International Student Handbook

Transcription

International
Student
Handbook
VAN C O U V E R 2 0 1 0 / 1 1
Contacts
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
DEVELOPMENT
1783 West Mall
Tel: 604.822.5021
E-mail: [email protected]
www.students.ubc.ca/
international
GO GLOBAL:
INTERNATIONAL LEARNING
PROGRAMS
1783 West Mall, Top Floor
Tel: 604.822.0942
E-mail [email protected]
www.students.ubc.ca/global
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
INITIATIVE
1200 - 1874 East Mall
Tel: 604.822.8999
you.ubc.ca/vancouver
FACULTIES
FACULTY OF APPLIED
SCIENCE
Ana Chicoine, International
Student Coordinator
Engineering Student Services
1100 - 2332 Main Mall
Tel: 604.822.5076
www.engineering.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF ARTS
Caroline Guay, International
Student Recruiter-Advisor
Arts Academic Advising Services
1866 Main Mall, Buchanan D111
Tel: 604.822.4028
ubcarts.intelliresponse.com/
askme
www.arts.ubc.ca/students
Robert Tudhope, Arts International
Academic Advisor
Tel: 604.822.4028
askme
Leanne Kearns, Arts International
Academic Advisor
Tel: 604.822.4028
askme
SAUDER SCHOOL OF
BUSINESS (COMMERCE)
Wally Mitchell, International
Student Coordinator
2053 Main Mall, Henry Angus
Building
Tel: 604.822.4751
E-mail: wally.mitchell@sauder.
ubc.ca
www.sauder.ubc.ca
Jamie Tooze, International Student
Coordinator
2053 Main Mall, Henry Angus
Building
Tel: 604.822.9525
www.sauder.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
FACULTY OF DENTISTRY
JOINT ACADEMIC
PROGRAMS
Dr. Ravindra M. Shah, Director,
International Relations
352 - 2199 Wesbrook Mall
Tel:604.822.3413
www.dentistry.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
Gary Rupert, Program Coordinator,
Teacher Education
103 - 2125 Main Mall
Tel: 604.822.2214
www.teach.educ.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF FORESTRY
Chiara Longhi,
Student Recruiter-Advisor
2613 - 2424 Main Mall
Tel: 604.822.9187
www.forestry.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF GRADUATE
STUDIES
180 - 6371 Crescent Road
Tel: 604.822.2848
Email: graduate@interchange.
ubc.ca
www.grad.ubc.ca
SCHOOL OF HUMAN
KINETICS
Fran Harrison, Undergraduate
Program Administrator
War Memorial Gym 202
Tel: 604.822.4515
www.hkin.educ.ubc.ca
COLLEGE FOR
INTERDISCIPLINARY
STUDIES
Dr. Jane Roskams,
Associate Principal
Room 177, 1855 West Mall,
CK Choi Building
Tel: 604.822.2932
Email: [email protected]
www.cfis.ubc.ca
FACULTY OF LAND AND
FOOD SYSTEMS
Roxana Quinde, Global
Partnerships Coordinator
346 - 2357 Main Mall
Tel: 604.822.0181
E-mail: roxana.quinde@
interchange.ubc.ca
www.landfood.ubc.ca
Stacey Simpson, International
Student Coordinator
A150 - 6221 University Boulevard
Tel: 604.822.3656
www.science.ubc.ca/students
UBC – RITSUMEIKAN
ACADEMIC EXCHANGE
PROGRAM
Sheri Wenman, Program Manager
333 - 6460 Agronomy Road
Tel: 604.822.9511
www.ubcritsumeikan.com
KOREA UNIVERSITY –
UBC JOINT ACADEMIC
PROGRAM
Charles D.C. Lee, Program
Manager
1866 Main Mall, Buchanan C105
Tel: 604.822.9716
www.ku.ubc.ca
TEC DE MONTERREY –
UBC JOINT ACADEMIC
PROGRAM
Silvia Martinez, Director
Mary Bollert Hall
6253 NW Marine Drive, Room 218
Tel: 604.822.0266
www.tec.ubc.ca
International
Student
Handbook
VA N C O UV ER 2 0 1 0 /2 0 1 1
Content: International Student Development
Design, editorial, and production: Xerox
Photos/illustrations: Martin Dee, Russ Heinl,
Ka-Kei Law, Leanne Prain, Andrea Schmidt, Lindsay
Todd, Marjolein Visser, Meg Whetung
Date: August 2010
Also available in an alternate format. For the online
version, visit www.students.ubc.ca/
international/
WELCOME! 5
About Vancouver 6
Finding your way around 7
Orientations & transition 7
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS 9
International Student Development (ISD) 10
Go Global: International Learning Programs 10
Getting help 10
International House (I. House) 11
International Peer Program 12
Enrolment Services 12
Faculty of Graduate Studies 12
Alma Mater Society (AMS) 12
Graduate Student Society (GSS) 13
International Students Association (ISA) 13
First Nations House of Learning 13
ACADEMIC LIFE 14
UBCcard 15
Registration 15
Information technology on campus 15
English language support 16
Academic support 17
UBC’s academic culture 18
Academic integrity & plagiarism 20
HOUSING 21
UBC residence 22
Off-campus housing 23
TRANSPORTATION 27
Public transit 28
U-Pass 28
Cycling 29
Driving 29
Check out the map of UBC, The Best of
UBC, and a list of handbook acronyms on
the fold-out page at the back of this book.
2
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010/11
Making sense of immigration 32
Extending your immigration
documents 33
Temporary Resident Visas
(TRVs) 34
Applying for a study permit from
within Canada 34
Travelling outside of Canada 34
Returning to Canada 35
Visiting the United States 35
Taking a break from your
studies 35
Staying in Canada as a visitor 35
Documents for family
members 36
Lost or stolen passports 37
WORKING & VOLUNTEERING 38
Can I work in Canada? 39
Working on campus 39
Working off campus 39
Co-ops & internships 42
Employment for spouses
& partners 42
Post-graduation employment 42
Staying in Canada 44
Social Insurance Number (SIN) 44
Finding a job 45
Career planning 45
Volunteering 46
MONEY MATTERS 48
Financial assistance, scholarships
& awards 49
Banking 49
Shopping 50
Income tax 52
HEALTH INSURANCE & HEALTH
CARE 54
Health insurance 55
CONTENTS
IMMIGRATION 31
BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) 57
AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan 59
Health care in Canada 60
WELLNESS 61
Cultural transitions 62
Understanding Canadians 63
Counselling Services 64
Peer support 64
Faith & spirituality 65
Wellness Centre 65
COMMUNITY & RECREATION 67
Getting involved in campus life 68
Athletics 69
Exploring Vancouver & region 70
DIVERSITY & EQUITY 72
Resources at UBC 73
Sexual orientation &
gender identity 74
Human rights 75
SAFETY 77
Staying safe 78
Safety resources 78
Sexual assault 79
Alcohol & other drugs 79
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES 81
Activities for spouses & partners 82
Child care 82
Enrolling children in school 82
Parents’ rights & responsibilities 83
LIFE AFTER UBC 84
Re-entry transition 85
UBC Alumni Affairs 85
Staying in Canada 85
ACRONYMS 86
BEST OF 87
INDEX 88
iMED: Health insurance for
new international students 56
3
President’s welcome
Welcome to the University of British
Columbia, and congratulations. You have
chosen an extra-ordinary place to learn,
discover, and contribute in your own way.
You can take pride in knowing that you
are studying at one of the world’s best
institutions. UBC is a globally influential
university that holds an international
reputation for excellence in advanced
research and learning, offering innovative
undergraduate, graduate and professional
programs.
With such a strong international reputation
for excellence, you will find many
opportunities to pursue your interests with
award-winning professors and exchange
ideas with students from many different
countries.
A university should, however, offer you
more than a well-recognized degree. A
truly great university fans the flames of your
intellect, piques your passions, and opens
the door to a myriad of opportunities for
personal growth and fulfillment. UBC offers
you an abundance of such opportunities,
including innovative community service
learning, student volunteer and leadership
roles, and hundreds of student clubs,
recreational programs, and cultural and
social events.
As an international student, you will
face challenges and opportunities both
similar to and different from those of
your Canadian colleagues. You are not
alone – UBC provides many support
programs and services to help ensure you
have a rewarding and successful university
experience. This handbook provides
information on how you can access those
programs.
Professor Stephen J. Toope
UBC President & Vice-Chancellor
The University of British Columbia
[email protected]
I hope you will take advantage of all that
UBC has to offer, both in and out of the
classroom. If you do, you will not only earn
a degree that is recognized around the
world, you will discover a way of thinking
and acting that you will take with you no
matter where you go.
4
Your first few weeks at UBC are
going to be busy ones! Use this
checklist to get settled in and
to prepare for classes.
Register for your courses (if
you have not already done
so), pay your fees, and buy
your books
Visit the Student Service
Centre (SSC) at www.
students.ubc.ca/ssc to
update your address
Attend orientation (p. 7)
Pick up your UBCcard (p. 15)
Find a place to live and
move in (p. 21)
Get your phone and
Internet connected (in
residence, p. 22; off
campus, p. 25)
Get your U-Pass (p. 28)
Open a bank account (p. 49)
Arrange for health
insurance (p. 55)
Explore Vancouver (p. 70)
5
WELCOME!
Welcome!
How to use this handbook
The challenge of living in a new environment,
socializing in a new culture, and studying on a
new campus is exhilarating, but even the most
adventurous students can use some help from
time to time. This handbook aims to do just that
– provide you with helpful guidance on everything
from health insurance to exams to meeting
people. You’ll find chapters that cover the major
aspects of your UBC experience and contain
valuable quick-reference contact lists and
useful maps.
During your first few months in Canada, this
handbook will answer many of your questions,
but you should also acquaint yourself with
several other important sources of University
information:
•
New Student Registration & Orientation Guide
–– If you’re an undergraduate student, you
received this guide with your offer of admission.
You can also download it from www.students.
ubc.ca/newtoubc/downloads.cfm.
• Grad Guide – If you’re a graduate student,
you received this student guide with your
offer of admission. It’s also available at www.
grad.ubc.ca/new/guide. In addition, a PhD
student handbook will be provided to new PhD
students.
•
UBC Calendar – The Calendar contains
important information on University faculties,
programs, regulations, and courses. It’s available
at www.students.ubc.ca/calendar.
• events.ubc.ca
– be sure to check out
UBCevents throughout the year to stay
informed about events in the UBC community
that will help ease your transition.
•
www.students.ubc.ca – This is your gateway
to a wealth of student resources. Add it to your
Internet browser’s bookmarks!
•
www.students.ubc.ca/international – This
is your source for events and services specific to
international students.
•
www.students.ubc.ca/newtoubc – This web
page offers just-in-time information for firstyear undergraduate students.
(www.vancouver2010.com). With a population
of 2,271,224 (2009 estimate), it is the largest
metropolitan area in western Canada and the
third-largest in the country. The population of the
City of Vancouver is 615,473.
To learn more about Vancouver, visit Tourism
Vancouver (www.tourismvancouver.com) or
the Newcomer’s Guide to the City of Vancouver
(www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/
socialplanning/newtovancouver).
THE POST OFFICE
Canada Post (www.canadapost.ca) is the
Canadian mail service. At UBC, Canada Post has
an outlet located in the Outpost store in the
Student Union building (SUB); it is open Monday
to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday
from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can buy stamps,
send mail, buy packaging, rent a postal box, or
send mail by courier.
TELEPHONES
In the Vancouver area, you must dial all 10
digits of local phone numbers – this includes the
area code. Public phones are widely available. A
local phone call costs 25 cents. If you don’t have
coins, you can dial 0 to call collect (i.e., ask the
person you are phoning to pay for the call). The
cost of a long-distance call from a public phone
varies according to the duration and destination
of the call.
Long-distance phone cards are available at
convenience stores; each has a given value that
is deducted as you talk. Talk to other students
from your home country or search online to find
phone cards with good rates. To use a phone
card, dial the numbers provided on the card
– do not insert the card into the phone. Many
students connect with family and friends using
internet services such as Skype.
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a multicultural city with shopping,
restaurants, and social and cultural activities
that appeal to every taste. Vancouver is part
of the Metro Vancouver area and was the host
city of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
6
WELCOME!
Finding your way around
ON CAMPUS
UBC’s Point Grey campus is big, but getting
around is easy once you know how streets are
named and have identified a few landmarks.
The main north-south streets on campus are
called malls: Lower Mall, West Mall, Main
Mall, East Mall, and Wesbrook Mall. The two
main east-west streets are called boulevards:
University boulevard and Thunderbird Boulevard.
Many UBC streets are closed to cars.
AROUND VANCOUVER
The city is divided into an east side and a west
side. This division happens roughly at Main
Street. East Broadway is east of Main Street and
West Broadway is west of Main Street.
Streets generally go north-south. Avenues
generally go east-west. Most avenues have
numbers for names (10th, 11th, 12th Avenues).
Broadway is the same as 9th Avenue. University
boulevard, the main east-west road on campus,
is an extension of 10th Avenue. Avenue numbers
increase as you travel south.
reputation of being one of the most beautiful
places in the world to live. The UBC campus
is located about 40 minutes by bus from
downtown Vancouver. It sits on about 400
hectares of indigenous forest, overlooking the
Strait of Georgia.
Orientations & transition
There’s a lot to learn when you first arrive on
a new campus. Attending orientation and
transition programs is the fastest and easiest
way to adjust to UBC life, acquaint yourself
with campus services, and make friendships that
will last beyond your time at UBC. The most
important orientation program for international
students is GALA – UBC’s award-winning
international undergraduate student orientation.
Visit www.students.ubc.ca/newtoubc/
orientations.cfm for information on the
programs listed below.
Vancouver’s downtown core is situated on a
peninsula. Downtown Vancouver includes the
West End, Coal Harbour, and Yaletown, and is
surrounded by ocean, parks, and a spectacular
view of the mountains. This area boasts the
7
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
UBC Jump Start (intensive academic
orientation)
August 18 – August 31, 2010
GALA – International Orientation
September 2 – 4, 2010
International Parent Reception
September 2, 2010
ANDRE MALAN
Class of 2011
Home country: South Africa
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major and minor: Computer Science
(Honours)
Imagine UBC
September 7, 2010
UBC FYI Blog
Sent weekly to all undergraduate
students throughout the academic year
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduate student orientation
September 2, 2010 (for all new
graduate students)
September 3, 2010 (for new
international graduate students)
January 2011 (check www.grad.ubc.
ca/new/orientation for dates and
information)
ALL STUDENTS
AMS Firstweek
September 6–12, 2010
CLASS (Conference for Learning
and Academic Student Success)
www.glc.ubc.ca
October 23, 2010
Winter GALA –
International Orientation
January 4, 2011
Summer GALA –
International Orientation
May 9, 2011
The thing I like about UBC is that
I have the opportunity to do
whatever I want to do. The size
of the campus means that there
are a ton of little niches where
I fit right in and can find friends
and activities that I enjoy. I have
been involved in many activities
around campus, the most
important of these being the
Emerging Leaders program. Every
great experience I have had at
UBC – friends, connections, jobs,
happiness, love – has happened
because I got involved.
Recent achievements: Was invited to
the UBC student leadership recognition
event and invited to address the
international parents at GALA. Spoke
at the official opening of the Irving K.
Barber Learning Centre on behalf of the
students of UBC.
8
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
Services for
Students
UBC offers a wide range
of support services to help
you master the challenges
of university life. The
departments, groups, and
programs outlined in this
chapter can help make your
UBC experience successful
and rewarding. Take
advantage of them!
9
International Student
Development (ISD)
International Student Development works to
ensure that international students engage
with and are comfortable within the University
community, to promote intercultural learning,
and to provide advising services to international
students. International Student Advisors at
International House (or I. House – see p. 11)
are the starting point and your best source
for almost all international student questions.
International Student Advisors can help you and
your family with immigration (study permits and
entry visas), employment (work permits and
eligibility to work), health insurance (iMED, MSP,
AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan), adjustment to
life at UBC, safety concerns, and anything else
related to your life as an international student.
International Student Advisors also provide
extensive programs to support international
students, including this handbook, our website,
UBC Jump Start, the International Peer Program,
and much more.
Call 604.822.5021, email isa@
☞
students.ubc.ca, or visit I. House to get
in touch with an International Student
Advisor. Advisors are available to meet
with you on a drop-in basis from 1:00 to
4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Go Global: International
Learning Programs
If you are an exchange student or want to go
on an exchange, study abroad, international
service learning, or international research
program, Go Global can answer your questions.
Go Global advisors can help exchange students
with course registration, course load decisions,
and academic, family, or medical emergencies.
You may book an appointment in advance or
simply drop by to ask questions, chat with other
exchange students, or send faxes to your home
university.
Call 604.822.0942, email [email protected]
or visit www.students.ubc.ca/global or visit I.
House to get in touch with a Go Global advisor.
Getting help
INTERNATIONAL PEER ADVISORS
(IPAs)
Have a question or need some help?
International Peer Advisors are trained student
leaders who provide basic information and
assistance to international students in areas
related to immigration, health insurance,
employment, and campus services. Come
to I. House to meet them,visit http://www.
students.ubc.ca/international/get-involved/
international-peer-advisors/ to find alternate
locations including residences, or e-mail peer.
[email protected]
JOINT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
If you are in the Ritsumeikan-, Korea University-,
or Tec de Monterrey-UBC programs, your
program coordinator can answer your questions.
See the inside front cover of this handbook for
contact information.
ADVISORS IN YOUR FACULTY
Some faculties have international coordinators
who deal specifically with international students
and their academic concerns. Faculties and
departments usually also have academic advisors
who advise all students on academic matters.
Both academic advisors and international
coordinators can help you register for courses,
select your major, make the most of your
interactions with professors, and many other
academic matters. For contact information, see
the inside front cover of this handbook.
10 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010/11
ASK ME @ UBC
Ask Me @ UBC is a free online service that
provides immediate answers to your questions
about UBC. You can ask about anything from
health insurance to volunteering – 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Visit www.vancouver.
askme.ubc.ca and type a naturally phrased
question in the box. If you don’t receive the
information you’re looking for, Ask Me @
UBC lets you send your question to Enrolment
Services for a personal response.
International House
(I. House)
I. House is a community centre open to all
members of UBC and their families. If you want
to meet people from around the world and
share your culture, I. House is a great place
to start.
I. House is surrounded by a peaceful garden and
offers self-access computers, a lounge, meeting
spaces, and a study corner. Bring your laptop
and enjoy our wireless Internet access.
☞
At I. House, you can participate
in English language classes; browse
the travel library; and attend many
multicultural events and celebrations.
You can subscribe to the I. House
Community Update (www.students.
ubc.ca/international) to find out what’s
happening in UBC’s international
community.
I. House welcomes Canadian and international
students alike. You or your student group can
book space at I. House for events or ongoing
programs. Please check with I. House staff to
book space.
To get in touch with the I. House front desk, see
the inside front cover for contact details.
☞
Until you have your own local
address in Canada, you can use I. House
as a temporary forwarding address
for your mail. Mail will be held for
three months before it is returned to
its sender. You can pick up your mail
during office hours. Sorry, parcels
cannot be accepted.
COME TO I. HOUSE IF…
You’re looking for
• Student exchanges
• ESL classes
• Off-campus housing
• International service learning
• Muslim Friday Prayers
You want to make a difference by
• Sharing your culture
• Learning about other cultures and world issues
• Participating in international service learning
and research
You have questions about
• Immigration
• Employment
• Health insurance
• Taxes
• Adjusting to life at UBC
You want to meet people through
• The International Peer Program
• Our study space, a great place to hang out
• Community programs
You want to
• Go abroad to study, work, volunteer,
or conduct research
• Have Christmas dinner with friends
You’re planning for life after UBC by
• Developing intercultural communication and
leadership skills
• Connecting with UBC alumni
11
International Peer Program
The International Peer Program connects new
international students with continuing UBC
students through peer partnerships and group
activities. This program is a great way for you to
meet new friends, feel connected to your new
community, get academic support from peers,
and develop your leadership and communication
skills. For detailed information and application
deadlines, visit www.students.ubc.ca/go/ipp.
See p. 46 for more information on volunteer and
leadership opportunities.
Enrolment Services
Located in Brock Hall, Enrolment Services can
help you navigate the administrative side of your
degree. You can stop by the counters in Brock Hall
(ground floor) for information on fees, transcripts,
financial advising, your student record, and more.
You can also access many of these services online.
Visit the websites below to get started.
• Ask Me @ UBC:
www.vancouver.askme.ubc.ca
• Student Service Centre:
www.students.ubc.ca/ssc
• Student Services (current students):
www.students.ubc.ca/current
Faculty of Graduate Studies
In support of the University of British Columbia’s
mission to be one of the world’s best
universities, the Faculty of Graduate Studies
strives to elevate achievement and enhance
the education of graduate students in a global
context. The Faculty of Graduate Studies is the
academic unit that formally admits graduate
students and grants graduate degrees. It is also
the administrative unit that supports and serves
graduate students and programs across
the University.
much more. If you are interested in becoming
a teaching assistant (TA), be sure to talk to your
graduate secretary as soon as you are accepted
into the program. Contact information may be
found on your departmental or program website.
The Faculty is home to two internationally
recognized residential graduate colleges, Green
College (www.greencollege.ubc.ca) and St.
John’s College (www.stjohns.ubc.ca), and the
Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program
(www.isgp.ubc.ca).
Alma Mater Society (AMS)
The AMS is your student union, and has been
lobbying for the rights of students since 1922. Over
the years, the AMS has worked with
dedicated students to implement
many successful services and benefits
for UBC students. The health and
dental plan, U-Pass, SafeTeam,
Speakeasy, Tutoring, and CITR radio
are all services that are specifically
designed to make UBC a safe and
welcoming new home. To see a full list of the clubs,
services, and businesses that are supported by your
AMS fees, visit www.ams.ubc.ca.
This year the AMS begins a multi-year renewal of
the Student Union Building (SUB).
The AMS is your voice to the decision making at
the University and the levels of government. To get
involved in any of the lobbying activities of your
Student Union, contact your Vice President for
Academic and University Affairs, Ben Cappellacci
at 604-822-3092 or [email protected].
To contact the elected international student
representative to the AMS, email international.isa.
[email protected].
AMS SERVICES
The Faculty of Graduate Studies provides the
campus graduate community with centralized
services that include graduate recruitment,
application, admissions, student records,
scholarships and financial services, coordination
of doctoral exams, thesis submission, professional
development, and graduation. Many student
questions about these topics can be answered at
www.grad.ubc.ca or by emailing your question
to [email protected].
Advocacy
Office
Assistance for students who are
in conflict with the University.
p. 73
AMS
Volunteer
Connect
Online postings for volunteer
positions and more.
p. 47
CiTR Radio
Student-run community radio at
101.9 FM.
Clubs
With over 300 clubs to choose
from, there’s bound to be one
that suits your interests.
p. 68
An essential contact for graduate students is
the graduate secretary in your program. Your
graduate secretary can tell you about academic
deadlines, mailing lists, financial assistance, and
Circle
Exam
Database
A searchable online collection
of final exams from a variety of
courses.
p. 19
A series of fun events during the
first week of school.
Food Bank
Emergency food relief for
current UBC students.
www.ams.ubc.ca/foodbank
Minischool
p. 8
GSS services include a summer sports league, a film
and food series, cultural events, social gatherings,
and academic, career, and recreational workshops.
All graduate students at UBC Vancouver
automatically become members of the GSS
upon admission to the University and are
entitled to its services.
Fun courses on everything
under the sun – from first aid to
bartending.
www.ams.ubc.ca/minischool
Be sure to pick up your Graduate Student
Handbook from the GSS office or from your
department. The best way to learn about GSS
events is to subscribe to GSS Notes, an email
newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.gss.ubc.ca/
mailman/listinfo/notes.
Norm
Theatre
Movies and screenings at
student-friendly prices.
www.amsubc.ca/index.
php/campus_life/category/
norm_theatre
Rentsline
Online directory for off-campus
housing.
p. 24
To find out more about GSS events and services,
visit www.gss.ubc.ca or call 604.822.3203.
Safewalk
Foot patrol to accompany you
anywhere on campus.
p. 78
SASC
Non-judgmental, caring support
for anyone who has been subject
to sexual assault. Support is
also provided to the friends and
family members of victims.
p. 79
International Students
Association (ISA)
Speakeasy
Campus information, peer
support, and referrals.
p. 64
Tutoring
A service that connects
students with academic
assistance from qualified tutors.
p. 17
☞
Be sure to pick up a copy of the
AMS Insider, a student day planner and
guidebook. This handy book contains a
list of all the student clubs, tips on how
to make the most of student life, and
lots of coupons. You can pick one up at I.
House, in Brock Hall, or in the SUB.
Graduate Student Society
(GSS)
The Graduate Student Society represents and
advocates on behalf of graduate students to the
University, local and regional governments, and
the public. The GSS promotes graduate student
representation at all levels of decision making
at UBC’s Vancouver campus. It advocates for
adequate student scholarships, bursaries, loans
and other financial aid. Graduate students
facing academic issues are assisted through the
GSS Advocacy Office.
The GSS also provides academic, professional, social,
and recreational services to graduate students;
publishes the Graduate Magazine and the annual
Graduate Student Handbook; and operates the
Thea Koerner House Graduate Student Centre,
including Koerner’s Pub, Thea’s Lounge, and more.
The International Students Association of UBC (ISA)
represents and integrates the international student
community, advocates for its needs and creates a
space for interaction and cross-cultural awareness.
The ISA is a student led initiative that bridges the
gaps between the international students and the
AMS, the student societies and other governing
bodies regarding issues that affect the international
community on campus.
The ISA organizes events throughout the year
that inform international students about how the
university works for them and how they can take
part in and be active in shaping their own UBC
experience. Also, the ISA participates in first year
orientations and plans engaging social events
with international themes to which all students
are welcome.
For more information check out the Facebook
group (International Students Association UBC),
email [email protected] or visit the ISA
booth at Orientations and Club Days.
First Nations House
of Learning
At the First Nations House of Learning, Aboriginal
students, faculty, and staff find a home away from
home on UBC’s campus. Located in a traditional
Coast Salish-style longhouse, the First Nations
House of Learning includes Student Services, the
Xwi7xwa Library, Sty-Wet-Tan (the great hall), an
Elders’ lounge, a student and staff lounge, and a
computer lab. The longhouse is located at 1985
West Mall. For more information, visit www.
longhouse.ubc.ca or call 604.822.8940.
13
Firstweek
Academic Life
TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Introduce yourself to one or
two people in your classes.
Plan to study together or
share notes later.
Make sure you understand
the dates and requirements of
your assignments and exams.
Write the important deadlines
on a calendar.
Use campus learning resources,
such as the Writing Centre (p.
16), The Learning Commons
(p. 17), study and research
skills workshops (p. 17), AMS
Tutoring Services (p. 17), and
the UBC Library (p. 17).
Visit your professor during
office hours when you have
questions about course
material or assignments.
This will save you time and
frustration.
Learn the basics of academic
integrity and plagiarism
(p. 20); not knowing about
these can have serious
consequences.
Participate in a few
recreational activities,
including clubs and sports,
as a way to have fun and
meet new people. Having
a community of support
can help you succeed
academically.
UBCcard
whether you’ve been moved from the wait-list
into the course, since the department may not
advise you of the change.
Once classes have started, you can still add new
courses or drop existing ones. The deadlines for
making these changes are as follows.
Adding and dropping courses
The UBCcard is the University’s official
identification card. It identifies registered
students and gives them access to library loans
and services, access control to UBC Student
Housing and Hospitality Services, and access to
UBC meal plans. New students may obtain their
UBCcards at no cost by completing the online
application form at www.ubccard.ubc.ca/
application_student/UBCcard.CFM. Please
note that you will need the following to apply:
1. A Campus-Wide Login username
and password
2. Registration in at least one course
(excluding Distance Education and
Continuing Education courses)
3. A digital photo of yourself (front view
against a white background)
Registration
For detailed instructions on how to register for
courses, see your New Student Registration
& Orientation Guide or visit www.students.
ubc.ca/newtoubc/downloads.cfm. Helpful
registration tutorials are also available on the
Student Service Centre (www.students.ubc.ca/
ssc). For personal registration assistance, call
604.822.9836 or 1.877.272.1422 (toll-free in
Canada and the United States).
Exchange students should consult a Go Global
advisor for registration information.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A COURSE IS FULL
If you’re in your graduating year, you cannot be
excluded from a course you require due to lack
of space. This rule does not apply to elective
courses or preferred sections of courses. If a
course you require is full, consult your program
or faculty advisor.
If you are not in your graduating year and a
course you want is full, you can register for the
wait-list section, if one is available. If you’re on
a wait-list, it’s very important to check the SSC
regularly – this is the best way to find out
Course type
Deadline
Term 1 and Term A
(Distance Education) courses
September 21, 2010
Full-year courses
September 26, 2010
Term 2 and Term C
January 17, 2011
If you decide to drop a course after the
deadlines outlined above, you are withdrawing
from it. This means that a withdrawal (W) will
be noted on your transcript. The deadlines for
withdrawing from courses are as follows.
Withdrawing from courses
Course type
Deadline
Term 1 and Term A
October 15, 2010
Full-year courses
November 26, 2010
Term 2 and Term C
February 11, 2011
Dates for the academic year are available
at www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/
academicyear.cfm.
Information technology
on campus
myUBC
myUBC is a one-stop shop for students, faculty,
and staff to access personalized resources online.
The website provides links to your UBC email
account, your e-learning course material on
WebCT and WebCT Vista, as well as campus
information, news, events, and even classified
ads. For details, visit my.ubc.ca.
CAMPUS-WIDE LOGIN ( CWL)
Your CWL account allows you to sign in to
a number of campus services, including the
Student Service Centre, UBC wireless Internet,
and myUBC, all with a single username and
password. Sign up for your free CWL account or
get more information at www.it.ubc.ca/cwl. If
you need help creating a CWL account, contact
the IT Service Centre at 604.822.2441.
15
ACADEMIC LIFE
MAKING CHANGES AFTER
CLASSES HAVE STARTED
UBC EMAIL ACCOUNTS
All students can register for a free UBC email
account at www.it.ubc.ca/email. Once you
have registered, you can access your account
through webmail at my.ubc.ca.
WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS
If you have a personal digital assistant (PDA),
smartphone, or laptop computer with wireless
access, you can sign on to UBC’s free wireless
network with your CWL account. Visit www.
it.ubc.ca/wireless to get connected.
HELP DESK
The UBC IT Help Desk provides support for UBC
email, CWL, WebCT (student support), ResNet,
Internet access ports, anti-virus installation,
Virtual Private Networking (VPN), web browser
configuration, and UBC wireless Internet. For
more information, visit www.it.ubc.ca/helpdesk
or call 604.822.2008.
E-LEARNING
e-Learning refers to online course delivery, which
can be a combination of traditional classroom
and web-based learning, or fully web-based.
With over 58,000 users, e-Learning continues
to grow each year at UBC. e-Learning provides
an online environment for class material, media,
quizzes, discussion forums, and other tools. To
find out more, visit www.elearning.ubc.ca.
COMPUTER FACILITIES
On campus, students can access computers
equipped with the Microsoft Office suite at
many of the UBC Libraries, including the Irving
K. Barber Learning Centre and Koerner Library.
Public access terminals are also available in the
Student Union building. Most faculties and
schools also have computer labs with word
processing software. To find your faculty’s
computer lab, visit www.library.ubc.ca/home/
about/services/labs.html.
English language support
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY INDEX ( LPI)
Almost all first-year programs at UBC have
requirements for written English study. Take time
to find out what requirements apply to you and
prepare for taking the relevant courses.
FIRST YEAR ENGLISH PREREQUISITES
Except for some programs in the Faculty of Arts,
you’ll probably be required to take an English 100
level course in your first year at UBC. To register
for first year English courses you must either
meet one of the course prerequisites (see http://
www.english.ubc.ca/ugrad/1styear/3_2009.
htm for more information) or pass the Language
Proficiency Index (LPI) test.
FACULTY OF ARTS PROGRAMS
If you are taking Arts One, or plan an English
major or minor, you must take First-year English
(and therefore meet an entry prerequisite or pass
the LPI).
Other Arts programs do not require First-year
English, but you must fulfill the First-year writing
requirement (see http://asrw.arts.ubc.ca/artsstudies-in-research-and-writing/requirements.
html for more information). Options include
taking Coordinated Arts or Arts Studies 150.
TAKING THE LPI
Deadlines for taking the LPI depend on where you
have been studying before arriving at UBC. There
are different dates for students who have studied
in BC, in the rest of Canada and outside Canada.
More Information
For full details of what the LPI test involves,
sample questions, how to register, fees, exam
schedules, identification requirements tutorial
materials, private tests and more, visit the LPI
website: http://www.ares.ubc.ca/LPI/index.html
For details of UBC Vancouver First-year English
requirements, and LPI exemptions, visit the Firstyear English website: http://www.english.ubc.
ca/ugrad/1styear/index.htm
Contact your faculty advising office if you have
problems passing the LPI.
WRITING 098
If you score less than 5 on the essay section of
the LPI exam, you may not be able to register
in a full course load until your English skills
improve. The UBC Writing Centre offers Writing
098 (WRIT 098), a non-credit composition and
grammar course designed to prepare students for
university-level writing and to help them improve
their score on the LPI. If you complete this course,
you will receive an extended LPI deadline and
priority on wait-lists for first-year English courses.
The Writing Centre also provides a free tutoring
service for UBC students from September to
April as well as non-credit courses in grammar,
style, scientific writing, and writing for graduate
students. Visit www.writingcentre.ubc.ca or
call 604.822.9564 for more information.
Exchange students who take Writing 098 (or any
other Writing Centre course) will be required
to pay for it because it is not covered by the
exchange agreement.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES
AT I. HOUSE
☞
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAMS
The English Language Institute (ELI), part of UBC
Continuing Studies, offers 16 week Intensive
English programs that begin in, January, May,
and at the end of August.. The ELI also offers
three- or four-week Language and Culture
programs throughout the year, and English for
Business Communications in the summer. The
ELI has a conditional admission program for
UBC graduate and undergraduate programs (for
academically outstanding applicants who do not
yet meet UBC’s English proficiency standard).
Full-time tuition fees range from $1,536 to
$5,703. For more information, visit www.eli.
ubc.ca, call 604.822.1555, or email eli@cstudies.
ubc.ca
Academic support
Whether you’re seeking advice on how to find
resources in the library, looking for a tutor, or
wanting to improve your study skills, UBC’s wide
range of programs and services can help you
meet your academic goals.
LEARNING COMMONS
Make us your first stop for resources and tools
that will help you learn more effectively. We can
connect you with learning technology, writing
help, learning skills workshops, academic tutoring,
coaching programs, and Mac multimedia
workstations. Friendly student staff will be happy
to answer your questions in-person and online!
(learningcommons.ubc.ca)
ADVISORS IN YOUR FACULTY
Most faculties and departments have academic
advisors and/or an international student
coordinator, all of whom offer free, discreet advice
to students. If you have questions about planning
your program or about courses in another faculty,
an advisor will be able to help you or refer you to
other departments and student services.
To contact an advising office, consult the Contacts
section on the inside front cover of this handbook.
You may have to book an appointment, so contact
the advising office in advance.
AMS TUTORING SERVICES
If you’re struggling with a particular subject or
think you need strategies for becoming a better
learner or tutor, consider signing up for AMS
tutoring services. These services include:
Free drop-in tutoring and online tutoring in
100-level math, chemistry, biology, and physics
• Tutoring by appointment ($18/hour)
• An online tutor registry
• Tutoring skills workshops, to help both
experienced and inexperienced tutors improve
their teaching techniques
•
For more information on these services, visit
tutoring.ams.ubc.ca, call 604.822.9084, or
email [email protected].
MATH TUTORIALS
The UBC Mathematics Department offers free
drop-in tutorials for some undergraduate
courses in the Leonard S. Klinck building, Room
202C. During the Winter Session, drop-in is
also available on level 3 of the Irving K. barber
Learning Centre. Undergraduate and graduate
TAs offer tutoring for select first-, second-,
and third-year courses. For more information,
including current hours, visit www.math.ubc.ca/
Ugrad/ugradTutorials.shtml.
LIBRARY TUTORIALS & HELP
The UBC Library offers instruction sessions and
tutorials, online real-time help, and a range of
quick reference publications to help students find
the resources they need. To find out more about
these services, pick up a copy of UBC Library:
Guide for Students (available at any library
branch, or download it online at www.library.
ubc.ca/pubs/student-guide.pdf), or visit the
following websites:
•
UBC Library: www.library.ubc.ca
•
Guides to Resources and Services: www.
library.ubc.ca/home/instruct/publist.html
17
ACADEMIC LIFE
You are ultimately responsible
for your academic success. An advisor
will help you identify study options
and possible solutions to academic
problems, but in the end you must
decide what to do. If you have a
personal problem or illness that may
start to affect your academic life,
contact your faculty advisor as soon as
possible. Don’t wait until exams!
Each term, you and your family can improve
your English by taking I. House language classes.
Classes focus on building vocabulary, improving
speaking skills, and learning about Canadian
culture. To register, contact I. House at the
beginning of the term. These sessions fill up
quickly, so register early. Check out our English
language programs at www.students.ubc.ca/
international.
•
Instruction Centre: www.library.ubc.ca/
home/instruct
•
Ask a Librarian: www.library.ubc.ca/home/
ask.html
•
Subject Librarians: toby.library.ubc.ca/
libstaff/subjectlibrarians.cfm
SERVICES FOR TEACHING
ASSISTANTS
The Centre for Intercultural Communication offers
the International Teaching Assistant (ITA) program,
designed to help international students develop
instructional skills for the North American context.
Participants examine how culture affects teaching
and learning and become familiar with effective
teaching strategies. In this interactive program,
participants engage in discussions, deliver sample
teaching lessons, and give feedback to peers. The
program is open to graduate students and visiting
scholars whose first language is not English;
however, this is not a language program. Classes
begin in September, January, and July. For more
information, visit cic.cstudies.ubc.ca/ita or email
[email protected].
Graduate students who plan to be TAs can also
take advantage of the programs for graduate
students offered by the Centre for Teaching
and Academic Growth (TAG). The programs
for graduate students include the three-day
Instructional Skills Workshop, the two-day
Presentation Skills Workshop, and the new
Graduate Certificate Program in Teaching in
Higher Education. All seminars and workshops
are free, though some require a $25 deposit that
is returned upon completion of the workshop.
Visit www.tag.ubc.ca, email tag.forgrads@ubc.
ca, or call 604.822.4053 for more information.
UBC’s academic culture
UBC’s academic culture may be different from
the culture at universities in your country. Also,
the academic challenges that first-year students
face at university are more demanding than
those at secondary school.
•
Sign up for workshops and other academic
support services on campus through The Learning
Commons (p. 17).
If you experience any difficulties adjusting
to UBC’s academic culture, speak with your
faculty advisors, the Go Global advisors, or an
International Student Advisor.
COURSE FORMATS
Lectures
Most courses are offered as lectures. Lectures
usually range from 50 to 80 minutes in length
and may involve from 30 to 200 students.
Tutorials
Lecture courses also commonly have tutorials.
These provide an opportunity for discussion in
smaller groups. You will usually be expected to
participate in these group discussions.
Labs
Many science, math, and engineering courses at
UBC have laboratory (lab) work, which includes
practical activities in addition to lectures or
tutorials. Labs require small group work under
the direction of a TA. In some courses, you
must pass the lab to pass the course. Labs and
tutorials are usually mandatory and, in some
cases, grades are given for attendance.
Seminars
Many graduate (and some upper-level
undergraduate) courses follow a seminar
format. These smaller classes are generally less
formal, encourage discussion, and sometimes
include presentations. Students are often given
grades for their presentations and for verbal
participation in class.
Problem-based learning (PBL) classes
In a PBL class, rather than listening to a lecture,
you will solve problems that occur in real-life
situations. Most of the time, you will work in
small groups under the general guidance of
your professor.
For these reasons, it is common for students to
experience a drop in academic performance in
their first year at UBC. If this happens to you,
don’t worry. It takes most students time to adjust
to a new academic environment.
You can make your transition into academic life
at UBC smoother in the following ways:
•
Be aware that a dip in grades might occur,
and don’t panic if this happens.
•
Visit your instructor during office hours to ask
for advice on how to improve your grades.
EVALUATION
☞
Class participation
In many classes, you will be expected to actively
participate by discussing opinions, ideas, and
perspectives related to coursework, readings,
and assignments. In some cases, you may be
graded based on your participation in class.
Assignments
The essay is a very common way of assessing
learning at Canadian universities. Instructors
often assign term papers, which are 10- to
30-page essays. A term paper is a major
undertaking, so make sure you begin working
on yours several weeks before it is due.
Other kinds of assignments include group
projects and oral presentations.
Exams
When you prepare for exams, keep the
following helpful hints in mind:
•
Take a workshop on preparing for
exams (p. 17).
•
Get your readings done well in advance.
visit the exam database at : http://
learningcommons.ubc.ca/get-study-help/
study-resources-at-ubc/exam-database/ to
review old exams.
•
At UBC, courses usually have two major exams:
mid-term exams and final exams. Your courses
may have either one mid-term exam halfway
through the term or several exams throughout
the term. Finals occur during the exam periods
in December and April. For more information on
exam dates and times, visit www.students.ubc.
ca/current/exams.cfm. You may also check your
personal exam schedule online at the Student
Service Centre (www.students.ubc.ca/ssc).
Note that some final exams are scheduled in the
evenings and on Saturdays.
Exam clashes and hardships
When the exam schedule comes out, check to
make sure you don’t have two exams occurring
on the same day at the same time. If you have
a clash, contact your professor to determine
whether an alternative time is available. If no
other writing time is available, you should
complete the Exam Clash form available at
Student Information Services in Brock Hall. Forms
will be accepted up to one month prior to the
exam date.
If you have three or more exams within 24 hours,
you have the right to change the date of your
second exam. “Within 24 hours” is interpreted
literally. For example, if you have one exam
starting at 8:30 am, a second at 3:30 pm, and a
third at 7:00 pm, you have an “exam hardship,”
and the instructor of the middle exam must work
with you to set an alternative time. However,
if you have one exam starting at 8:30 am, a
second at 7:00 pm, and a third the next day at
8:30 am, you have a tight schedule, but you
cannot change any of your exams.
Missing an exam
There are a few legitimate reasons for missing a
final exam. Events such as a wedding, an annual
medical checkup, missing a bus, or taking a
vacation are not legitimate reasons for missing a
final exam. The following are legitimate reasons:
•
A sudden illness or injury that prevents you
from getting to campus or writing. You’ll need
a statement of illness from your physician.
•
An appointment for surgery that cannot
be scheduled for another time. You’ll need
documentation from your surgeon.
19
ACADEMIC LIFE
Students are expected to be
available for exams during the entire
exam period. Exam schedules are posted
in mid-October (Term 1) and midFebruary (Term 2), and they are subject
to change. Don’t make arrangements
for end-of-term travel until you see the
exam schedule.
The three main methods of evaluation at UBC are
class participation, assignments, and exams. On
the first day of class, your instructor will hand
out a course outline (or syllabus), which provides
very important details on class readings, exams,
and assignments that might not be mentioned
anywhere else. You are responsible for following
all instructions in the syllabus.
•
•
•
•
The death, sudden onset of a lifethreatening disease, or serious injury of
your spouse/ partner, parent, sibling, child,
or grandparent. Please contact your faculty
advisor as soon as possible.
The birth of your own child.
A car accident on the way to your exam.
You’ll need an accident report from the
police or the Insurance Corporation of British
Columbia (ICBC).
Religious restrictions concerning observance
of designated holidays. The request must be
submitted to your dean’s office at least two
weeks before the final exam.
If you have a legitimate reason, you will need
to show proof. Contact both your dean’s office
and your instructor before the exam, or as soon
after the exam as possible. For more information
on UBC’s exam policies, visit www.students.
ubc.ca/ go/exams/policies.
Exam results
Beginning partway through the exam period,
final grades are posted on the Student Service
Centre at www.students.ubc.ca/ssc. To see the
result of a specific exam or final project, speak
to your instructor.
INSTRUCTORS
If you’re an undergraduate student, you may
find that teaching assistants, in addition to
professors, lead parts of your classes. The role
of the TA varies in each class. Your TA may lead
discussions, conduct labs, assist with lectures,
grade assignments, hold office hours, or grade
exams. TAs are usually graduate students at
UBC.
Be sure to speak to your instructor (professor or
TA) if you:
• can’t submit your assignment on time
•
don’t understand a concept that was covered
in class
•
are feeling challenged by your course load due
to circumstances outside of the course (such as
difficulties with English)
•
need more information about an essay, project,
or other assignment
Most instructors hold office hours (regular times
they will be in their offices, during which you
can drop by). Office hours give you a chance
to meet with your instructor to discuss course
materials, assignments, your questions, and
any concerns. If you can’t drop by during office
hours, schedule an appointment with your
instructor for another time.
In Canada, student-faculty relationships tend to
be informal and students call some instructors
by their first names. Professors, however, don’t
generally socialize with students, and it is not
appropriate for instructors to date students.
Instructors also don’t expect gifts from students,
and they may feel uncomfortable if presented
with one.
Canadian students often challenge and
question their instructors. This behaviour can
seem rude to students from other countries, but
in Canada, it is quite acceptable, even desirable
at times, to respectfully disagree with your
professor’s opinions.
Academic integrity
& plagiarism
It is your responsibility to be aware of University
regulations. A complete listing of academic
regulations that apply to every student at UBC
can be found in the “Academic Regulations”
chapter of the Calendar (www.students.ubc.
ca/calendar). At UBC, penalties for plagiarism
and other academic misconduct range from a
failing grade in the course to suspension from
the University.
One of the most serious academic offences
is plagiarism (submitting the work of another
person as your own). Some international
students have reported striking differences
between the concept of intellectual property
in their cultures and in Canada. Intellectual
property includes ideas, arguments, phrases,
sentences, paragraphs, or results of research
(including material found on the web). In
Canada, using someone else’s work without
acknowledgment is not considered a way of
honouring that person, even if the work is
commonly known.
When you use excerpts from someone else’s
work in your essay, paper, or presentation, you
must acknowledge the original author in a
footnote or another accepted manner. You may
not copy all or any part of another person’s
work, and you may not purchase a paper from
anyone (or from websites) and present it as
your own.
For more information, visit www.library.ubc.ca/
clc/airc.html. The Faculty of Arts also publishes
a guide to academic integrity at www.arts.ubc.
ca/faculty-amp-staff/resources/academicintegrity.html
Housing
HOUSING
For some students, living in
residence is a great opportunity
to connect with new friends
and meet people from many
backgrounds and cultures.
Other students, however,
may prefer the chance to
live elsewhere in Vancouver.
Whether you choose to live on
campus or off, this section will
give you helpful information
on what to consider as you get
settled in.
21
UBC residence
No matter where you live on campus, you’re
usually within walking distance of everything
you need. UBC is a little city unto itself,
complete with theatres, shops, art galleries,
museums, concert halls, ice rinks, grocery stores,
restaurants, a hospital, and a sports stadium.
UBC Student Housing and Hospitality Services
offers both single-student and student-family
housing. Demand for on-campus housing is
high, and you should have applied for a place
in residence (also called rez) when you applied
for admission.
If you’re interested in student-family housing and
you have not yet applied, you may still do so.
The waiting period for student-family housing is
typically one year from the date of application.
If you haven’t applied for single-student
housing, you can submit an application for
2011/12 (Winter and Summer Sessions) in
December 2010.
When you are offered a place in residence, you’ll
receive an assignment notice and a link to your
online residence guide and residence contract.
These materials will answer most of your
questions about living in residence.
For more information on UBC residence, visit
www.housing.ubc.ca.
MOVING INTO RESIDENCE
You are welcome to check in to your residence
room after 9:00 am on the date specified on
your Residence Acceptance Confirmation. To
check in, go to the front desk, located at
the commonsblock of your residence. (Each
residence has a central area, known as a
commonsblock, where you will find the front
desk and other shared amenities.)
For more information, visit the office of UBC
Student Housing and Hospitality Services at
2205 Lower Mall – Marine Drive building 6
or refer to www.housing.ubc.ca. For singlestudent inquiries, contact 604.822.2811 or
[email protected]. For student-family
housing inquiries, contact 604.822.4411 or
[email protected].
BED LINENS
Each residence room comes equipped with a
mattress pad and pillow. You may bring your
own bed linens or pre-order linens and have
them shipped to your residence before you
arrive. If you want to supply your own linens,
you’ll need extra-long twin sheets. These sheets
are 39” × 80” (fitted) and 66” × 96” (flat). For
more information on bed linens, visit www.
housing.ubc.ca/vancouver.htm, click on
“Residence Guide,” and follow the prompts to
“Opening Day – moving in, getting oriented.”
☞
International undergraduates
who meet certain admissions guidelines
are guaranteed on-campus housing for
their first year of UBC ONLY.
If you are an undergraduate student, and
you are interested in living in residence
after year 1, please note that there is
NO on-campus housing guarantee for
international students after year 1.
Spots in residence after year 1 are
assigned by lottery. Waiting lists for
on-campus housing are long!
Academic year-only housing (September
to April)—is very limited in residence
after year 1.
Your best chance to secure on-campus
housing after year 1 is to apply for yearround residence, such as Fairview, or
Marine Drive.
TELEPHONES
If you require consistently reliable phone
communication in residence, consider getting
a landline. You can purchase telephone service
from Telus if you live in Totem Park, Place Vanier,
Walter Gage, Fairview Crescent, Marine Drive,
or Acadia Park. For information on applying
for phone service, visit www.housing.ubc.ca/
vancouver.htm, click “Before Moving In”.
ResTel is the telephone service for UBC students
in the following residences: Thunderbird,
Ritsumeikan, St. Andrew’s, St. John’s College,
Vancouver School of Theology, and Carey Hall.
For more information, visit www.it.ubc.ca/
phones.
INTERNET ACCESS
When you live in residence, you access the
Internet using ResNet. With ResNet, you don’t
need a modem and you’ll never have to dial in.
You’re automatically connected to the Internet
whenever your computer is on. For more details,
including availability, visit www.it.ubc.ca/resnet.
Also, note that you will be responsible for
supplying your own Ethernet cable.
Unfortunately, ResNet is not available in studentfamily housing (e.g., Acadia Park residence).
Student-family housing residents can get Internet
access via Telus. For more information, visit
www.housing.ubc.ca/rez_guide/internet.htm.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR
RESIDENCE EXPERIENCE
•
Ask your residence advisors what activities and
programs they’re planning, and tell them what
kinds of things you’d enjoy. It’s amazing how
many people you meet when you participate in
an activity or join a rez intramural team.
•
Sit in the lounge rather than in your room.
Watch TV with your housemates and take the
opportunity to enjoy the show and meet others.
•
Invite others to eat with you. Many new
students worry that they’ll eat alone. If you
live in Totem or Vanier, your floor/house has
tables in the dining room where residents
regularly sit. If you live in Thunderbird,
Fairview, Gage, Ritsumeikan, or Marine Drive,
invite other residents to cook dinner with you.
(Don’t forget to get a Function Responsibility
form from your rez advisor if you plan to host
a social gathering.)
OTHER RESIDENCES ON CAMPUS
Other student housing is available on or close to
campus in residences that offer both temporary
and permanent accommodation for certain
student groups. These spaces are in high
demand, so apply early. These residences include
Green College, St. John’s College, Vancouver
School of Theology, St. Andrew’s Hall, and Fraser
Hall. Visit www.housing.ubc.ca/vancouver.
htm and follow the link to “Other Housing” for
“more information.
Off-campus housing
Apartment hunting can be a daunting task, but
the good news is that over one-third of British
Columbians rent their home. If they can find a
place to live, so can you!
Vancouver has many neighbourhoods that
offer different advantages to students. Refer
to the information below and consult www.
city.vancouver.bc.ca before deciding which
neighbourhood to live in.
When choosing a place to live, you should
consider the transit routes. If you don’t have
a car, the farther away you are living from
campus, the more important it is that you live
near a direct bus route to UBC. Direct buses
COMMUTER STUDENT HOSTEL
Studying late at the library or have an
early exam the next day? Just wish you
could stay on campus? Now, you can.
Walter Gage residence offers commuter
students:
• a private room with a twin bed, desk,
and chair
• Internet connection (bring your own
ethernet cable)
• linens, soap, and shampoo
• shared lounge, kitchenette, and
bathroom
• same-day bookings before 5:00 pm,
Sunday through Thursday
• online reservation via CWL (credit
card payment required)
For details, visit www.housing.ubc.ca.
VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS
West side
Vancouver’s west side is convenient for UBC
students because it’s close to campus (15
to 20 minutes by bus). The main west side
neighbourhoods are:
•
University Town – There are private townhouses
and apartments on the UBC campus.
•
Kitsilano – “Kits” offers many apartments, is
very close to the beach, and is considered a
fashionable neighbourhood to live in.
•
West Point Grey and Dunbar/Southlands –
Both of these residential areas offer many
basement suites.
•
Arbutus Ridge and Kerrisdale – These
areas offer mainly single-family homes and
apartment buildings.
West End
Some students choose to live in this lively area
of downtown (40 minutes by bus). It’s close to
beaches and Stanley Park.
East side
The east side of Vancouver is farther away from
campus (35 to 40 minutes by bus) but is also
less expensive. Commercial Drive and Mount
Pleasant are trendy east side neighbourhoods
popular for their diverse cultures and lifestyles.
23
HOUSING
It’s normal to feel homesick or lonely when
you move in to a new place. The following
suggestions may help you get over the
loneliness, so that you can make the most of
your time in rez. You may feel uncomfortable at
first, but following these suggestions is worth
the effort.
travel along 4th, Broadway (9th), 10th, 25th,
41st, and 49th Avenues. See the Transportation
chapter on p. 27 for more information.
Suburbs
Vancouver suburbs are also within commuting
distance if you have a car or live near transit.
Commuting time can be up to 2 hours each
way, but rent is much cheaper. The main
suburbs are Burnaby, New Westminster,
Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver,
Richmond, Delta, and Surrey.
HOW AND WHERE TO SEARCH
AMS Rentsline
This automated touchtone telephone and online
service can help you find off-campus housing. Call
604.714.4848 or visit www.amsrentsline.com.
Newspapers
Check the classified ads in the Province and
the Vancouver Sun. Listings for both papers
are also available online at canadaclassifieds.
vancouver.oodle.com. There are also some
rental listings in the Georgia Straight and the
Vancouver Courier.
Websites
Check www.housing.ubc.ca/other_housing/
overview for off-campus accommodation
options and links to rental websites. A popular
website for housing and other deals is Craigslist,
at vancouver.en.craigslist.ca.
Notice boards
You can find rental notices on bulletin boards
at I. House, the Graduate Student Centre, and
in the basement of the SUB. The Jericho Beach
Youth Hostel also has a housing notice board.
Neighbourhood postings
If you are interested in particular areas of
Vancouver, walk through these neighbourhoods
and check notices in restaurants, corner stores,
and coffee shops. Some apartment buildings
and houses may have “For Rent” or “Vacancy”
signs posted out front. In trendier
neighbourhoods, where vacancies
tend to fill up quickly, looking for
“For Rent” signs is often the best
approach.
Rental services
There are services that will provide you with a list
of vacancies that meet your criteria. These services
are often advertised in the rental listings sections
of newspapers. They can be helpful and may save
you time, but you will have to pay a fee.
RENTING TIPS
For more information on renting in Vancouver,
including commonly used rental abbreviations
and tips on what to look for when you’re viewing
a suite, visit the online version of this handbook
at www.students.ubc.ca/international/
downloads.cfm.
Inspecting an apartment
When you view rental accommodations, check
these important features
• Are there locks on all doors?
•
Do the appliances work? Check the fridge
and try turning on the stove.
•
Do the shower and taps work? Try turning
them on.
•
Do the walls require new paint? If so, ask the
landlord whether they will paint before you
move in.
•
Is the carpet clean? Ask the landlord whether
the carpet will be cleaned or changed before
you move in.
•
How loud is traffic noise when the windows
are open?
•
What does the rent include? For example, will
you have to pay extra for any of the following:
heat, electricity, cable, laundry facilities, storage,
or parking?
Word of mouth
Ask other students if they know
of any vacancies. There are often
many suites in a building, and
someone living there might know
of upcoming vacancies.
You should also ask about the following
before renting:
• Is smoking allowed?
•
Is the place pet-friendly?
•
Can you paint the walls?
•
Are you allowed to hang things on the walls?
Protect yourself
Make sure you get all the details of your rental
agreement in writing. If the landlord says they
will repair or clean something before you
move in, write this down and include it in the
written agreement. Make sure both you and
your landlord have copies of all the agreements
you have signed. If you make changes to the
documents, both you and your landlord should
put your initials next to each change. Prove that
you paid: pay by cheque or money order, or
get a receipt if paying in cash. Take photos to
document any existing damage or
repairs needed.
TENANTS’ RIGHTS
For information on signing a lease and tenants’
rights, check the very helpful “Tenant Survival
Guide and Factsheets” (www.tenants.bc.ca/
main/?publications or pick up a copy at
I. House). You may also wish to contact the
Residential Tenancy branch at 604.660.1020,
or visit www.rto.gov.bc.ca. If you’re having
a problem with your landlord and are unsure
what to do, please see an International Student
Advisor at I. House.
Many UBC students choose to live in basement
suites (also called “ground floor suites” or
“garden suites”). Basement suites tend to be $50
to $100 per month cheaper than apartments,
but you should check that the windows and
doors open and lock properly and that the suite
is not too damp or dark.
Shared accommodation,
excluding food
$600/month
One-room bachelor or
studio suite (a single
room with a kitchen and
bathroom)
$800/month
One-bedroom apartment
(suitable for singles or
couples)
$1,000/month
Two-bedroom apartment
$1,100–$1,500/month
Four-bedroom house
$1,700/month or
more, plus utilities
Some costs of renting occur once only (at the
start of your tenancy), while others happen on a
more regular basis. One-time costs include your
security deposit (usually equal to half a month’s
rent), telephone connection fee, and furnishings.
The deposit will be returned to you when you
are moving out, if the apartment is left clean
and in good condition. Recurring monthly costs
beyond rent may include utilities, cable television,
phone, Internet service, household purchases,
laundry, parking, renters’ insurance (optional),
and food.
FURNISHING YOUR HOME
Furnished suites are available, but they are
generally more expensive. Most suites and
apartments are unfurnished, so you may need
to buy some basic furniture, such as a bed, desk,
kitchen table, and chairs. A refrigerator and
stove are always included in rental suites, so
you won’t need to purchase these items. It is
generally less expensive to buy used furniture
than to buy new furnishings. For good deals on
furniture, see:
•
Salvation Army Thrift Stores or Value Village
(check a phone book for addresses)
•
Classified ads in the Province, the
Vancouver Sun, the Vancouver Courier, and
at vancouver.en.craigslist.ca
Garage and yard sales: look for classified ads
or flyers in the neighbourhood
Flyers posted in the SUB
•
COSTS OF RENTING
The cost of renting in Vancouver can vary
greatly depending on the rental suite’s location
and condition.
Minimum cost
•
TELEPHONE SERVICE & UTILITIES
When you move in to your new place, you
may need to arrange for the following
household utilities.
25
HOUSING
Water damage (yellow stains on the walls and
ceiling), mouse droppings, and cockroaches are
very bad signs. Avoid renting suites that have
these problems. Be sure to alert your landlord
to these issues if they come up after you’ve
moved in.
Type of accommodation
Electricity
Contact BC Hydro at 604.224.9376 or www.
bchydro.com. On the website, click “Moving?”
in the left navigation, then click “New Account.”
Follow the prompts to complete the Residential
Account Application.
Cable TV
Contact Shaw Cable at 604.629.8888 or www.
shaw.ca. On the website, choose the “Products
& services” option.
SARIFAH NOOR AINI SYED
MAHMOOD
Class of 2008
Home country: Singapore
Degree: Master of Education
Major and minor: Curriculum Studies
Internet
You can set up Internet service with UBC
Information Technology (604.822.2441),
Shaw Cable, or Telus.
Remember, you can also use up to 20 hours of
free dial-up access per month. Register for free
dial-up at www.netinfo.ubc.ca.
Telephones
To set up your telephone service, contact Telus
(604.310.3100 or www.telus.com) or Rogers
(1.888.764.3771 or www.rogers.com).
Cellular phones are very popular. The cellular
networks in British Columbia are Telus Mobility,
Bell, Rogers Wireless, Fido, Koodo, and Virgin
Mobile. Be cautious and ask questions before
you sign a contract, because there may be
hidden costs.
You can also purchase long-distance phone cards
from convenience stores, and these cards may
give you better long-distance rates. Shop around
and ask others from your country about them,
because the rates vary greatly.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Rental suites often do not include laundry
facilities. If this is the case for you, ask your
landlord or a fellow tenant for the location of
the nearest laundromat, or look in the Yellow
Pages. Although you can buy detergent at some
laundromats, you’ll find it cheaper to bring your
own. Most laundry machines take only quarters
and one-dollar coins (called loonies).
INSURANCE
Some students insure their accommodation and
belongings against theft, fire, and other damage
by purchasing renters’ insurance. Check the
Yellow Pages or visit the insurance companies
located in University Village or on 10th Avenue.
Rates vary, so contact several insurance
companies to find the best deal.
The thing I like best about UBC
is the diversity, both in the kinds
of courses that are available,
and in the people that I’ve met.
I’ve also enjoyed the supportive
learning environment, and
being a part of the Education
community, where I have gained
friends, knowledge, and a better
understanding and appreciation
of different cultures. My advice
to other international students is
to be open and flexible because
you can never prepare yourself
enough for the challenges and
learning experiences that you will
encounter.
Recent achievements: Submitted
a poster on supporting the use of
student-centred teaching for the
UBC Faculty of Education and the
British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
“Investigating Our Practices” conference.
Received Singapore National Day
Commendation Medal for exceptional
performance, competence, and
devotion to duty.
Transportation
TRANSPORTATION
UBC is the second-largest
commuter destination in
Vancouver. On an average
weekday while school is
in session, students, staff,
faculty, and visitors make over
100,000 trips to UBC.
27
Public transit
the street. Certified service dogs (seeing-eye,
physical assistance, hearing) have complete
access to public places, including public transit,
in British Columbia. A person accompanied by a
service dog has the same rights, privileges, and
obligations as a person without one.
U-Pass
TransLink is Vancouver’s transit authority. It
operates buses, SkyTrains (elevated trains),
Seabuses (ferries that run between downtown
Vancouver and the North Shore), and the West
Coast Express (a commuter train that runs
between downtown Vancouver and Mission in
the Fraser Valley).
Vancouver is divided into three transit zones.
UBC is in Zone 1. If you have not obtained
your U-Pass (see below), your fare ($2.50 to
$5.00) will depend on when you travel and the
number of zones you travel through. You need
exact coin fare or prepaid bus tickets when you
ride the bus. Prepaid bus tickets are a better
value; they come in books of 10 tickets and are
available in the SUB, Safeway (grocery store),
convenience stores, and major drugstores. When
you board the bus, show your U-Pass or put
your coins or fare ticket in the electronic fare
box and wait for the box to produce a transfer
ticket. Transfers allow you to change buses for
up to 90 minutes without paying another fare.
Let the bus driver know if you need a transfer
for more than one zone.
All buses that come to UBC stop at the bus
loops. To get more information on schedules
or to plan a trip using public transit, visit www.
translink.bc.ca, call 604.953.3333, or pick up
a bus schedule and route map from the UBC
Bookstore, the SUB, or any public library.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TransLink’s HandyDART service operates
small buses for people who use wheelchairs.
HandyDART buses pick up people at their homes
and take them where they want to go. To make
a reservation, call HandyDART at 604.575.6600.
About 60% of Vancouver’s curbed streets and
lane corners have curb ramps, which make it
easier for people who use wheelchairs to cross
The Universal Transportation Pass (U-Pass)
program is mandatory for all students who are
assessed AMS fees and for incoming exchange
students. The U-Pass provides cardholders with:
• Unlimited access to TransLink bus, SkyTrain,
and Seabus services (all three zones)
• Discounted West Coast Express fares ($2.50
discount on one-way fares; 28-day pass
for $84.75)
• Increased transit service and capacity on
UBC routes
• Discounts at participating merchants
• Access to a variety of UBC TREK programs
(visit www.trek.ubc.ca)
The U-Pass fee is $23.75 per month for 2010/11
and is automatically added to your student fees
when you register for classes. This fee is subject
to change. For eligible AMS members registered
in the Winter Session, U-Passes are valid from
August 15 until April 30. If you are no longer
taking courses in January, or are taking only
Distance Education courses, your U-Pass card
will be deactivated. For eligible AMS members
registered in the Summer Session, U-Passes are
valid from April 15 until August 31.
If you’re a registered student who has a valid
UBCcard, your U-Pass will be mailed to your
current address in mid-August for the Winter
Session and in mid-April for the Summer Session.
U-Passes are mailed to Canadian addresses only;
to update your address, visit www.students.
ubc.ca/ssc. If you do not receive your U-Pass in
the mail, you can pick it up in person at the UBC
Carding Office, located in the UBC Bookstore.
You must be registered in your courses prior to
receiving your U-Pass.
Lost U-Passes can be replaced for $26.50 at the
Carding Office during business hours, between
9:30 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday,
or between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm on Saturday.
Damaged or defective U-Passes will be replaced
free of charge; the damaged or defective U-Pass
must be returned to the Carding Office.
For more information on the U-Pass program,
visit www.upass.ubc.ca.
Cycling
The City of Vancouver has developed an
extensive system of bikeways for cyclists. To
obtain a map of Vancouver’s bike routes, visit
TREK (www.trek.ubc.ca), the Vancouver Public
Library, a community centre, or a bicycle store.
If the above doesn’t apply to you, as a new
resident you have 90 days after you move to
British Columbia to get a BC driver’s licence. If
your driver’s licence is in a language other than
English or French, you must also carry a certified
translation of it.
The process to apply for a BC driver’s licence,
including the tests you’ll need to take, depends
on the type of licence you currently have. You
can apply for a BC driver’s licence at all Driver
Licensing Centres. For more information on
licences, requirements, and locations of Driver
Licensing Centres, visit www.icbc.com.
When applying for a BC driver’s licence,
remember to bring one piece of “primary ID”
and one piece of “secondary ID.” If you don’t
have proper proof of identity and driver licensing
history (if applicable), your licence application
won’t be processed. Visit www.icbc.com for a
list of acceptable identification documents.
The AMS bike Co-op (www.ams.ubc.ca/clubs/
bikecoop) is a student-run organization that
works to improve the UBC cycling environment.
On a weekly basis, volunteers gather to work on
a community fleet of purple and yellow bikes
that are free for students to use on campus.
The co-op also runs a weekly repair clinic, free
of charge for members, and maintains a fleet
of heavy-duty cargo bikes for use by student
organizations. Call 604.822.2453 (BIKE) or email
[email protected] for more information.
The Bike Kitchen (www.thebikekitchen.com),
a fully equipped bike repair and retail shop, is
part of the bike Co-op. It offers complete repair
and tune-up service and shop time for you to
work on your bike, as well as the build Your
Own bike program. For more information, call
604.827.7333, email [email protected],
or visit the bike Hub on the north side of the
Student Union building.
Driving
GETTING YOUR LICENCE
If you have a valid driver’s licence from another
country or Canadian province, and you’re
registered as a full-time student attending one
of the specified educational institutions in BC,
including UBC, your licence allows you to drive
in BC for as long as you’re a full-time student. To
REGISTERING AND INSURING
YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle must be insured before you take
it on the road. You must register, license, and
insure any vehicle you bring to BC within 30
days of its arrival. In BC, you can register, license,
and insure a vehicle at any Autoplan broker in
the province. For a list of Autoplan brokers, visit
www.icbc.com.
PARKING ON CAMPUS
UBC has many parking options for commuting
students. If you drive to campus, you can park at
any one of several meters, parkades, or outdoor
pay lots. Rates range from $1.50 per half-hour
for hourly parking to $12 for full-day parking.
After 5:00 pm and on weekends and holidays,
most parking locations charge a flat rate of $5.
The FlexPass is an economical and flexible
parking option available to all students. It is
the most convenient method of parking. The
FlexPass allows you to manage your parking
account online. To purchase a FlexPass or to
get more information related to parking or
commuting to campus, visit www.parking.ubc.
ca or call the Parking Office at 604.822.6786.
If you own a car and live in one of the
on-campus residences managed by UBC Student
Housing and Hospitality Services, you must
apply for parking. Parking spaces are assigned
on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for a
parking permit, visit www.housing.ubc.ca,
29
TRANSPORTATION
Make sure your bike has front and rear lights, a
rear reflector, and a bell. Even if you don’t cycle
at night, you will find these make it much easier
for drivers to see you. And remember to buy a
helmet – it’s the law to wear one (unless you
wear a turban).
verify that your educational institution qualifies,
call Enquiry BC at 604.660.2421 or toll-free
outside of Vancouver at 1.800.663.7867.
click “Online services,” log in, and select
“Residence parking.”
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VANCOUVER
Speed limits
The speed limit on all Vancouver roads is 50
kilometres per hour (km/h), unless you see a sign
for a different speed. The speed limit on lanes
behind houses and buildings is 20 km/h. Park and
school areas usually have a speed limit of 30 km/h.
Vancouver police give out tickets with heavy fines
to drivers who exceed the speed limits within
the city.
Street parking
Never block a fire hydrant, bus stop, sidewalk,
crosswalk, road, alley, or driveway when you
park. Parking meters are in effect from 9:00
am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. Always
check the meter for parking restrictions to avoid
getting a ticket. Don’t park where you see a
“Resident Parking Only” sign; street parking here
is reserved for people who live on that block or
in that area.
Pedestrians
People who are walking have the right of way
on campus roads and city streets, and you
need to watch out for them at all times. Most
pedestrians cross the street at intersections or
marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
Emergency vehicles
When a police car, fire truck, or ambulance has
its lights or siren on, you must get out of the
way as quickly and safely as you can. Move your
car into the right-hand lane or to the roadside
and stop until the emergency vehicle has
passed you.
BORIS REMES
Class of 2010
Home country: Kazakhstan
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Major and minor: Marketing &
International Business Major, French
Minor
At first, I found it challenging
to manage my time efficiently,
since there are so many
exciting academic and studentinvolvement opportunities. I
found too many things that I
enjoy, whether it was social
events, academic conferences, or
sports. I got involved by asking
other people what they liked at
UBC. There are many resources
available to help you succeed
academically, socially, and
personally, and other students
are willing to help you out. They
have been in similar situations
and they were able to succeed,
so ask them how they did it.
Recent achievements: Chairperson,
Enterprize Canada; President,
International Student’s Association
of Sauder School of Business; Student
Council Award, UBC Commerce
Undergraduate Society; Bronze Service
Award, UBC Commerce Undergraduate
Society; Sauder Apprentice Champion.
Immigration
IMMIGRATION
Navigating another country’s
immigration system can be
challenging. This section
provides answers to
frequently asked immigration
questions.
☞
If you need help, you
can contact an International
Student Advisor by calling
604.822.5021, emailing isa@
students.ubc.ca, or visiting I.
House. You can also contact
Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC) at 1.888.242.2100
or www.cic.gc.ca.
31
Making sense of
immigration
You are responsible for maintaining your
immigration status and obeying immigration
regulations while studying in Canada. Check
your immigration documents – study permit,
work permit, and/or Temporary Resident Visa
– to make sure they are accurate. Write down
when they need to be renewed so you can
remain in Canada without interruption.
There are three categories of people in Canada:
citizens, permanent residents, and temporary
residents. International students, workers,
and visitors are all temporary residents. As a
temporary resident, you may have one or two
types of immigration documents:
1. Permit (study permit, work permit,
or visitor record)
A valid permit authorizes you to remain in the
country while you study, work, or visit. Visitors
who are not studying or working might have a
stamp in their passport or a paper visitor record.
If you are accepted to a program that is less
than six months long, you do not need a study
permit, but you should consider applying for one
anyway. That way, if you decide to study for six
months or longer, you can simply extend your
study permit and avoid a complicated application
process.
SP
E
E
M
I
C
N
2. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
A Temporary Resident Visa is used only for
entry into Canada. It is recommended that you
maintain a valid TRV while you are in Canada
but it is not mandatory. Only citizens of certain
countries require a TRV. (See www.cic.gc.ca/
english/visit/visas.asp for a list of these
countries.) A TRV may allow “single entry” or
“multiple entry;” it can be obtained only from
a Canadian visa office (such as a consulate or
embassy) outside of Canada.
3. Passport
If your passport will expire while you are in
Canada, your immigration documents will
normally expire at the same time. In most cases,
you can apply to extend them after you obtain
a new passport. Passport applications can take
up to three months, so apply for a new passport
as soon as possible to avoid interrupting your
studies. To apply for a new passport, contact
the nearest visa office for your country (search
online for foreign embassies and consulates
in Canada).
Extending your
immigration documents
Study permits, work permits, and visitor records
must be extended if you will be staying in
Canada past your document’s expiry date. Apply
online or mail your extension application to the
Case Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta, 60
to 120 days before your current permit expires. In
most cases, applying online can ensure quicker
processing times.
You can access the online application at www.
cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/epass.asp. Paper
application forms for extending or changing
conditions on immigration documents are
available at I. House, or you can access them
online at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/
applications/menu-inside.asp.
If you prepare a paper application, make a
photocopy for your own records. If an application
is lost, it is easier to send a copy than to
reassemble the documents. Send documents by
express or priority mail (at the post office) so you
can prove they arrived safely. Keep your receipt.
Applications made online or mailed to Vegreville
must be sent from a Canadian address, and the
return address noted on your application must be
in Canada.
Your application may be rejected if it is
incomplete, so be sure to fill it out completely.
You may submit one application form online or
on paper to renew all of your family members’
immigration documents, but you will have to pay
a processing fee for each document.
☞
EXTENDING A STUDY PERMIT
To extend your study permit, you can apply online
through Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Be sure to complete and send your online
application before the expiration of your current
permit.
As part of your application, you will need to
upload the following in PDF format:
•
•
•
•
Official letter confirming your student status
and the expected duration of your program.
You can download this letter from the Student
Service Centre, www.students.ubc.ca/ssc
(proof of enrolment letter). If your program is
taking longer than expected, obtain a letter
from the academic advising office or co-op
office or, if you are a graduate student, your
graduate secretary, advisor, or supervisor.
Proof of funds, which could include a letter
from your bank or employer; evidence of
scholarships, fellowships, or teaching or
research assistantship appointments; or
proof of sponsorship from an individual or
institution. Normally you are required to
show that you have the following minimum
amounts, to cover living expenses: $10,000
per year for yourself, $4,000 for a spouse/
partner, and $3,000 for a child.
Photocopy of your passport. Scan and upload
as a PDF file your photo page plus all stamps
made in your passport for entries to Canada.
Proof that you paid your application fee
($125). You can pay online with a credit card
through the CIC website as part of the online
application process. You may choose to pay
your application fee in cash, at a bank. To pay
EXPIRED STUDY PERMITS
Implied status
If your permit expires while you are waiting for
a response from CIC, you have “implied status”
in Canada until you receive a response. It is
important that you remain in Canada while you
have this status. You may be unable to re-enter
Canada without a valid permit.
Restoration of status
If your study permit expires before you submit
your application for renewal, you will be “out of
status.” You are not authorized to attend classes
or work while you are out of status. In this
case, your immigration status must be restored,
and you will need to pay a restoration fee of
$200 as well as the standard $125 renewal
fee. You have 90 days from the day you went
out of status to apply for restoration. You can
apply for restoration online or by using a paper
application. An International Student Advisor
can review your application before you submit it.
If you have not applied to extend your study
permit and it expired more than 90 days ago,
you will have to apply outside of Canada for
a new study permit, and you might be barred
from applying for up to six months. See an
International Student Advisor if you find yourself
in this situation.
TRANSFERRING FROM
ANOTHER INSTITUTION
If you already have a valid study permit for postsecondary study in Canada, you may use that
study permit to study at UBC (unless otherwise
noted on the study permit). As a post-secondary
student, you can transfer between programs
of study and institutions without applying to
change the conditions of your study permit. You
can also transfer between public and private
institutions. If you hold a valid off-campus work
permit that was issued while you were at your
previous school, you must transfer that permit
to UBC (see p. 41 for details).
“DOES NOT AUTHORIZE RE-ENTRY”
All study permits include the phrase “does not
authorize re-entry.” This is to remind you that
if you require a TRV, your study permit alone
will not be sufficient to re-enter Canada (unless
you are returning from the United States, see
p. 35). Also, a CIC officer can prevent you from
re-entering Canada if the officer determines that
33
IMMIGRATION
If you have a question or concern
about an application processed in
Vegreville, you can see an International
Student Advisor or call the CIC Call
Centre (1.888.242.2100, from 8:00 am
to 4:00 pm on weekdays) and request
information about your case. If the
call centre staff refers your question
to Vegreville, you should get a reply
within a few business days.
at a bank, pick up a receipt form at I. House
or ask CIC to mail one to you, then scan and
upload a copy of the bank receipt as part of
your online application.
you are not following immigration regulations
(e.g., you have been working off campus
without a work permit) or you have stopped
attending classes. We recommend that you carry
documents showing that you are a current UBC
student (e.g., UBC identification and a proof of
enrolment letter from www.students.ubc.ca/
ssc). For most students, re-entry into Canada
will be routine and these documents will not be
requested, but it is a good idea to be prepared.
Temporary Resident Visas
(TRVs)
Depending on your citizenship, you may require
a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. The
TRV is different from a study permit: it is used to
enter Canada, while a study permit allows you
to remain in Canada. TRVs are often issued for
the same length of time as a study permit. You
do not need a valid TRV while inside Canada,
but it is a good idea to keep a valid one in case
of sudden trips abroad.
You can obtain a TRV only from a Canadian visa
office outside of Canada. You can renew your
TRV while outside of Canada or by applying to
a Consulate General of Canada in the United
States in person or by mail. The consulate
closest to Vancouver is located in Seattle,
Washington. Application forms are available
at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/
applications/visa.asp. In addition to the
documents required in the checklist, include a
list of schools you attended in Canada, together
with an official transcript for each. For detailed
information, visit the website of the consulate
where you will apply for your TRV.
If you send your application to a consulate of
Canada in the United States, you will be asked
to include your original passport. Each consulate
has a different processing time. Processing
times are listed at www.cic.gc.ca/english/
information/ times/index.asp. It may be four
to eight weeks before your passport is returned
and you receive your new TRV.
Please check the website of the consulate where
you will submit your application under “Waiting
Periods” to determine whether a mandatory
waiting period is required for citizens of
your country.
Applying for a study
permit from within Canada
If you are a visitor, you can apply for an initial
study permit through the Consulate General
of Canada in Seattle or another Canadian visa
office outside of Canada. The Consulate General
of Canada in Seattle accepts applications for
initial study permits in person and by mail.
If you apply in person, your application may
be processed that day. Some applications take
longer than a day to process, such as those
requiring a medical examination.
You may wait up to three months to receive the
results of a medical examination. Before you
travel to Seattle, look online to check the days
and times that applications will be accepted.
If you are applying by mail, you may be required
to go to Seattle for an interview.
For more information on applying for a study
permit through the Consulate General of
Canada in Seattle, visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/
study/study-how.asp.
☞
Regardless of your nationality, if
you have lived in or visited a country
on the CIC medical examination list,
at any time during the one year
period immediately preceding the
date of seeking entry to Canada, for
six consecutive months, then you are
required to undergo an immigration
medical examination. Check out
the designated countries list at this
link: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/
inFORMation/medical/dcl.asp
If you have a work permit or are an
accompanying partner/spouse, you can apply
for a study permit online or by mail through the
office in Alberta, as if you were extending one.
See p. 33 for details.
Travelling outside of
Canada
It is important to renew your documents before
you travel. If your study permit will expire
while you are outside of Canada, you should
speak with an International Student Advisor. It
is possible to renew your study permit while
outside of Canada but it may take longer
depending on where you are. Check the
processing times online to be certain you have
enough time to get your paperwork processed.
Processing times are available at www.cic.gc.ca/
english/information/times/index.asp.
☞
It is not advisable to leave Canada
while an immigration document
extension is being processed if your
current document will expire while
you will be abroad. Please see an
International Student Advisor for details.
Returning to Canada
•
Have all your documents ready.
•
Answer every question truthfully
and consistently.
•
Don’t offer more information than is requested;
give short answers; offer only the information
that is requested; and don’t hesitate.
•
Expect waits of one to three hours.
•
Cross the border during office hours if your
case is complicated.
You may have to pay duty on the goods
and gifts you are bringing into Canada. For
information on what you are allowed to bring
in and personal exemptions (goods that you
are allowed to bring in duty-free), consult the
“Guide for Residents of Canada Returning to
Canada” by the Canada border Services Agency:
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/
bsf5056-eng.html.
US citizens will need to present a valid passport
to Customs when entering Canada or returning
to the United States. See travel.state.gov/
travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for details.
Visiting the United States
If you have a valid study permit or work permit,
and if you leave Canada and visit only the
United States, you do not need a valid TRV to
re-enter Canada.1
To enter the United States, however, citizens
of some countries will require a US entry visa.
All applicants for US visas must submit an
online application at www.consular.canada.
1 According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection
Regulations, Part 9, Division 5, Section 190:3f (laws.
justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cr/SOR-2002-227/bo-ga:l_0gb:l_5/en#anchorbo-ga:l_9-gb:1_5).
If you have found a summer internship in the
United States, contact the US Consulate’s visa
section to find out the type of visa you will need.
Inquiries are accepted by fax (604.685.7175) or
email at [email protected]. You may need
to find a US-based organization to act as your
sponsor. For a list of possible sponsors, consult
the US Department of State website at www.
exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges.
Taking a break
from your studies
Students sometimes take a short break from their
studies because of illness or academic pressure.
International students are normally permitted by
Citizenship and Immigration Canada to remain in
Canada and take one term off if they’ve already
completed two consecutive terms. Consult an
academic advisor and contact an International
Student Advisor if you are considering taking a
break from your studies. Graduate students need
to apply for a leave of absence from the Faculty
of Graduate Studies (FoGS).
If you plan to leave the country during your
break, request a letter from UBC stating that you
are eligible to return to your program of studies.
If asked by a customs officer, present this letter
along with any documentation of your break
(e.g., leave approval from FoGS, doctor’s note).
If you hold an off-campus work permit and take
a break from studies, you will have to return
your work permit to CIC. See p. 41 for details.
Staying in Canada as
a visitor
To stay in Canada as a visitor after you complete
your studies (if your study permit is going to
expire), you need to apply for a visitor record.
You can apply by mail from within Canada
to change your immigration status to visitor.
Once you switch to a visitor record, any new
application for a study permit or work permit
must be made outside of Canada, and can be
made at the Consulate General of Canada in
the United States in Seattle.
35
IMMIGRATION
Border-crossing etiquette in Canada may be
different from what you have experienced
elsewhere. Here are some tips to ensure that
your border experience is as smooth as possible.
usembassy.gov/nvars.asp. Following the
online application, you will be invited for a
visa interview at the Consulate General of the
United States at 1095 West Pender Street in
Vancouver (604.685.4311). be sure to book
your visa appointment long before you travel,
as your US entry visa may take up to four
months to process.
Documents for
family members
Canadian immigration policy
☞
regards an international student’s
common-law partner in the same
manner as a legal spouse. CIC defines
“common-law partners” as people
of the same or opposite gender who
currently live together and have lived
together in a conjugal relationship
of at least one year. If you intend to
demonstrate common-law status in the
future, it is advisable to establish legal
ties early (e.g., joint leases, joint bank
accounts). See http://www.cic.gc.ca/
english/immigrate/sponsor/spouseapply-who.asp#common_law for more
information.
If your family members will accompany you to
Canada, they should apply for visitor status at
the same time you apply. In the case of most
students, ‘family’ includes spouses, partners
and children.
Partners of international students can apply
for work permits after they arrive in Canada.
In some cases, Canadian Visa Offices abroad
will process Open Spousal/Partner Work Permit
applications at the same time as the study
permit applications. In this case, you will need to
include the additional fee for the work permit,
and complete the work permit application
for your spouse or partner, available from the
website of the consulate. US citizen spouses
and partners of US citizen students are eligible
to apply for a work permit at the border or
through a Canadian Consulate. The work permit
will be issued for the same length of time as
the partner’s study permit and will allow up to
full-time work. Your partner does not need a job
offer to apply for a work permit. Most students
apply for a work permit for their spouse or
partner after arrival in Canada, after they have
been admitted as a visitor. See p. 42 for details.
Your school-age children (18 years of age or
younger) do not require study permits, but study
permits, rather than visitor records, can make
the immigration process run more smoothly,
especially if your child enters Canada without
a parent. You should bring two years of official
school records for your children, in English or
with a certified English translation.
Your family members can accompany you to
Canada or you can invite them to visit you after
you arrive. The following supporting documents
are required:
•
Proof of enrolment letter (available for
download at www.students.ubc.ca/ssc) from
Brock Hall or your academic department that
states your current student status, how long
you plan to study at UBC, and whether you
have a teaching or research assistantship or
other source of income, such as a scholarship
• A letter from you that states how long you
have been in Canada and provides pertinent
information, including your current financial
situation; your family members’ address(es),
telephone number(s), birthdate(s), and
occupation(s); and the intended duration of
your family’s stay in Canada
• Letter(s) from a bank, employer, scholarship
provider, etc., that proves your or their
financial status
• A copy of your marriage certificate or proof of
common-law status
• A copy of your study permit
Send these documents to your family members
so they can present the documents to the
Canadian visa office through which they will
apply for temporary resident status. Be sure to
make copies of these documents. Keep one copy
for yourself. Ask your family members to contact
the Canadian visa office as soon as they receive
the documents.
Family members may need to apply for
Temporary Resident Visas and, if necessary, must
undergo and pass a medical examination see
page 35 for details.
If your family members enter Canada without
you, they may be admitted on visitor status for
six months. Visitors admitted for six months or
less are not eligible for BC’s Medical Services Plan
(health insurance) so apply right away to extend
or change their documents. To ensure that
your family members travelling without you are
admitted to Canada as visitors for the length of
your study permit, be sure to send them copies
of the documents listed above for them to
present at the Canadian border crossing.
When extending documents, all dependants
(including children) require their own documents,
so extend their documents before the expiry date
and pay the appropriate fee for each person.
Visitor documents may include a stamp in the
passport or a visitor record. An undated Customs
stamp normally authorizes the visitor to remain
in Canada for six months. Your family members
should make sure their passports get stamped
during the border crossing.
Lost or stolen passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, follow the steps
below:
1. Report your lost or stolen passport to the
nearest Vancouver police department or
RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
office. Keep any file numbers or
documents they provide as proof that
you contacted them.
SAMI DONG
Class of 2008
Home country: Shanghai, China
Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Major and minor: Finance and
Marketing
3. Apply to replace your study permit. You
can download the application form from
www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/
applications/certcopy.asp. Applications
for lost permits are processed at CIC
in Vancouver.
☞
It’s a good idea to keep
photocopies of all your important
documents (including your credit cards,
passport, immigration documents, bank
information, and health insurance
cards) in a safe place in case the
originals are lost or stolen.
The best part about getting
involved in committees and
programs on campus has been
all the friends I have made.
I would recommend getting
as involved as possible in
campus life. I found out about
opportunities for involvement
through faculty and International
House newsletters, and signed
up because I wanted to get to
know new people and make lots
of friends on campus. One of
the best things about UBC is its
multi-cultural environment, and
the constant opportunities to
develop yourself.
Recent achievements: Student manager
of the International Peer Program;
Selected member of the Leaders of
Tomorrow Program; VP External of
the International Students Association;
Sub-committee leader of International
Week; Commerce Undergraduate
Society External Achievement Award.
37
IMMIGRATION
2. Contact your country’s embassy or consulate
in Canada and ask for instructions on how
to apply for a new passport. You can find
your country’s nearest embassy or consulate
by doing an Internet search using the phrase
“foreign embassies and consulates in Canada.”
Working &
Volunteering
Many international students
are interested in working
or volunteering while they
attend UBC. Work experience
can provide great career
preparation, exposure to the
Canadian workplace, and a
closer connection to the local
community. It can also provide
a little extra spending money.
Keep reading to find out what
kinds of work you can do as
an international student.
Can I work in Canada?
You may work on campus if your study permit is
valid for six months or more and you are a fulltime international student registered in credit
courses. Working off-campus requires a work
permit. Under the Immigration and Refugee
Protection Act, work is defined as “an activity
for which wages or commission is earned,
or which competes directly with activities of
Canadian citizens or permanent residents in
the Canadian labour market” (http://www.
cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/workvolunteer.asp)
Working on campus
On-campus employment is defined as
employment in facilities owned, leased, or
rented by UBC. Your employer may be the
University, a student organization, or a private
contractor operating within the boundaries of
the campus, such as businesses in the University
Village. On-campus employment includes work
at facilities such as teaching hospitals, clinics,
and research institutes, which may be located
off campus but have a formal association or
affiliation with UBC, and which are located
within the City of Vancouver. This includes UBC’s
Robson Square campus in downtown Vancouver.
Applications for work permits are available at
I. House or online at www.cic.gc.ca/english/
information/applications/work-students.
asp. Applications are processed at the Case
Processing Centre in Vegreville, Alberta, within
two to six weeks. Check www.students.ubc.
ca/international for up-to-date information
or for instructions when encountering technical
difficulties with the on-line applications.
If your volunteer position could be considered
work according to the CIC definition, you will
need an off-campus work permit. If you are
asked to volunteer for a job that is normally
performed by paid employees – photocopying,
customer service, etc. – a work permit is needed.
OFF-CAMPUS WORK PERMIT
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible international students attending
participating post-secondary institutions can
apply to work off campus while they complete
their studies.
To be eligible for an off-campus work
permit, you must:
• Be currently academically eligible and in a
degree, diploma, or certificate program at UBC
☞
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) does
not limit the number of hours students are
permitted to work on campus. However, some
UBC employers may restrict the hours students
can work to 10 or 12 hours per week.
Academic eligibility is defined
as follows: Undergraduates must be
registered in 9 credits per term (Winter
Session Term 1, Winter Session Term
2, or both Summer Session terms
combined). Graduate students must be
registered or have continuing status.
Be careful not to let your work interfere with
your studies.
WORK LEARN
Work Learn is on-campus work experience
program that provides a wage subsidy for
international undergraduate students seeking
work on campus. If you are hired and qualify for
a Work Learn position, UBC will contribute $9 per
hour to your hourly wage (your supervisor pays
the remaining amount), for up to 300 hours for
the Winter session, and up to 300 hours for the
summer session. Work Learn jobs are filled quickly,
so browse postings in August and September for
Winter positions, and April and May for Summer
positions For more information and to view Work
Learn job postings , visit www.Careers.ubc.ca.
Have been academically eligible at a
participating post-secondary institution for at
least six out of the past 12 months (including
co-op work terms)
• Have maintained satisfactory academic
standing in your program of study (defined at
UBC as “eligible to continue”)
•
39
WORKING & VOLUNTEERING
It is important to know your rights as an
employee. To learn about BC employment
standards, visit the Ministry of Labour website
at http://www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/. If you
believe your rights have been violated, contact an
Working off campus
All types of off-campus work require a valid
work permit (volunteering does not). If you
qualify to work off campus, you need a work
permit before you begin your job. With the
exception of the Co-op work permit, all work
permit applications are available on-line.
Co-op work permits and off☞
campus work permits are not the same,
but students may hold both permits if
they meet the eligibility requirements
for each one.
You are NOT eligible to apply for an
off-campus work permit if you:
• Are a visiting, exchange, unclassified,
Continuing Studies, or Access Studies
student at UBC,
• Have a partial or full scholarship from:
- the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship
Program, funded by the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)
- the Government of Canada Awards Program,
funded by DFAIT
- the Canadian International Development
Agency (CIDA),
• Are participating in the Equal Opportunity
Scholarship Program (Canada-Chile), the
Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program, the
Organization of American States Fellowship
program,
• Are registered in a program that consists either
exclusively or primarily of English or French as a
second language, or
• Have previously held an off-campus work
permit, failed to maintain your eligibility, and
failed to surrender your work permit. However,
if you became ineligible for the program and
surrendered your work permit, you may reapply
for a work permit if you meet the eligibility
requirements at a later date.
☞
If you’re a transfer student and
you studied at another participating
Canadian post-secondary institution for
part of the previous 12 months, you
may include those months as part of
your six months to establish eligibility.
HOURS OF WORK PERMITTED
Undergraduate students with off-campus work
permits who are academically eligible may work
a maximum of 20 hours per week during the
regular academic year (September to April) and
full-time during scheduled breaks (Summer,
Winter, and Reading breaks).
Undergraduates who were academically eligible
in the previous Term 1 and Term 2 and have an
off-campus work permit are eligible to retain
their off-campus work permit during Summer
break and are eligible to work full-time,
regardless of their summer course load.
Graduate students are normally considered to
have an ongoing, full-time relationship with the
University and therefore may work a maximum
of 20 hours per week throughout the year.
They may work full-time during Winter break
and Reading break.
APPLYING FOR AN OFF-CAMPUS
WORK PERMIT
The application process will be easier if you
prepare all documents in advance:
1. Create an epass and applicant profile by
registering with MyCIC at www.cic.gc.ca/
english/e-services/epass.asp.
2. When prompted online, request that UBC
provide you with an Electronic Verification
Number (EVN). Log out of the CIC website
after you have submitted your request
for verification. Your online request for
verification will be processed by UBC in
three to five business days. You will receive
a notification from CIC in your MyCIC
account once it has been processed. This
message will contain an EVN and a link to
the next part of the online application.
☞
Using the online application
system, you can apply for a study permit
and an off-campus work permit at
the same time. In most cases your offcampus work permit will be valid until
the expiry of your new study permit.
Visit the CIC application site at www.cic.
gc.ca/english/e-services/epass.asp.
3. Have your passport and study permit
available as you complete the next step.
Plan to spend about an hour at your
computer completing this part of the
application. If you are unsure of your
responses, complete the application to
the best of your ability, save and print the
answer summary page, and meet with
an International Student Advisor before
submitting your final answers electronically.
Bring the summary page printout to your
appointment.
4. At the end of the application, you will be
asked to submit a copy of your passport,
including the information and photo page
and any pages that refer to your stay in
Canada. You can upload this information
as a PDF file.
5. You will be asked to pay an application fee
($150). You can pay either online with a
credit card or at a local bank with a receipt
form available from I. House. If you pay at
a local bank, you can scan and upload the
receipt as a PDF file.
6. If CIC has any questions after you apply,
they will contact you at the email address
on your application.
7. Your application for the off-campus work
permit must be submitted within two
months of the date that it was started.
After two months, your unsent application
will expire and you will need to begin a
new application.
campus.
What does it mean to “maintain
eligibility?”
To continue to be eligible to hold an off-campus
work permit, you must maintain academic
eligibility (see p. 39). However, in your final term
of studies, you are permitted to be registered in
less than full-time studies and continue to use
your work permit.
What happens if I lose my eligibility?
If you become ineligible for the off-campus
work permit, you must stop working off campus
and surrender your work permit to CIC. To
be sure it arrives, take your off-campus work
permit in person to the local CIC office, at 1148
Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3. Before
surrendering your permit, make a photocopy of
it for your records.
When you surrender your permit, you will need
to bring:
•
Your original off-campus work permit
•
Two copies of a letter you have prepared,
including your full name, client ID number, the
day you became ineligible, a brief explanation
of why you are ineligible, and your signature
Have the CIC officer date and sign one of the
copies of your letter. Keep this signed copy as
proof that you surrendered your off-campus
work permit.
If you are unable to visit CIC Vancouver in
person, mail the original off-campus work
permit and letter to the address above, using a
tracking service such as Xpresspost from Canada
Post. Be sure to print the receipt showing that
If you surrender your work permit, you may
re-apply at a later date when you meet the
eligibility requirements.
Does UBC report on student eligibility?
On November 1 each year, UBC must provide CIC
and the BC Ministry of Advanced Education with
a report of students who have become ineligible
for the off-campus work permit program.
As part of the online application for the offcampus work permit, you will be asked to give
your consent for UBC to share this information.
Transferring with an off-campus work
permit
If you transfer to UBC and hold an off-campus
work permit already, you must notify CIC that
you are transferring your off-campus work
permit to UBC. Do this as soon as possible. If
you do not, you will be reported to CIC by your
former school as ineligible for the off-campus
work permit program. This could prevent you
from applying for other permits in the future.
• If you applied for an off-campus work permit
online and received an Electronic Verification
Number, notify CIC, UBC, and your previous
institution of your transfer using the MyCIC
online portal. Under the tab “What do you
want to do today?” Click the link “Transfer my
verification” and follow the instructions.
TRANSITION TO POST-GRADUATION
WORK PERMIT
Students who have completed all degree,
diploma, or certificate requirements and who
are within the 90-day period allowed for
transition to post-graduation employment will
still be considered eligible to work off campus,
provided they are in possession of a valid study
permit and a valid off-campus work permit.
If you want to be able to work while applying
for the post-graduation work permit, be sure
to submit your online request for an Electronic
Verification Number (EVN) before your degree is
conferred.
Co-ops & internships
If you are required to work as an integral part
of your studies or you are enrolled in a co-op
program, you may be permitted to work off
campus full-time. You will need a co-op work
permit from CIC to do so. When you apply
for your co-op work permit, be sure to include
evidence showing that the employment is
mandatory for the completion of your academic
program (such as a letter from the co-op office).
41
You must have your work permit
☞
before you can begin working off-
the package arrived successfully at CIC.
No application fee is required. A co-op work
permit is different from an off-campus work
permit, but you may hold both if you meet the
criteria for each. Co-op work permit applications
are available at International House or online
from CIC at www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.
asp. Co-op work permits are will be issued for
the same length of time as the study permit.
When you extend a study permit, you will need
to extend your co-op work permit.
If you must extend your study permit and apply
for a co-op work permit at the same time, you
can apply for both permits on paper. Check
with an International Student Advisor to be
sure you have all the forms required for
BOTH applications.
The co-op work permit application is currently a
paper form submitted by mail to CIC in Alberta.
Employment for
spouses & partners
Accompanying spouses or common-law partners
of study permit holders can apply for work
permits that last as long as the study permits
of their student partners, if the student is
studying full-time at the time of application.
Most partners come as visitors and apply for a
work permit by mail once they are in Canada.
However, US citizens can apply at the border
crossing. When applying, partners should
include a photocopy of their student partner’s
study permit along with other documents.
When you extend your study permit using the
online application system, you can apply to
extend the documents of all of your dependants
at the same time, including work permits for
partners and spouses. There will be a fee for
each document requested.
If spouses or partners who have work permits
choose to apply for study permits later, their
work permits will remain valid but they may not
be allowed to extend them.
Post-graduation
employment
If you are graduating from a degree, diploma,
or certificate program of at least two years in
length, you can apply for a work permit that
will allow you to work in Canada for up to three
years. An offer of employment is no longer
required to apply for this permit. Students who
have completed programs of more than eight
months and less than two years may apply for
permits that are the same length of time as their
program. You may qualify for only one post-
graduation employment period in your lifetime.
It is a good idea to begin researching jobs for
post-graduation as early as possible during your
studies at UBC (see p. 45).
The post-graduation work permit allows you to
work part-time, full-time, or on contract.
After completing your studies, you must apply
for and receive a work permit before you can
begin working unless you already hold a valid
off-campus work permit.
What if your study permit expires close
to graduation?
If your study permit expires within 90 days
after your final marks are available or you have
submitted your thesis or dissertation, you can
apply for a study permit “bridging extension”
prior to the permit’s expiry date. You can apply
online or by mail. You may also apply for an offcampus work permit for the same time period,
to allow you to work full-time for 90 days after
completing your studies and before you have
received your post-graduation work permit.
In your on-line application, indicate that you are
applying for a “bridging extension” to cover the
90 days needed to apply for post-graduation
employment, or choose the option “apply for a
study permit and an off-campus work permit”
if you wish to work after completing studies
and before receipt of your post-graduation
work permit.
☞
Note: If you submit your
application for the post-graduation
work permit in the 90-day period and
before your study permit expires, you
have implied status and do not need a
bridging extension. You may not work
during this period unless you have a
valid off-campus work permit.
APPLYING FOR A POST-GRADUATION
WORK PERMIT
As soon as your final marks are available or
you have submitted your thesis or dissertation,
you have 90 days in which to apply for your
post-graduation work permit. The date of
your graduation ceremony does not affect the
application period.
The application process will be easier if you
prepare all documents in advance:
1. Create
an epass and applicant profile by
registering with MyCIC at www.cic.gc.ca/
english/e-services/epass.asp.
2. Have
your passport and study permit available
as you complete the next step. Plan to spend
about an hour at your computer completing
this part of the application. If you are unsure
of your responses, complete the application
to the best of your ability, save and print
the answer summary page, and meet with
an International Student Advisor before
submitting your final answers electronically.
Bring the summary page printout to
your appointment.
3. At
the end of the application, you will be
asked to submit a copy of your passport,
including the information and photo page and
any pages that refer to your stay in Canada.
You can upload this information as a PDF file.
4. You
5.
You will be asked to pay an application fee
($150). You can pay either online with a credit
card or at a local bank with a receipt form
available from I. House. If you pay at a local
bank, you can scan and upload the receipt as
a PDF file.
6. If
CIC has any questions after you apply, they
will contact you at the email address on
your application.
7. Your
on-line application for the postgraduation work permit must be submitted
within two months of the date that it was
started. After two months, your unsent
application will expire and you will need to
begin a new application.
Processing time for the post-graduation work
permit is two to six weeks.
TRAVEL DURING THE POSTGRADUATION WORK PERMIT PERIOD
We encourage you to apply for the postgraduation work permit online before you travel.
We encourage you to apply for the postgraduation work permit online and stay in
Canada until you have received the permit
before you travel outside of Canada.
If you must leave Canada after your application
Travelling on a post-graduation work permit is
different than travelling on a study permit. You
may exit and re-enter Canada during the period
of your post-graduation work permit. However,
you must always carry proof of your current
situation when you travel, as border officials
often ask to see proof of your status when you
are travelling on a work permit.
The same proof will be needed when you apply
for a TRV (temporary resident visa) if one is
required for you to return to Canada.
PROOF OF YOUR CURRENT
SITUATION
If you have a job in Canada:
• carry an official letter from your employer,
stating your duties, wage and dates of
employment. If your job pays less than
$10,000/year, you must also carry proof
of funds (a bank statement) showing that
between your salary and your savings (or your
family savings) you have at least $10,000
available to support yourself in Canada.
If you do not have a job in Canada:
• carry proof of funds in the amount of $10,000
available for your support this year (a bank
statement or a copy of your parent’s bank
statement)
• carry proof that you are going to try to get a
job in Canada, such as copy of your resume
and any emails or cover letters you have sent
out recently to apply for jobs
Staying in Canada
If you are interested in staying in Canada after
your post-graduation work permit expires, it
may be possible to do so. You may be eligible
for the Canadian Experience Class of Permanent
Residency, the BC Provincial Nominee Program
for Permanent Residency, or your employer can
apply to Service Canada for a Labour Market
Opinion. If your home country has a reciprocal
agreement with Canada, you may also be
eligible for a NAFTA work permit or a working
holiday visa.
CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS
Canadian Experience Class is a new category
of permanent residency for certain skilled
temporary workers and international students
43
will also need to upload a scanned copy
of an official transcript from UBC (needs to be
final). If a final transcript is not yet available,
obtain an official letter from UBC indicating
you successfully completed your academic
requirements. You can request this letter from
your undergraduate advising office or your
department supervisor. Check with the relevant
office to inquire about the earliest date they
can issue you the letter. Not all academic
advising offices will be able to issue letters as
soon as you complete your studies.
has been submitted, but before the permit has
been received, please consult an International
Student Advisor about how to receive your
permit abroad, so that you can use it to re-enter
Canada—or apply for a TRV (temporary resident
visa) abroad.
with Canadian degrees and Canadian work
experience. Please check the Citizenship and
Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca)
for updates about this initiative.
employers can call the Vancouver Temporary
Foreign Worker Unit at 604.666.7509 or email
tfwu-Vancouver-utet@ cic.gc.ca.
BC PROVINCIAL NOMINEE
PROGRAM ( PNP)
Canadian Experience Class is a new category
of permanent residency for certain skilled
temporary workers and international students
with Canadian degrees and Canadian work
experience. Please check the Citizenship and
Immigration Canada website (www.cic.gc.ca)
for updates about this initiative.
The BC Provincial Nominee Program is an
immigration program that allows BC employers
to recommend highly skilled workers to
Citizenship and Immigration Canada for
permanent residence. As a provincial nominee,
an applicant will receive faster processing of
their application for permanent resident status
(within 12 months) and will be able to extend
their work permit for an additional two years.
Here’s how the program works: a BC employer
offers a job to an international student who
has almost or already completed their degree
program. The job offer must be a full-time,
permanent position; in most cases it must
be related to the student’s field of study. The
employer and applicant each complete the
required BC PNP forms. The employer submits
the completed application form, with a letter
recommending the applicant for nomination,
within one year of completion of their program
of studies.
As of summer 2010, there is a new category
of BC PNP, for students completing a Master’s
or PhD degree in BC. Under certain conditions,
this new program will allow you to apply for
PNP, even if you don’t have a job. For more
information, please see:
www.aved.gov.bc.ca/provincialnominee/
welcome.htm.
☞
Remember that you must
continue working with your employer
for the duration of your PNP and
permanent residence application
period, or your application will be
cancelled.
LABOUR MARKET OPINION ( LMO)
Another option for those who have completed
their post-graduation work permit term or are
not eligible to apply for the post-graduation
work permit or Provincial Nominee Program
may be the LMO. Your employer may be able
to apply to Service Canada for an LMO. If the
opinion is favourable, you may apply for a work
permit. Employers of international graduates
may not have to meet the typical standards of
recruitment and wage levels. For assistance,
CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS
Social Insurance Number
(SIN)
Only those international students who have
job offers for on-campus employment or work
permits for off-campus employment can apply
for a Social Insurance Number. You must have
a SIN to receive payment for work in Canada.
Apply in person at a Service Canada office. There
is no fee to submit a SIN application, and the
forms are available at I. House or at Service
Canada offices. For more information and a list
of Service Canada
APPLYING FOR A SIN
To apply for a SIN, you must provide either:
• your work permit and passport,
• or your study permit, passport, and
an employment contract from your
on-campus employer.
Details about what must be included in
these contracts, as well as a sample contract
for on-campus employers, are available on
the Service Canada website at http://www.
servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml
The 900-series SIN
You will be issued a SIN beginning with the
number 9 (called a 900-series SIN). As a holder
of a 900-series SIN, you will also need to show
your study or work permit to an employer to
clarify that you are eligible to work in Canada.
Most on-campus employers should be aware of
this. If you experience any difficulties, contact an
All 900-series SINs have an expiry date. For SINs
issued after 2003, the expiry date should be the
same as the one on your primary immigration
document (study or work permit).
If your SIN is expiring, you need
☞
to extend your study permit (see p. 34)
before you can extend your SIN.
Can I start working before I get my SIN card?
Employers are required to ask all employees to
show their SIN cards within the first three days of
employment. In most situations, an employee can
start working as long as they can prove that they
have applied for a SIN. Your SIN application receipt
will be enough for most on-campus employers to
allow you to work right away.
Implied status for the SIN
Service Canada grants an implied status of up to
eight weeks for those employees who experience
an administrative delay after requesting a renewal
of their study or work permits. This implied
status is granted only if the renewal application
was made prior to the expiry of the original
immigration document. You should be able to
keep working and receiving payments while you
have implied status.
If you or your spouse/partner plan to work in
the field of health services or with children, you
must pass a medical examination required by
CIC. Examples of occupations requiring a medical
exam include hospital staff, clinical lab workers,
and primary or secondary school teachers. If
you wish to work in agricultural occupations, a
medical exam is required if you have lived in
certain countries for six months or more. Please
visit the CIC website for details (www.cic.gc.ca).
The medical exam must be performed by a doctor
assigned by CIC, and results may take up to
three months to be processed. Check your study
or work permit to make sure you are eligible to
work in public health areas. If a medical exam is
required, please consult an International Student
Advisor.
Finding a job
The Canadian job market is highly competitive,
and you will need initiative, patience, and
persistence to find a job.
UBC Career Services is the best place to start
your job search. From www.careers.ubc.ca, you
can link to a web-based job posting site and
many other employment resources. If you are an
international undergraduate student earning your
degree at UBC, you may be eligible to apply for
jobs with UBC employers through the Work Learn
on-campus work experience program. See page
40 for more information.
•
•
Notice boards around campus often feature
job postings that involve working for a
professor or the department office. Department
administrative staff members are also good
sources of information about upcoming jobs.
•
Asking people you know is another way to
•
Drop off your resumé at the on-campus offices
or units that regularly hire students: UBC
Libraries, the UBC Bookstore, UBC REC, and
Student Housing and Hospitality Services.
HOW TO APPLY
People usually apply for a job with a resumé
and cover letter that states their interest in and
qualifications for a position. In Canada, resumés
and cover letters follow a particular format. A
resumé should advertise your relevant skills and
accomplishments but should not contain personal
information such as age, gender, marital status, or
photographs. Contact Career Services to find out
about resumé workshops and resources.
In Canada, it is important for anyone seeking
employment to present themselves as the
best person for the job. To help you feel more
comfortable demonstrating your abilities, visit
Career Services for a workshop on job hunting
(see p. 46) or consult an International Student
Advisor or Career Educator.
Career planning
Whether you plan to graduate soon or in a few
years, it’s never too early to begin planning your
future. Students who plan for life after graduation
are often more successful in achieving their goals.
Consult the programs and services below for
information on how to make a smooth transition
into the world of work.
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services helps students and alumni develop
their careers and job search skills. Check out job
postings, find career education resources, and
sign up for the Career Services newsletter to learn
about career-related events on campus at www.
careers.ubc.ca.
Career preparation for
international students
Career Services offers 45-minute cover letter,
resumé, and career consultations by appointment
at 1896 East Mall (portable outside Brock Hall)
Career Services also offers workshops and
resources, through the I. Work Program,
specifically to prepare international students
to achieve their career goals after graduation.
Whether you plan to find a job in Canada, go
to graduate school, return home, volunteer, or
travel after you complete your degree, a range of
45
MEDICAL EXAM
find out about jobs. Teaching or research
assistantships, for example, are sometimes given
out on the basis of a personal recommendation
from a professor. Visit www.careers.ubc.ca
for tips on approaching a UBC faculty or staff
member and finding a job on campus.
resources, workshops, and information is available
to assist you in making your decisions. Key I. Work
events include Post-Graduation Work Permit Info
Sessions, the Finding Work in Canada Workshop,
Permanent Residency/Provincial Nominee Program
Info Sessions, and the Launch a Career in Canada
Networking Event.
You can also start your career and life planning
with Career Services’ workshops. Through a mix of
online and in-class sessions, you will learn how to:
Volunteering
In Canada, volunteer experience is highly valued.
Many people volunteer at social service, arts
and culture, recreation, education, research, and
religious organizations as well as with registered
charities. When you volunteer, you gain workrelated skills, give back to the community, share
your culture, and meet others who share your
interests. You can list your volunteer experience as
work experience on your resumé.
•
explore inspiring career options
OPPORTUNITIES ON CAMPUS
•
network and connect with employers
•
gain career-related experience
•
write winning resumés and be successful in job
interviews
There are many on-campus volunteer opportunities
where you can make a difference. Visit the
websites below for more information.
For more information on career preparation for
international students, visit www.careers.ubc.ca.
Connecting with employers
Career Services links students and alumni with
employers through services and programs such as:
• Careers Online: A web-based job posting system
•
Employer information sessions and career fairs
•
Career Expos
•
Tri-mentoring programs (mentoring triads that
involve junior students, senior students, and
industry professionals)
For more information on connecting with
employers, visit www.careers.ubc.ca.
UBC Alumni Affairs
You can also stay connected to UBC through
Alumni Affairs. Visit the Alumni Affairs website
at www.alumni.ubc.ca.
A-Team
http://www.peerprograms.ubc.ca/the-crew/
a-team/
The A-Team is a new peer leadership program
within the Faculty of Arts. As a part of the
Centre for Arts Student Services (CASS), the
A-Team is made up of a group of undergraduate
students looking to engage and connect all
students to resources within the Faculty of Arts.
Centre for Student Involvement (CSI)
Ready to explore all that UBC has to offer outside
the classroom? Stop by the CSI on the main floor
of Brock Hall to find your best connections to UBC
student programming outside the classroom. Meet
like-minded students and share opportunities to
enrich your education.
http://involvement.ubc.ca/
Crane Production Unit
www.students.ubc.ca/go/crane
The Crane Production Unit has over 100 volunteers
who record textbooks on tape for students and
faculty who cannot use print materials.
SCI Team
www.sciteam.ubc.ca
Members volunteer to give workshops to students
in the Faculty of Science and provide academic
coaching.
Equity Ambassadors
www.students.ubc.ca/access/equity.cfm
Equity Ambassadors attend weekly meetings
and volunteer five hours a week to help increase
awareness about human rights issues including
discrimination, inclusivity, and harassment.
Speakeasy (Peer Support)
www.ams.ubc.ca/speakeasy
Speakeasy is a team of dedicated and friendly
students who provide information, peer
support, and crisis intervention services. Student
volunteers are trained to help other students
deal with such issues as relationship breakups,
loneliness, substance abuse, sexuality, and exam
stress.
E-Team
e-team/UBC
Engineering’s student-run E-Team offers
workshops for Engineering students.
Global Student Speakers’ Bureau (GSSB)
gssb-ubc.blogspot.com
The GSSB is a program dedicated to developing
a roster of student speakers who are eager
to share their international experience with
audiences from UBC and the larger Vancouver
community. It provides a supportive environment
in which to improve your public-speaking skills,
enhance meaningful dialogue, and connect with
enthusiastic people from across the globe.
International Student Development
www.students.ubc.ca/international
Opportunities include event production with
International Week and GALA, peer support and
academic coaching through the International
Peer Program, and language support through ESL
teaching.
Orientation
www.students.ubc.ca/go/orientationsleaders
Members of the Orientations Team collaborate
to ensure a positive and informative orientation
experience for all incoming students and their
parents. Members of the Orientations Team
collaborate to ensure a positive and informative
orientation experience for all incoming students
and their parents.
OPPORTUNITIES OFF CAMPUS
International students are permitted to volunteer
off campus without holding a work permit as long
as the volunteer activity cannot be considered
work. (See p. 39 for the definition of “work”
used by CIC.)
Places to look for off-campus volunteer
opportunities:
•
Go Global International Service Learning
(ISL) programs seek to engage students in
meaningful international service projects that
enhance and challenge academic learning. All
programs include a pre-departure program at
UBC, an international component, and postexperience activities. Visit www.students.ubc.
ca/global/learning-abroad/.
•
The UBC Learning Exchange Trek Volunteer
program offers UBC students the opportunity
to assist non-profit organizations, schools,
and community centres in inner-city
neighbourhoods of Vancouver. Visit www.
learningexchange.ubc.ca.
•
AMS Volunteer Connect links students with
volunteer opportunities and internships on
campus, within Greater Vancouver and the
Lower Mainland, and around the world. Visit
www2.ams.ubc.ca/index.php/services/
category/ams_volunteer_connect/.
•
Volunteer Vancouver matches volunteers
with non-profit organizations. Visit www.
govolunteer.ca and search its database
for opportunities.
47
Simon K Y Lee Global Lounge and
Resource Centre
e-team/UBC
Located in the Marine Drive Residences, the
Global Lounge is your place to plug-in to UBC’s
global student groups and programs. Check out
their blog and be instantly connected to your
global network at UBC: http://blog.students.
ubc.ca/globallounge/
Wellness Peer Educators
www.students.ubc.ca/health/wellness.cfm?
page=peer
Wellness Peer Educators volunteer through
the Wellness Centre. They promote student
awareness and help to counsel peers in the areas
of self-esteem, eating disorders, sexual health,
relationships, stress management, and substance
abuse.
Money Matters
From banking to shopping
to income tax, this section
will help you manage your
financial life in Canada.
Financial assistance,
scholarships & awards
As an international student, you are eligible for
scholarships and awards based on academic
merit. You are not eligible for financial
assistance such as Canada student loans,
UBC bursaries, or Work-Study placements.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires
international students to have sufficient funds
for tuition and living costs; therefore, students
are expected to be able to support themselves.
International undergraduate students may,
however, receive a work placement as part
of the Work Learn program (see p. 39). To
calculate your tuition cost for UBC, please
consult the online budget calculator at www.
students.ubc.ca/youbc/va/costs.cfm.
Undergraduate students with questions should
contact Student Financial Assistance & Awards
in Brock Hall. Call 604.822.5111 or visit www.
students.ubc.ca/finance.
Graduate students should contact the
Faculty of Graduate Studies. Visit
www.grad.ubc.ca/awards.
There are some sources of assistance for
international students who run into short-term
financial difficulty, although assistance is limited.
In a financial emergency, please contact an
International Student Advisor or an advisor at
Student Financial Assistance & Awards in Brock
Hall to discuss funding options.
Banking
In Canada, banks are generally open from
Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Some
bank branches are open on Saturday but closed
on Monday.
OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT
To open a bank account, you will probably need
to provide your UBCcard, passport, and local
address. If you don’t have a local address yet,
you may use the I. House address temporarily
(see inside front cover for contact information).
Some banks may ask for a letter of reference
from your bank at home. If you don’t have such
a letter, go to a different bank to open
an account.
When you visit a bank, ask about accounts that
offer lower service fees for students. Be sure
to ask for details concerning all the possible
service fees that may apply for monthly service,
withdrawing and depositing money, using ATMs
at other institutions, writing cheques, banking
online, using debit cards, etc. These service fees
can add up, so make sure you understand how
you will be charged.
You will probably need a chequing account, as
cheques are widely used for paying rent and bills.
You will have to pay a fee to order cheques, but
your bank may be able to give you a few free
temporary cheques to use right away.
You will also be issued an ATM card, which you
can use in bank machines around the city. In
most cases, you can also use your ATM card as
a debit (or Interac) card to pay for items directly.
Charges to debit cards are deducted from your
account immediately, unlike a credit card.
Savings accounts offer a minimal amount
of interest. Ask about other options for
saving money.
If you do not have a bank account yet and need
to withdraw cash from your home country’s
bank, you can access your bank through the Plus
or Cirrus international banking networks at an
ATM. Additional fees will be charged on top of
the currency transfer rates.
BANK BRANCHES NEAR UBC
Bank of Montreal (BMO), Canadian Imperial
Bank of Commerce (CIBC), and Royal bank
of Canada (RBC) branches are located in or
near the University Village. Automated teller
machines (ATMs) of several other banks are also
located on campus.
49
MONEY MATTERS
US students can apply for student loans from
the United States by visiting the “Loans for
US students” section of www.students.ubc.
ca/finance/loans.cfm. Students from other
countries can contact their home government
or the Canadian government about possible
financial assistance programs.
The following banks are located on West 10th
Avenue, near Sasamat Street: CIBC, HSBC,
Scotiabank, RBC, TD Canada Trust, Vancity, and
Bank of Montreal.
WRITING CHEQUES
When you write cheques, you may be asked
to provide a driver’s licence number or some
other form of identification. The picture below
illustrates how to fill out a cheque.
2
YOUR INFO
1
5
4
6
1. Name of the person or business to whom
you are writing the cheque
2. Date of the cheque, written numerically
in the boxes provided (in day/month/year
format), e.g., “06-12-2009”
3. Dollar amount of the cheque, written
numerically, e.g., “55.66”
4. Dollar amount written out, e.g., “fifty-five”
5. Cents, written numerically, e.g., “66,” or
“xx” if there are no cents
6. Note about the product/service being paid
for, e.g., “Rent”
7. Your signature
BORROWING MONEY
Bank loans are not usually available to people
who are in Canada on a study permit. Some
finance companies may lend to international
students, but be aware that these companies
charge a high interest rate and usually ask for
some form of security before granting a loan.
Be sure you know what will happen if payments
are not made on time. Anyone who co-signs
or endorses a loan on your behalf will be
responsible for repaying your loan if you can’t
make your payments. If you don’t make your
payments on a bank loan or credit card, you
may acquire a poor credit rating, which could
make borrowing money difficult in the future.
MONEY TRANSFERS
Your bank can advise you on the best way to
send money home or have money transferred
to Canada. Money transfer firms can also send
your money electronically to any destination
within a few minutes. Search online using the
terms “money order service and transfer” for a
list of companies. Fees can be high, so find
out the cost before you use the service.
3
7
Shopping
STORE HOURS
In Vancouver, most stores are open Monday to
Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday,
noon to 5:00 pm.
Large stores and grocery stores such as Safeway
are usually open until 9:00 pm or later. Some
stores keep these hours only on Thursday and
Friday nights.
Offices are generally open Monday to Friday,
9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
ON CAMPUS
University Village has banks, a pharmacy, small
grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, an
international food court, a used textbook
store, a medical clinic, a dentist office, a
health club, a liquor store, a cellular phone
store, a video store, a hair salon, an office
supply store, and an optician. Visit
www.universitymarketplace.net.
The SUB has a post office, restaurants, a
cafeteria, a photocopy centre, bank machines, a
travel agent, a hair salon, and a candy counter
that also sells bus tickets and newspapers.
The UBC Bookstore sells textbooks, books and
magazines, UBC clothing and gifts, school
supplies, computers, and software. The
Bookstore is extremely busy at the start of the
term, so go early in the morning or be prepared
to wait in line.
There is also a new shopping centre, including
a Save-On Foods supermarket and pharmacy,
open at 16th Avenue and Wesbrook Mall
(South Campus Neighborhood).
☞ To begin, buy only required
books; suggested readings are optional
and may be borrowed from the library.
It’s often easier to decide whether or
not to purchase additional resource
material after you’ve attended the
first class. Unmarked textbooks can be
returned to the UBC Bookstore for a full
refund within two weeks of purchase.
You can order your books in advance
using the UBC Bookstore Textbook
Reservation Service – sign up online
at www.bookstore.ubc.ca/service/
signmeup.html.
NEAR CAMPUS
Other popular shopping areas near campus
include West Broadway at Macdonald (take the
#99 or #17 bus from UBC) and West 4th Avenue
at Vine (take the #4 bus from UBC).
There are fashionable shopping districts located
downtown, including the Pacific Centre
shopping mall and Robson Street. Take the #17
or #4 bus downtown and get off at Robson
Street. The #44
Express is the fastest way to get downtown. You
can also take the #99 Express to Broadway and
Granville Street and, from there, transfer to the
#98 Express.
SALES TAX
Be careful when you buy things – the cost of
the item may be higher than indicated on the
price tag, because there is sales taxes in BC: the
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which is 12%. The
HST is added to the price of most retail goods
and services you purchase. School supplies may
be tax exempt; just ask the clerk.
As an international student, you can apply for a
refund of some sales tax. See our tax section for
details (p. 52).
TIPPING
It is common in Canada to tip people who
provide you with a service, including servers in
restaurants and bars, taxi drivers, and hairstylists.
If the service is acceptable, a tip of 15% of the
ADVICE FOR SAVING MONEY
The best way to manage your finances is to
create a budget and follow it closely. When
making your budget, be sure to consider the
number of months you will be studying in
Canada and plan accordingly. You don’t want to
run out of money. Visit www.students.ubc.ca/
finance for helpful tips on budgeting.
Discount stores
A number of stores offer discounted prices on
everyday products. Look for dollar stores such
as Dollar ’N’ Plus, Dollar Giant, and others. For
discount clothing, check out Winners or outlet
stores. For inexpensive household items, try
stores such as IKEA, Walmart, or HomeSense.
Groceries
It is cheaper to buy groceries at large
supermarkets such as Save-On Foods, IGA,
Safeway, and Real Canadian Superstore than at
convenience stores like 7-Eleven. For fresh fruit
and vegetables, prices are usually lower at small
produce stores (like Granville Island Market in the
University Village or New Apple Market). Choices,
Capers, and Whole Foods Market carry organic
and environmentally friendly products, which may
be more expensive.
It is also generally cheaper to buy food items in
bulk (larger quantities). Some bulk stores include
Real Canadian Superstore and Costco (Costco
requires you to buy a membership). Look for
items on sale.
Buying used items
From textbooks to clothing to CDs, most things
are less expensive when you buy them used or
second-hand.
You can buy used books at the UBC Bookstore
(look for the yellow “used” sticker). At the
beginning and end of terms you may be able to
sell your used textbooks to the UBC Bookstore
(although you won’t get nearly as much money
back as you originally paid). A student-run
organization called ibookUnion also buys and
sells used textbooks: www.ibookunion.com.
Consignment and used clothing stores are
popular in Vancouver; look for the Salvation
Army or SPCA Thrift Shops, Turnabout, Changes,
or Value Village. You can go to thrift shops for
home furnishings as well, but you may find
51
MONEY MATTERS
Many supermarkets and other businesses are
located on West 10th Avenue, near Sasamat
Street. To get there, take the #99 or #17 bus
from UBC. In 2009, a new shopping centre with
a full-size supermarket will open in Wesbrook
Village, located on campus at 16th Avenue
and Wesbrook Mall. This location will be within
walking distance of most UBC locations.
total bill (before taxes) is appropriate. Superior
service warrants a larger tip (20%). The wages in
some service occupations are low, and tips help
supplement these workers’ incomes. Tips are
sometimes called gratuities.
better-quality items by looking on websites
such as vancouver.en.craigslist.ca, www.
buysell.com, and www.ebay.ca. You can
also check for garage or yard sales in your
community newspaper.
income tax on income earned from teaching
and/or research assistantships, employment,
and investment and business income. Generally,
students also have to report income they receive
from outside of Canada.
Student card discounts
Many Vancouver retailers offer discounts to UBC
students. See the list in the AMS Insider, a day
planner published by the AMS.
Students from countries that have a tax treaty
with Canada may not have to pay Canadian
income tax and may be able to request that
their employer stop withholding tax from their
Canadian employment income with permission
from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Income tax
In Canada, income tax is administered by the
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). The Canadian
income tax year is from January 1 to December
31. If you owe income tax, you must pay it by
April 30 for the preceding calendar year.
.
You are responsible for determining your income
tax status and paying the correct amount of tax.
Tax forms can be confusing, so watch for the
tax seminars held at I. House in late February or
early March.
SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER ( SIN),
INDIVIDUAL TAX NUMBER (ITN) OR
TEMPORARY TAXATION NUMBER
(TTN)
For more information on Canadian income tax,
read the sections below, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca,
or call the International Tax Services Office at
1.800.267.5177.
WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVE IN
CANADA
1. If you do not expect to work in Canada,
apply now for an Individual Tax Number (ITN)
(see below).
2. Apply now for money from the government
(GST credit, below).
3. As soon as you get a SIN or ITN, enter this
number at www.students.ubc.ca/ssc so
UBC can give the government accurate
information for your taxes.
DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A TAX FORM?
The Canadian tax system is based on residency,
not citizenship, most international students have
to “file a return” (submit an income tax form to
the government). You must file a return if you
•
owe income tax to the government
•
expect an income tax refund from
the government
•
are applying for the GST credit (which provides
cash payments to low- and middle-income
taxpayers, to help offset the costs of paying
GST on taxable purchases)
•
are eligible to receive the child tax credit (for
low- and middle-income taxpayers
with children)
•
are asked by the CRA to file a return
International students may have to pay Canadian
☞
You do not need to pay taxes
on your income from scholarships,
fellowships, or bursaries.
You need to have either a Social Insurance
Number (p. 44), Individual Tax Number, or
Temporary Taxation Number to file your tax
return. The CRA uses these numbers to identify
you for income tax purposes. If you have a SIN
(even if it’s expired), use it. If you do not have a
SIN but have a TTN, use that. Otherwise, if you
are ineligible to get a SIN (you are not working
on campus and don’t hold a work permit),
apply for an ITN using form T1261 (available at
www.cra-arc.gc.ca). This will save you weeks
of processing time. If you do not have a SIN or
TTN when you are ready to file your return, send
an ITN application together with the tax return,
using the address on the ITN form.
GST CREDIT
If you did not have any income in the
previous year, consider filing a tax return
anyway. You can apply to receive money
(the GST credit) back from the government if
you are considered a resident of Canada for
tax purposes. Apply as soon as you arrive in
Canada for the year you become a resident
of Canada, and apply again each year on
your annual return. For information on the
GST credit, including how to apply, call
1.800.959.1953 or see the pamphlet RC4210 –
GST/HST Credit (also available at www.cra-arc.
gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4210/ rc4210-e.html).
DEDUCTIONS
To pay less tax, you may be eligible to deduct
certain expenses from your tax payments.
Moving expenses such as transportation
and storage of personal effects, travel, and
temporary accommodation may be considered
eligible deductions. Save your receipts for
the cost of relocating to Canada. You may
also deduct child care expenses, Registered
Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) contributions,
and union dues.
☞
You cannot deduct moving
expenses if your only income at the
new location is scholarship, fellowship,
or bursary income that is entirely
exempt from tax under the current
legislation.
HÉLÈNE FROHARD DOURLENT
Class of 2010
Home country: France
Degree: Bachelor of Arts (starting
Master’s degree in September 2008)
Major: Sociology
MAILING YOUR TAX RETURN
When you submit your first tax return, you
should send your return to International Tax
Services Office, Returns Processing Division,
2204 Walkley Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 1A8.
HOW CAN I GET HELP WITH MY
TAXES?
Each year in February or March, staff members
from the International Tax Service Office
of Ottawa offer a tax return workshop to
international students at UBC. In March and the
first week of April, trained student volunteers
offer free tax assistance to students through the
award-winning Tax Assistance Clinics for Students
(TACS) program. Appointments fill very quickly,
so register early. Dates and locations will be
listed in the I. House weekly email update. For
more information on filing income taxes, check
the online version of this handbook at www.
students.ubc.ca/international.
In general, I found everybody
really nice and helpful, and it
really made it easier to settle into
life in Canada. People say “thank
you” to the bus driver when they
get off the bus! Participating in
activities on- and off-campus was
an opportunity to meet amazing
people that I wouldn’t have had
the chance to meet otherwise,
and helped me learn a lot about
Canada and its culture. It was
important to me to see more
than just UBC classes – it’s a truly
enriching experience when you
get involved in the community.
Recent achievements: Participation in
Go Global, Pride UBC, and GAB Youth.
53
MONEY MATTERS
If this is not your first year to file a tax return,
you should send it to the local office at Canada
Revenue Agency, Tax Centre, 9755 King George
Highway, Surrey, BC, V3T 5E6.
Health Insurance
& Health Care
Health care can be very
expensive if you don’t have
insurance. That’s why it’s
important to understand your
insurance policies and the
Canadian health care system.
As a UBC international student
you may be insured by:
iMED for the first few
months (p. 56)
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
for the length of your stay
(p. 58)
Alma Mater Society/
Graduate Student Society
(AMS/GSS) Health & Dental
Plan for extras not covered
by MSP (p. 59)
Health insurance
I’M YOUNG AND HEALTHY –
DO I REALLY NEED INSURANCE?
Yes! UBC requires that all international students
have basic and extended health insurance for the
duration of their studies. If your family members
are with you in Canada, they should also have
health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The costs of hospital and doctor care in Canada
are extremely high if you are not insured.
Without insurance, you may have to pay
thousands of dollars per day for a hospital stay
or you may be refused certain services.
HEALTH INSURANCE: AN OVERVIEW
There are three main components to full health
coverage for international UBC students: iMED,
the BC MSP, and the AMS/GSS Health & Dental
Plan. Together, these programs ensure that you
avoid unexpected health costs.
GETTING STARTED
2. As soon as you arrive in BC, apply for MSP
for yourself and any family members who
came with you. It takes several months to
process your application, so it is important
to apply right away. If you will be in BC for
six months or less, you are not eligible so
don’t apply. If you already have MSP, you
don’t need iMED coverage; follow the optout procedures
3. Download and print your iMED card as soon
as you receive it by email (see p. 56). You
should also pick up your AMS/GSS Health &
Dental Plan card and information booklet
at the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan
Office (SUB, lower level, Room 61) after
classes begin.
OVERVIEW OF HEALTH INSURANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
BASIC INSURANCE
EXTENDED INSURANCE
iMED
BC MSP
AMS/GSS
Health & Dental Plan
How you
enrol
Automatic when you register for
classes
You must apply (if staying in
BC six months or more)
Apply as soon as you arrive.
Automatic when you register
for classes
What the plan
covers
Going to the doctor for an illness
or injury, and hospital visits
Going to the doctor, hospital
visits, investigations, and
testing
Vision care (such as eye exams),
dental care, prescription drugs,
vaccinations, and travel health
coverage
Coverage
period
First three months from arrival in Covered after first three
months in BC (waiting period)
Canada or full term (if you are a
one-term exchange student), plus
up to 10 days of travel between
your country and Canada
Approximate
cost
$120 for three months or $170
for one term, charged to your
University account
$57 per month for an
$223.45 per year (subject
individual, paid directly to MSP to change), charged to your
University account
Who is
automatically
enrolled?
All new international students
No one
Students who pay AMS
student fees
For more
information
David Cummings Insurance
Services www.david-cummings.
com/imed or 604.228.8816
www.healthservices.gov.
bc.ca/msp/infoben
or 604.683.7151
www.ams.ubc.ca/healthplan
www.ihaveaplan.ca
1.877.795.4421
Coverage beginning in Term 1:
Sept.1–Aug. 31
Coverage beginning in Term 2:
Jan. 1–Aug. 31
55
HEALTH INSURANCE & HEALTH CARE
1. As soon as you register for classes, check your
fees on your UBC student account at www.
students.ubc.ca/ssc to see if you are covered
by iMED ($120 or $170) and the AMS/GSS
Health & Dental Plan ($223.45).
Click on the following web link to know how to
find out:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/international/
international-students/health-care-andhealth-insurance/imed-health-insurance-fornew-international-students/. If these fees do
not appear, you are not covered
by those policies. If you think you should
be covered, contact an International
Student Advisor.
WHAT DOES iMED COST?
Your UBC student account will be billed $120 (or
$170 if you are a one-term exchange student).
To check whether you’ve been assessed student
fees for health insurance, visit www.students.
ubc.ca/ssc.
WHEN AM I COVERED?
One-term exchange students are covered for the
four-month term as follows:
Term 1
August 30, 2010 – January 5, 2011
iMED: Health insurance for
new international students
WHAT IS iMED?
iMED is a basic insurance plan required as a
condition of registering as an international
student. It covers all new international students.
WHERE DO I GET MY iMED CARD?
Your card will be sent to you via email; print
it and keep it with you at all times. If you do
not receive your card, contact David Cummings
Insurance Services at [email protected]
or 604.228.8816.
WHAT IS COVERED BY iMED?
Medical benefits cover emergency
hospitalization and medical services (including
outpatient treatment at a doctor’s clinic) for an
unexpected sickness or injury. The full policy
is available online at www.david-cummings.
com/imed/coverage.
HOW DO I USE MY iMED
INSURANCE?
Instructions on how to submit claims and how
to download claim forms are available at www.
david-cummings.com/imed.
☞
Any iMED fee assessed to your
account will be “frozen” on the same
date as other fees (check the online
calendar for dates at www.students.
ubc.ca/calendar). This means they will
not be refunded automatically if your
registration status changes. Contact
an International Student Advisor at
604.822.5021 or email [email protected].
ca if you have questions about
this policy.
Term 2
December 27, 2010 – May 2, 2011
All other new international students are covered
for the three-month waiting period before they
become eligible for MSP. This waiting period
includes the remainder of the month you arrive
in BC plus two full months. For example, if
you arrived in BC on August 25, you would be
eligible for MSP on November 1. It is important
to apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC.
iMED will ensure that you have adequate
medical coverage from the time you leave home
(up to ten days prior to your arrival in Canada),
with the earliest arrival date in Canada being:
•
August 1 for Term 1
•
December 1 for Term 2
•
April 1 for Summer Term 1
•
June 1 for Summer Term 2
All students will also be covered while travelling
from their home country or primary place of
residence to Canada. You will be covered if your
total travel time is ten days or less and your
arrival date in Canada is not earlier than the start
date of your iMED coverage.
•
HOW CAN I SHIFT MY
COVERAGE DATES?
If you arrive in BC the month after the dates
indicated above (for example, you arrive in
September for Term 1 or in January for Term 2),
you can ask to have your coverage dates shifted
to include your three-month waiting period for
MSP. Download the Date Change Form from the
iMED website (www.david-cummings.com/
imed/forms) and follow the instructions.
Deadline: You must submit any date changes by
the end of the third week of classes.
If you arrive in BC the month before the dates
indicated above (for example, you arrive in July
for Term 1 or in November for Term 2), you may
apply for Advance Coverage by downloading
the Advance Coverage Application Form from
the iMED website (www.david-cummings.com/
imed/forms) and following the instructions.
Upon receiving your application and payment,
David Cummings Insurance Services will notify
UBC to remove your iMED fee from your
student account.
If you are a one-term exchange student, you
cannot change the dates; however, you can
purchase additional days of coverage, as needed.
To do so, follow the instructions provided at
www.david-cummings.com/imed.
CAN I OPT OUT OF iMED?
Only the following students can opt out
of iMED:
•
Students already covered by MSP or iMED
•
Students covered by another Canadian
provincial health plan
•
Students whose tuition is sponsored by a third
party (such as the Government of Canada,
or the Canadian Bureau for International
Education) and whose sponsor requires and
provides mandatory health insurance
Deadline: You must submit your opt-out
requests by the end of the third week of classes
if you are registering for classes during the
Winter Session. If you register for Summer
Session terms, the deadline is the end of the first
week of classes.
HOW DO I OPT OUT?
If you are eligible to opt out of iMED, complete
one of the Opt Out forms available at www.
david-cummings.com/imed/forms and submit
it, along with supporting documents. If you
have MSP or any other Canadian provincial
health plan, use the DCIS Opt Out Form and fax
the completed form with supporting documents
to David Cummings Insurance Services at
604.228.9807. If you have health insurance
purchased for you by a UBC-recognized sponsor,
download the UBC iMED Opt Out Form and
send the completed form with supporting
documents to the International House
front desk.
HOW DO I EXTEND MY
iMED COVERAGE?
If you are going to stay in Canada for less than
six months, you may choose to extend your
iMED coverage with David Cummings Insurance
Services, or you may wish to continue with
another health insurance provider. Visit www.
david-cummings.com/imed.
WHAT IF I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
Bring a claim form with you when you go to
a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic. (Claim forms
can be printed from the iMED website.) Ask the
doctor to complete the claim form. If you pay
for a doctor’s visit and do not have the doctor
complete the claim form, you may complete it
yourself. Just describe the reason for your visit
and the diagnosis that the doctor gave.
If you are admitted to a hospital room, you must
call TIC Emergency Assistance immediately, or as
soon as possible. They are available 24 hours a
day at 1.800.995.1662.
If you intend to have a test or medical procedure
done at a hospital, call Norfolk Mobility benefits
at 1.800.672.6089 ext. 272 before the test or
procedure to get proper authorization.
You should present a photocopy of your study
permit and ask for the uninsured resident
rate when going to the lab, radiology, or
emergency departments or when paying for
hospital services.
BC’s Medical Services Plan
(MSP)
If you will reside in BC for six months or longer,
apply for MSP immediately after you arrive.
Applications are available at I. House, UBC
Student Health Service, or online at http://
www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/faqas.
html#options.
HOW DO I ENROL MY FAMILY?
Your spouse, partner, or dependant children can
also be covered by David Cummings Insurance
Services for the duration of their stay, or until
they qualify for MSP. Your family members’
insurance is not administered by UBC, but you
can purchase iMED for them directly through
57
Please note that having insurance coverage from
your home country does not make you eligible
to opt out of iMED.
David Cummings Insurance Services. For details,
go to www.david-cummings.com/imed.
WHAT IS MSP?
MSP is BC’s provincial health insurance plan.
Anyone residing in BC for six months or longer
is required by law to enrol in MSP and pay
premiums directly to the plan.
WHAT DOES MSP COVER?
MSP covers the cost of basic medical care within
Canada, including most physician and hospital
services. In most cases, you will not have to pay
at the time you seek medical care when you
show your MSP CareCard. MSP does not cover
dental care, prescription drugs, or routine vision
care (such as eye examinations or corrective
lenses). For a full list of your medical and health
care benefits under MSP, visit http://www.
health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/benefits.html.
WHEN AM I ELIGIBLE FOR MSP?
There is a waiting period before MSP coverage
begins: this is the rest of the month in which you
arrive in BC, plus two full calendar months. For
example, if you arrive in BC on August 25, you
will be eligible for MSP on November 1.
HOW MUCH DOES MSP COST?
MSP’s monthly costs are $57 for one person,
$102 for a family of two, and $114 for a
family of three or more.2 Information on how
to pay your premiums is available at http://
www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/faqas.
html#options.
WHAT IS A CARECARD?
The MSP membership card is called a CareCard,
and the MSP number is called a Personal Health
Number. You will be sent a CareCard once MSP
processes your application. Be sure to contact
MSP within one month after submitting your
application to confirm that they received it.
I DON’T HAVE MY CARECARD YET
AND I NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Any eligible person who has submitted an
application will be covered after the waiting
period, even if their CareCard has not yet arrived.
If this is the case for you, you may need to pay
at the time you receive health care, keep the
receipt, and request reimbursement from MSP
once your card arrives. If you show your study
permit you may receive a reduced rate.
MY CARECARD WILL EXPIRE SOON.
HOW CAN I EXTEND IT?
If you already have MSP and your CareCard is
about to expire (or has recently expired), and if
you have recently renewed your study permit,
fax or send a photocopy of your new study
permit as soon as you receive it to MSP (address
below), along with a cover letter that includes
your full name, address, date of birth, CareCard
number, and your request for extension.
BC Medical Services Plan
PO box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E3
Fax: 250.405.3595
CONTACT MSP
If you need to speak with an MSP customer
service representative, please call between
8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Vancouver: 604.683.7151
Other areas of BC (toll-free): 1.800.663.7100
FAIR PHARMACARE
If you have already received coverage from MSP,
you may be eligible to apply for Fair Pharmacare.
Fair Pharmacare is a type of assistance that will
cover prescribed medications. In most cases,
medications will be covered by your AMS/GSS
Student Health plan. You may need to apply
for Fair Pharmacare to cover more expensive
medications for chronic health conditions that
may not be covered by AMS/GSS
More information about Fair Pharmacare can be
found online: http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/
pharmacare/index.html#
International Student Advisors are available
to work with you on the application and can
provide further information if needed.
2 Costs are accurate at the time of printing
AMS/GSS Health
& Dental Plan
AM I COVERED?
All students who pay AMS fees to UBC are
automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health
& Dental Plan. To verify that you are enrolled,
check your fees online and look for the “Med/
dent fee.” This plan does not replace basic
insurance from MSP (or an equivalent plan). To
be eligible for all aspects of the AMS/GSS Health
& Dental Plan, you must first be covered by
a basic health insurance plan such as MSP or
iMED (or have equivalent coverage purchased
in Canada).
If you are an exchange student and you pay
tuition at your home university, you are not
automatically enrolled in the AMS/GSS Health
& Dental Plan. You may, however, be eligible to
apply. It is important that you have extended
health and dental coverage while you are in
Canada. Visit the Health & Dental Plan office on
campus for more information (SUB, lower level,
Room 61).
CAN I OPT OUT?
If you are already covered by an extended health
and dental plan, you can request to opt out
of the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan. If you
register for Winter Term 1 and you want to
apply for the AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan,
add your family member, or opt out, you must
do so within the first three weeks of classes or
within the first three weeks of your registration
date, whichever is later. (New Term 2 students
can opt out in the first three weeks of classes ).
I’M EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL
DIFFICULTY. CAN I GET HELP WITH
PAYMENTS?
If you have financial concerns, you can apply
for a partial or full reimbursement of the
extended health and dental plan fee at gss.
ubc.ca/wpmu/resources/health-plan. The
application for reimbursement requires detailed
financial information.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE
INFORMATION?
For more information, visit www.ihaveaplan.
ca, call toll-free at 1.877.795.4421, or visit the
Health & Dental Plan office. Information on
benefits and opting out, answers to frequently
asked questions, claim forms, and enrolment
forms are available on the website.
59
☞
You may choose to enrol your
family in the AMS/GSS Health & Dental
Plan. New Term 2 students can enrol
their partner/spouses/dependants within
the first three weeks of Term 2 classes
(visit the website or Health & Dental Plan
office for exact dates.)
WHAT IS COVERED?
The plan covers many costs related to vision care,
dental care, and prescription medications. There is
also some travel insurance attached to this plan. For
a complete list of benefits, visit www.ihaveaplan.
ca (under the “Member Services” tab).
Health care in Canada
All registered UBC students can use the Student
Health Service (see below). If you wish to find a
doctor for family members, visit the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of BC at www.cpsbc.
ca. To find a dentist, contact the Association of
Dental Surgeons of BC at www.bcdental.org.
You are under no obligation to commit to the
first doctor you visit. The following are the health
services available to you as an international
student.
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE
Located in the UBC Hospital, the Student
Health Service offers health care for registered
UBC students year-round. Students can make
an appointment by phone, in person, or by
registering online. Same-day appointments
are available for ill students. All services are
confidential and most are covered by iMED and
MSP. For more information, visit www.students.
ubc.ca/health/service.cfm or call 604.822.7011.
URGENT CARE CENTRE
The UBC Urgent Care Centre is open 8:00 am
to 10:00 pm, seven days a week, to treat any
medical concern that cannot wait until the
Student Health Service office is open. Those with
iMED insurance will be asked to pay a fee, which
can be reimbursed later. In an emergency, call
911 for police, fire, or ambulance.
SEEING A DOCTOR
In Canada, it is common to have a family doctor
or general practitioner (also called a GP) who will
take you on as a regular patient. Usually, you visit
your family doctor if you have a health concern
or to make sure you are healthy. If you require the
services of a specialist (an allergist, for example),
your family doctor may refer you to another
doctor (i.e., recommend someone and make an
appointment on your behalf).
If you do not have a family doctor, you can go to
a walk-in clinic. You don’t require an appointment
to visit a walk-in clinic. Such clinics are usually open
for longer hours than a doctor’s office and are a
good option if you are feeling unwell but don’t
require emergency care. Check the Yellow Pages of
the phone book under “Clinics” or “Physicians” for
a walk-in clinic near you.
If you experience a health emergency, you should
go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
Be aware that waiting times at the hospital can be
several hours. In emergency rooms, a nurse will
determine, in priority sequence, which patients
require the most urgent care.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you
visit a Canadian doctor:
•
OTHER HEALTH RESOURCES
ON CAMPUS
Describe all your health concerns at the
beginning of your visit. It’s important to ensure
that the doctor is aware of all your health issues
before they go on to the next patient.
•
University Village Medical & Dental Clinic
228–2155 Allison Road
Tel: 604.222.2273
Ask your doctor questions. It is acceptable and
common to ask questions and to seek a second
opinion from another doctor, if you wish.
•
Your health records are confidential. No one
can see your medical documents without
your permission; this includes your family,
your professors, other students, and UBC
administrative staff.
UBC Student Health Service
310–5950 University Boulevard
Tel: 604.822.5431
UBC Dental Clinic
Faculty of Dentistry
2199 Wesbrook Mall
Tel: 604.822.2112
University Pharmacy
5754 University Boulevard
Tel: 604.224.3202
Wellness Centre SUB,
Room 56B
Tel: 604.822.4858
Counselling Services
Brock Hall, Room 1040
Tel: 604.822.3811
MEDICATION
In Canada, mild medication is available “over the
counter” at the pharmacy. If you require stronger
or more specialized medication, your doctor will
write you a prescription, which you will need
to take to a pharmacy. If the doctor prescribes
medication, be sure to take it exactly as directed. If
you feel the medicine is not helping or is making
you sicker, go back to the doctor.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Alternative medicine includes medical practices such
as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, homeopathy, etc.
that are not part of the mainstream North American
medical practice. These forms of medicine are not
covered by MSP but may be covered by extended
health plans. There are many alternative medicine
practitioners in Vancouver.
Wellness
Personal success, physical
health, and psychological
well-being are closely
linked. The challenges that
you face as a new student
at UBC – cultural transition,
academic workload, and new
relationships – may impact
you in unexpected ways. The
information in this section
will help you balance your
academic and personal lives.
WELLNESS
61
MAINTAINING YOUR WELLBEING IS
IMPORTANT FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Staying well is top priority as you arrive in a new
environment, adjust to life at UBC, and begin
your academic program. Research indicates
that mental wellbeing and physical health are
significant predictors of academic success. For
example, we know that depression affects brain
function, making it more difficult to learn.
Maintaining mental wellbeing and physical
health it is important.
•
Take care of yourself physically by exercising
regularly, eating nutritiously, getting enough
sleep, and seeing a physician promptly if health
concerns arise.
• Maintain
your social wellbeing by staying
connected to friends and family at home
and becoming involved on campus to make
new friends at UBC. We all need friends and
activities that provide relaxation and fun.
• Care
for yourself emotionally. Transitioning
to a new campus community can be stressful
and you may have feelings and worries that
you don’t normally experience. It is important
to be aware of your feelings and reactions, as
you begin life in Vancouver and at UBC and
reach out for support early on if you feel that
you are having difficulty coping. Speaking with
an International Student Adviser can be very
helpful to determine the most appropriate
resources.
• Set
yourself up for academic success by
establishing both academic and personal
goals and priorities, learning effective time
management strategies and strengthening your
study skills. There are a number of resources at
UBC that can assist you with this.
What if you have a pre-existing or chronic
physical or mental health problem?
Is your condition being successfully
treated?
If yes:
It is important to ensure that you can continue
treatment, uninterrupted, to help you be
successful in your academic program. Find out
if continued treatment (medications and/or
therapy) is available at UBC or in the surrounding
community and what the costs are. If you
have questions about this please consult an
Consult your treating health professional (doctor,
therapist etc) to discuss whether you are well
enough to take on the challenge of University in
a different country at this point in your treatment.
Ensure that you have a enough medication to
transition into UBC and for three months after
you arrive. If you need ongoing care you can
ask your treating health professional to send
a referral letter to Student Health Service or
Counselling Service.
If you have a documented disability and require
disability related accommodations it is important
to contact a Disability Advisor in Access and
Diversity to discuss your eligibility for service.
If no:
Transition to a new country, culture and academic
institution is very demanding. Untreated health
problems can further challenge students and
can jeopardize academic success. It is important
to take this into consideration in any academic
decisions you make at this time.
Cultural transitions
The process of adjusting to a new culture takes
many people by surprise. Adapting to your new
life at UBC may take some adjustment. Many
students go through a period of being frustrated
or disenchanted with their new environment,
known as cultural transition or “culture shock.”
This is a normal part of adjusting to a new place.
If you feel “lost in translation,” just remember
that you are not alone – many other
international students have had and will have
similar experiences. Even people who move to
Vancouver from other parts of Canada
or from the United States may go through
cultural transitions.
STAGES OF TRANSITION
Although each person’s experience will be
different and will depend on the individual, the
following are typical stages of cultural transition.
Honeymoon stage
When you first arrive, you may experience
exhilaration, anticipation, nervousness, and
excitement. Settling in takes a significant
amount of time and energy. This stage can last
from a few days or weeks to several months,
depending on your circumstances.
Hostility stage
In the second or third month, you may begin
to notice annoying details about your new
environment. It may seem as if people here
don’t understand you, or you may have
difficulty understanding them. You may feel
frustrated or depressed, angry, or powerless
when you have trouble communicating or
getting things done, or seemingly for no reason
at all. You might wish things could be as they
are at home – or you might wish you were at
home! Don’t despair. These feelings usually
fade as you gain confidence.
•
Write letters, send emails, or make phone
calls to friends and family back home. These
relationships can help keep you grounded.
Acceptance stage
After six months or so, you may start
appreciating the differences between your
home country and your new environment.
You may regain a sense of humour and feel
more balanced. The minor mistakes and
misunderstandings that would have frustrated
you before may now just make you laugh.
•
Manage your stress by staying healthy: eat well,
get enough sleep, and stay physically active.
•
Talk with other students about your cultural
transition – you will be surprised by how many
of them have had similar experiences.
•
If you are having difficulty with the transition,
talk to an International Student Advisor,
Go Global advisor, or Counselling Services
counsellor. In North America, talking to
professionals is an accepted way of dealing
with problems.
Adaptation stage
Eventually, you may begin to feel at home
in your new environment and find greater
satisfaction, both personally and academically.
MANAGING CULTURAL TRANSITIONS
Here are some suggestions to help you cope
with the cultural transition all newcomers face.
•
Give yourself time to adjust to your new
environment.
•
Attend a club or activity that meets regularly so
that you meet new people and make friends
faster. Try to introduce yourself to at least one
person each time you go.
Understanding Canadians
Canada’s population is multicultural and diverse.
Because of this, it can be difficult to generalize
about Canadians. However, understanding some
commonly held values and attitudes may help
you learn about your new environment. Although
you’re bound to find exceptions to the general
rules outlined here, you may find them helpful.
Freedom and individuality are very important
WELLNESS
63
to Canadians, who are taught as children that
they are responsible for their own lives and
destiny. Canadians usually see themselves as
individuals more than as members of a group or
even a family. At UBC, students are ultimately
responsible for their own learning.
Keeping track of time is also very important
in Canada. You’ll make a good impression if
you arrive at the stated time for appointments,
meetings, classes, and social engagements. If
you cannot keep an appointment or are going
to be late, it is considered polite to inform those
who will be expecting you.
In many cases, Canadians relate to one another
informally and believe that all people are equal.
In Canada, it is acceptable for students to ask
questions of or even disagree with the professor,
if they do so respectfully. Students commonly
wear casual attire on campus and use slang
among friends. Most Canadians are interested in
meeting people from other cultures, but you will
need to take the first step and introduce yourself.
Making small talk can feel awkward at first but it
gets easier over time. Joining clubs or sports may
help you meet people with common interests.
Canadians tend to be polite and apologetic.
They say “please” and “thank you” often
in social situations. When waiting in line,
Canadians tend to line up in an orderly manner
and expect others to do the same. When they
interrupt or bump into one another, they usually
say “excuse me.”
Many Canadians speak more than one language,
but people may feel excluded if others around
them speak an unfamiliar language. In a mixed
language group, consider speaking so everyone
can understand.
Privacy is important to Canadians. It is polite
to ask about someone’s work or academic
major, but it is generally considered impolite
to ask about someone’s age, appearance (e.g.,
their weight), or status (e.g., how much their
car costs).
The belief that people are all unique individuals
leads to the belief that they need time and
space to themselves, though it is common
for Canadians to be very busy and to have to
schedule time for friends. Don’t be discouraged
if your new friends can only see you at prearranged times.
believe themselves to be tolerant of different
lifestyles and customs. In reality, stereotypes and
prejudice do exist in Canada.
Counselling Services offers free, confidential,
primarily short-term counselling for UBC
students wanting assistance to deal with a
wide range of concerns including depression,
stress, anxiety, relationship problems and other
personal difficulties. In the first appointment a
counsellor will gather information required to
enable rapid matching of services based on a
student’s individual needs. A referral will then
be made to either services within our centre,
other services on campus and/or to appropriate
services in the community. Emergency
appointments are available on a same day basis.
In addition to individual counselling, Counselling
Services provides a variety of group programs
focusing on a variety of topics including
anxiety management, mood management,
and meditation. For more information, visit
www.students.ubc.ca/counselling. To see a
counsellor, come by the Counselling Services
office in Room 1040 in Brock Hall, or call
604.822.3811.
Peer support
AMS WOMYN’S CENTRE
See p. 74.
PRIDE UBC
See p. 74.
SPEAKEASY (PEER SUPPORT)
Speakeasy is a large team of dedicated and
friendly students who provide information, peer
support, and crisis intervention services. Student
volunteers are trained to help other students
deal with issues like relationship break-ups,
loneliness, substance abuse, sexuality, and exam
stress. Conversations are strictly confidential.
Speakeasy is located in the SUB north concourse.
You can drop by or call 604.822.3700 (crisis) or
604.822.3777 (information). Visit www.ams.
ubc.ca/speakeasy for more information.
Many Canadians value political correctness,
which means they avoid expressions or actions
that could be insulting to others. Canadians
Faith & spirituality
Staying connected to your spiritual community
may help you feel more at home in Vancouver.
There are many religious and cultural AMS clubs
that can help you connect with other students
who share your faith or explore an area of
spirituality that is new to you. Visit www2.ams.
ubc.ca/index.php/campus_life/category/clubs/
for a complete list of AMS clubs. For a
list of churches, temples, religious affiliations,
and organizations in Vancouver, look in the
Yellow Pages of your phone book under
“Churches and Other Places of Worship” and
“Religious Organizations.”
SAFER SEX
Sexual intimacy has potential implications
for your health and well-being. If you are or
decide to become sexually active, you can
visit the Wellness Centre to learn about safer
sex options available in Canada, such as birth
control methods, testing for sexually transmitted
infections, and safer sex products (available from
the Wellness Centre). Do not assume that your
partner will share your values or concerns.
UBC CHAPLAINS
UBC’s interfaith Chaplains Association represents
various faith groups on campus, including
Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Baha’i, and Unitarian/
Universalist. Besides providing opportunities to
worship, the chaplains provide personal and
spiritual counselling and support. Several groups
within the Chaplains Association also offer
fellowship groups, retreats, and opportunities
for religious study on and off campus. For
more information, visit www.chaplains.
students.ubc.ca or call the Rev. Roberta Fraser
at 604.224.1410. See page 68 for a list and
schedule of worship services on campus.
WELLNESS
Wellness Centre
Maintaining your physical and mental health will
help you succeed academically. If you ever feel
overwhelmed, please talk to someone about it. If
you have questions about stress, mental health,
nutrition, sexual health, self-esteem, or drug use,
contact the Wellness Centre (SUB, lower level) at
604.822.4858 or email [email protected].
More information is also available online at www.
students.ubc.ca/health.
FOOD & NUTRITION
Good eating habits are essential for a successful
academic life. The energy to learn comes from
food – the fuel that sustains our energy and
ability to concentrate. Of course, it’s not always
easy to maintain normal eating patterns when
you’re adapting to a new environment. Stress,
unfamiliar foods, and hectic schedules may affect
your diet. Try to be aware of these factors, plan
around them, and make healthy eating a priority.
Food guides (including vegetarian) are available
at the Wellness Centre.
65
WORSHIP SERVICES
Affiliation
Location
Times and other information
Anglican
St. Anselm’s Church,
Sunday: 8:30 am, 10:30 am
Baptist
www.ubc.pointchurch.ca
Call 604.839.0484 for worship times and
locations.
Brethren
University Chapel,
Sunday: 10:00am, 7:00pm
www.universitychapel.org
Jewish
Vancouver School of Theology
6000 Iona Drive
www.vancouverhillel.ca/ubc.php
Lutheran
Vancouver School of Theology
6000 Iona Drive
Muslim
Friday prayers
International House
1783 West Mall
Friday: 12:30pm (after last Sunday in
October), 1:30pm (after first Sunday in
April)
Daily Prayers
Brock Hall Annex, Room 2357
1874 East Mall
Visit www.msaubc.org/static-read.php?id=7
for daily prayer times.
Orthodox Christian
Holy Cross Chaplaincy
St. Mark’s Chapel
5935 Iona Drive
Tuesday: 7:00pm
Pentecostal
Point Gray Community Church
3514 West 7th Avenue
Sunday: 10:00am
http://pgcc.org/
Presbyterian (Korean)
Mercy Seat Church
(at St. Anselm’s Church)
Sunday service: 1:00 pm
Friday praise service: 7:00 pm
Wednesday Bible study:7:00 pm
Daily morning prayer: 6:00 am (from
Monday to Saturday)
Roman Catholic
St. Mark’s Chapel,
5935 Iona Drive
Sunday: 11:00 am, 7:00 pm
Weekday Eucharist during term: 12:10 pm
Reconciliation: Wednesdays, 11:30 am
Student Mass and free soup lunch:
Wednesdays, 12:10 pm
Video Divina (movie and discussion):
Wednesday evenings
Speak Your Piece (student debate and
lunch):
Mondays, 12:00 to 1:00 pm
Women’s Discussion Group:
Thursdays, 12:00 pm
Shin Buddhism
Steveston Buddhist Temple,
4360 Garry Street, Richmond
Sunday: 10:30 am
Vancouver Buddhist Temple
220 Jackson Street, Vancouver
Sunday: 10:30 am
University Hill Congregation
Chapel of the Epiphany
6030 Chancellor Boulevard
Sunday: 10:30 am
United Church of Canada
Community &
Recreation
There’s more to being a
successful student than
studying! Meeting people,
seeing the city, exercising, and
participating in the campus
community is not only fun, it’s
also a vital part of achieving a
balanced student lifestyle.
COMMUNITY & RECREATION
67
Meeting people
Many international students say that making
friends helps them succeed at UBC. Meeting
people and making friends can reduce the
impact of cultural transition and ease you into
academic life.
Most Canadian students welcome the
opportunity to meet new people and learn
about other cultures, although you may find that
you need to take the initiative. Here are some
suggestions for meeting people:
• Come to orientation (see p. 7)
•
Attend I. House, GSS, and AMS events
(see below)
•
Join a student club or peer program
(see below)
•
Sign up for an intramural sports team
(see p. 69)
•
Become a volunteer (see below)
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Vancouver is an ethnically and culturally diverse
community, and many international students
enjoy making connections with people from
their home country through networks and
organizations in the city. Many of the larger
cultural groups and faith communities have
their own cultural or community centres, such
as the Italian Cultural Centre, SUCCESS (in
the Chinese community), and the Jewish
Community Centre. There is an association in
the city for just about every cultural or national
group.
Getting involved
in campus life
CAMPUS NEWSLETTERS
Want to know what’s happening at UBC? Sign
up for one of the following email newsletters.
I. House Community Update
Find out each week what’s happening in UBC’s
international community. To subscribe, visit
www.students.ubc.ca/international.
GSS Notes
This weekly email newsletter provides
information on events for graduate students.
To subscribe, visit www.gss.ubc.ca/mailman/
listinfo/notes.
UBC FYI
All undergraduate students receive this email
newsletter highlighting events, deadlines, and
opportunities just for you.
VOLUNTEER & LEADERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
During your time at UBC, you will hear terms
such as leadership and involvement, global
citizenship, sustainability, and community service
learning. These words are used to describe the
many opportunities students have to participate
in and serve their communities.
There are many rewards to volunteering,
including learning new skills, gaining practical
experience, and contributing to the community.
At the same time, volunteering gives you the
opportunity to make new friends and work side
by side with others who share your interests. For
more information about on-campus volunteer
opportunities, see p. 46.
AMS CLUBS & EVENTS
There are over 200 student-run clubs at UBC
that cover a broad range of interests. Here are
some of your options and the benefits
of membership.
• Cultural clubs offer a chance to connect with
students who share your background and
speak your native language.
•
Through religious clubs, you can connect with
students who share your faith.
•
In recreational and athletic clubs, you can try a
wide variety of activities, such as dance, martial
arts, golf, and even fencing.
•
Academic and departmental clubs are
an excellent way to make friends in your
department and meet your professors in a less
formal setting.
Most clubs are listed in the online clubs directory
(www2.ams.ubc.ca/index.php/campus_life/
category/clubs/), but the best way to find out
more is to attend the AMS Club Days in the SUB
in September
In addition to social events hosted by individual
clubs, there are many other opportunities to
meet people. The AMS Welcome back barbecue,
for example, is an annual event held at the
beginning of term. It features bands, food, and
lots of people.
UNDERGRADUATE SOCIETY EVENTS
If you are an undergraduate student, you’re
automatically a member of your faculty’s
undergraduate society. Undergraduate societies
organize seminars, parties, and other programs
and events for students in their faculty. Attend
undergraduate society events to meet other
students with similar interests and get tips
on how to succeed in your studies. Visit your
faculty’s main office for more information.
☞ GLOBAL LOUNGE
The Dr. Simon KY Lee Global Lounge
is a unique space at UBC that fosters
connections amongst globally-focused
students, staff and faculty. It features
a kitchen with microwaves to warm up
your food as well as free coffee and tea.
Relax on the comfortable couches while
enjoying the four large plasma TVs with
over 200 channels from all over the
world! You can connect with globallyfocussed student groups. The Global
Lounge also hosts events such as the
Global Lounge Documentary Series, and
other student-led initiatives. For more
information, please contact the Global
Lounge at: [email protected], or
check out our blog, http://blog.students.
ubc.ca/globallounge/.
THE CENTRE FOR STUDENT
INVOLVEMENT
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE EVENTS
I. House hosts many social and educational
events that are great opportunities to meet both
Canadians and other international students.
Some calendar highlights include Penticton
Weekend and Christmas lunch. The best way to
hear about what’s happening at I. House is to
subscribe to the weekly email update (p. 11) or
visit www.students.ubc.ca/international.
Athletics
VARSITY SPORTS
The Thunderbirds, UBC’s varsity athletics
teams, represent the University nationally and
internationally. No university in Canada has won
more national championships in the past decade
Other T-bird varsity teams have been among the
best in Canada the last 10 years. In 2008/09,
UBC brought home national titles in men’s
swimming, men’s and women’s golf, men’s
nordic skiing, and women’s volleyball.
Take flight with the Thunderbirds: join the “blue
Crew” student fan club. For more information,
visit www.gothunderbirds.ca.
INTRAMURALS & RECREATION
Through campus intramural leagues, events, and
tournaments, UBC REC offers students fun and
memorable recreation experiences on campus.
Through UBC REC, you can also:
•
register for health and wellness instructional
classes, such as dance, yoga, Pilates, and
martial arts
•
participate in league and drop-in sports
•
join the 140-member volunteer staff team
•
get involved in Outdoor REC programs that
include day trips, mountain biking, adventure
runs, kayaking, and more
•
experience the more than 25 events UBC REC
offers throughout the year, including UBC Day
of the Longboat (October 2 and 3), Lace Up
for Kids (November 25), the UBC Triathlon
Duathlon (March 6), and UBC REC’s signature
event, Storm the Wall (March 27 to April 1)
For more information on UBC REC’s schedules,
programs or to find out about UBC REC
volunteer opportunities, visit www.rec.ubc.ca or
drop by the Student Recreation Centre.
ATHLETICS FACILITIES
Student Recreation Centre (SRC)
The Student Recreation Centre is a great place
to meet people and exercise. Located just east
of the SUB, the SRC is home to UBC REC. The
building also features the birdCoop Gym, three
gyms that house drop-in sports, a climbing cave,
a martial arts dojo, and a studio. Visit www.rec.
ubc.ca or call 604.822.6000 for
more information.
☞
The SRC is often busy, but it is
open until 11:00 pm, so you can go in
the evening to avoid line-ups.
69
The Centre for Student Involvement (CSI) is the
starting place for your UBC transition; the place
to find out about opportunities to volunteer,
work on campus, participate in student-driven
projects, or find the support to launch your own
great idea! It’s the home-base and resource
centre for Orientations, Peer Programs, the
Student Leadership Conference, and the
Conference for Learning and Student Success.
There is space for group/individual work, a
comfortable lounge, interactive poster station
and four multi-media workstations. Stop by
Brock Hall and see how you can get involved.
(www.involvement.ubc.ca)
than UBC, thanks in large part to the swim
teams, which have won 18 titles over the past
10 seasons.
Aquatics Centre
The UBC Aquatics Centre is a great place to
swim, work out, study, or relax. It is located
near the War Memorial Gym and the SUB. All
UBC students have free access to Aquatics
Centre facilities during University swim times,
Monday through Friday. During these times, UBC
students also have free access to the facility’s
weight room, sauna, and steam room. Visit
www.aquatics.ubc.ca for more information.
War Memorial Gym
Both varsity and non-varsity teams compete in
the War Memorial Gym, which was built as a
memorial to those who died in World War II.
Thunderbird Stadium and Park
Thunderbird Stadium, located on the southwest
corner of the campus, is the location for varsity
football and soccer games, international rugby
games, and rock concerts. Students can rent
a field for a small fee. Call 604.822.6121 for
booking information.
UBC Tennis Centre
The Tennis Centre includes four indoor courts
with tournament-level lighting and four
outdoor courts. Membership fees vary. Call
604.822.2505 or visit www.tennis.ubc.ca for
more information.
Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Winter
Sports Centre
The centre currently offers two full-size
ice rinks that are available for year-round
rental. For facility and booking inquiries, call
604.822.6121 or visit www.icerink.ubc.ca.
The arena will also be used as a hockey venue
for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Community recreation centres
The City of Vancouver board of Parks and
Recreation operates 22 community recreation
centres that are open to all residents of the city.
The Old barn, West Point Grey, Dunbar, and
Kitsilano community centres are those closest
to campus. All community centres offer a wide
variety of programs and facilities, such as pools,
gyms, and ice rinks. Community centres are
great places to meet people outside of UBC,
especially if you attend programs regularly.
For more information, visit vancouver.ca/
community_profiles/RecGuideInfo.htm.
Exploring Vancouver
& region
Vancouver and the surrounding area are
known for spectacular natural beauty, diverse
entertainment and cultural events, lots of
festivals, and plenty of recreational opportunities.
The weekly Georgia Straight newspaper
(published every Thursday) is a great source of
information about Vancouver events. It is free
and available at various locations on campus.
Most Vancouver neighbourhoods have their
own free newspapers, and they advertise area
programs and events.
THINGS TO DO ON CAMPUS
•
•
•
•
•
Visit the Museum of Anthropology (free for
students) and enjoy the view.
Relax in the Nitobe Memorial Garden behind
I. House.
Go for a walk, run, or bike ride in Pacific Spirit
Park. Go with a friend – don’t get lost!
Relax at one of the nearby beaches on a
sunny day.
Go for a swim during the free University swim
times at the Aquatics Centre.
PLACES TO SEE
For transit information for these destinations
and more, go to www.translink.bc.ca.
•
Stanley Park – Walk, bike, or rollerblade along
the Seawall.
•
Granville Island – Enjoy tasty treats and
purchase local crafts.
•
Grouse Mountain – Ski, hike, or just take the
gondola up and enjoy the view.
•
Bowen Island – Take a short ferry ride from
Horseshoe Bay for a perfect Saturday
afternoon escape.
•
Chinatown – Explore this historic part of town
and try delicious food.
•
Gastown – Wander through shops and
cobblestone streets in this historic
downtown area.
•
Robson Street – Shop (or just window-shop) on
one of Vancouver’s liveliest streets.
•
Jericho Beach – Play volleyball or relax in
the sun.
•
VanDusen Garden – Stop and smell the roses
in this beautiful oasis.
•
Whistler – Visit this world-class ski resort with
lots to do year-round. See below for deals at
the AMS Lodge.
LEAVING THE CITY
If you’re interested in getting out of the city and
you don’t have a car, the bus is the easiest mode
of travel. For information on bus destinations
and schedules, visit www.pacificcoach.com
(Pacific Coach Lines to Victoria) or www.
greyhound.ca (Greyhound Canada). On the
Ride board in the SUB concourse, you can also
find ride offers from people driving to different
parts of Canada and the United States. You
will be asked to share the driving and/or the
cost of gas. Train service is limited and can be
very expensive.
Travel CUTS in the SUB basement can help you
find inexpensive flights to many destinations.
When you’re shopping for flights, consult several
travel agents and travel websites to compare
prices. An International Student Identity Card
(ISIC), available at Travel CUTS, can get you
student discounts in many countries.
Youth hostels offer fun and inexpensive
accommodation while travelling. Most hostels
in Canada are part of Hostelling International
(HI). Some HI hostels allow only members to stay;
memberships are available at Travel CUTS in the
SUB or University Village. Visit www.hihostels.
ca for more information.
The AMS owns a lodge in Whistler that features
a sauna, Jacuzzi, and game rooms. Students can
stay there very inexpensively. Call 604.822.5851,
email [email protected], or visit www.
ubcwhistlerlodge.com to make reservations.
Hiking and camping are also very popular
with British Columbians. For a list of provincial
campgrounds and to make reservations, visit
www.discovercamping.ca.
71
Diversity & Equity
The students, staff, and faculty
at UBC are multicultural
and diverse. Our community
consists of people of different
ages, races, religions, genders,
sexual orientations, ancestries,
ethnicities, abilities, and
socio-economic status. This
social and cultural diversity
is one of UBC’s strengths,
and the University works to
meet the needs of its diverse
population.
Resources at UBC
UBC is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and accessible environment for all students.
There are many groups, programs, and organizations on campus that work to achieve this aim.
Access & Diversity works with University communities to create
inclusive and welcoming living and learning environments at UBC.
The goal is to build educational communities where students of all
genders, disabilities, racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations,
and gender identities can thrive.
Access & Diversity facilitates disability-related accommodations for
students, staff, and faculty with documented disabilities, and produces
alternative format materials for members of the University community
with print disabilities. Prospective clients should contact a Diversity
Advisor to discuss their eligibility for services.
Access & Diversity provides social spaces for students with disabilities
at Crane Library and social space for women students through the
Women Students’ Lounge. Their work is guided by an Advisory Council,
student experiences, best practices, and current research. . Students
interested in working with Access and Diversity can get involved in the
Equity Ambassadors, a UBC Peer Program,
Allies at UBC
Allies at UBC is a group of men working with men to stop violence
against women and inequality in general..
AMS Advocacy Office
SUB, Room 249g
Tel. 604.822.9855
www.ams.ubc.ca/advocacy
The AMS Advocacy Office provides free and confidential advice and
representation for students involved in conflict with the University.
The Advocacy Office deals with issues such as academic appeals,
non-academic misconduct, academic dishonesty, residential tenancy
or housing issues, parking disputes, library fine appeals, and requests
for information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy Act.
AMS Ombuds Office
SUB Room 249f
Tel: 604.822.4846
www.ams.ubc.ca
The AMS Ombuds office is committed to assisting students and AMS
staff by providing conflict resolution services. Some of our services
include:
• Providing conflict management services to AMS clubs and
constituencies undergoing internal conflicts
• Receiving and investigating complaints about the Alma Mater Society
• Providing conflict resolution workshops
• Advising students about their options and resources
Equity Office
Brock Hall 2306
Tel: 604.822.6353
www.equity.ubc.ca
If you are experiencing discrimination and harassment on campus or
are accused of committing it, you can turn to an Equity Advisor in
the Equity Office for assistance. Advisors will listen, help assess your
situation, and explore possible solutions with you. You are welcome to
bring an English-language translator with you.
First Nations House of Learning
1985 West Mall
Tel: 604.822.8940
www.longhouse.ubc.ca
For more information, see p. 13.
1783 West Mall
Tel: 604.822.5021
International Student Advisors provide support, advocacy, and referral
services to international students in matters related to life as an
international student, including study permits, visas, work permits,
health insurance, intercultural issues, and many other topics.
73
DIVERSITY & EQUITY
Access & Diversity
Brock Hall 1203
Tel: 604.822.5844
www.students.ubc.ca/access
Office of the Ombudsperson for
Students
www.ombudsoffice.ubc.ca
The Office of the Ombudsperson for Students is an independent, impartial,
and confidential resource to assist students in addressing and resolving
concerns about unfair treatment at UBC Vancouver. Jointly funded by the
AMS, GSS, and UBC, the Office reports directly to the President.
The Ombudsperson is an advocate for fairness for the benefit of
students and the University community as a whole. If a student needs
representation or advocacy support, the Office will refer them to the
appropriate service.
Students will be encouraged to take an active role in dealing with their
concern. If a student needs help, the Office can:
• Provide general resource information and make appropriate referrals
• Identify and explain relevant University processes and policies
• Work with students to plan strategies and explore options on how best
to proceed
• Empower students to deal directly and effectively with their concerns
• Facilitate discussions and use informal channels to seek resolution
• Investigate student complaints of unfairness where all other avenues
have been exhausted
If you have a question or don’t know where to start with a problem, check
out the Ombuds’ website.
Positive Space Campaign
Tel: 604.822.4859
www.positivespace.ubc.ca
This program works to make UBC more welcoming to and supportive of
its lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, transsexual, intersex, and
two-spirit communities. Look for Positive Space posters around campus
to find resource people trained in sexual orientation and gender identity
issues.
Pride UBC
SUB, Room 245c
Tel: 604.822.4638
www.prideubc.com
Pride UBC provides peer support to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender,
queer, and two-spirit people at UBC. In addition, this group hosts regular
discussion groups and social events. Every year, Pride UBC celebrates a
week-long event in February called Outweek. The Pride office is also a
great place to socialize and eat lunch.
Social Justice Centre
SUB, Room 241k
Tel: 604.822.9612
www.amsubc.ca/index.php/
campus_life/subpage/category/
social_justice_centre
The Social Justice Centre serves students interested in finding progressive
solutions to societal injustices.
Student Environment Centre
SUB, Room 245b
Tel: 604.822.8676
The Student Environment Centre challenges current practices that
endanger the environment. Current activities include raising awareness,
promoting activism, and fostering a supportive community.
Womyn’s Centre
SUB, Room 245h
Tel: 604.822.2163
www.ams.ubc.ca/womens
The Womyn’s Centre provides a space where women can feel safe,
empower one another, and work to end sexism and violence. It offers a
wide variety of events and resources, including an extensive library.
Sexual orientation
& gender identity
In Canada, people who are attracted to others of
similar gender may call themselves lesbian, gay,
bisexual, queer, transgender, two-spirit, intersex,
or questioning. Those with a gender identity that
is different from their gender at birth may call
themselves transgender, transsexual, or two-spirit.
LGBQTTI is an acronym used to refer collectively
to these communities.
Vancouver’s LGBQTTI communities are very active.
Same-sex couples are often as open about their
relationships as heterosexual couples. Certain
Vancouver neighbourhoods, such as the West
End and Commercial Drive, are known to be
particularly LGBQTTI-friendly.
In Canada, rights for same-sex couples and
LGBQTTI individuals have changed significantly
in recent years. Since 2000, unmarried, same-sex
couples who have lived together for more than
a year have the same benefits and obligations as
heterosexual common-law (unmarried) couples
who have lived together for more than a year.
Canadian same-sex couples can also legally
marry in Canada, giving them all the rights and
responsibilities of any married couple. In 2004,
legislation that protects LGBQTTI people from
hate crimes was passed. British Columbia, like the
rest of Canada, also has human rights legislation
that prohibits discrimination and harassment
on the grounds of sexual orientation and sex
(including gender identity and gender expression)
in employment, services, and housing.
The Centre, a Vancouver community centre that
serves and supports lesbian, gay, transgender,
and bisexual people and their allies, runs a free
and confidential helpline called Prideline. Call
604.684.6869 or toll-free 1.800.566.1170,
7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, seven days a week. For
general information, call 604.684.5307, visit
www.qmunity.com, or visit the Centre at 1170
Bute Street. The Centre offers a wide range of
resources, social activities, community building,
and links to other local organizations.
Human rights
Examples of discrimination include:
•
refusing to allow a student into a class because
of that person’s ethnic origin
•
denying appropriate accommodations to
persons with medically certified “invisible”
disabilities, because of doubt that the disability
really exists
What is harassment?
Harassment, a form of discrimination, involves
a wide range of unwelcome comments or
behaviours that humiliate, intimidate, exclude, or
isolate an individual or group, and are based on
one of the 13 prohibited grounds. Harassment
can be either a single, serious incident or a
pattern of related, repeated incidents. It hurts
and undermines the self-esteem of an individual
or group and has negative consequences.
Harassment is defined by the impact of the
behaviour on the person being harassed, rather
than by the intent of the harasser. It is not
necessary for the target of the harassment
to object to the offensive behaviour to make
it harassment, for the harasser should know
whether or not the behaviour is welcome.
Examples of harassment include:
•
making racist, sexist, or homophobic jokes
or remarks
•
touching another person in a sexual manner
without that person’s consent
•
making repeated advances on a person after
that person has indicated a lack of interest
•
offering or being offered rewards or
compensation in exchange for sexual favours
or being threatened with some sort of
punishment for not complying with
sexual advances
DISCRIMINATION & HARASSMENT
UBC is committed to creating and fostering
a learning environment free of all forms of
discrimination and harassment. Students are
expected to conduct themselves in accordance
with the UBC Policy on Discrimination and
Harassment. This policy prohibits discrimination
on 13 grounds: age, ancestry, colour, family
status, marital status, place of origin, physical
or mental disability, political belief, race, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, or unrelated criminal
convictions. Discrimination and harassment on
any of the 13 grounds are taken very seriously
at UBC.
In Canada, women and men have the same
rights, and no one has to tolerate any form of
unwelcome or uninvited sexual advances
What should I do if I’m being harassed?
1. Don’t pretend it isn’t happening.
Harassment is unlikely to go away if you ignore
it. In fact, harassing behaviour may increase if the
harasser feels that they can get away with it.
75
DIVERSITY & EQUITY
Showing respect for everyone’s human rights is
an important Canadian value. As a newcomer
to Vancouver, you may find that you are now a
member of a minority community, something to
which you may not be accustomed. Knowing
your rights and finding support can be very
important in this kind of situation.
What is discrimination?
Discrimination involves treating individuals
and groups unfairly or differently because of
prejudice, ignorance, fear, or stereotype. It
denies people opportunities and excludes, hurts,
or isolates them for reasons that are unrelated to
their academic or employment performance. It is
illegal to discriminate against anyone on any of
the 13 prohibited grounds.
2. Seek advice.
Talk to people who will listen carefully and offer
constructive support. Speak with an advisor in
the Equity Office for information, advice, and
assistance in resolving concerns. If you believe
you or others are in physical danger, contact the
Equity Office, Campus Security, or the police.
3. Take action.
The most efficient way to stop harassment is to
confront it immediately and directly. If it is safe
to do so, clearly and firmly tell the person who
is harassing you to stop. Describe the way you
expect to be treated. If you find that speaking
to the harasser does not stop the behaviour, or
if you do not want to communicate directly with
the person, approach the Equity Office for help.
4. Keep records.
Do not rely on your memory. Carefully record
the details of the harassment as soon as it
occurs. Record any attempts to tell the person
that the behaviour is unwelcome. Keep as
evidence all harassing letters, gifts, emails,
answering machine messages, etc., that
you receive.
What should I do if I’m accused
of harassment?
1. Take the accusation seriously.
If someone tells you that your actions or
comments are unwanted, offensive, or harassing,
listen closely. Remember that people with
different values or backgrounds may experience
what you intend to be funny or harmless as
humiliating, threatening, or insulting. Remember
that your body language and tone of voice
contribute to the impact of your words and
actions. If you believe the allegations may
be valid, you may wish to acknowledge and
apologize for any discomfort or offence you may
have caused.
2. Avoid retaliation.
Don’t act in ways that could be seen
as confronting or “getting back” at
the complainant.
3. Review your rights and seek advice.
Contact the Equity Office for information and
advice. You may also wish to contact your AMS
or GSS representative for support and assistance.
Read the UBC Policy on Discrimination and
Harassment.
HAFSA ISHTIAQ
Class of 2008
Home country: Republic of Panama
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Major and minor: Political Science
with a minor in Economics
UBC’s biggest assets are its
people and the incredible diversity
of programs and services it offers
to students to develop as people,
scholars, and professionals. I
feel that there are so many
opportunities – international and
domestic – available right at my
fingertips. UBC has taught me
how to become a better global
citizen through its sustainability
efforts, its international programs
and dialogues, its services and
inclusive spaces for all. And of
course, the best thing about UBC
is eating Blue Chip cookies at the
Rose Garden on a sunny day!
Recent achievements: Leader of
Tomorrow Award; Dean of Arts
Outstanding Graduating Students
Recognition; UBC International Essay
second place; CBIE International Essay
third place; UBC Latin Passion Dance
Club; UBC International Week; UBC
Centre for Intercultural Communications
(Cultural Assistant); UBC Transition
Out Program; International Relations
Students Association; AIDS Community
Action Network; HOPE International
Development Agency.
Safety
UBC is working with you to
create a safer campus
community. Everyone has
the right to live, work, and
study in a safe environment.
SAFETY
77
Staying safe
In Vancouver, the most common crime is theft.
To prevent theft, carry only what you need and
put your valuables in a safe place. If you must
carry valuables (such as your passport) with you,
carry them in a secure place (e.g., in a money
belt, not a purse). Avoid leaving your backpack,
computer, purse, suitcase, or wallet unattended
in a public place.
Never open your door to a stranger or let a
stranger into your home. Always keep your doors
and windows locked or secured, even when
you are at home or out for a short time (even in
residence). Get to know your neighbours so you
can ask them for help, should you ever need it.
If you plan to travel, get directions before leaving.
Avoid asking strangers for directions; instead, ask
a bus driver or shopkeeper. After 9:00 pm, you
can ask a bus driver to let you off at the street
corner closest to your destination, even if it is
between bus stops (non-express buses only). At
the SkyTrain station, stand in the yellow safety
area, which is monitored by cameras.
CAMPUS SECURITY
Located next to the UBC Bookstore, Campus
Security provides 24-hour assistance, seven days
a week. Call 604.822.2222 if you have a safety
concern or an emergency situation. For more
information, visit www.security.ubc.ca.
AMS SAFETEAM
SUB 249H • 604.822.2181
www2.ams.ubc.ca/index.php/services
For walks: SUB 100A • 604.822.5355
The AMS SafeTeam program strives to proactively
increase campus safety by collaborating with
various relevant organizations to create a visible
and interactive means of communicating the
availability of safety resources to the campus
community. In addition to safety advocacy and
promotion, SafeTeam provides SafeWalk; a
walking service to anyone who requests an
escort from any point on the campus.
If you go out at night, go with friends or call
Safewalk (see below) if you’re on campus. If you
must walk alone, know where you are going and
look confident. Stay alert: using a cell phone or
earphones can distract you.
You don’t have to give money or help to street
people or strangers. If you choose to give a
little money, avoid opening your wallet in front
of them.
☞
Call 911 if you have an emergency
or have been the victim of a crime. If
you call 911 from a cell phone, you
need to let the operator know your
location by giving them a building
address. Calls to 911 are received at a
call centre in downtown Vancouver and
the operators may not be familiar with
the building names on campus.
Safety resources
POLICE ON CAMPUS
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
provides policing to the UBC campus community.
Their office is located at 2990 Wesbrook Mall.
For a police emergency, call 911. For nonemergency issues, call 604.224.1322.
BLUE LIGHT PHONES
Not just for emergencies, blue light phones can
be found at various locations around campus.
They provide you with direct phone access to
Campus Security, 24 hours a day. For safety
concerns and general assistance (including
directions), push the button once and Campus
Security will answer your call.
SAFEWALK
Safewalk provides male and female student
teams that will accompany anyone between
points on campus, free of charge. The service
runs throughout the school year and during the
summer months. You can book a walk by calling
604.822.5355, dropping by the office in the SUB
concourse, or looking for the Safewalk patrollers
in bright red jackets. Visit www.ams.ubc.ca/
safewalk for hours and other information.
CAMPUS SHUTTLES
TransLink and the Coast Mountain bus Company
provide community shuttles on campus. For a
schedule and routes, visit www.trek.ubc.ca.
Sexual assault
Sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual
contact, including unwanted kissing, touching,
or sexual intercourse. In 1994, the Supreme
Court of Canada ruled that lack of resistance
to sexual advances does not equal consent. In
Canada, a person also cannot legally consent to
sexual contact if they are impaired by alcohol or
other drugs or if they have been pressured.
You can increase your personal safety and reduce
risk of sexual assault by doing the following:
•
Party safely. Avoid excessive use of alcohol
and/ or other drugs, which impair your
judgment and leave you vulnerable in what
might not seem like potentially dangerous
situations. Most women who report sexual
assaults knew their attacker. Watch your drink
at all times to make sure no one puts harmful
drugs in it. (See below for more information on
date-rape drugs.)
•
Communicate your limits concerning sex. You
have the right to say no at any point, even if
you previously consented.
•
When you go out, go with a trusted friend.
If you are going to a party or club, make an
agreement with a friend to look out for
one another.
•
Get the facts about sexual assault. More
information about sexual assault can be found
on the website of Women Against Violence
Against Women, www.wavaw.ca.
DATE-RAPE DRUGS
If you think someone may have drugged you, go
to a health clinic right away – do not wash or
change. You can go to the Vancouver General
Hospital emergency department and ask to have
the sexual assault team paged.
If you’ve had a sexual experience either on or
off campus that troubled you, you can consult
one of the services listed below to discuss your
options.
AMS Sexual Assault Support Centre (SASC)
SUB, Room 119a/b
Tel: 604.827.5180
www.amsubc.ca/index.php/services/
category/sexual_assault_support_centre
Equity Office
1874 East Mall
Tel: 604.822.6353
www.equity.ubc.ca/discrimination/sex.html
Campus Security
2133 East Mall
Emergency: 604.822.2222
Non-emergency: 604.822.8609
Tel: 604.822.3811
www.students.ubc.ca/counselling
or Go Global
Talk to an International Student Advisor or Go
Global advisor (see the inside front cover for
contact information).
Wellness Centre
SUB, lower level (information only)
Tel: 604.822.4859
www.students.ubc.ca/health/wellness.cfm
Women Against Violence Against Women
Tel: 604.255.6344
www.wavaw.ca
Alcohol & other drugs
ALCOHOL
In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19
and it’s illegal to be served alcoholic beverages
if you are younger. It is also illegal to drink and
drive or to drink alcohol in public places such as
streets or parks. The lobby, laundry rooms, and
patios of UBC residences are considered public
spaces, but the living rooms and floor lounges
are not.
Although alcohol is often consumed in social
settings in Canada, it is very acceptable and
79
SAFETY
In Vancouver, there have been cases of people
adding a tasteless, odourless, and colourless
drug (usually Ketamine, Rohypnol, or GHB) to
another person’s drink without the drinker’s
knowledge. Commonly referred to as “date-rape
drugs,” these drugs are extremely dangerous
and leave people with little or no memory of
what has happened to them. You should watch
your drink being poured (alcoholic or not) and
keep an eye on it at all times. Avoid taking
drinks from people you don’t know.
SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS OF
SEXUAL ASSAULT
quite normal to drink modest amounts or abstain
altogether. In fact, most UBC students
do not drink to excess.
You can buy alcohol in provincial liquor stores
and licensed beer and wine stores. Alcohol is not
sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, or from
vending machines.
To purchase alcohol or attend events where
alcohol will be served, you may need to prove
that you are 19 years or older. Instead of
carrying your passport and an additional piece of
identification with you, you can obtain official BC
identification called a BCID card.
MARC IRAWAN
Class of 2009
Home country: Indonesia
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major and minor: Cell Biology and
Genetics
You can get a BCID card at any driver licensing
office. Bring one piece of primary and one piece
of secondary identification with you. You will
pay the BCID card fee (about $35) and get your
photo taken. Your new BCID card will be mailed
to you within a few weeks. For a list of driver
licensing offices, visit www.icbc.com/licensing.
TOBACCO
In British Columbia, you must be 19 years or older
to purchase cigarettes. Cigarette smoking is not
permitted in any indoor and many outdoor public
places in the City of Vancouver. This includes
bars, lounges, pubs, bus stops, etc. Smoking
is permitted in approved smoking rooms. For
more information, visit Vancouver Coastal Health,
www.vch.ca/environmental/tobacco, or call
City of Vancouver Property Use at 604.873.7398.
OTHER DRUGS
As a university student in Canada, you may
encounter marijuana (pot or weed), magic
mushrooms, ecstasy (E), crystal meth, LSD,
cocaine, or heroin. These drugs are illegal and
possession of them can carry penalties that may
include jail time and render you inadmissible
to Canada. Although you may hear people say
some of these drugs are harmless, they pose
a range of physical and psychological health
risks, such as impairing your ability to learn,
concentrate, think critically, and use your basic
motor skills. They can also trigger depression
and irritability. All drugs are potentially lethal
when combined with alcohol or prescription
drugs. You have the right to refuse drugs if they
are offered to you.
The best thing about UBC is that
it is a research university. There is
diverse cutting-edge research in
various fields located on campus,
and if you want to be involved,
most of the time you just have
to chat with the professor
about it. I made friends through
residences in first year, and by
being a part of the SCI Team and
the UBC Science Co-op. Getting
involved on and off campus
was the best way to make new
friends from Canada and the
world over, which is why I went
abroad!
Recent achievements: Wellness
Educator; SCI Team; UBC Orientation
Assistant Coordinator; Co-op (Research
Student, St. Paul’s Hospital and Faculty
of Forestry, Biofuel Research).
Information for
Families
Many international students
bring their families with them
when they attend UBC. If this
is the case for you, read this
section for information on
child care, enrolling children
in school, and ways for your
partner to get involved. For
information on Canadian
immigration requirements
for your family, read the
Immigration section of this
handbook (p. 31).
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
81
Activities for spouses
& partners
If your partner accompanies you to UBC, they
may find that getting involved in community
events and activities makes the transition to life
in Vancouver more enjoyable. Here are some
suggested activities:
• Sign up for ESL classes at I. House (p. 17)
• Enrol in a course through UBC Continuing
Studies (www.cstudies.ubc.ca)
• Take advantage of the many athletics
programs and facilities on campus (p. 69)
• Check out the activities happening at your
local community centre (p. 68) or in residence
• Consider working or volunteering on or off
campus (p. 46)
Child care
UBC offers professional, on-campus child care,
with services for infants to school-age children.
There is a very high demand for child care on
campus and wait-lists are very long. You should
apply before you arrive in Vancouver and if
your child is under the age of 5 expect to wait
a minimum of 1 year and possibly 2 or more
before receiving an offer of care. The child’s age
and time of year greatly affect the waiting time
for care. For more information on waiting times,
the type of programs offered, and how to apply,
visit www.childcare.ubc.ca or call UBC Child
Care Services at 604.822.5343. The website
provides other child care options on or near
campus (click “Child Care Options”).
Information about child care and other services is
also available at:
• Immigrant Services Society of BC:
www.issbc.org
•
MOSAIC: www.mosaicbc.com
•
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society:
www.pirs.bc.ca
•
SUCCESS (United Chinese Community
Enrichment Services Society):
www.successbc.ca
For information about provincial standards and
helpful tips on how to find child care, visit the
Government of BC’s website, www.mcf.gov.
bc.ca/childcare/parents.htm.
Enrolling children in school
In Canada, the school year runs from September
to June. There is a two-week break in December
and a one-week break in March. Children can
enter kindergarten as young as age five.
The Vancouver School board operates the public
elementary and secondary schools in Vancouver.
These schools offer elective programs in business,
visual and graphic arts, choir, orchestra, physical
education, drama, and languages. For more
information, visit www.vsb.bc.ca.
Many schools offer English as a Second
Language (ESL) classes for their students as part
of the regular curriculum. For information about
these programs, contact the Immigrant Services
Society of BC at 604.684.2561.
If your study permit is valid for at least one
year and you are enrolled at a publicly funded
institution such as UBC, your minor children (18
years of age and younger) are eligible to attend
elementary and secondary school as if they were
Canadian residents. They will not be required to
pay international student fees. You should begin
the enrolment process for your children as early
as possible after your arrival in Vancouver. You
will need the following to enrol your child in
school:
• Passport
•
Passport stamp or visitor record indicating the
day your child entered Canada
•
Copies of the parents’ study or work permits
The following documents should be translated
into English (if necessary):
• Immunization documents
•
Birth certificate
•
Copies of school report cards, grades, and
evaluations from the past two years
For more information, visit the Vancouver School
board website at www.vsb.bc.ca or the CIC
website at www.cic.gc.ca.
•
Connect with other parents in your area by
posting notes on community bulletin boards or
through online sites like Craigslist (vancouver.
en.craigslist.ca).
•
Meet other parents through activities you enjoy
(such as a hiking or a book club).
Single parents can access programs and resources
through organizations such as the YWCA or
consider becoming involved with a group such as
Single Parents On Campus (SPOC). SPOC raises
awareness about experiences of single parents
attending UBC and facilitates lobbying efforts
both on campus and within the Metro Vancouver
community. For more information, visit www.
students.ubc.ca/go/singleparents or contact
SPOC via email at [email protected].
Access & Diversity also provides support and
information about resources for single parents,
including the publication, “The Single Parents
Resource Guide.” Visit the Access & Diversity
website at www.students.ubc.ca/access or
email [email protected].
Parents’ rights &
responsibilities
Laws about the rights and responsibilities of
parents in BC and in Canada may be different
from those in your home country. Be sure to
read Caring for Children: Parents’ Rights and
Responsibilities, a booklet published in several
languages by the People’s Law School. Visit
www.publiclegaled.bc.ca.
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
•
Attend a parenting support group by a
community organization such as MOSAIC
(www.mosaicbc.com).
83
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES
Caring for children far from extended family
support systems can be an isolating experience.
There are a number of ways to reach out and
receive support as a parent.
• Attend a class or activity at a community centre
or community organization with your child and
other parents.
Life After UBC
It’s not always easy to go
home! Start to prepare before
you leave UBC.
UBC wants to hear from you!
Stay in touch after graduation
through Alumni Affairs.
Re-entry transition
If you’re going home, you’ll probably look
forward to seeing friends, family, and familiar
faces. It is very common to go through a period
of transition upon your return home, which is
sometimes referred to as “re-entry shock.” For
some people, readjusting to their home culture
can be even more challenging than the initial
adjustment to the host culture. Fortunately,
you can take steps to make your transition a
smooth one.
BEFORE YOU RETURN HOME
• Write or talk to friends about your experiences
abroad. This will help you recognize and hold
onto what you have learned and how you
have changed.
•
Plan for life after graduation by taking part in
events and services offered by Career Services
(see p. 46)
•
Prepare for your departure: Say proper
goodbyes and celebrate your departure with
friends and colleagues. This will help you
cement relationships and show appreciation for
their hospitality.
•
Plan for the details of your return home,
including living arrangements, finances, career,
and academic plans. Imagine what it might be
like to be home and start looking forward to
seeing familiar faces and sights.
Be patient and remember that most students
reap great benefits from international study,
despite the challenge of returning home. The
experiences you have had abroad will be with
you for a lifetime, so take time to integrate them
into your life now.
UBC Alumni Affairs
When you graduate, you join more than 250,000
other alumni who are making global citizenship
the hallmark of a UBC education. The Alumni
Affairs office maintains active networks in
countries around the world, so you can find a
UBC network waiting for you wherever you land
after graduation.
Learn about what’s happening at UBC and with
our global alumni networks through our online
newsletter, The Grad Gazette, the award-winning
Trek Magazine, or follow us on Twitter (twitter.
com/ubcalumni), like our Facebook page
(facebook.com/ubcalumni) or join our LinkedIn
group. Update your contact information, so you
will be able to stay in touch. Visit www.alumni.
ubc.ca for more information.
Staying in Canada
If you are interested in staying in Canada
after you complete your studies, you have
many options.
•
UBC Career Services (p. 46) and the Hari B.
Varshney Business Career Centre in the Sauder
School of Business (sauder.ubc.ca/For_Students)
offer many services to help students find career
opportunities in Canada.
•
International Student Development offers
workshops and advising on the post-graduation
work permit and information sessions on
permanent residence opportunities such as the
Provincial Nominee Program (p. 44) and the
Canada Experience Class (p. 44).
AFTER YOU RETURN HOME
Returning home can be a time of reunion and
celebration, but also of great loneliness. Your
friends’ and family’s interest in your stories from
abroad may fade long before you tire of telling
them. It may be difficult to explain the sights you
saw and the feelings you had while abroad, even
if your listeners are sympathetic.
Alumni Affairs sponsors many alumni events in
Canadian cities that allow you to network and
make new friends.
LIFE AFTER UBC
You may not notice how much you have
changed until you return home and suddenly
find you do not fit into your old life as easily as
you had expected. You may find that your values,
ideas, preferences, and habits have changed
during your time abroad. Perhaps you have
become more socially outgoing, picked up new
slang, or changed your political views while in
Canada. Finding people who understand your
experience and share your new interests may
help you feel more at home. UBC Alumni Affairs
(below) is a great way to meet people in your
region who have shared a UBC experience.
If you feel discouraged or frustrated when you
return, remember that these feelings are normal
and will diminish as you adjust to life at home.
85
HANDBOOK ACRONYMS
AMS
ATM
Alma Mater Society
BMO
CIBC
Bank of Montreal
CIC
Citizenship and
Immigration Canada
CIDA
Canadian International
Development Agency
CRA
Canada Revenue
Agency
CWL
DFAIT
Campus-Wide Login
Automated Teller
Machine
ISIC
Identity Card
LGBQTTI
Canadian Imperial Bank
of Commerce
Lesbian, gay,
bisexual, queer,
transgender,
two-spirit, or
intersex
LMO
LPI
Labour Market Opinion
MSP
MSRC
Medical Services Plan
Department of
Foreign Affairs and
International Trade
PBL
PDA
problem-based learning
DRC
Disability Resource
Centre
PNP
ELI
Provincial Nominee
Program
English Language
Institute
Provincial Sales Tax
GP
General practitioner (of
medicine)
PST
RA
GSS
Graduate Student
Society
RCMP
Royal Canadian
Mounted Police
GST
HI
ICBC
Goods and Services Tax
SIN
Social Insurance
Number
SRC
Student Recreation
Centre
iMED
SSC
SUB
TA
TACS
Student Service Centre
Health insurance for
new international
students (first three
months)
TAG
Centre for Teaching
and Academic Growth
TRV
Temporary Resident
Visa
Hostelling International
Insurance Corporation
of British Columbia
IPA
International Peer
Advisor
ISA
International Students
Association or
Advisor
Language Proficiency
Index
Mathematics &
Statistics Resource
Centre
personal digital
assistant
Research assistant or
Residence Advisor
Student Union Building
Teaching assistant
Tax Assistance Clinics
for Students
THE BEST OF UBC
A list for students, by students!
Best campus events
Best lunches
• Storm the Wall • Clubs Days • Day
of the Longboat • SUB Movies • Grad
Nooners • GALA • Job Fairs • Firstweek
concert • Anything with free food •
Student Leadership Conference
• The Delly • The Honour Roll •
Bernoulli’s Bagels • Snack Attack •
The Moon • Pacific Spirit Cafeteria
• Pendulum • Koerner’s Pub •
International Village
Best hideouts in the
rain
Best ways to get
involved
• I. House • Aquatics Centre •
Buchanan A200 Lounge • Asian Centre
• Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
• Koerner Library • Koerner’s Pub •
Forestry Atrium • Starbucks • Tim
Hortons • Rez lounges • SUB • MASS in
Buchanan D Block • Global Lounge in
Marine Drive residence
• Centre for Student Involvement in Brock
Hall • Join a club • Intramural teams •
Department councils • Undergraduate
societies • Orientation programs (such as
Imagine UBC and GALA) • Volunteer for
the AMS or GSS • Attend class • Get a
job on campus • Volunteer at the UBC
Hospital • Peer Programs
Best study tips
Best ways to earn cash
• Make a friend in class in case you’re
sick • Take excellent notes • Balance
work and play • Ask for help from a
teaching assistant • Keep up on your
reading • Don’t procrastinate! • Be
involved in discussions • Ask questions
• Use The Learning Commons
• Join Safewalk • Be a residence advisor
• Work in a cafeteria • Become a
TA • Be an intramurals referee • Do
student surveys • Participate in psych
experiments • Apply for Work Learn
Best ways to relax
• Koerner Library • Hugh Dempster
Pavilion • Nitobe Memorial Garden •
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre • David
Lam Library • Rez carrels • Forestry
Building • Woodward/IRC
• Buchanan D • Asian Library
• Walking in Pacific Spirit Park •
Walking at Tower Beach • SUB Movies
• Going for a swim • Taking a class or
working out at the SRC • Sitting in the
rez lounge • Visiting the Rose Garden
• Biking around campus/English Bay
area • Using the steam room/sauna/
whirlpool in the Aquatics Centre •
Visiting the Museum of Anthropology
Best on-campus sales
• SUB concourse fairs • Faculty book
sales • The Outpost clearance sales
• Department bake sales • UBC
Bookstore sales • Discount bookstore in
University Village
Best places to study
Best desserts
• UBC cinnamon buns • UBC Ponderosa
cake • The Delly Nanaimo bars •
Pendulum lemon squares • Blue Chip
cookies • Department bake sales • Tim
Hortons donuts
87
Index
A
academic year 15
Access & Diversity 73
advisors 10, 17
alcohol 79
Alma Mater Society (AMS) 12, 13, 17, 24, 47
alternative medicine 60
Alumni Affairs 46, 85, 86
AMS See Alma Mater Society (AMS)
AMS/GSS Health & Dental Plan 55, 59
Aquatic Centre 70, 71
Arts, Faculty of, inside front cover
Ask Me @ UBC 11, 12
assault 13, 79
assignments 19
athletics 69
B
banking 49, 50
BCID 80
BC Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 44
BirdCoop Gym 70
blue light phones 79
bookstore 50, 78
C
cable TV 26
Campus-Wide Login (CWL) 15, 16
Campus Security 76, 78
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) 52
Canadian Experience Class 44
CareCard 58
Career Services 46, 47, 85
Centre for Student Involvement 69
chaplains 65, 66
childcare 82
children 81–83
CIC See Citizenship and Immigration
Canada (CIC)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 31,
33, 35, 39, 44, 45, 83
clubs 12, 13, 64, 68
Commerce, Faculty of, inside front cover
computer facilities 16
co-op work permit 42
counselling 63, 64, 79
cultural transition 61, 62, 68
CWL See Campus-Wide Login (CWL)
cycling 28–29
D
disabilities 28, 73, 75
discrimination 73–75
diversity 13, 26, 73, 76
driver’s licence 29
driving 29, 30
drugs 79, 80
E
Education, Faculty of inside front cover
electricity 25, 26
English Language Institute (ELI) 17
email 15
employment 10, 11, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 52
English language classes 11
Enrolment Services 11, 12
Equity Ambassadors 47
Equity Office 73, 75, 76
essays 19
exams 13, 17, 19, 20
exchange See Go Global
F
families 36, 57, 81–83
fees 5, 17, 28, 59
financial assistance 49
First Nations House of Learning 13
Firstweek 8, 13
Forestry, Faculty of, inside front cover
G
GALA – International Orientation 7, 8, 47
Global Lounge 69
Go Global 10, 18, 28, 53, 55, 57, 59, 62,
inside front cover
grades 18–20
Graduate Student Orientation 8
Graduate Student Society (GSS) 13, 54, 55, 59,
68, 76
Graduate Studies, Faculty of 12, inside
front cover
GSS See Graduate Student Society (GSS)
GST 51–53
H
harassment 73, 74, 75, 76
health care 54
health insurance 54–59
homesickness 22
housing 21–26
housing, off-campus 23–26
human rights 75
LMO See Labour Market Opinion
LPI See Language Proficiency Index (LPI)
M
Medical Services Plan (MSP) 54–60
medicine 60
MSP See Medical Services Plan (MSP)
myUBC 15
I
N
ICBC See Insurance Corporation
of British Columbia (ICBC)
Imagine UBC 8
iMED 10, 54–60
immigration 11, 31–36
implied status 33
income tax 48, 49, 52, 53
Individual Tax Number (ITN) 52
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
(ICBC) 29
International House (I. House) 10, 11, 37
International Peer Program 10–12, 37
International Student Advisors 10, 73
International Student Development 10, 73,
inside front cover
International Student Recruitment, inside
front cover
International Students Association 13, 37
Internet 15, 16, 22, 25, 26
internships 42, 47
NAFTA work permit 44
New Student Registration & Orientation
Guide 15
O
off-campus work 39–42
off-campus work permit 35, 40–43
Office of the Ombudsperson for Students 74
on-campus work 39
orientation 5, 7, 8, 47, 68, 74, 80
P
Joint Academic Programs 10, inside front
cover
parents 81–83
parking 25, 29, 30
passport 32–37, 49
phones 6, 22, 24, 25, 78
plagiarism 14, 20
PNP See Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
police 20, 29–30, 75, 78
post-graduation work permit 42–44
post office 6, 32, 50
professors 10, 20, 68
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 44
public transit 28
K
R
Korea University 10, inside front cover
recreation 69, 70
registration 10, 15, 16
renting 24, 25
Rentsline, AMS 13, 24
research skills 14
residence see Housing
Ritsumeikan University 10, inside
front cover
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) 37
J
L
89
INDEX
Labour Market Opinion (LMO) 44
labs 18
Land & Food Systems, Faculty of,
inside front cover
language classes 16
Language Proficiency Index (LPI) 16
laundry 25, 26
Learning Commons, The 14, 17–19
lectures 18, 20
S
safety 10, 77–79
Safewalk 13, 78
Sauder School of Business, See Commerce,
Faculty of
scholarships 49, 52
Science, Faculty of, inside front cover Service Canada 43
shopping 48, 50, 51
SIN See Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Social Insurance Number (SIN) 44, 45, 52
Speakeasy 13, 47, 64
sports 30, 68–70
SSC See Student Service Centre (SSC)
student fees See fees
Student Health Service 60
Student Recreation Centre (SRC) 70
Student Service Centre (SSC) 5, 15, 20
Student Union Building (SUB) 12, 50, 65, 66,
68, 70
study permit 32–37, 39, 40–45
study skills 17
SUB See Student Union Building (SUB)
Urgent Care Centre 60
US visa 35
V
Vancouver 7, 23–25, 30, 50–52, 68, 70, 71,
82, 83
visitor record 32, 35, 36, 83
volunteer 39, 46–47, 69, 70
W
Wellness Centre 47, 60, 65, 79
working holiday visa 43
work, off-campus See off-campus work
work, on-campus See on-campus work
Work Learn 39, 49
work permit 35, 36, 39–45
Writing 098 16
Writing Centre 14, 16
T
TA See Teaching Assistants (TAs)
taxes 51–53
Teaching Assistants (TAs) 12
Tec de Monterrey 10, inside front cover
telephone See phones
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) 32–367, 43
Tenant Survival Guide 25
Thunderbird Stadium and Park 70
transit See public transit
TransLink See public transit
transportation See public transit
TREK 28, 29
tri-mentoring programs 46
TRV See Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
tuition 13, 17, 49, 57, 59
tutorials 15, 17, 18
tutoring 17
U
UBC Bookstore 28, 45, 51
UBCcard 5, 15, 49
UBC Learning Exchange 47
U-Pass 5, 28
NOTES
91
NOTES
93
NOTES
95
99
480
44
84
480
or Blvd
5 km
43
Blvd
84
99
SW
Ma
rine
Broadway
10th Ave
Ferguson Rd
41st Ave
480
16th Ave
43
Vancouver
International Airport
Driv
e
Pacific Spirit
Regional Park
University
44
99
480
98
480
98
99
7
to Tsawwassen
99
Richmond
r
43
Hastings
Rive
s er
Fra
SE Marine Dr
49th Ave
Queen
Elizabeth
Park
12th Ave
Van Dusen
Botanical
Gardens
99
Granville
Island
Downtown
1A
y
lle
Va
Nanaimo St
to Delta
1A
Grandview Hwy
Broadway
1st Ave
PNE
nn
Ly
Dol
91A
91
1
7A
Marine Way
Marine Dr
Imperial St
Central
Park
Canada Way
7
wy
larton H
Burnaby Lake
W
ay
Buntzen
Lake
1
River
to Surrey, Langley,
Abbotsford
99A
s er
Fra
7
to Port Moody,
Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows,
Maple Ridge, Mission
Ga
g la
rd
i
SFU
Burnaby
Mountain Park
Belcarra
Regional Park
Belcarra
New Westminster
Deer Lake
Burnaby
Deep Cove
Mt. Seymour
ay
W
For more information, visit
www.translink.bc.ca
Skytrain
98
43
Express Buses
ll
nce
UBC
ha
Dunbar St
44
Kits Beach
GM Place
Jericho
BC Place
Vanier
Beach
Stadium
Park
98
Science
4th Ave
84
World
Burrard St
Locarno
Beach
Arbutus St
Spanish Banks
Beach
Stanley
Park
Oak St
VANCOUVER & SUBURBS
Fraser St
to Whistler
North
Vancouver
Knight St
Ambleside
Park
1
Main St
C
r
Rupert St
Ma
rine
D
Kerr St
West
Vancouver
Cambie St
Boundary Rd
Lighthouse
Park
Victoria Dr
Rd
Willingdon Ave
Grouse Mountain
Royal Oak Ave
Cypress Mountain
Granville St
da
No.3 Rd
na
No.6 Rd
Ca
Strait of Geo ia
rg
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
The University of British Columbia
1783 West Mall, Vancouver, BC
Canada V6T 1Z2
Phone: 604.822.5021 Fax: 604.822.5099
Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
By choosing 100% post-consumer recycled fibre
instead of virgin paper for this handbook, we saved:
The official version of this handbook
will be updated on the web:
www.students.ubc.ca/international
• 13 million BTU of energy
Twelfth edition, August 2010
• 42 fully grown trees
• 531 kilograms of solid waste
• 73,377 litres of water
• 1,814 kilograms of greenhouse gases

International Student Handbook

Transcription

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