAD OF TIME AND TRANSFERRING MONEY As the first few weeks in Canada can be quite hectic, you may wish to make arrangements to transfer your school fees to Canada ahead of time. You can pay your school fees through one of the following methods: 1) International check, money order, or bank draft – send to the Office of the Registrar at MI, address it to “Memorial University of Newfoundland”, and be sure to indicate your name, student number and program with the payment. 2) Wire transfer (bank info can be provided upon request) – be sure to: i) make the wire payable to “Memorial University of Newfoundland”, and ii) indicate your name, student number and program name with your payment. Please note that the sending and receiving banks may charge a service fee for the payment. Any extra fees paid will either be refunded or applied to any future charges. 3) Online with a credit card – this option is available ONLY after registration, payment can be made through Self Service (www5.mun.ca/admit/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin) or the MUN Portal and only MasterCard credit cards are accepted. If you require a receipt of your payment, please send an email to BOTH of our cashiers: dapne.barron@mi.mun.ca and pamela.butler@mi.mun.ca. One of them will respond to you shortly. Once you have arrived and set up a local bank account, you will also have the options to pay by telephone and online banking, or in person with cash and debit card.
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED) A breakdown of your school related fees is available here (please check back periodically for updates): www.mi.mun.ca/departments/officeoftheregistrar/. Other ESTIMATED expenses per year: In general, living expenses are very personal and can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle. Our international students usually spend between C$15,000 and C$18,000 a year in living expenses (excluding all school related fees). Please note that the living expenses listed below are only estimates: Accommodations 1 bedroom in a house @ $500/month
~ $6000
Note: varies depending on location and type of accommodation.
Groceries
$3600
Books & School Supplies (vary by program and types of books purchased
~ $2000
Personal Needs Including: clothes, transportation, entertainment, telephone, laundry etc.
TOTAL PER YEAR
$3600
~ $15,200
For transferring additional funds to Canada, please speak to your financial institutions regarding your options. If you have an account with a bank that has international branches (e.g. HSBC, Scotiabank), you should find out ahead of time how to access your funds in your account back home while in Canada.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND DIARY It is very important that you understand the academic regulations outlined in the Calendar and are aware of all important dates in the school year listed in the Diary: FOR CERTIFCATE OR DIPLOMA STUDENTS (INLCUDING ADVANCED DIPLOMA STUDENTS): MI Academic Calendar: www.mi.mun.ca/calendar/2017 MI Academic Diary: www.mi.mun.ca/media/marineinstitutewwwmimunca/mi/officeoftheregistrar/files/ AcademicDiary2017-2018.pdf FOR DIPLOMA OF TECHNOLOGY/BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS, please also note the following: MUN University Calendar: www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar MUN University Diary: www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar/sectionNo=GENINFO-0086
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED) PACK AND PREPARE FOR TRAVEL Before you start packing, it is advisable to check the Canada Border Services Agency website (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html) to verify what items are permitted to be brought into Canada. In addition, you should check with your airline to find out restrictions on carry-on and checked baggage. You should be able to purchase all essential and daily use items in Canada. The general rule of thumb is to bring ONLY items that you cannot live without. Below are a few suggestions about what to bring. CLOTHING We dress rather casually in Canada. However, you may want to bring some traditional and formal clothing for special occasions (e.g. cultural events, class presentations, job interviews etc.). If you are coming from somewhere warm, you may find the weather in St. John’s and Newfoundland much cooler compared to home. Bring your warmest clothes and sweaters if you have any, otherwise you should wait until you arrive to purchase any winter clothing and gear. Since weather can fluctuate quite a bit (even within a day), we advise students to dress in layers. This way you can adjust the layers based on the weather and the temperature in/outdoor.
DAILY NEEDS Cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, beddings and toiletries can all be purchased at local grocery stores (e.g. Dominion or Sobeys) or big box stores (e.g. Walmart or Canadian Tire). However, you may wish to bring some spices from home as they may not be available at the regular or specialty grocery stores here. If you are bringing any food items, please ensure you meet the requirements of Canadian Border Services Agency, otherwise you can be fined and the items can be confiscated. A set of sheets and a pillow case may also come in handy when you first settle in. Student Residences Office or your landlord should be able to tell you ahead of time what is included in your accommodation.
ELECTRONICS Generally, it is easier to purchase your electronics once you are here. If you are bringing any electronic equipment, please make sure they are compatible with Canadian Voltage (110 volts, 60Hz). If they are not, you will need to purchase a voltage converter. In some cases, you may also need to purchase a plug adapter, You should bring along your chargers as well.
CARRY-ON Remember to carry your essential documents, such as passport, other personal identifications, flight itinerary and ticket info, travel insurance etc. You may wish to pack a small pillow and a light blanket for your long journey and for your first few days upon arrival. In addition, you should carry your medications, electronics and valuables (if applicable). It is also a good idea to carry a change of clothes and some basic travel size toiletries in case there is a layover or delay. Bring some local currency, a credit card that can be used overseas (if you have one), and a few snacks. Again, please ensure you review and follow the guidelines for carry-on baggage with your airline.
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED) RESEARCH ABOUT CANADA, NEWFOUNDLAND AND ST. JOHN’S Canada is the second largest country in the world measured by area. So, our climate and cultures vary greatly from province to province. St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s most easterly province. It is close to the ocean and features some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever experience. Our city is safe, affordable and rich in cultures. It offers a vibrant music and art scene, and people are very friendly! Temperatures in St. John’s tend to be neither extremely hot nor cold. During the summer months, the temperature ranges from cool to hot with an average of 18-22 degrees Celsius. Our winters are 0 to -5 degrees Celsius on average, but it can feel colder with the wind (windchill effect). For more information about Canadian weather and forecasts, please visit the Environment Canada website: weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html For transportation, most students get around the city by bus or on foot. During summer and fall, some students may bike as well. Others may purchase a car or call a taxi when needed. Our public transit system is called Metrobus (www.metrobus.com). You can search for schedules and bus routes either on the Metrobus website or on Google Maps (maps.google.ca). Bus fare is generally $2.50 per ride (or discounted with a bus pass). You can ask for a transfer slip from the driver if you need to change buses to reach your destination. Routes 1, 13, 14 and 16 go to the Marine Institute. Please feel free to ask the driver if you are not sure what bus to get on or where to get off. Sunny summer days in Newfoundland are among the most delightful anywhere in Canada. You can go whale watching, iceberg sighting and berry picking! There are plenty of places to hike, swim and picnic in St. John’s. Only a short drive outside the city, you will find provincial parks, camping grounds, nature preserves, hiking trails, and much more. During winter, students can enjoy activities such as skating, sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding and skiing within or right outside the city. For more information about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the city of St. John’s, you can visit: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com and www.stjohns.ca
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED)
FIGURE 1 Google Maps image of travel time/distance between Marine Institute campus and St. John’s campus: • commuting – 20 minutes, • walking – 28 minutes (2.3 km), • driving – 4 minutes (2.1 km).
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED)
FIGURE 2 Google Maps image of commuting time between Marine Institute campus and downtown St. John’s: • commuting – 36 minutes, • walking – 53 minutes (4.2 km), • driving – 10 minutes (4.9 km).
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AFTER STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED (CONTINUED)
FIGURE 3 Google Maps image of commuting time between Marine Institute campus and the nearest mall (Avalon Mall): • commuting – 20 minutes, • walking – 28 minutes (2.3 km), • driving – 4 minutes (2.1 km). 16
AFTER ARRIVAL SETTLE IN AND UPDATE YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDS Contact your family and/or friends to let them know you have arrived! There are various applications you could use to call or send messages for free through Wi-Fi. You can access free Wi-Fi at the university (either St. John’s campus or MI), most coffee shops and some public areas (eg. airport).
VISIT MI INTERNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONALIZATION OFFICE After you arrive in St. John’s, please visit MI International and meet the International Student Coordinator. You will find out what you need to do next and get your questions answered (e.g. how to set up cellular/mobile phone, opening a bank account etc.). You will be receiving regular emails from your International Student Coordinator regarding activities or events at MI that are relevant to you. In addition, by registering with the IO, you will receive regular emails with information concerning international students.
ATTEND ORIENTATION! Students who attend orientation sessions usually have an easier time in their classes, in making friends, and in finding help when they need it. Attending orientation is your first step to succeed at Memorial University! In collaboration with the IO, we will offer a mandatory info session for international students at the MI campus. You should also participate in other orientation activities offered through MI. More details about these session will be available soon!
Finally, we wish you a safe journey to St. John’s and we look forward to seeing you soon!
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Marine Insti t u t e P.O. Box 492 0 , S t . J o h n ’ s Newfoundland a n d L a b r a d o r Canada A1C 5 R 3 facebook.com / m a r i n e . i n s t i t u t e twitter.com/ m a r i n e i n s t i t u t e instagram.co m / m a r i n e . i n s t i t u t e youtube.com/ m a r i n e i n s t i t u t e p r