University Pathway Program for International Students An innovative one-year program that allows you to meet the English language requirements for the University of Victoria while completing credit courses towards a degree at the same time. English Language Centre University of Victoria British Columbia Canada
Contents 3...About the Program 4...About Victoria, BC 5...What Makes UVic Special? 6...About the English Language Centre 7...Admission to UVic and Course Information 8...Housing 9...Fees 10...Immigration Requirements and Medical Insurance 11...How to Apply Wback...Application Checklist; Contact Information Cover photo: UVic Photo Services
Photo: UVic Photo Services University Pathway Program for International Students Your education, your way The University Pathway Program was created to help you complete your ESL studies and get a degree from one of best universities in Canada in just 4 years. English language courses and a university degree could take 5 or more years, but our innovative one-year program allows students to meet the English language requirements for the University of Victoria while completing credit courses towards a degree at the same time. After successfully finishing the UVic International Pathway Program, students will enter Year 2 of an undergraduate degree. An accelerated program means students can finish their education in less time, at lower cost! Full-time, 12-month program combining comprehensive English language classes with credit courses in economics and mathematics English classes that focus on speaking, reading, writing and listening University Academic Preparation and Canadian Culture courses Language support throughout the program Access to the English Language Centre s Study Centre and Pronunciation Clinic Academic advising for credit programs Completion of a university degree in 4 years* * Expected time line for students who pass each course 3
Photo: Cheadle Photography Inc. Victoria Capital of British Columbia, Canada Victoria s unique location and beauty draw over a million tourists per year from around the world. As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is easily accessible to major urban centres in Canada and the U.S., while still providing all the conveniences of a world-class city. Beautiful capital city Friendly, clean and safe Mildest weather in Canada Scenic west coast location Amazing nature: ocean, islands, mountains, lakes and forests Excellent shopping, restaurants and nightlife Outdoor activities all year round 4
What Makes UVic Special? Like Harvard University, the University of Gottingen and the University of Oxford, UVic rates as one of the best schools on the planet according to Times Higher Education s (THE) world university rankings. UVic has a reputation for excellence and choosing UVic means celebrating excellence every single day. It means joining a diverse community of leaders who are responsible for a strong, global legacy of achievement. Being a UVic student means building an education that will allow you to reach your goals, in Canada and abroad. Students at UVic live and study in a park-like campus, surrounded by trees and nature but in modern, comfortable facilities. The one-year time that I spent in UVic s ELC was an essential transition in both my academic and personal life. On the academic level, I enhanced my English skill in all four aspects: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Also, the library skill, research skill and teamwork I learned from the language centre became the key issues for my academic success. Moreover, studying at the ELC, I gained confidence in using English, which benefits me most later on. On the personal level, participating in the activities let me understand more about this beautiful city Victoria and peaceful Canada. Queena (Yunkun) Ding 3rd Year Business Student, University of Victoria Peter B. Gustavson School of Business ELC student, 2010-2011 5
The English Language Centre (ELC) The UVic English Language Centre has been providing innovative English programs for over 40 years, specializing in pathway programs to help students prepare for degree studies at UVic. In the last 40 years, students from over 30 countries have studied at the University of Victoria s English Language Centre (ELC) to improve fundamental study and English skills. Our dedicated teachers, staff and cultural assistants work together to create a supportive, challenging and fun learning environment for everyone. Students at the ELC will be part of a diverse student population made up of students from all over the world. Our modern building has 16 classrooms, 2 computer labs and easy access to ELC support staff and teachers. Our building is centrally located close to all UVic facilities, including the bus terminal, cafeteria, gym, cafes, library and dormitories. ELC Students have access to: The ELC teacher run Pronunciation Clinic and Study Centre An Academic Adviser All UVic facilities, including: cafeterias, two gyms and the library Free ELC activities lead by our Canadian Cultural Assistants Computer-Assisted Language Laboratories (CALL) A diverse student population 6
Admission to UVic Entrance Requirements 1) Academic Requirements Students must meet the UVic academic requirements for university acceptance into first year programs. Students must also have high school mathematics. For a list of requirements for your country, please visit: http://registrar.uvic.ca/undergrad/admissions/ requirements/international.html 2) English Language Requirements Students must demonstrate an English language proficiency level of one of the following in order to receive Preliminary Acceptance: IELTS 5.5 with no section less than 5.0 / ibt 71 / ELC 490 Preliminary Acceptance Students accepted into this program will receive Preliminary Acceptance for the University of Victoria. To obtain Preliminary Acceptance, students must meet the UVic academic requirements. Students will have one year to reach the required English level for full university acceptance. The University Pathway Program is developed to allow students to reach this language requirement within one year. Standard schedule for students who pass each course Dates UVic Credit Courses English Language Centre Sept Dec 2012 Economics 100 1.5 units 12-week intensive English program: Level 490 Jan April 2013 Mathematics 102 12-week intensive English program: Level 570 April May 2013 (6 weeks) University Admission Preparation course with Canadian Studies 1.5 units May 23-June 30, 2013 (6 weeks) Ed-D 101: Learning Strategies for University Success Economics 103 3 units English Tutoring Support July Aug 2013 (8 weeks) English 135 Economics 104 3 units English Tutoring Support Students who successfully pass all courses will earn 10.5 units to put towards the 60 units required for graduation. 7
Photo: UVic Photo Services Housing Students may choose between the ELC award winning homestay program or dormitory accommodations. UVic Dormitory Live on campus in university dormitories with students from all over Canada. The dormitory program includes: a single room with a bed, desk, dresser, mirror and linens a cafeteria meal plan Students also have the option of choosing private accommodation. For more information on private housing, please visit the UVic housing board online at http://housing. uvic.ca/offcampus/ UVic Homestay Practise your English and learn about Canadian culture as a member of a Canadian family! Homestay students improve their English skills much faster than students living on their own by speaking and listening with their host families every day. Our host families are happy to share their family life and culture with you. You will be matched with a host family who has been carefully selected by program staff to ensure that they can provide you with a safe, comfortable and friendly home. Your host family will: pick you up when you arrive in Victoria provide you with a private, furnished room provide food for all meals and snacks (host cooks dinner) provide internet access help you adjust to living in a new culture provide an English immersion experience to improve your language skills 8
Photo: UVic Photo Services Fees Program Fee CAD $24,455.00* Program fee includes 10.5 Units of Credit in Economics and Mathematics 3 English Language Courses Private English tutor Health and Dental Insurance Athletic Centre membership Bus Pass Incidental fees *Fees are subject to change Homestay Fee (if applicable) CAD $800.00/month Includes all meals and a private room with a local family Homestay fees are paid directly to host family Dormitory Fees To find out more about dormitory fees, please contact UVic s Residence Services at housing@uvic.ca or visit the website: http://housing.uvic.ca/ Additional costs As well as your tuition fees, you will need between C$13,000 and C$15,000 to meet your expenses each year. These include accommodation, meals, transport, utilities, equipment, textbooks, recreation and entertainment. Important Dates and Deadlines August 3, 2012: First installment due December 7, 2012: Second installment due March 1, 2013: Third installment due 9
Photo: Tourism Victoria Immigration Requirements and Medical Insurance Canadian Immigration Laws After completing the Program Application Form and paying the application fees, students receive a Letter of Acceptance from UVic to take to the nearest Canadian Embassy /Consulate. It is the student s responsibility to obtain the correct visa or permit. Study Permit Students must have a Study Permit to study in Canada for more than 6 months. Students must apply for a Study Permit in their home country. Study Permits can be renewed in Canada. For more information about the Study Permit, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp Medical Insurance All English Language Centre students must have medical insurance and should confirm that it covers any activities they may participate in (including sports). Insurance needed: Before leaving home, buy private medical insurance for the first 3 months of your stay. You MUST apply for British Columbia Medical Services Plan (BCMSP) upon arrival (3-month waiting period). For more information, visit: www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp 10
Photo: UVic Photo Services How to Apply Visit our website at http://www.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/apply/ for more information on application and fee deadlines. Students must: Be 18 years of age or older by the first day of the program Meet Canadian visa requirements while they are in Canada Buy medical insurance for the duration of the program Provide proof of language proficiency (IELTS 5.5 or ibt 71) Contact Information: Email: elcreg@uvcs.uvic.ca Phone: 1-250-721-8469 Fax: 1-250-721-8774 Fees due upon registration: $250 Application Fee $1000 Program Deposit $250 Homestay Fee (if applicable) Application does not guarantee admission. Apply for programs early as space is limited, and wait for your Letter of Acceptance before making travel arrangements. The English Language Centre/University of Victoria reserves the right to change fees, schedules and courses without notice and to cancel courses if enrollment is insufficient. See the Application Checklist on the back of this brochure 11
University Pathway Program for International Students Your education, your way Photo: UVic Photo Services English Language Centre Division of Continuing Studies University of Victoria PO Box 3030 STN CSC Victoria BC V8W 3N6 Canada Phone 1-250-721-8469 Fax 1-250-721-8774 Email elc@uvcs.uvic.ca Website: www.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc Application Checklist Complete and sign: University Pathway Program for International Students Application Application for admission to the University of Victoria (this application must be completed to gain Preliminary Acceptance to the University) Complete and sign the Homestay Application Form (if applicable).* Include the Application fee and deposit(s). Include the Homestay fee (if applicable). Include a copy of your passport. Send the ELC your application by email, fax or online. * These forms will not be processed without a student signature. 1M Dec 2011