VANTAG E ONE PROG R A MN E W ST U DENT G U I DE 2016

Welcome to the University of British Columbia, a global centre for research, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. UBC is a destination for scholars from around the world. This year UBC is celebrating its centennial year, 100 years since the first graduating class. The UBC Centennial ushers in the opportunity to celebrate a century of success and rededicate our efforts towards true global citizenship and outstanding research in service of the people of Canada, and the world.

We are so pleased to welcome you to the Vantage One program: your starting point to a UBC degree. Two cohorts of academically strong, diverse students from over 29 countries have come before you. These students are already pursuing a range of degrees at UBC, and taking advantage of UBC campus facilities, sports teams and student groups. You will be part of the third cohort of Vantage One students, the first group of students to live and learn in the new Orchard Commons building, a sustainable and innovative teaching and learning space, that will open its doors in summer 2016.

As a UBC student, you will have the opportunity to contribute to global change and participate in work, study, travel and volunteer experiences. We invite you to take advantage of all that UBC has to offer. Tuum est! It is yours. We are thrilled to welcome you to the University of British Columbia!

Martha PiperInterim President and Vice-ChancellorThe University of British Columbia

We are excited to welcome you as the third class of the Vantage One program at UBC! Your outstanding academic capabilities have granted you entry to an innovative and enriched first-year program. The Vantage One program incorporates a carefully constructed curriculum that will support your Academic English development and future path at UBC.

You will live, learn, explore and grow with a diverse cohort of students from Canada and around the world. Together you will explore the rich experiences available at our UBC campuses, and in British Columbia at large. As the class of 2020, you will be the first students to learn in our brand new classrooms in Orchard Commons. Imagine living alongside a vibrant community of future UBC graduates and leaders of tomorrow. As a graduate of UBC, you will join over 280,000 UBC alumni living in 140 countries around the world.

We look forward to an exciting and transformative first year that will start you on your path to your future adventures and accomplishments. We are so excited to meet you and be part of your university experience. Congratulations and welcome to Vantage One!

Joanne FoxPrincipal and Academic DirectorUBC Vantage College

W E L C O M E2

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Make history

Explore your program stream

Get to know your campus

Discover Orchard Commons

Work opportunties in Canada

Apply early for your study permit

Take your next steps

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Share your Vantage One experience

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YOUR UBC STUDENT COMMUNITYVantage One has experienced considerable growth since the first cohort of students began at UBC in August 2014. Representation of Vantage One students in upper levels of study at UBC will have grown into the hundreds when you begin studies in 2016.

W H E R E D O O U R S T U D E N T S C O M E F R O M ?

The Vantage One program includes students from over 29 countries worldwide. The diverse identity of our student body contributes to UBC’s flourishing international community.Top countries of representation:China, Ecuador, Korea, Thailand and Japan

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MAKE HISTORYWelcome to the Vantage One program at the University of British Columbia! Our program is the only one of its kind at a top-tier university in Canada. As the third cohort of this program you will follow in the footsteps of two diverse groups of students who have gone on to upper level studies at UBC. As a student in the Vantage One program you will spend your first eleven months on campus receiving enriched academic English instruction and completing credit courses towards your chosen degree. Mentorship, ongoing learning, and cultural support will ensure your smooth transition into the second year of your studies at UBC. You will study in one of four program streams: Arts, Applied Science, Management and Science. Applied Science and Management are two new program streams, having welcomed the first students in summer 2015.You will have the opportunity to live and learn in a brand new building called Orchard Commons. This sustainable complex includes residence accommodation and flexible learning and study spaces. As a UBC student you’ll study alongside top students from around the globe and learn from award-winning faculty in world-class facilities. As a UBC graduate you will join thousands of UBC alumni making important contributions in over 140 countries worldwide.

K E Y A D VA N TA G E S

• Enriched English and academic curriculum• Individual attention and support• A guaranteed place in residence• Faculty mentorship and various academic resources

“The academic English program helped me improve my English speaking, writing and reading

abilities.”

”The Vantage One project courses taught me a lot about university academic research.”

S T U D E N T T E S T I M O N I A L S

Student quotes speak to four priorities in the Vantage One program: inclusion in the UBC community, improvement of academic English ability, development of research skills and student well-being.

“I met a lot of people during various activities in Vantage College, and I talked to them

a lot. I feel that my English has improved and I’m also a part of this

community.”

“My professors and the staff at UBC Vantage College actually cared about

the well-being of the students.”

40,000+*

DOMESTIC STUDENTS AT UBC

*2014, UBC’s Vancouver campus

250+ UNDERGRADUTE SPECIALIZATIONS AVAILABLE AT UBC

11,000+*

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT UBC, FROM OVER 139 COUNTRIES

*2014, UBC’s Vancouver campus

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY AT UBC

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

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EXPLORE YOUR PROGRAM STREAMVantage One offers four streams of study, with some programs leading to studies at UBC’s Vancouver campus, and some leading to UBC’s Okanagan campus.vantagecollege.ubc.ca/vantage-one-program

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE

Vantage One BASc Program Graduation

Terms 1 & 2UBC’s Vancouver

campus

Term 3UBC’s Okanagan

campus

Year 2 to GraduationUBC’s Okanagan or Vancouver campus

Dependant on Applied Science specialization

Coursework includes Foundational Engineering Skills, Chemistry, Math, Physics, Engineering Communication, English for Academic Purposes. Third term of Vantage One Engineering stream taught at UBC’s Okanagan campus. Complete your BASc on UBC’s Okanagan or Vancouver campus.*

*Placement into 2nd year engineering programs will be based on an evaluation of your first year averages and a personal statement.

ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

Okanagan Campus: Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.

Vancouver Campus: Chemical, Chemical and Biological, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Geological, Integrated, Materials, and Mining Engineering.

BACHELOR OF ARTS

Vantage One BA Program Graduation

Year 1 – UBC’s Vancouver campus Year 2 to graduation – UBC’s Vancouver campus

Coursework in Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Research and Writing, and English for Academic Purposes. Complete your BA on UBC’s Vancouver campus.The Vantage One Arts stream

explores processes that are shaping the contemporary world—globalization, urbanization, mobility, new forms of civil and political action—in the context of themes of environmental sustainability and personal responsibility in engagement with these processes.

BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT

Vantage One BMgmt Program Graduation

Terms 1 & 2UBC’s Vancouver

campus

Term 3UBC’s Okanagan

campus

Year 2 to GraduationUBC’s Okanagan campus

Coursework in Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Research and Writing, Canadian Business, Business Ethics, and English for Academic Purposes. Third term of the Vantage One Management stream taught on UBC’s Okanagan campus. Complete your BMgt at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

The Bachelor of Management program prepares you to thrive in a world where the nature of management and organizations are always changing. The program develops your capabilities for finding, imagining and creating your future roles in managing organizations. Beyond the Vantage One year, co-op education options will allow you to apply your knowledge.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Year 1 – UBC’s Vancouver campus

Vantage One BSc Program Graduation

Year 2 to graduation – UBC’s Vancouver campus

Coursework in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Science Communication, and English for Academic Purposes, with the choice to select either a Computational or Physical Sciences elective. Complete your BSc on UBC’s Vancouver campus.

ELECTIVES INCLUDE:

Computational SciencesComputers and information play a vital role in everyday life. In the Computational Sciences stream, learn how computational thinking helps us to understand a wide variety of complex systems, including the human brain, health policy and weather.

Physical SciencesHave you ever wanted to know why the sky is blue, or what the earth is made of? If so, the Physical Sciences stream is right for you. Explore the key concepts of central scientific disciplines and discover essential knowledge about the world around us. Following Vantage One, specialize in Astronomy, Earth, Ocean & Atmospheric Sciences, Geophysics, and many other disciplines.

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YOUR CAMPUS: OKANAGANA D V E N T U R O U S , I N N O VAT I V E , C O N N E C T E D

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna offers year-round access to outdoor adventures, vibrant arts and culture activities, and fresh local food. Seek out one of the city’s many beaches when the sun is shining, and then head to the mountains when the first snow falls. Check out an artist’s studio, or catch an outdoor concert on the lakefront. Spend the afternoon picking cherries near campus, and then kick back with a scoop of freshly churned gelato—locally farmed ingredients are at the heart of any Okanagan meal.

UBC’s Okanagan campus, in the city of Kelowna, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for research, learning, and living. Kelowna’s stunning natural surroundings and dynamic economy have helped shape this modern campus, inspiring a commitment to economic, environmental, and social sustainability that is reflected in the University’s “living laboratory” philosophy. The Okanagan Sustainability Institute brings together community partners and researchers from across faculties to study local challenges with global relevance. Groups like Accelerate Okanagan offer students the chance to apply their knowledge and provide management consulting services to local companies and not-for-profits.

220 PARKS AND GREEN SPACES

179 LANGUAGES SPOKEN

99,000+ CYCLISTS

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CONNECTING CAMPUS AND CITYAs a UBC student, you have unlimited access to the Kelowna Regional Transit System. Pick up your monthly U-Pass, included in your student fees, at the Student Union Office in the University Centre, and then use it to travel to and from campus and explore Kelowna.ubcsuo.ca/services/u-pass

YOUR CAMPUS: VANCOUVERC O S M O P O L I TA N , D Y N A M I C , D I V E R S E

Vancouver is consistently rated one of the best places to live in Canada and the world—home to cultural facilities and festivals, and outstanding outdoor adventures. Bike along the Stanley Park Seawall or travel the scenic Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler to ski and snowboard at one of the best resorts in North America. Within the city, you can enjoy thriving farmers’ markets, a booming food-truck scene, and diverse districts, each with its own unique character.

UBC’s Vancouver campus is a city within a city—a large, self-sufficient place of learning within easy reach of Vancouver’s downtown core. This research-intensive campus is an innovator and incubator, generating new ideas and businesses in key industries, including energy, health care, telecommunications, consumer goods, and software and video game development. The Centre for Sustainability and Social Innovation in the Sauder School of Business at UBC uses business tools to find viable solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges. Entrepreneurial organizations like e@UBC cast a broader net, providing seed funding and mentorship for startups of all kinds founded by members of the UBC community.

2,000+ HOURS OF SUNSHINE EVERY YEAR

1.5 MILLION VISITORS EACH YEAR

2 WORLD-CLASS SKI RESORTS

CONNECTING CAMPUS AND CITYAs a UBC student, you have unlimited access to local public transit, including the bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus. Pick up your monthly U-Pass on campus, included in your student fees, on campus. You can also pick up a Compass Card at the same time and use both passes to come and go from campus and explore Vancouver. upass.ubc.ca

TOP 3

TOP 5 TOP 5

600+

GREENEST CITIES IN THE WORLD

GLOBAL CLEANTECH CITIES

FILM PRODUCTION

CENTRES IN THE WORLD

DIGITAL MEDIA COMPANIES

EMPLOYING OVER 16,000 PEOPLE

2nd588

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75,000+NEW JOBS IN KELOWNAIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

TECH BUSINESSESIN THE REGION

FASTEST-GROWINGCITY IN CANADA

STARTUPS AND3,782 INVESTORS

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ORCHARD COMMONSThe incoming class of summer 2016 will have the opportunity to study and live in the Orchard Commons building. This brand new complex incorporates student residence towers, an exterior green space, dining hall, and multi-level student lounges which feature fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands and mountains surrounding UBC’s Vancouver campus. This innovative new building is designed with sustainable principles including social spaces for students to relax, plenty of fresh air and daylight throughout and locally sourced and natural materials. Orchard Commons also incorporates creative learning spaces such as an outdoor classroom and leading teaching technology.vantagecollege.ubc.ca/orchard-commons

WORK IN CANADA Although a UBC education is demanding, you may choose to work while earning your degree to gain valuable career-related experience and help offset expenses. Take advantage of the Work Learn program to access job opportunities on campus, or explore co-op placements and internships offered through your degree program. Your study permit allows you to work on campus, and effective June 1, 2014, Citizenship and Immigration Canada no longer requires study permit holders to apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit.

If you are interested in working in Canada on a more long-term basis you can apply for a number of programs. These include:

The Canadian Experience Class: www.cic.gc.ca/cecThe Federal Skilled Worker Program: www.cic.gc.ca/skilledThe Provincial Nominee Program: www.cic.gc.ca/pnp

Other Useful InformationGovernment of Canada website for information on federal and provincial scholarships:www.scholarships.gc.ca

Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)You will need to register for a Social Insurance Number.

www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/

After Graduation from UBCAfter UBC, apply for a 3 year post-graduate work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-postgrad.asp

Work On and Off CampusAs a full-time UBC student, you will be:

• Eligible to work on or off campus without a work permit;

• Allowed to work on and off campus for up to 20 hours per week, full time during regularly scheduled breaks;

www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study.asp

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ACCEPT YOUR OFFERYou have a place at UBC Vantage College, but to reserve your spot, you must formally accept your offer and pay your deposit before the date indicated on your letter of admission.

VISIT THE STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE AT STUDENTS.UBC.CA/SSC

LOG IN AND CLICK YES, I ACCEPT THIS OFFER.

FOLLOW THE STEPS TO COMPLETE YOUR PAYMENT.

APPLY FOR HOUSING AT UBC

Your deposit will be applied to your first-term tuition installment. All that’s left to do is share the news with your family and friends!

D E F E R R A L SUnder certain circumstances, UBC Vantage College will consider granting a one-year deferral on an offer of admission. If you wish to request a deferral, please notify us by either June 1, 2016, or the deadline on your offer of admission—whichever is later.vantagecollege.ubc.ca

DEPOSIT

The $3000 admission deposit is non-refundable, and will be applied to your first-term tuition payment. In the case of student visa rejections, refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLY EARLY FOR A STUDY PERMITAs an international student, you will need a valid post-secondary study permit to attend the Vantage One program. Obtaining a study permit can take several months, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as you accept your offer. You’ll want to be on campus by mid-August 2016 to participate in UBC’s Jump Start Orientation. Begin your application online at:cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/cometocanada.asp

If you live in or have visited certain countries, you may be required to pass a medical examination or provide criminal record checks before a study permit can be issued. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may also be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photos) at your local visa application centre (VAC). If you do not have access to the online application for any reason, you will need to submit a paper application to your regional visa office. Please note that if you are required to submit biometric information, you may only submit your application online or in person at the VAC, and not by mail.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp

U N D E R 1 9 Y E A R S ?If you are under 17 years of age, you are required to have a custodian in order to study in Canada. If you are 17 or 18 years old, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of your visa officer. Please note that the need for a custodian can add several weeks to the permit process.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-minors.asp

If you are unable to find a custodian, you may contact:First Choice Internationalfciplacement.com+1.604.984.0868info@fciplacement.com

A L R E A D Y S T U D Y I N G I N C A N A D A ?If you are already attending high school in Canada on a study permit, please note that this permit does not allow you to study at the university level. You must renew and change the conditions on your permit in order to attend the Vantage One program.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-how.asp

If you are currently visiting Canada and studying English without a permit, you must obtain a study permit before starting your first term in Vantage One. You can submit your application to the visa office that serves your country of citizenship (outside Canada), or you can apply by mail to the visa office in Los Angeles, California.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp

C H E C K L I S TWhen you apply for a study permit, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) may require you to provide the following documents or others:

• Letter of admission from UBC Vantage College• Proof of funds• Proof of financial and social ties to your home country• Passport• Custodianship form• Medical examination report• Temporary resident visa• Two photos that meet CIC specifications• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel

Authorization (eTA)

LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDY PERMITS AND VISASstudents.ubc.ca/international/international-students/study-permits-visas

TALK TO AN ADVISORisa@students.ubc.ca+1.604.822.5021

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L I V E W E L L T O L E A R N W E L L

A healthy mind and body are critical to your academic success and personal well-being. Find out more about on-campus services and resources, including extended medical coverage, professional counselling, faith-based spaces, and recreational facilities.

B E G I N Y O U R A D V E N T U R E

Learn about the exciting Jump Start orientation: your first enriched student experience, shared with international and domestic students. Acclimatize to life in Canada, meet your instructors and connect with your peers.

P L A N F O R S U C C E S S

Having a plan will help you make the most of your time at UBC. Learn the requirements for your program stream, check out course descriptions, and review sample timetables. Then, explore the wide range of academic resources, learning opportunities, and experiences available to you.

P L A N Y O U R F I N A N C E S

Learn more about the financial commitment of a university education at UBC and the various funding options available, including scholarships, awards, and on-campus employment opportunities through UBC’s Work Learn program.vantagecollege.ubc.ca/scholarships-awards-finances

G E T R E A D Y T O L I V E O N C A M P U S

Find out where you’ll sleep, what you’ll eat and how you’ll get around on and off campus. Learn more about the exciting Orchard Commons building, meal plans, and the U-Pass public transit pass. vancouver.housing.ubc.ca

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNINGVisit us online in Spring 2016 for more information about UBC, Vantage One at UBC Vantage College, and the steps you can take to get ready for your first term on campus.vantagecollege.ubc.ca

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEPSFind more information on getting ready for Vantage One by visiting vantagecollege.ubc.ca/take-your-next-steps

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Vantage One

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CON N ECT WITH U BC VANTAG E COLLEG ELower Mall Research Station2259 Lower MallVancouver, BCCanada, V6T 1Z4+1.604.827.0337students@vantagecollege.ubc.ca

© TH E U NIVE R SIT Y OF B RITISH COLUM B IA . PRINTE D IN C ANADA .NO PART OF THIS BOOK M AY B E USE D WITHOUT PE R MISSION .

All information is correct at time of printing. Please visit vantagecollege.ubc.ca for the latest information and updates.

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