MHC INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BOOKLET

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Medicine Hat College (MHC) is a public, board governed, comprehensive community college serving a large region of southeastern Alberta and beyond. Open since 1965, MHC is a modern, progressive institution of learning. MHC offers programs in business, education, visual & performing arts, science, health studies and technology.

Medicine Hat College has two campuses, one in the city of Medicine Hat and one in the town of Brooks, 100 km from Medicine Hat.

MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE

2,173FULL-TIME STUDENTS

1,449PART-TIME STUDENTS

MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE PROUDLY SERVES OVER 8,000 LEARNERS EACH YEAR

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAKE UP 9% OF OUR STUDENT BODY

48% MALE52% FEMALE

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WHAT YOU CAN STUDYat

MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE

EAP TRAINING FOR TRANSITION INTO

POST-SECONDARY PROGRAMS

APPLIED DEGREE & BACHELOR’S DEGREE COMPLETION ONSITE

CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER PROGRAMS

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MHC is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI# O18795445892), and all academic credit programs including English for Academic Purposes are designated programs.

• Low student to faculty ratio(Average class size for career courses:18 students)(Average class size for EAP courses:15 students)

• Safe, intimate community environment thatallows students to transition to Canadianculture and North American teaching styles

• Competitive international tuition feescompared to other institutions in Alberta

• Numerous diploma options and diplomaexit points

• Availability of university transfer options tocontinue on to degree completion

• Several degree programs offered on campusin partnership with other Alberta universities

• High student satisfaction compared to therest of Alberta

• Wide range of student support services thatcontribute to academic, social and personaldevelopment

THE MHC ADVANTAGEThere are many reasons why MHC is a great choice for international students.

• Academic Advising• Academic Resource Centre • Open Learning Centre• Students’ Association &

Peer Support Centre• Student Employment & Career Centre• Student Financial Aid• Personal Counselling• Disability Services• Library Services and Writing Specialist• Be Fit for Life Centre• College Daycare• Entrepreneur Development Centre

• Pre-arrival Support and Advising• Pick-up at Medicine Hat Airport or

Greyhound Bus Station• Health Insurance• Immigration Advising• Homestay Placement• Travel Information• Opening a Bank Account• New Student Orientation

MHC SUPPORT SERVICES

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES (EAP)

ACADEMIC TRANSITION PLAN (ATP)

Vocabulary / Writing / Grammar / Conversation / Reading / Listening / Film Studies

• High quality education• Competitive tuition fees• Intensive English instruction (3 semesters,

13 weeks each, 24 hours per week)• Year round EAP classes (3 semesters -

Fall, Winter and Spring)• Flexible intakes (most Mondays)• Up to 5 levels of instruction to meet students’

needs and abilities

• Small class sizes, average of 15 studentsper class

• Opportunities to experience Canadian culturethrough activities and trips

• A strict English only policy• Accredited by Languages Canada• Improve your conversational English

through volunteering

Our EAP curriculum is designed to help students improve their English in the shortest time possible and progress into our college or university programs.

EAP COURSE STRUCTURE:

The Academic Transition Plan provides an opportunity for you to be conditionally accepted into a career program at Medicine Hat College while you are completing the language requirements.You will receive a plan of study outlining the conditions of your Individual Academic Transition Plan signed by the coordinator of the program. You must:• be able to complete all necessary prerequisites within one year• comply with the Conditional Letter of Acceptance and fulfill any additional requirements

for full acceptance into your program

PROGRAMS THAT ACCEPT ATP STUDENTS:Addictions Counselling Diploma

Administrative Office Management Diploma

Administrative Office Professional Certificate

Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Communications) Business Administration Diploma

CADD Technical Illustration Certificate

Child and Youth Care Counselling Diploma

Built Environment Engineering Technology (BEET) Diploma

Criminal Justice Diploma

Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

Environmental Reclamation Technician Diploma

Environmental Science Diploma

Information Technology Diploma

Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma

Social Work Diploma

EAP PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Small class sizes, average of 15 students per class

• Opportunities to experience Canadian culture through activities and trips

• A strict English only policy • Accredited by Languages Canada• Improve your conversational English

through volunteering

STUDENTS APPLYING TO PROGRAMS OTHER THAN EAP MUST SUBMIT:

1 Official transcripts from secondary and post-secondary schools

2 Proof of English proficiency∙ Completion of MHC EAPI 199 or EAPI 099∙ An IELTS overall band score of 6.0 with no band score less than 6.0∙ A TOEFL score of 79 on the Internet-based test, 213 on the computer-based test or550 on the paper-based testNOTE: Bachelor of Nursing and Paramedic programs have higher language requirements, please refer to the calendar.∙ Students should also check the English requirements of the transfer university they wish to attend.

CAREER PROGRAMS

Finish Degree & enter workforce

Transfer to a partner university

Finish Diploma / Certificate &enter workforce

Degree ProgramUniversity Transfer

StudiesDiploma / Certificate

Program

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS EAP / CAREER PROGRAMS

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Built Environment Engineering Technology (BEET) Diploma

Criminal Justice Diploma

Early Learning and Child Care Diploma

Environmental Reclamation Technician Diploma

Environmental Science Diploma

Information Technology Diploma

Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma

Social Work Diploma

*Students who are placed at EAPI 089, EAPI 099 or EAPI 199 may be eligible for theATP (Academic Transition Plan) program and conditional admission to a college program.

BASIC EAPI 059 Full Time EAP

INTERMEDIATE EAPI 079 Full Time EAP

LOWER INTERMEDIATE EAPI 069 Full Time EAP

LOWER ADVANCED EAPI 089* Full Time EAP

ADVANCEDEAPI 199*EAP Bridging Program

ADVANCEDEAPI 099*Full Time EAP

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MHC CAREER PROGRAMSCertificate, Diploma, Applied Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and University Transfer… What’s the difference?

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

LENGTH

CERTIFICATE Prepares students for entry into specific occupations

Completion of some high school studies (Often with specified grades and subjects)

One year or less of full-time study

DIPLOMA Prepares students for employment in a particular field or group of occupations

High school graduation (with specified grades and subjects)

Two years of full-time study

APPLIED DEGREE Combines theoretical learning with elements of practical application. Provides a broader range of career and employment opportunities beyond entry-level in an industry

Admission requirements may be similar to those of diploma programs

Three or four years of academic studies and related work term(s)

BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Provides a more theoretical or academic approach to learning

High school graduation (with specified grades and subjects)

Four to nine years of full-time study

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

The first one to two years of a degree level or pre-professional program can be completed at MHC. Followed by two or more years of study at the transfer university

High school graduation (with specified grades and subjects)

Four or more years: one or two years of study at MHC followed by two or more years of study at the transfer university

SOURCE: ALBERTA INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION VIEWBOOK 2014/2015

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The following MHC career programs are best suited for international students.

Important definitions:

QUOTA PROGRAM: Programs with limited seats available. Students are advised to apply early, a minimum of five months before the semester start date.

COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM: These quota programs have competitive grade based admission criteria. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM: These programs are one or two years of pre-professional study prior to admission in professional university programs.

MHC CAREER PROGRAMS LIST

CERTIFICATE Administrative Office Professional Certificate Computer Aided Drafting and Design Certificate (CADD) (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Early Learning and Child Care Certificate (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Information Technology Certificate (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

DIPLOMA Addictions Counselling Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Administrative Office Management DiplomaBusiness Administration DiplomaChild and Youth Care Counsellor Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

CADD/BEET Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Criminal Justice DiplomaEarly Learning and Child Care Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Environmental Reclamation Technician Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Information Technology Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma (*QUOTA PROGRAM)

Paramedic Diploma (*COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM)

Practical Nursing Diploma (*COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM)

Power Engineering Technology Diploma (*COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM)

Social Work Diploma(*QUOTA PROGRAM)

APPLIED DEGREE Bachelor of Applied Arts - Visual CommunicationsBachelor of Applied Health Science - Paramedic (*COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM)

BACHELOR’S DEGREE OFFERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALBERTA UNIVERSITIES Bachelor Business Administration Program - Mount Royal UniversityBachelor of Nursing - University of Calgary (*COMPETITIVE QUOTA PROGRAM)

Bachelor of Education - Mount Royal UniversityBachelor of Social Work - University of Calgary

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER Arts Commerce/Management Education Kinesiology Pharmacy (*PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM)

Science Social Work Medical Lab Science (*PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM)

Engineering (*PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM)

PROGRAMS Programs best suited to international students

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STEP 1: Research and Plan Before you Apply The following are some questions to ask yourself:• What are your academic and career goals?• What field of study are you interested in?• What are your financial resources for study in Canada?

STEP 2: Choose a ProgramWhen choosing a program, there are many factors to be considered, including:• Entrance requirements• English language requirements• Program length• CostsExplore the wide range of programs offered at www.mhc.ab.ca/ProgramsandCourses(Refer to the International Student Handbook)

Or email the International Student Recruitment Officer at inted@mhc.ab.ca for information.

STEP 3: Submit an Application and Application Fee Apply at least five months before the start date as many programs fill quickly. For application deadlines, visit: www.mhc.ab.ca/internationalstudents/creditprograms

Once program eligibility has been determined an ‘International Student Application’ form must be completed. www.mhc.ab.ca/InternationalStudents/ApplyNow

Or apply online at Apply Alberta www.applyalberta.ca

NOTE: Please follow the MHC International Student Application Checklist on our website (www.mhc.ab.ca/InternationalStudents) for detailed instructions or email inted@mhc.ab.ca for more information.

APPLY TO MHC

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NOTE: Completed paper applications including credit card details must be submitted directly to applications@mhc.ab.ca only. The application will not be processed until the application fee has been received.

STEP 4: Submit Supporting Documents Official transcripts must be sent directly from the home institution to MHC in a sealed envelope (Photocopies of high school transcripts are accepted for school boards that provide Online Verification or for high school transcripts with a Scratch Card) Send official transcripts by mail to: Medicine Hat College Registrar’s Office 299 College Drive SE Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada, T1A 3Y6

Application is CompleteAn application is complete when, the application form, application fee and supporting documents are received by MHC.

The students’ file will be processed in four to 12 business days.

Upon decision making, a Letter of Acceptance, Denial or Waitlist will be issued.

STEP 5: Accept the Offer To accept the offer at MHC, please email inted@mhc.ab.ca & iss@mhc.ab.ca within 40 days of receiving the Letter of Acceptance. Career Program students should pay their first tuition installment before the deadline to confirm their seat.

STEP 6: Apply for your Study Permit Most International students need a study permit to study in Canada. You can apply for your study permit as soon as you receive your Letter of Acceptance.

For information on visa requirements, please see www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

STEP 7: Onboarding During onboarding, students are guided through the next steps in preparation for relocating to Medicine Hat and student life at MHC.

You will:• Select your accommodation • Make travel arrangements• Prepare for student orientation

NOTE: Please follow the MHC onboarding checklist for detailed instructions or email iss@mhc.ab.ca for more information.

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HOMESTAYLiving with a Canadian family is an excellent opportunity for international students to learn the language and the culture of Canada. Host families are given a unique opportunity to learn about another culture and to help a student learn about life in Canada. Visit: www.mhc.ab.ca/InternationalStudents/Accommodations

STUDENT RESIDENCEFun, friendly and affordable, living in residence will help you make the most of your MHC experience. Our on-campus housing is among the lowest priced in Alberta and consists of 75 well-maintained townhouse units, only a few minutes walking distance from the college. Each unit can accommodate four single students and offers beautiful golf course or coulee views. Visit: www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/Residence

OFF CAMPUS PRIVATE HOUSINGTo view a list of rental options submitted by community members visit, www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/Residence/Off-CampusHousing

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

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DISCOVER MEDICINE HAT Quick Facts

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SUNNIEST CITY IN CANADALocated in Southern Alberta, Medicine Hat has hot, dry summers, while in winter; warm chinook winds provide pleasant mild weather. According to Environment Canada, Medicine Hat receives 2,512 hours of sunshine per year and only 230 mm of rain approximately, making it the sunniest city in Canada!

Equipped with a modern regional hospital, countless parks, playgrounds, and superior golf courses, residents of Medicine Hat enjoy all the services and facilities found in a larger centre with the advantages of living in a small town.

Outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves walking, skating, or riding their bike to one of Medicine Hat’s many recreational facilities.

GREAT CLIMATE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY & GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING COSTS

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE & WILDLIFE

100 PARKS AND 90 KMS OF TRAILS

PROGRESSIVE & DIVERSE ECONOMY

MEDICINE HAT ATTRACTIONSMedalta (Historic Clay District) Kin Coulee Park (5 minute walk from MHC) Echodale Regional Park Esplanade Arts & Heritage CentreMedicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede

Saamis Teepee Hidden Valley Ski Resort Medicine Hat Curling ClubCypress Hills and More…

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• Be flexible when considering career opportunities: International students often make a career transition while integrating into the Canadian job market. As not having Canadian work experience may be a challenge, your career path may be a series of small bridges towards your ultimate career goal.

• Gain Canadian experience: There are many ways to acquire experience while completing your study program (Part-time jobs, summer jobs, volunteer programs and extra-curricular activities). Check your off-campus work eligibility at www.cic.gc.ca.

• Understand cultural differences: Developing cultural self-awareness is an essential component for your employment success process, you must be aware of possible conflicting values between your home country culture and Canadian culture.

• Use networking as an effective job search strategy: Join a professional association, do volunteer work, participate in activities, connect with student associations, initiate informational interviews with professors, join social networking sites.

• Focus on your “added value” and market yourself with confidence: Use your multilingual skills, bi-cultural advantages, latest insight on industry development from overseas, and business intelligence to help employers tap into new markets. Your ability to adapt and work in multicultural environments can be an asset.

FIND HELP ON CAMPUS: www.mhc.ab.ca/Services/CareerCentre Student Employment & Career Centre They host numerous employer and recruitment events on campus. They help students with research, resume and cover letter support, job interview preparation and access to job boards.

MHC STUDENT EMPLOYMENT BOARD: www2.mhc.ab.ca/EmploymentStudentStudents are encouraged to research all companies with whom they are seeking employment.

TIPS FOR EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS IN CANADAThe following tips will help students achieve employment success in Canada.

PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION:• Improve English writing, verbal and non-verbal skills• Gain work experience in a relevant field of study. Make sure to bring any employment letters and references.• Group extracurricular activities are a good way to build team work skills

POST-ARRIVAL PREPARATION:

WWW.MHC.AB.CA

MEDICINE HATBROOKSCALGARYEDMONTONLETHBRIDGEMONTREALTORONTOVANCOUVERWINNIPEG

CANADA

Office Hours: Monday - Friday / 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMAddress: 299 College Drive S.E, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3Y6 Agent Inquiry: inted@mhc.ab.ca Student Inquiry: info@mhc.ab.caPhone: 403.504.3615Facebook: Medicine Hat College International Education

For further assistance, please contact the International Education Office

WWW.MHC.AB.CA