Preparation for Studies at North American Universities
Welcome Thank you for your interest in our International Preparatory Programs! These successful programs are designed to build the skills and confidence you need to ready yourself for the academic and cultural demands of studying at a North American university. The programs take place at the University of British Columbia s beautiful campus in Vancouver, Canada. Bordered by the ocean and lush forests, Vancouver is frequently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world and is well known for its fresh air, safety and recreational opportunities. I am proud to welcome you to the University of British Columbia, which has a global reputation for excellence and consistently ranks among the 40 best universities in the world.* Established in 1908, UBC is a Canadian public institution with campuses in both Vancouver and Kelowna with 18 faculties, 14 schools and 3 colleges offering approximately 200 undergraduate programs and 300 graduate programs to more than 57,000 talented students. Join students from around the world at our great university. Our programs will help you build global citizenship skills, gain new insights, develop valuable job skills, as well as create lasting friendships and fond memories of Vancouver. Yours truly, Dr Judith Plessis Executive Director UBC Continuing Studies * www.ubc.ca/about/global.html Cover Photo Martin Dee Photo Martin Dee
Photo Vancouver Tourism Contents For Graduate Study International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP).................. 6 International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP).................. 8 For Undergraduate Study International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP)........... 12 For High School Students Experience University Life at UBC (EUL)................................... 14 3
Succeed in Your North American University Studies Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. Confucius, Chinese philosopher (551-479 BCE) I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think. Socrates, Greek philosopher (469-399 BCE) 4
Photo Martin Dee UBC Continuing Studies is an academic unit of the University of British Columbia (UBC) with a 75-year history of serving well over one million students and hosts 2,000 international students annually in our programs. In 2004, we were the first to offer what is now the longest-running, academic preparation program for international students. Based on our experience, we saw that many talented and qualified international students were not successful in their academic admissions to Western universities, nor in completing their degree studies due to a lack of understanding of North American academic culture. UBC Continuing Studies created the International Preparatory Programs (IPP) to help students understand that admission to North American degree programs is both complicated and really only the first step to achieving their goals. We guide students beyond their admission process and teach the skills they need to thrive in an unfamiliar academic culture and to complete their degree successfully. We have high admission standards, work closely with each student as they prepare their degree study applications, and provide reference letters for all that they accomplish. UBC Continuing Studies offers international students four unique opportunities to gain the cultural and academic skills needed to succeed at a North American university. Geared toward individuals with undergraduate degrees who are now considering completing a master s degree, the International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP) builds the knowledge, skills and cultural awareness that international students need for admission to and success in highly competitive graduate programs. For students who are part way through their undergraduate degrees and would like to know more about graduate study before they commit to a larger program, we also have the much shorter International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP). Designed for prospective undergraduate students, the International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP) prepares students for the academic and cultural demands of studying in a North American setting. For middle- and high-school students, the Experience University Life at UBC (EUL) program offers international students 15 to 18 years old a short program to help them discover and clarify their future academic plans. All of these full-time IPP programs take place at the scenic UBC Vancouver campus. * www.ubc.ca/about/global.html 5
International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP) Graduate Study Success Admission to graduate-level education at a North American university is both complicated and really only a first step. The International Graduate Study Preparation Program (IGSPP) guides students on not only how to choose and apply to the best master s program for them, but how to thrive as a graduate student in an unfamiliar academic culture. This program ensures that students have the skills they need to successfully complete a master s degree at a North American university. Program Benefits UBC Continuing Studies has developed two paths in the IGSPP program so students can select the focus that is right for their academic goals: IGSPP-Regular Stream and IGSPP-Credit Stream. Both are full-time options that can be completed in as short as four months for those with strong English fluency. Students from any academic discipline (Business, Engineering, Education, etc.) can participate, and both streams include individual guidance specific to the student s graduate degree focus (finance, robotics, adult education, etc.). Both streams help students with: upgrading English fluency (if needed) researching various universities to find the ideal program understanding the admissions process and developing a plan for graduate study building communication and cultural skills needed to achieve academic goals at their preferred graduate school developing both critical thinking and academic skills to succeed. IGSPP-Regular Stream is cohort-based and takes place over 14 weeks. It provides an opportunity for participants to work on advancing their academic and cultural skills within a small group of similar international students. This approach models the group work involved in graduate studies. IGSPP-Credit Stream is a 16-week, non-cohort program that allows participants to take part in both credit and non-credit public courses at UBC alongside Canadian students. The topics are tailored for review to the individual student and no two programs are the same. This approach models the individual work involved in graduate studies. Photo Martin Dee View cstudies.ubc.ca/igspp for program and registration details. 6
Photo Martin Dee IGSPP History 600 IGSPP has helped more than 600 international students prepare for their graduate study in North America. TOP 40 IGSPP was the first graduation preparation program to be offered by a Top 40 university. 10th year Now in its tenth year, IGSPP is the longest running program of its kind in North America. 90% IGSPP students have a 90% success rate in obtaining Canadian study visas. For more information about admission to graduate programs at UBC, view grad.ubc.ca IGSPP alumni have a satisfaction rate of 82% with the program. Many IGSPP students have received offers from McGill, University of Toronto, UBC and other well-known universities. 7
International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP) Introduction to North American Graduate Study During their undergraduate degrees, many students begin to think about pursuing a graduate degree at a North American university. They wonder about what kind of programs are available, whether they would be admitted, and how it s different from undergraduate study. The International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP) provides international students the opportunity, within a short time frame, to explore all of these questions and more at one of the world s top universities. Program Benefits This program is just over 3 weeks long and specifically designed to provide international students with a brief overview of graduate study and academic culture in Canada and the United States. Benefits of the program include: explanation of the competitive and complex nature of graduate school admission guided exploration of the academic paths and master s programs available discovery of how research leads to academic and career opportunities taking part in campus life at a highly-ranked university enjoying the beautiful Vancouver region in the summer. Note: Completion of IGSIP does not guarantee admission to degree programs at UBC or any other post-secondary institution. Admission to graduate programs is controlled by that institution s policies and admission standards. View cstudies.ubc.ca/igsip for program and registration details. Photo Martin Dee 8
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International Preparatory Programs Timeline and Highlights 2004 Spring-Fall: First graduate study preparation program (IGSPP) in development October: First applicant to IGSPP is from Guangdong, China 2011 September: First IUSPP graduates begin their undergraduate degrees. 100% accepted at UBC IGSPP introduces new Credit Stream option 2005 2006 90%+ Canadian student visa acceptance rate July: First group of students begins IGSPP 52% increase in enrolment compared to 2005 2012 September: First IGSPP-Credit Stream students begin program December: Since the beginning of IUSPP, 100% of graduates have been accepted to North American universities, 94% of those who applied to UBC were accepted October: First undergraduate study preparation program (ICAP) in development IUSPP enrolment in 2012 doubles from 2011 figures 2007 February: First applicant to ICAP is from Qingdao, China September: First group of students begins ICAP 2008 IGSPP recognized by UBC Senate as a certificate program 2010 ICAP and IGSPP raise the minimum language admission requirements Spring: Development begins on a completely redesigned undergraduate preparation program (IUSPP) to replace ICAP. The new program includes UBC credit course study September: First group of students begins IUSPP 2013 2014 February: Initial IUSPP graduates who complete their first year at UBC have grades that are a significant 8.5% higher than other international undergraduates at UBC Summer: First group of students begins International Graduate Study Introductory Program (IGSIP) Summer: Initial Experience University Life at UBC (EUL) program welcomes first group of 15- to 18-year-old students 11
International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP) Undergraduate Success Many North American undergraduate degree programs now have broad-based admission standards that look not only at a student s grades, but life experiences and community involvement as well. This application process can be complicated for international students to navigate. Once they are admitted, students find themselves attending classes in English in an unfamiliar academic setting where they are expected to think critically and creatively, manage their time efficiently, work well both in teams and as individuals, communicate effectively, and obey all of the strictly-enforced academic rules. For international students far from family and friends, this can all become a bit overwhelming. To prepare students for North American academic life, UBC Continuing Studies has designed the International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program (IUSPP). The program helps students decide which universities to apply to, how to pick a major, how to complete the application process, and how to cope with classes and exams. By the end of IUSPP, our graduates are much more confident and prepared to succeed in their degree program. Program Benefits IUSPP is a full-time program that allows students to adjust gradually to academic life and study in a North American environment through a combination of credit and non-credit study and individual support. IUSPP offers students the following: English language course options (if needed) six credits of UBC undergraduate courses (selected from over 70 course choices) a comprehensive university writing course or options for pre-calculus or differential calculus individual mentorship and guidance, including assistance with undergraduate applications to UBC and other universities guidance on time management and course loads for peak performance development of critical thinking, teamwork, communication and networking skills access to UBC facilities, such as libraries and recreation centres, as well as a public transportation pass for the duration of the credit term of studies. Although there is no guarantee that graduates from IUSPP will be admitted to UBC or any other post-secondary institution, by the end of 2012, 94% of our IUSPP graduates were offered admission to UBC and the remaining 6% were offered admission to other prestigious Canadian universities. View cstudies.ubc.ca/iuspp for program details and registration. 12
Photo Don Erhardt IUSPP History TOP 40 IUSPP originates from a Top 40 university in the world and began in 2010. 4 months IUSPP can be completed in as little as four months. 92% of the graduates complete the program either on time or sooner. 100% of all IUSPP graduates up to 2012 have been admitted by North American universities. View you.ubc.ca for more information about admission to undergraduate programs at UBC. Note: UBC credit courses completed as part of IUSPP may be eligible for recognition toward a degree program at UBC or other North American universities. 92% 94% of IUSPP graduates up to 2012 who applied to UBC received an offer of admission. 13
Experience University Life at UBC (EUL) Summer Programs for International High School Students A university education in North America can open many new opportunities for the future. But many students wonder what it is like to live and study at a Canadian university. Introducing high school students to what is expected of them in a university environment helps prepare them for successful entry into the next phase of their education. Experience University Life at UBC (EUL) is a summer pre-university program for 15- to 18-year-old high school students from around the world. The program can be taken over two, four or six weeks. Students can choose from one or more courses. There are five courses to choose from in EUL. Two are Preparatory courses that help students develop their English speaking, listening and presentation skills. The other three are Academic courses that cover the same type of material as first-year undergraduate courses to provide a sample of what is traditionally delivered over thirteen weeks, with a focus on specific academic and professional subjects. Program Benefits small classes taught by qualified and experienced UBC instructors and faculty a preliminary understanding of Canadian university life improved cultural appreciation and understanding within a Canadian context friendships with other international students with similar educational interests and aspirations a chance to develop the confidence needed to participate in and succeed at university full cultural, social and academic experience while living and learning on campus in residence For those students that choose the Preparatory courses, they can also expect to gain: increased understanding of the university admission process and requirements enhanced English-language proficiency in classroom and real-life settings vocational testing to assist in defining their future educational plans and career goals. For those that choose the Academic courses, they can also expect to gain: a first-year university experience in a small classroom setting exposure to specific academic and professional career interests. View cstudies.ubc.ca/eul for program details and registration. 14
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Flight times to Vancouver (transfer may be required) Beijing 10.5 hours Hong Kong 11.5 hours Tokyo 9.75 hours Vancouver Seattle 1 hour Toronto 5 hours Los Angeles 2.5 hours Mexico City 5.5 hours New York 5 hours London 9.5 hours Moscow 15 hours Abu Dhabi 17 hours New Delhi 20 hours Bogota 9 hours Abuja 15.5 hours Nairobi 18 hours Sydney 18.25 hours Sao Paulo 15 hours Johannesburg 20 hours 2175 West Mall, 5th floor Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4 cstudies.ubc.ca/ipp Copyright 2013 UBC Continuing Studies IPP1310