Capilano university study abroad student handbook
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Study Abroad Student Handbook
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Transcript of Capilano university study abroad student handbook
Study Abroad Student
Handbook
TableofContents
About Capilano U .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Centre for International Experience ......................................................................................................... 4
Academic Schedule ................................................................................................................................... 4
Study Abroad at Capilano University ............................................................................................................ 5
Application Deadline ................................................................................................................................. 5
How to Apply ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Course Selection ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Course Registration ................................................................................................................................... 6
English Language Requirement ................................................................................................................. 7
Cost and Fees ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Permits and Visas ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Medical Insurance ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Arrival ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Living in Canada .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Housing Accommodation ........................................................................................................................ 10
Transportation ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Laws and Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 10
Financial and Banking Services ............................................................................................................... 11
What to Pack ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Canadian Holidays ................................................................................................................................... 12
Checklist .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Campus Map ............................................................................................................................................... 14
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AboutCapilanoUniversityFounded in 1968, Capilano University is one of the oldest publicly funded postsecondary institutions in
British Columbia. With more than 7,000 students, the university welcomes over 700 international
students from over 52 countries. Known for its reputation for teaching excellence and innovation,
Capilano University has distinguished itself by its commitment to student success. The University offers
bachelor degree, arts & science transfer, associate degrees, career/vocation programs and English as a
second language (ESL). Credentials awarded from Capilano University are widely recognized throughout
Canadian and credits are easily transferred to schools in Canada and overseas. The University’s main
campus is situation in North Vancouver, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
CentreforInternationalExperienceCapilano University offers many services for international students. We can help with academic
resources, medical insurance, living in Vancouver, Mentorship set up and much more.
Wong and Trainor Centre for International Experience
Capilano University Library 127 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, BC V7J 4H5 Tel: (1) 604.990.7914
Fax: (1) 604.983.7576 Website: www.capilanou.ca/studyabroad Exchange students from partner universities Email: [email protected] Visiting International Students from non‐partner universities Email: [email protected] General Enquiries from International Students: Email: [email protected]
AcademicScheduleCapilano University operates on a system of three academic terms each year but will only accept
exchange students during the Fall and Spring term. You will be able to spend one or two terms at
Capilano University depending on approval from your home university. For exact dates please see
www.capilanou.ca/services/study‐abroad/Key‐Dates/
Fall term: early September to mid December Spring term: early January to mid April Summer term: early May to mid August (only open to VISP students)
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StudyAbroadatCapilanoUniversityExchange Student
If your home University is a partner institution to Capilano University, you may apply as an Exchange
Student. Your application must be approved by, and submitted through your University's International
Office.
Visiting International Student
If you are enquiring about studying for one to two semesters and your home University is not a partner
institution to Capilano University, you may apply as a Visiting International Student to our Visiting
International Student Program (VISP). Capilano University welcomes students currently studying in their
home country looking for a semester abroad experience as well as recent international high school
graduates with no previous post‐secondary education who are interested in a gap year experience.
ApplicationDeadline
May 31 for Fall semester (September ‐ December)
October 15 for Spring semester (January‐April)
February 15 for Summer semester (May ‐ August)*
*Please note that the Summer semester is only open to VISP students.
HowtoApplyApplication documents can be found at www.capilanou.ca/services/study‐abroad/How‐to‐Apply/
1. Complete the Capilano University International Application for Admission
This is a general application form for all international students seeking admission to Capilano
University.
2. Complete the Course Selection Form
We recommend that exchange students take 9‐12 credits (3‐4 classes) per term. Full time status at
Capilano University is 9 credits. Please note that your home university may require you to enrol in a
specific number of units, or courses during your time at Capilano University, which may be higher
than our recommendations.
3. Include Official Transcript of Academic Records
The Official Transcript of Academic Records must be an original document that is certified with the
institution stamp or seal to prove authenticity. Documents issued in a language other than English
must also include a certified translation in English. Please submit post‐secondary documents only,
high school documents are not required.
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4. Include Proof of English Language Proficiency
Student’s English aptitude must be sufficient to participate in course work conducted in English. For a
detailed list of all ways to meet the Capilano University English Language requirements, please see
our website at www.capilanou.ca/admission/requirements.
For Exchange students from our Partner Institution, you may submit a letter of reference stating the
student's level of English. This letter can be written by the International Exchange Coordinator,
institution instructor or English professor.
5. Submit Completed Application Package
Completed applications for students from a partner institution can be emailed to
Completed applications for visiting international students studying for one or two semesters can be
emailed to [email protected]. Official documents may need to be submitted at a later date.
CourseSelectionWe recommend study abroad students take 3 to 4 courses per term at Capilano University (9 to 12
credits). Full‐time status at Capilano University is normally a minimum of 3 courses. Please note that
your home institution may require you to enroll in a specific number of credits or courses at Capilano
University, which may be higher than our recommendations. For more information, please visit
www.capilanou.ca/programs/study‐abroad/exchangestocap/course‐selection
Please note that access to courses for exchange students is limited, and is restricted to students from
universities with whom Capilano University has a specific program exchange agreement. To find out
whether your university qualifies, please speak with your home university co‐ordinator or study abroad
advisor.
CourseRegistrationRegistration for classes for exchange and VISP students is done by the Centre for International
Experience on your behalf. You will be required to submit a preliminary Course Selection Form with your
application package. Once your application has been processed, your Courses Selection will be reviewed
by the department to which you courses fall under to ensure that all pre requisites are met.
Exchange and VISP students will then be sent their course schedule. It is very important that you review
your schedule and the courses you have been registered in. Students will have the first two weeks to
add, drop or change classes but finding a course that does not have a waitlist will be very difficult.
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EnglishLanguageRequirementStudent’s English aptitude must be sufficient to participate in course work conducted in English.
Capilano University recognizes the following English assessments:
TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language): 83 (internet‐based score), 220 (computer‐based
score), 560 (paper‐based score). Contact www.ets.org/toefl
ELA (English Language Assessment Test): 145. Contact: Vancouver Community College, King
Edward Campus, 1155 East Broadway
Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5 overall and no one score
less than 6. Contact [email protected]
CAEL (Canadian AcademicEnglish Language Assessment Test): 70. Contact www.cael.ca
PTE(Pearson Test of English ‐ Academic): 56. Contact http://www.pearsonpte.com
Capilano University has agreed to pilot accepting the DAAD language test with a minimum B2
level as proof of meeting the English Language requirement for Visiting International Students
only (visiting, non‐degree). This pilot initiative will begin with the Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 term
intakes. Capilano’ s Centre for International Experience will monitor the performance of
students who are admitted with this DAAD result before officially adopting the DAAD over the
long term. Degree‐seeking students must meet standard English language requirements in the
approved ways.
For a detailed list of all ways to meet the Capilano University English Language requirements, please see
our website at www.capilanou.ca/admission/requirements.
For Exchange students from our Partner Institution, you may submit a letter of reference stating the
student's level of English. This letter can be written by the International Exchange Coordinator,
institution instructor or English professor.
CostandFeesMost exchange students will pay tuition to their home University. Please check with your coordinator to
verify this tuition fee waiver. All Exchange students must pay for a UPASS. The UPass (student transit
card) is $36.75 per month and will cover you for the full duration of your four month semester.
VISP students pay standard international student tuition fees. Tuition fees at Capilano University are
calculated on a price per credit basis. All VISP students are also required to pay standard Capilano
University incidental fees and private health insurance coverage for their entire period of study provided
by Guard Me.
The fees for a four month semester:
$147.00 (tuition fee waived exchange students)
$10,100‐13,500 (approximate costs for 5 courses) Approximate fees as of December 22, 2014. Please see www.capilanou.ca/fees/Tuition‐and‐Other‐Fees/ for most updated
tuition and fee costs.
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PermitsandVisas
One‐Term Students
If you are studying at Capilano University for only one term (less than 6 months), you are not required to
have a Study Permit. Citizens from certain countries will, however, be required to have a Temporary
Resident Visa.
Two Term Students
If you are studying at Capilano University for more than 6 months, you must have a study permit. In
addition to a Study Permit, citizens from certain countries will also be required to have a Temporary
Resident Visa.
Study Permit
As an international student, you must obtain a study permit to be legally permitted to study in Canada
for more than six months. This document is issued through Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC). You
must apply for this document before you arrive in Canada. Please apply for this document as soon as
possible as processing times can be anywhere from several weeks to several months. You will not be
permitted to attend Capilano University without a valid study permit. Please see the CIC website to learn
how to apply: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp.
Temporary Resident Visa
Some international students will also require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV – sometimes referred to
as an ‘entry visa’ or ‘visitor’s visa’) to enter into Canada. This document must be obtained before you
arrive in Canada. Please check the list of countries that require this document on the CIC website:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp. If you require this document, you can apply for it at the same time
as you apply for your study permit.
Working in Canada
International Students can apply for an off‐campus work permit only if they have:
• a valid Study Permit;
• studied full‐time (at least 9 credits/3 courses) for at least 6 months within the 12 months before
applying to work off campus (the 6 months do not have to be consecutive); and
• maintained satisfactory academic standing (CGPA of 2.0 or better).
Please note that on or after June 1, 2014, International Students will be authorized to work off campus without a separate work
permit (a valid Study Permit will be sufficient), but they will still be required to study full‐time and maintain satisfactory
academic standing. Students who work off campus will still not be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during a
regular academic session.
* Please note that International Students cannot do a co‐op or internship with an off‐campus work permit.
Section 91 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act states that only a bona fide Immigration Consultant (http://secure.iccrc‐
crcic.ca/search‐new/EN) or a lawyer can provide assistance with your immigration application or proceedings. Capilano University staff cannot
represent you or provide you with legal advice, but we can help you navigate the Citizenship & Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca).
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MedicalInsuranceMedical coverage is compulsory for every international student at Capilano University for the duration
of their study period in British Columbia. All exchange students who cannot produce proof of sufficient
coverage will be automatically enrolled in Capilano University’s basic medical insurance plan for
international students. The cost of coverage is $2 per day starting from your date of arrival to departure.
Medical coverage for students studying for a 4 month semester will be approximately $240 CAD and will
cover medical physicians, hospital visits, some extended health benefits and emergency dental. For
more information on this coverage please go to www.guard.me
All students residing in British Columbia for more than six months are required to purchase BC provincial
health insurance, which is called MSP.
ArrivalWe recommend that you arrive at least one week before the first day of classes. This will give you
enough time to settle in, become familiar with the campus and university community, and attend
orientation.
International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students. At orientation you
will:
• learn valuable information to help you succeed at Capilano University and transition to life in
Vancouver and in Canada
• learn how to access your Cap courses and student information online
• meet the Centre for International Experience team
• meet our International Leaders and Mentors who are eager to welcome you and offer you
student‐to‐student support
• obtain a Capilano University Student Identity Card
• obtain a UPass
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LivinginCanada
HousingAccommodationPlease note that it is your responsibility to secure accommodations in Vancouver. Neither your exchange
coordinator nor the Capilano University Centre for International Experience is able to secure a place to
live on your behalf. It is highly recommended that all exchange students secure accommodation well in
advance of their arrival in Vancouver.
While private accommodation may be found in Vancouver upon arrival, appropriate and affordable
options can be very difficult to come by, particularly during the late August/early September ‘Back to
School’ period. Also keep in mind that, in Vancouver, a standard private residential lease is one year in
length — inexpensive, short‐term (4‐6 months) accommodation is generally difficult and/or expensive to
arrange.
Homestays are the companies that arrange all our homestays. Homestay includes a private, furnished
room, three meals per day (optional), and access to laundry facilities in a Canadian family environment.
We have had a great partnership with them so we trust that they will accommodate to your needs.
First Choice International Placement www.fciplacement.com
Fully furnished services arranges suites, apartments, and rooms that are rented for a fee each month
including all furnishings and utilities. This accommodation is usually shared with other students.
Bell Accommodation www.bellacc.com
TransportationPublic Transportation in Vancouver is generally comfortable and reliable. A network of buses, trains,
Skytrains, and Seabuses (ferries) link all parts of the city. The Vancouver Regional Transit System
(Translink) is divided into three fare zones. The U‐Pass program at Capilano University provides eligible
students with lower transit fares during their school terms. A U‐Pass gives students unlimited access to
bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services within Metro Vancouver, as well as discounts on West Coast Express.
You will be able to obtain your U‐Pass on Orientation Day.
For full details on Lower Mainland public transport, fares and timetable see: www.translink.ca
LawsandRegulationsEven though you are only in Canada for a short period of time, you are expected to respect and obey all
the laws. You are responsible for being aware of all the laws. As an international students, any law‐
breaking activity could have serious consequences and could even result in deportation. Some of the
laws you should be award of are as follows:
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Alcohol
It is illegal in British Columbia to drink alcohol if you are under 19 years of age.
• you cannot carry open alcohol in a car or walking in public
• you cannot drink in a public place if there is no alcohol license
• you cannot drink and drive any type of motorized vehicle. Drinking and driving (or “driving
under the influence of alcohol”) is a very serious criminal offence. International students can be
fined, imprisoned, or deported if convicted.
Drugs
Drugs are dangerous and addictive. It is illegal to possess, buy or sell drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy,
methamphetamines (speed or crystal meth), LSD, cocaine, heroin, and many other drugs. Any person
who violates these laws could face prosecution, which could lead to fines, a jail term and deportation.
Smoking and Tobacco Laws
You cannot purchase tobacco products if you are under 19 years of age. Picture identification may be
required when purchasing cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is both illegal and culturally
unacceptable to smoking in a non‐smoking area. You cannot smoke in any public places such as: bars,
clubs, restaurants and government offices. Some outside spaces have designated smoking areas.
FinancialandBankingServicesThe Canadian dollar is the only currency commonly accepted across Canada. You can exchange most
currencies for Canadian dollars at most commercial banks. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard
or American Express are widely accepted. Diner’s Club and JTB are not commonly used.
Remember to inquire about the service fees and length of time required for each transaction. Some
foreign banks have branches in Vancouver but they may focus on corporate business and may not
provide an appropriate range of personal financial services. Check if your home bank has a special
linkage agreement with one of the banks listed below:
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) www.rbc.com
• Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Company www.hsbc.ca
• Toronto‐Dominion Bank (TD) tdcanadatrust.com
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) www.cibc.com
• Bank of Montreal (BMO) www.bmo.com
Some banks offer special student accounts and student packages. You should research all options and
select a bank that best suits your needs. It is advisable to arrive in Canada with at least $200 in Canadian
currency and immediate access to about $500 ‐ $1000 to cover initial expenses. Remember, if you
choose private residence, that it is standard practice for landlords to request two months rent in
advance of moving in.
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WhattoPackVancouver is a casual city for fashion. Due to unpredictable weather, it is recommended you bring warm
and cool clothes. The dress code on campus is casual. You will find that people in Vancouver are very
active and enjoy the outdoors. North Vancouver is a hiking Mecca! Some extra clothing tips include:
• Hiking boots if you want to explore the local mountains or go camping
• Exercise clothes and bathing suit if you want to use the recreation facilities
• Good walking shoes
• Ski pants and jacket if you plan on snowboarding or skiing at our world class winter sport
destinations
• Formal business attire for exchange students in the Business Administration and Tourism
programs. Students will be required to dress professionally during class presentations or
activities (usually once or twice per course). One pair of suit pants/trousers, a long sleeved
collared shirt, tie, or skirt will be sufficed. Suit jacket not required but highly recommended.
CanadianHolidaysThe following are days of celebration or public holidays in Canada. Statutory Holidays are days when
employees are legally entitled to a day off with pay, hence many businesses remain closed. All statutory
holidays marked with an asterisk (*).
New Year’s Day * January 1
BC Family Day * Second Monday in February
Saint Valentine’s Day February 14
Saint Patrick’s Day March 17
Good Friday * Friday after the first full moon in springtime
Easter Monday Monday after Good Friday
April Fool’s Day April 1
Victoria Day * Monday before May 24
Canada Day * July 1
BC Day * First Monday in August
Labour Day * First Monday in September
Thanksgiving * Second Monday in October
Halloween October 31
Remembrance Day * November 11
Christmas Eve December 24
Christmas Day * December 25
Boxing Day December 26
New Year’s Eve December 31
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Checklist
Before Arrival
I have gathered information on studying at Capilano University at my home institution and on Capilano University’s website www.capilanou.ca/studyabroad
I have completed Capilano University‘s application package and submitted to the international co‐ordinator at my home institution. Applications need to be received by the Study Abroad Office by May 31st (fall term) or October 15th (spring term)
I have found accommodation
I have made sure my passport is valid throughout my stay in Vancouver
I have registered online for the mandatory International Student Orientation
I have signed up online for a Capilano University mentor
I have paid all fees owing on my Capilano University student account by the fee payment deadline
To Bring along
Valid passport and visa (if required)
Proof of valid health insurance (please bring a copy)
Official admissions document for the CIE (only applicable to VISP students)
Letters of Acceptance from Capilano University
Credit / debit card
Cash for the first days in Vancouver
Some items that represent my country, culture and university. These items will help me share information about my home with students, faculty and others I meet here who may be interested in learning more about my country and the exchange program
First Steps in Vancouver
I have moved into my accommodation
I have visited the Centre for International Experience (LB127) and submitted any Learning Agreements for signature for my home university
I have brought my passport, study permit (if required) and proof of medical insurance to the International Student Orientation
I have participated in the New Student Orientation Program
I have purchased all textbooks required for first day of classes
I have updated my current address in my student profile
Before Departure
I have paid all remaining fees on my Capilano University student account
I have signed a Student Records Release Form and Request for Official Transcript of Academic Record. Exchange students only: your Capilano University Transcript will be sent directly to the international coordinators at your home institution
I have submitted to the Study Abroad Office my Evaluation/Feedback Form
I have checked whether I have all of the necessary documents regarding my study program at Capilano University (e.g. confirmation of stay)
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CampusMap
