2016/2017 GUIDEBOOK For International Students
Transcription
2016/2017 GUIDEBOOK For International Students
1 2016/2017 GUIDEBOOK For International Students 2 Thank you for choosing the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). NSCC has 13 campuses throughout the province of Nova Scotia. Currently, over 110 different programs are offered to more than 10,000 full-time students and over 25,000 students in part-time, continuing education and customized training programs. This guidebook will provide you with the information you need to prepare for your time at NSCC and in Nova Scotia. It will also give you an opportunity to see the unique programs, services and opportunities that are offered at our College. When you arrive at one of our campuses you 3 will participate in a student orientation at the beginning of the academic year which will include a campus tour where you will have a chance to meet NSCC students and staff. NSCC International also organizes an International Student Orientation before your classes start in September. This is a chance to get familiar with your campus and meet NSCC staff and faculty as well as other international students. You’ll learn about the supports and services available to you. Map Checklists Important Documents Study Permits Visitor Visa Work Permits Housing Driving Transportation Banking & Currency Laws & Policies in Nova Scotia We look forward to welcoming you to NSCC! Please note: this information is up to date as of September 1, 2015 For the most up-to-date information, visit http://international.nscc.ca/guidebook Photos by Matt Madden 4-5 6-7 9 10 11 12-14 15 16 17-18 19 20-21 College Resources Student Services Diversity & Inclusion Library Services Student ID Health Insurance Services & Schedule Tuition & Fees Student Awards Student Association Student life at NSCC NSCC International 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33-34 35 ONE COLLEGE THIRTEEN CAMPUSES From Sydney to Yarmouth, and Amherst to Halifax, you can find an NSCC learning environment in fifteen towns and cities throughout Nova Scotia. Many of the learning centres are established, full-service campuses with cafeterias, fitness facilities, and specialized classrooms and equipment; others provide courses designed to fit the needs of specific groups of learners and the communities they live in. to explore these campuses go to www.nscc.ca/explorenscc/campuses 6 AFTER RECEIVING YOUR ACCEPTANCE LETTER: Apply for a Study Permit or visitor’s visa (if applicable). Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for instructions and an application package: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp . See page 10 (Study Permits) for more information. Confirm your seat in your chosen program by paying the confirmation fee. Pay tuition and fees by the deadline. For detailed information on tuition, fees and costs please visit: http://international.nscc.ca/tuition_fees Research your housing options. Start with our Off-Campus Housing Guide: http://international.nscc.ca/housing 7 Prepare a budget to manage your funds. www.nscc.ca/moneymatters AFTER YOU ARRIVE: Make sure you have available funds for emergencies. Contact your family and friends to let them know you have arrived safely. Book your travel arrangements. Open a bank account. Arrange for airport pick-up: http://hiaa.ca/transportation and review the How Do I Get to my Campus? Guide: http://international.nscc.ca/gettinghere Pack all required documents for opening a bank account. Contact your campus about any changes in your arrangements (including changes in your address, telephone number, etc.). Check with your campus for information on the International Student Orientation. 8 9 Important: You will not be allowed to enter Canada if any of your documents are missing. Make sure you have multiple copies of all required documents stored in separate locations. You should have the following documents with you: • A valid passport. Be sure to have all important documents with you and not in your packed luggage. • The letter of introduction from the visa office that you received when your study permit was approved. This contains your permit reference number which will be needed to issue you your study permit. • A valid temporary resident visa, if required. You can determine if this is needed to enter Canada by checking this site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp • Your acceptance letter from Nova Scotia Community College. • Any other document that was recommended by the visa office when you applied. When you are entering Canada, a Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) officer will ask to see your passport and your study permit (or letter of authorization) and temporary resident visa (if required). If you are a permanent resident of Canada or the U.S, you should bring your Permanent Resident Card with you. Additional information is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-arriving.asp When the CBSA officer asks for your documentation, make sure to have it with you and not packed in your checked luggage. 10 11 International students intending to study in Canada for more than six months require a study permit. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website for more information on applying for a study permit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp If your study permit will expire before you are due to complete your studies, you can apply to extend your study permit from within Canada. The application is online and the cost is $150: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/studyextend.asp Important - New Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): In order to apply for your initial study permit or to renew your permit, you will need NSCC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number: O19091820452 Study and work permit holders from visa-exempt countries who received their permit on or before July 31, 2015 will have to get an eTA as of March 15, 2016 to return to Canada. Applicants who get their study or work permit on or after August 1, 2015 will automatically be issued an eTA along with their permit. Please note that you are required to pursue full-time, continuous study and NSCC is required to report your status to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. VISITOR VISA OR ETA (STUDY LESS THAN 6 MONTHS) You do not need a study permit if you plan to take a course or program in Canada that is six months or less in duration. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. To enter Canada as a visitor, you will either need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (requires lengthy application and costs $100) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA requires simple online application and costs $7). Please visit the CIC website to learn what is required to enter Canada from your home country: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp 12 13 POST-GRADUATE WORK PERMIT If you are a full-time student with a valid study permit, you can work on campus and off campus up to 20 hours/week (and full time during academic breaks). Please note that students enrolled in health care programs do not have to get a work permit for clinical placements that are a part of their NSCC program. CO-OP WORK PERMIT If you are in a co-op program it is recommended that you apply for the co-op work permit at the same time you apply for your Study Permit. Depending on your program and the timing for your work term placement, you can also apply for the permit after you’ve started your program. Work permits are mandatory for international students who are required to complete a work or co-op placement as part of their study program. A co-op work permit allows students to work full-time (paid or unpaid) during the academic year. This work permit application is online and there is no fee for this permit. International students must have: Upon graduation, many students are eligible to work in Canada under the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program. The application is available online and the fee is $255. To be eligible, you: The maximum length of this work permit is three years; however your Post-Graduation Work Permit will be based on your length of studies. • Must have studied full time and completed a program that was a minimum of 8 months in length. If the official length of your program of study is: • Must apply for the Post Graduation Work Permit within 90-days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from NSCC indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program. • • • Less than eight months (you are not eligible for this program). • Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that you are eligible to obtain your diploma or certificate. Less than two years but more than eight months (you may get a work permit for a period no longer than the length of your program of study (for example, if you studied for nine months, a work permit may be issued for a period of nine months). • Must have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit. Two years or more (a work permit may be issued for three years). • For more information and to determine your eligibility to work in Canada after you graduate from NSCC, please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/workpostgrad- who.asp RESOURCES • A valid study permit. • The work term must be an essential part of your program and NSCC is to provide a letter from the Campus Registrar confirming this requirement. Impact of length of program of study in Canada and the length of the work permit NSCC’s Immigration Consultant has also created application guides and resources to help answer common student questions. Please visit http://international.nscc.ca/resources 14 15 APPLYING FOR A SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER FINDING WORK The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits. The NSCC website has an extensive list of links for students and graduates looking for employment: http:// www.nscc.ca/services/graduate_employment_services/ index.asp You must apply for a SIN through Service Canada. Click here for a link to all of the Service Canada offices in Nova Scotia: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/offices You need to provide a primary document to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Please see http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/proof.shtml for complete information. If you need any help with your resume or have questions about looking for jobs, please visit the Coordinator of Student Retention & Employment (CSRE) in Student Services at your campus. CONTACT US NSCC International is committed to providing exceptional student service and has hired a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant to answer any questions you have related to immigration issues. If you have a question, please contact us and we will either provide you with resources to answer your questions or refer you to our consultant: [email protected] Most NSCC campuses do not have student residences and students are expected to find their own accommodations. An off-campus housing list is available to students at most campuses, and this list is usually updated in the spring. NSCC International has prepared a comprehensive Off-Campus Housing Guide which contains advice on finding the right accommodation for you along with important information for tenants: http://international.nscc.ca/housingguide For advice on accommodations, please contact us: [email protected] Truro Campus Residence: Nova Scotia Community College has a student residence at the Truro Campus. It is not a family residence. http://www.nscc.ca/explorenscc/campuses/truro/ residence.asp 16 NOVA SCOTIA IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARDS This card is often needed in order to take part in agerestricted activities (for example, attending certain movies or going to bars), purchasing age-restricted products (for example, alcohol or tobacco products). We recommend that you get a Nova Scotia ID card when you arrive so that you do not have to carry your passport to prove your age and identity. To apply for your Nova Scotia ID card you will need to present your passport, your study permit and your NSCC ID card. For more information, visit: http://www.novascotia.ca/snsmr/paal/RMV/paal275.asp DRIVING IN NOVA SCOTIA It is expensive for most international students to own and operate a motor vehicle in Canada. If you decide to buy and own a motor vehicle, it is mandatory in Nova Scotia to 17 register it and to hold an insurance policy on the vehicle. As an international student, you can apply for a Nova Scotia driver’s license. You will be required to pass a written test and a road test before receiving your driver’s license. Visit the Nova Scotia Registry of Motor Vehicles website for more information: https://www.novascotia.ca/sns/rmv/licence HALIFAX TRANSIT Also remember that in Canada, we drive on the right-hand side of the road. The use of seat belts is mandatory for all car passengers. Halifax Transit has developed a useful map function that helps newcomers figure out what bus to take, from where and when: http://www.halifax.ca/transit/googletransit/ There are also several smart phone apps you can use including: Transit 360 (http://transit360app.com) and The Transit App (http://thetransitapp.com/) Important: It is against the law in Nova Scotia to use a hand-held cellular phone, or text messaging device, while driving. Under this law, you may only drive and talk on a mobile phone by using the handsfree function. You may still use a cell phone to report emergency situations. NSCC students at the three Halifax-Dartmouth campuses (Akerley, IT, and Waterfront) have access to the Halifax Transit system of buses and ferries. Visit the Halifax Transit website for schedules and information: http://www.halifax.ca/transit NSCC students at the Akerley, IT and Waterfront campuses will receive a U-Pass, which allows them to use the Halifax Transit system (including the ferries) from September 1 to May 31. For more information on the U-Pass for NSCC students please visit: http://www.nscc.ca/about_nscc/Parking_Transportation/ Upass TAXIS There are many taxi services throughout Nova Scotia. In order to find a taxi number in the area that you will be staying just search the local phone book or visit http://www.yellowpages.ca/ , type in the area that you are in and type in taxi within the business name section. This site will give you every taxi number within your area. WALKING When walking you must obey all traffic signs. It is against the law to walk on the street if sidewalks are provided. You should also never “hitchhike” or get a ride from the driver of a vehicle that you do not know. 18 BIKING Weather permitting, a bicycle is another great way to get around in Nova Scotia. All NSCC Campuses have a designated area for students to lock their bikes while in classes. It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle and you are responsible for learning the rules of the road while in Canada. As most areas do not have bicycle lanes, caution is required when using a bike. BUS If you’re looking to explore Nova Scotia, Maritime Bus provides travel options. You can review their website at: www.maritimebus.com Kings Transit Authority is a public transit system operating in the Annapolis Valley and Hants County. Visit their website for more information: http://www.kingstransit.ns.ca Transit Cape Breton provides regular bus services in the Sydney area: http://cbrm.ns.ca/transit.html 19 Public bus transportation is available in some areas of Nova Scotia, including alternate transportation for persons with disabilities. You can find out more by contacting your NSCC Campus. After you arrive in Nova Scotia, you should open a bank account. Debit and credit cards are common methods of payment in Nova Scotia. To open an account, please bring your passport, study permit and your NSCC acceptance letter to the bank. You may also be asked for proof of your address in Nova Scotia. Bank of Montreal (BMO): www.bmo.com There are many financial institutions within Nova Scotia to choose from. All banks will have automated teller machines (ATMs) from which you can withdraw money if you have a debit card. Any ATM that is not affiliated with your bank will charge you a fee for withdrawing money. Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): www.royalbank.com You can find banks near you by going to their individual websites. Here is a list of the major banks in Canada: Toronto Dominion Canada Trust (TD): www.tdcanadatrust.com Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia): www.scotiabank.com Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC): www.cibc.com CURRENCY INFORMATION The currency in Nova Scotia is the Canadian dollar. In order to get up-to-date currency rates please visit: www.xe.com/ucc/ 20 21 GARBAGE COLLECTION, RECYCLING AND COMPOSTING Nova Scotia has garbage, recycling and composting programs that are among the best in the country. In 1996, the province of Nova Scotia passed a law requiring residents to separate waste so that organics, recyclables, and paper do not enter our landfills. It just takes a little time to learn what goes in a blue bag, garbage bag and green cart and when it should be placed out for collection. For more information visit: http://novascotia.ca/nse/waste/muncollection.asp There are many laws in Nova Scotia that you may not be accustomed to and should be aware of. Here are some that are most important for you to know: SMOKING The Smoke-free Places Act requires that all indoor workplaces and public places be smoke-free. The Act requires all outdoor licensed areas and patios of all restaurants, lounges, beverage rooms and cabarets to be smoke-free. You also cannot smoke in your vehicle in a hospital parking lot or with a person under 18 in the vehicle with you. The Tobacco Access Act prevents tobacco vendors from selling tobacco to anyone under 19 years of age. USE OF ALCOHOL The legal drinking age in Nova Scotia is 19 years old. It is against the law to carry an open bottle of alcohol or drink in public (such as in a park or walking along the street) or to provide alcohol to anyone under the age of 19. It is also illegal to drive when under the influence of alcohol. There is also a “What Goes Where?” smartphone app for the city of Halifax that will help residents separate their garbage, compost and recycling and remind residents of collection days: http://www.halifax.ca/whatgoeswhere/ USE OF SCENTED PRODUCTS NSCC encourages students and employees to be aware of others who may suffer allergies or sensitivities to fragrances found in perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, deodorants, after shave lotions, skin creams and many other personal grooming products. The use of strongly scented products at our campuses is discouraged in consideration of others who may have medical allergies or sensitivities to manufactured scents. For more information on Laws in Nova Scotia, please visit: http://novascotia.ca/just/acts.asp 22 23 The primary goal of all employees at Nova Scotia Community College is to see students succeed. We recognize learning does not just happen in the classroom. NSCC programs combine theoretical learning with practical lab and workshop experience. There is also a work placement component which allows you to gain valuable experience and develop your skills. We also encourage students to get involved with the Student Association and events and activities led by NSCC International. Here is some information you need to know about the services and supports available to you at your campus. 24 25 Here is a list of some of the services we provide: Learning Support Services – student-to-student tutoring is a coordinated service through Student Services, in partnership with your Student Association. Applications to receive a tutor or to become a tutor can be picked up from Student Services or found on the web at nscc.ca/services/tutoring. We also offer some free online webinars to help you manage your time, prepare for tests, explore strategies for your learning style, and work well with your faculty. http://www.studentlingo.com/nscc Career and Employment Services – includes career exploration/advising, resume writing, interview skills, and networking. Personal Counselling – we offer supportive and confidential personal counselling services, delivered by professional/certified counselors. Disability Services – If you are a student with a disability, contact the Disability Resource Facilitator on your campus for information about academic accommodations, technology, and services. Visit www.disabilityservices.nscc.ca for more information. Understanding NSCC’s Policies and Procedures – we can assist students in understanding and accessing policies as NSCC’s Student Code of Conduct, Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy, Violence Prevention Policy and others related to the student experience. At every NSCC campus across the province, Student Services is front and center and ready to assist you in making a successful transition to College. We are committed to supporting your learning and we do it by providing you with helpful services that you can access at any time, throughout the academic year. OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is committed to fostering an environment that is comfortable and welcoming to our NSCC community as well as external communities. The Office hosts and co-sponsors various educational and awareness activities throughout the year that are intended to highlight the value and importance of diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful working and learning environment. The office serves students and employees at all 13 NSCC Campuses. All staff, faculty and students are encouraged to take advantage of the services available through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, including: • • Special events and activities Guidance and support on the Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy: http://www.nscc.ca/ docs/policies_procedures/nscc_respectful_workplace_ learning_environment_policy.pdf • • • Information and referral services Training and education Resources Contact Us: Office: +1-902-491-5123 Email: [email protected] 26 NSCC Library Services provides lots of options to address your information needs. For an overview of our products, services, locations and hours visit our website at http://www.nscc.ca/library. We carry a wide range of learning materials in print, multimedia and online formats. As a member of Novanet, we have access to the resources of eleven university and college library collections across Nova Scotia. You can have these resources delivered to your local campus library via the Novanet Express loan service. To find out what resources we have to offer, we encourage you to search our online catalogue or visit our website. Your student card doubles as your library card. To activate your card, please visit one of our campus libraries. Once activated, keep your card handy when you wish to borrow, renew items or make requests in the catalogue. You can also access our databases, ebooks and streaming video from either on 27 campus or from home (just enter your student number and password). Other services offered through our libraries include help with your assignments, research, citing sources, searching and evaluating online resources, and questions about plagiarism and copyright. You also have access to online subject guides, photocopying, computing, mobile device charging stations as well as collaborative and quiet study spaces. If you can’t come into one of our libraries, ask us a question via our Live Help chat service, email or give us a call. We’ll be happy to help! To learn more about your local campus library, drop by for a tour. Our friendly library staff look forward to greeting you! During your first week at the Nova Scotia Community College you will be required to obtain your student identification card. There will be signs posted on campus where this can be done. You will need to have your student ID number to have your picture taken. The card will likely be issued immediately but depending on availability it may have to be picked up later at a designated time and place. If you arrive to Nova Scotia before your classes start, check with your campus to see if you can get your student ID early and if there are any workshops or sessions for new students that you can participate in. 28 International students attending NSCC must purchase and will be automatically enrolled in our mandatory International Student Emergency Health Insurance (EHI). This plan covers medically necessary emergency services which may include treatment of a sudden or chronic condition, X-rays and treatment of broken limbs, emergency ambulance, hospital stay, etc. The annual premium for this plan is $650 per individual. A Family Plan is also available and international students can add their family by contacting our Student Benefits Office directly. Once enrolled at NSCC, International students will receive emails from our Student Benefits Office to provide information and support on how their specific coverage works and how to open emergency claims with the insurance provider, should they face a medical emergency. 29 NSCC Student Benefits Office Toll Free: 1-866-491-1624 Fax: (902) 455-5084 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mystudentplan.ca EMAIL AND ONLINE SERVICES As a student, you will have your own NSCC email and computer account, access to computers and Wi-Fi on campus, and you can access personal and academic information using NSCC’s online services. NSCC uses email as the primary means of communication with students. Please check your email regularly. ACADEMIC SCHEDULE & IMPORTANT INFORMATION For information regarding your academic schedule and other important information you can visit: http://www.nscc.ca/Current_Students/index.asp 30 TUITION AND FEES The first tuition payment (50% of the annual tuition less the nonrefundable tuition deposit) is due 20 business days prior to the start of classes. For programs starting in September 2016, the first tuition payment is due August 5, 2016 and the second tuition payment (remaining 50% of your annual tuition) is due January 6, 2017. There are other fees associated with your campus and program. These may include co-op tuition, health and dental insurance, an International Student Fee, Student Association fees, supplies, and textbooks. The International Student Fee is used to support continued internationalization at NSCC. Tuition and fee information is available at http://international.nscc.ca/tuition_fees 31 For assistance in preparing a budget for your studies at NSCC, visit: www.nscc.ca/moneymatters Thanks to the generosity of many donors, the NSCC Foundation awards over $500,000 in scholarships & bursaries every year. Some awards are specific to a campus, program, or year of study, while others are open to everyone. Most awards are financial need based but some are selected based on a student’s community involvement, academic achievement or demonstrated leadership. Awards are given out at various times throughout the year, with exact dates being announced on the Student Awards website. International students are able to apply for NSCC student awards and are encouraged to visit our site to review current opportunities and other helpful information: www.nscc.ca/awards 32 As a full or part time student at NSCC, you automatically become a member of an amazing organization - your Student Association (SA). The Student Association is your student government on campus and they support students by providing important programs, events, services and activities that enhance the college experience. The SA supports peer tutoring, student employment, on campus student food banks, and supports the development of on campus student organizations. They also organize fun things like Frost Fest, pep rallies, social evenings, year-end celebrations and sports and recreation (like hockey, soccer, skating, and other fun recreational events). Each campus has its own Student Association made up of an executive team and Students’ Council. The Students’ Council is the main governing body of the Student Association and is comprised of elected representatives from each program area. All students are encouraged to participate in their SA by participating in campus events, 33 volunteering, or running for a position on the executive or Students’ Council. The Student Association also hires students on occasion to help with specific roles (i.e. Sports and Wellness Coordinators, Social Coordinators, etc.) and international students are eligible to apply for these opportunities as well. As a student, it is important that you create some balance in your life, taking time to relax and enjoy the social side of the college experience. Events organized by your Student Association provide a great balance to all that class work! And by attending events and activities on your campus, you get to meet students from a variety of different programs and make new connections that may very well last a lifetime. As an international student, getting involved on campus is an excellent opportunity to participate in real handson experiences such as designing, implementing and evaluating programs and services, working with people and developing leadership skills. When you become involved in student life events and activities, you become an integral part of the campus learning community and develop positive relationships with fellow students, faculty and campus staff. Ultimately, your studies will be the most important thing in your life while you’re at NSCC. However, never underestimate the education that comes from your life outside of class! AMBASSADOR PROGRAM The NSCC Ambassador Program is a voluntary leadership program which allows students to take an active part in delivering events, services and activities to fellow students as well as the community. This experience is a particularly good opportunity for international students who are looking to gain some Canadian volunteer experience for their resumes, as well as meet new people with common interests. We currently offer this leadership and learning program at our Lunenburg, Pictou, Kingstec, Marconi, Truro and Waterfront campuses. To learn about the services they provide or how to get involved, visit: http://www.nsccstudentassociation.ca 34 35 Photo by Tyler Boutilier PORTFOLIO LEARNING ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS All NSCC learners are expected to develop not only the technical skills and knowledge of their chosen programs, but also the awareness and understanding of themselves as lifelong learners. Throughout their time with the College, learners will identify significant learning from both formal and informal experiences, and will gather evidence to demonstrate to themselves and others their achievements and the specific skills, knowledge, and attributes they have gained. By being able to talk about and show evidence of their learning, they will be prepared to interview with potential employers, to transfer their skills and knowledge between settings, and to set and achieve life, work, and learning goals. For more information please visit: http://www.nscc.ca/Learning_Programs/Portfolio NSCC has agreements (called Articulation Agreements) in place with excellent universities across Canada that allow our students to gain advanced standing in a wide variety of university programs using NSCC credits. Where 2+2 Agreements exist, a two year NSCC Diploma can be recognized as the first two years of a university degree. More information on Articulation Agreements is available here: http://www.nscc.ca/transfer NSCC International creates international learning opportunities for students and employees through international exchanges, on-campus activities and projects. Let your education take you places. You can connect with the NSCC International social media community on http://international.nscc.ca Contact us! [email protected] or 1-902-491-7339 International students can contact [email protected] or check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nsccintlstudents) to get involved in events and activities led by NSCC International 36 follow us on instagram @nsccintl.students