PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT PRE-DEPARTURE GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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3 INTERNATIONAL PRE- DEPARTURE GUIDE Welcome to Seneca College...1 Preparing for Seneca Next steps checklist Applying for your study permit...2 Where do I apply How do I apply Study Permit Application Checklist HOUSING...3 On Campus Residence Off Campus Residence Airport Pick UP Housing and Airport Pick Up Checklist TUITION PAYMENT...4 Refund POSTPONING YOUR STUDIES (DEFERRAL)...5 ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM PLACEMENT...5 PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL...6 Important Documents Clothing Electrical Appliances Customs Health insurance YOUR FIRST DAY AT SENECA...7 Where to Go, What to Bring Skills Assessment Testing What to Bring Checklist Orientation Transfer Students STUDENT LIFE AT SENECA...8 International Student Services Centre One Card Service Athletics and Recreation Libraries Computing Commons and Help Desk Student Clubs Food and Drink HOW TO CONTACT US...10 YourFuture Forms A-E... APPENDIX

4 WELCOME TO SENECA COLLEGE. Congratulations on being admitted to Seneca College. Seneca is Canada s largest post-secondary institution, with close to 100,000 students and eight campuses in the Toronto area. Seneca also hosts more than 2000 international students from 95+ countries. At Seneca, you will find an ultra-modern learning environment with highly trained and dedicated professors. Seneca is located in Toronto, Ontario, North America s fifth largest city with a population of 4.7 million people. Toronto is the economic and trade centre of Canada and is the world s most diverse city, with more than 50% of its residents born outside of Canada. With Over 100 languages spoken on its streets, you are sure to feel at home in this exciting metropolis. You probably have a lot of questions about the next steps in your Seneca experience. This guide contains important information to help you prepare for your studies. Please read it carefully. If you need more information, please contact us at: International.Admissions@senecac.on.ca WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU. PREPARING FOR SENECA COLLEGE NEXT STEPS CHECKLIST Apply for your study permit Apply for On-Campus housing or assistance with locating off campus housing Pay your tuition fees and arrange your finances Read the new student orientation information carefully Prepare for your move to Canada using our What to Pack and First Day at Seneca College checklists 1

5 INTERNATIONAL PRE- DEPARTURE GUIDE APPLYING FOR YOUR STUDY PERMIT Now that you have your letter of acceptance, you will need to obtain a Canadian visa (see a list of countries that require a visa at and a study permit (regardless of your country of citizenship) for studies lasting longer than six months.) WHERE DO I APPLY? obtain your study permit and visa (if you need one), by applying at the Canadian Embassy or Consulate. to learn which consulate/embassy is authorized to process applications from your country, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada webpage: apply-where.asp Pay your fees and submit supporting documents. read the instruction guide at: gc.ca/english/information/applications/ guides/5269etoc.asp for information on completing your application and the documents required. IMPORTANT: If you are coming to Seneca for programs that last less than six months you will not need a study permit. HOW DO I APPLY? You will need to fill out an application form: IMM1294B.PDF HOUSING ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE This guide contains a brochure for Seneca College Residences. If living in residence at Seneca, you will need to make reservations and pay a deposit. To apply, visit the Seneca Residences website at You must also indicate your housing preferences on the attached Housing and Airport Pick Up Form (Form E) if you require airport pick up. STUDY PERMIT OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING There are two types of housing accommodation available to International students requesting to live with a local family: APPLICATION CHECKLIST Homestay - a room in a house with a local family; includes three meals a day Now that you have read the guide and completed your application for a study permit, please go over the checklist below. I HAVE: A valid passport Completed application for a study permit Completed use of representative form (if applicable) Six photos as per photo specifications outlined in the CIC instruction guide Letter of acceptance from Seneca Proof of funds available (as specified in the CIC instruction guide) Fee payment in an acceptable format Additional documents as required by the visa office where you are applying (if any) Room in a House - same as Homestay with no meals included. Please use the attached Housing and Airport Pick Up Form (Form E) to indicate what type of housing you require. AIRPORT PICKUP REQUESTS If you require airport pick up, send the attached Housing and Airport Pick Up Form (Form E) once your flights to Canada are confirmed. HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR HOUSING AND PICK-UP REQUEST FORM There are three ways to submit the Housing and Airport Pick Up Request Form: 1. Complete Form E and fax it to Complete Form E scan and it to: Stanley.White@senecac.on.ca or Sergio.Vasquez@senecac.on.ca 3. Complete an online form at for Homestay and Room in a House accommodation options NOTE: If submitting online, you will need to submit a separate form for Airport Pick Up request: Once your application is received you will be contacted with further information. Note: Citizens of the United States can apply for their study permit at their port of entry (border crossing) 2 3

6 INTERNATIONAL PRE- DEPARTURE GUIDE TUITION PAYMENT This section outlines the steps you will need to take in order to pay your tuition fees. IMPORTANT: Make sure your Seneca ID number (found in the left hand corner of your Letter of Acceptance) is quoted on any form of payment you send to the College. SELECT YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT You can pay by certified cheque, credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Amex) or by wire transfer. Please fill out the attached Tuition Payment Form (Form B) and it send back to us. CERTIFIED CHEQUE INSTRUCTIONS If paying by certified cheque, please mail to: Seneca College International Admissions 1750 Finch Avenue Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 CANADA IMPORTANT: Please make sure your student ID number is quoted when sending payments via mail. Include the fee bill with your payment. CREDIT CARD INSTRUCTIONS If paying by credit card, please complete all credit card information on the attached Tuition Payment Form (Form B). WIRE TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS If paying by wire transfer, please note the information below: Seneca College account: SWIFT code: ROYCCAT2 Royal Bank of Canada 7481 Woodbine Avenue Markham, ON L3R 2W1 Note: Your bank will need all of this information in order to transfer funds to Seneca College. Pay your fees before the expiry date on your Letter of Acceptance (upper right hand corner of your Letter of Acceptance). You are expected to pay first semester fees only. However, if you chose to pay for one academic year, you can do so. It is recommended that you pay your tuition fees after you apply for your Study Permit. If this is not possible and you are required to pay your fees before obtaining your Study Permit, you are entitled to a refund of your fees, less $200 in case your Study Permit/Visa application is rejected. REFUND OF YOUR FEES To be eligible for a tuition fee refund, submit the attached Request for Tuition Fee Refund form (Form C) via fax, or regular mail to the International Admissions Office before the tenth day of classes (Day 10) in your first semester. No portions of tuition fees are refunded after Day 10. If you withdraw before Day10, you are entitled to a partial refund. The amount of funds the College does not refund can vary from $200 (visa rejection) to $565 (other reasons). If you originally paid for 2 semesters, the second semester fees will be refunded in full. Refunds are normally issued to the student. If payment was made by credit card, the College will credit to that credit card. If the refund is to be issued to a third party (i.e. family member), written permission from the student is required before a refund is issued. If you are withdrawing because Immigration Canada denied your request for a Study Permit, please send a copy of their letter to International Admissions as specified in the Request for Refund Form (Form C). Please allow six weeks for the processing of your refund. POSTPONING YOUR STUDIES (DEFERRAL) Your letter of acceptance states the last day you will be allowed to register. If you cannot be in your classes by this date, you may start classes on the next available starting date for your program. Only students who paid their first semester fees can qualify for deferral. If you must delay your starting date, please submit the attached Request for Deferral Form (Form D) NO LATER than Day 10 of the semester into which you have been admitted. You can request a deferral within one academic year. Additional requests for deferrals must be accompanied by a new application to the College. You will be expected to pay your application fee again. Some programs only have one starting date per year. For example, the English Language Institute (ELI) offers six starting dates per year. Please contact us to inquire about alternative starting dates for your program. ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM PLACEMENT For several reasons, you may have received a Letter of Acceptance to a program that you did not list on your application: You did not submit a valid or sufficient score on your English as a Second Language requirement for academic study at Seneca. You must attend a preparatory program for the English proficiency demands of the professional program for which you have applied. If this assessment reveals that you do not need this additional study, you will then be admitted to your professional program. Degree to Diploma: If you applied to a degree program, you may be offered admission to a corresponding diploma program. Degree programs may require higher academic scores than those on your academic record and higher levels of English proficiency than indicated on your IELTS/TOEFL/ CAEL score report. Students who are successful in their diploma studies with grades of B or higher may request a transfer to the degree program after two years of study. Preparatory Programs: Seneca offers several programs that prepare students for admission consideration in some diploma programs. This is an opportunity to study and experience college life in a less stressful academic environment while preparing for another program. Examples of such programs include the standard stream of the General Arts and Science certificate as well as the pre-technology stream 4 5

7 INTERNATIONAL PRE- DEPARTURE GUIDE PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL YOUR FIRST DAY AT SENECA Make sure you have all that you need for your arrival in Canada. Get ready for your first day on campus. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS Attach the Address in Canada Form (Form A) and staple it to your photocopies. You will need to bring this on your first day (see overleaf). ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES Electrical systems in Canada operate at 110 volts and 60 Hz. Most appliances have a three-pin plug although some have two-pin standard North American plug. You can purchase an adaptor/converter for your existing electrical appliances if necessary. You will also need the Letter of Introduction from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate (if applicable). If staying in residence, you will need your own sheets, pillows and towels. Other important items: CUSTOMS Make a list of all the goods you are bringing into Canada, including vehicles (U.S. students). If any of the items have a serial number (electronics), be sure to record those numbers. Mark all items on your list with approximate monetary values. Make photocopies of your passport (page with your picture and ID information), visa page, your Study Permit and your Letter of Acceptance from Seneca. o Driver s license/international driver s license and driving insurance records (if you plan to drive or bring your car) o Immunization and medical records (translated if necessary) o Identification other than your passport o Credit card (if applicable). o Reference letters from your employers (if you had a job in your country). CLOTHING You will need appropriate clothing for very cold winters and warm summers. Spring and summer temperatures range from 15C (60F) to 25C (80F). Winter temperatures, excepting January, the coldest month, are slightly below freezing. People tend to dress casually in Ontario, but you may wish to bring cultural clothing or more formal wear for special occasions. Do not bring any food into Canada. Visit the Canada Border Services Agency website at bsf5068-eng.html for more information. HEALTH INSURANCE Health insurance is free as long as you are a full time student. If you become a part time student for academic or personal reasons, let International Student Services know immediately to get appropriate advice on your health insurance. If you stay in Canada during holiday breaks, you must obtain your own medical insurance. International Student Services can give you more information about your coverage once you arrive. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Regardless of the campus you are attending, you must report to the International Admissions office in Building D at the Newnham campus, 1750 Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON M2J 2X5. Make sure that you arrive for your scheduled appointment at least 10 minutes beforehand. If you were accepted conditionally to Seneca, you received a letter attached to your Letter of Acceptance explaining where to go for your placement testing. However, you still need to register to International Admissions first. There is a $50 late fee if the test is taken after the scheduled date. SKILLS ASSESSMENT TESTING Students in post-secondary diploma programs must complete the skills assessment testing. This assists the College in assigning the required English and/or Mathematics courses in your first semester. You must book an appointment by calling the testing centre once you arrive in Canada, at x6868, or by going there in person on your first day. Students accepted into a post-graduate certificate programs are not required to take a skills assessment test. WHAT TO BRING Please bring photocopies of your: Letter of Acceptance Visa Passport (page with your picture and ID information) Study Permit Fill out the attached Address in Canada form (Form A) and attach it to your photocopies. If you sent us photocopies of your transcripts and diplomas you must bring your original documents on your first day. We will return them to you upon verification. 6 ORIENTATION All international students must attend Orientation. You will receive a schedule of Orientation activities from International Student Services on your first day at the College. During orientation, you will get your student ID (OneCard), your timetable and your books and supplies. You can access the Orientation schedule online as the day of your arrival approaches. The schedule is usually posted a few weeks before the start of the semester. To access the schedule online, go to StudentOrientation.jsp TRANSFER STUDENTS If you are transferring from another institution, make sure you bring all of your course descriptions translated into English (official translations only) if you plan to apply for Advanced Standing. You may have to take an exam to qualify for Advanced Standing. 7

8 INTERNATIONAL PRE- DEPARTURE GUIDE STUDENT LIFE Being a Seneca student is about personal growth through the experience of education. You are now a member of a vibrant, active community of students, staff and teachers. The following tells you what you need to know to make the most of your experience at Seneca. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES Over the course of your studies, you will find yourself a frequent visitor to International Student Services. Our staff provide a variety of useful services and programs, including: orientation to Seneca, Toronto and Canada academic counseling immigration information peer tutoring trips, social events and sporting activities ONECARD SERVICE The Seneca OneCard is your Photo ID as well as your library card. The Seneca OneCard is for all new full time students and will be given to you during Orientation. Your first card is covered by the Student Services Fee and allows you to: ATHLETICS Seneca students have access to incredible athletic facilities, including a gymnasium, skating arena, baseball diamond, soccer field, tennis courts, beach volleyball and outdoor basketball. Compete, join in, get in shape, meet new people and have a good time. Seneca has won more Ontario championships and medals than any other college in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) history. The Seneca Sting varsity teams compete against other college teams at a high level of play. Sports include: o badminton, o basketball (men s and women s) o curling o cross country running make photocopies and use printing services (overheads and laminating). o women s fastball Access Seneca and Internet services o skiing Reserve equipment at the Sports Centre. o soccer (men s and women s) If you lose your card, there is a $10 replacement charge. o volleyball (men s and women s) o men s rugby o indoor soccer (men s and women s) 8 RECREATION Seneca Campus Recreation offers daily activities such as open gym time (basketball, badminton, table tennis, volleyball), pleasure skating and hockey. For more competitive activity, Campus Recreation offers intramural leagues and one-day tournaments, as well as intercampus and extramural events. STUDENT CLUBS Seneca has a wide variety of clubs and societies that you can join. There are also a number of cultural and ethnic clubs at Seneca College for both international and domestic students. FOOD AND DRINK There is a full range of food services on campus, including coffee kiosks, snack bars and sit-down cafeterias. For convenience, you can buy a meal card at the Newnham, Markham, King and Seneca@York campuses. The Missing Link Pub, at Newnham s SeneCentre, open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 12 noon until 3 p.m. The College also hosts regular Pub nights on Wednesdays. Doors open at 9 p.m. and last call is at 12:30 a.m. COMPUTING COMMONS AND HELP DESK Computer and information technology assistance is available in-person at the Student Help Desk in the Computing Commons at Newnham campus, and via telephone and inquiries. The Student Help Desk website contains Frequently Asked Questions, instruction sheets and additional support information ( All Seneca College students are provided with College accounts and have access to SeneNet (wired and wireless connectivity). LIBRARIES Seneca Libraries provide students, faculty and staff with online and on-campus services and resources. A wide variety of print, electronic and multimedia resources are available, including books, magazines, journals, videos and DVDs, slides and audiovisual equipment. More than 100 electronic databases offering journal and magazine articles can also be accessed through Seneca Libraries, either on or off-campus. Students can get assistance from library staff in person and through the online chat reference service, askon and our reference service Ask Seneca Libraries. For hours and additional information, please visit our Seneca Libraries website at 9

9 FORM A ADDRESS IN CANADA FORM FORM A ADDRESS IN CANADA FORM If you know your address in Canada, please indicate below. Detach this form and staple it to the photocopies of your Passport (page with your photo), visa, Study Permit and Letter of Acceptance. HOW TO CONTACT US Your Name Student ID THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS YOU CAN REACH US: 1. Send us an at International.Admissions@senecac.on.ca 2. By phone: x By mail: Seneca College International Admissions 1750 Finch Avenue Toronto ON M2J 2X5 Canada For additional information, visit Seneca s Facebook and Twitter pages. ADDRESS IN CANADA Street Name and Number City/Town Province Postal Code Home Phone Mobile Phone PERMANENT HOME ADDRESS Street Name and Number City/Town Country Home Phone Mobile Phone 10 APPENDIX

10 FORM B TUITION PAYMENT FORM FORM C REQUEST FOR TUITION FEE REFUND FORM B TUITION PAYMENT FORM Use this form if you plan to pay your tuition via credit card only. Payments via direct bank wire should be directed to: Seneca College account: SWIFT code: ROYCCAT2 Royal Bank of Canada 7481 Woodbine Avenue Markham, ON L3R 2W1 Canada If wiring the money, send the wire confirmation to International Admissions via or fax (see How to Contact Us page). Please always indicate your student ID number. Payments via certified cheque should be sent to: Seneca College International Admissions 1750 Finch Avenue East Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 Canada Please indicate your student number when you send us your cheque. CREDIT CARD PAYMENT Send to International Admissions via or fax (see How to Contact Us page) Student Name Student ID Credit Card Holder Name Credit Card Number Visa Amex Mastercard FORM C REQUEST FOR TUITION FEE REFUND REFUND ELIGIBILITY If the Canadian Embassy or Canadian High Commission refused your visa application, you are required to submit a clear copy of the refusal letter (attach to this form). A full refund minus a $ administrative fee will be issued. If withdrawing from the College for any reason other than visa rejection, an administrative fee that can vary (depending on the cost of your program) from $350 to $565, will be deducted from semester 1 fees only. Second semester fees will be refunded in full if you paid in advance. Please detach this form and staple the original letter of visa refusal to it. Refund requests for reasons other than visa denials can be sent to Seneca via or fax. Please note: We do not accept refund requests or refusal letters from the Canadian Embassy by or fax. You must send us the original letter along with this form via regular mail (see How to Contact Us page of this guide). Student Name Student ID Phone Reason for Withdrawl Will this refund be issued to a third party Yes If you checked NO, sign and send to us (see How to Contact Us ). If you checked YES, please fill out the section below: Full name and address of the person to whom the refund should be made payable No Expiry Date Amount to be Charged Signature on the Card What is this person s relationship to you? Relationship of Cardholder to Student By signing above you are authorizing Seneca College to charge the amount indicated towards tuition payments for Student whose name and ID number appear above. Student Signature Date Please allow a minimum of six weeks for refund processing. APPENDIX APPENDIX

11 FORM D REQUEST OF DEFER ADMISSION FORM E HOUSING AND AIRPORT PICK-UP FORM D REQUEST TO DEFER ADMISSION IMPORTANT: Only students having paid their first semester fees can be granted deferral of admission. You may defer your admission to Seneca College within one academic year. Subsequent requests for deferral are considered new applications and you will need to apply to Seneca College again (this includes submitting an additional application fee). Please note: if there is no new semester start date mentioned in this request, or if your program is not available in the requested semester, Seneca College will consider the next available semester start date. Once your request has been granted, you will receive a new Letter of Acceptance. FORM E HOUSING AND AIRPORT PICK-UP In order to guarantee your request for housing and/or airport pick up, we must receive your request at least two weeks prior to your arrival. Please note that for on campus housing you must book your room yourself. However, we still need to receive this form back to follow up with the Residence on your behalf. Male Female Student ID: Name Street Name and Number Student Name Student ID Original Start Date New Start Date How should we direct your mail? City/Town Postal Code Phone HOUSING REQUEST Live With Relatives (please provide address) Country Reason for Deferral Requests to defer admission must be received in the Office of International Admissions before Day 10 of the semester into which the student has been admitted. On-Campus Residence (co-ed) To reserve a room, students must contact the Residence via phone at , apply online at or seneca.newnham@stayrcc.com Room in a House (no meals provided) Cost $425-$450 The International Student Services Centre will arrange your request Homestay (meals provided) Cost $700-$750 The International Student Services centre will arrange your request AIRPORT PICK-UP REQUEST Yes, please arrange airport pick up for me. My arrival details are: Arrival Date Arrival Time Airline Flight Number Other Information No, I do not need to be picked up at the airport PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO Seneca College International Student Centre 1750 Finch Avenue Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 Canada Sergio.Vasquez@senecac.on.ca x2367 Stan.White@senecac.on.ca x2947 Fax APPENDIX APPENDIX

12 NEWNHAM CAMPUS ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS DON MILLS ROAD ENTRANCE TO CAMPUS HWY 404 FINCH AVENUE

13 SENECA CHANGES YOU. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTRE 1750 Finch Avenue Toronto, ON M2J 2X5 Canada