Global Short-Term Student Visiting Program

University Canada West (UCW) is excited to offer the Global Short-Term Student Visiting Program (GSTSVP) aimed at fostering cultural exchange, academic enrichment and global networking opportunities. This program aligns with UCW's commitment to providing a diverse and immersive educational experience to students from around the world.

Program Overview

The GSTSVP will span three (3) to six (6) months for undergraduate students from UCW partner institutions. Students enrolled in the GSTSVP will join classes alongside UCW full-time students and are offered in two tracks tailored to the needs of international students:

1. Language Enhancement Track: Language Enhancement Track includes the development of specific academic skills such as essay writing, research methods, note taking, critical thinking and seminar or tutorial discussions.

Language Course Description:

Academic Listening/Speaking - Students practise listening and speaking for university classes and seminars. They learn how to listen to lectures and podcasts, identify and summarize main points and supporting details and make meaningful notes; how to contribute to discussions and seminars; how to give feedback and self-correct their own work; and plan, present and participate in oral presentations to large groups. Vocabulary and pronunciation are developed. Teamwork and critical thinking are emphasized.

Academic Reading/Writing - Students develop their reading and writing skills for university classes and research. They learn how to use different stages in the writing process, how to analyze and use different styles, tones and perspectives for their audience, and how to research, identify and select relevant sources. Reading strategies, vocabulary and grammar are developed for problem-solving, discussion and argument.

2. Academic Focus Track: This track allows students to delve deeper into their chosen academic disciplines, providing a rigorous academic experience aligned with UCW's curriculum standards.

Students can choose from the following disciplines:

Undergraduate Study Areas

To ensure that students are placed in the appropriate track, UCW offers a free in-house proficiency test. This test will determine each student's language proficiency level and academic readiness, guiding them to the right track for their educational goals. Alternatively, students can also take the UCW accepted proficiency test, and you can find the accepted proficiency test list here.

Students will select two courses based on their eligibility. They will also take the mandatory course Exploring Canada: Culture, Industry & Innovation, which includes weekly city tours, cultural events and social gatherings that explore the diverse facets of Vancouver and British Columbia.

In addition, students in both tracks have a mandatory course, which is the Exploring Canada: Culture, Industry and Innovation course.

This course offers a holistic approach to understanding Canadian culture, academia and professional sectors. It is designed to enhance academic, professional and personal competencies through various interactive activities and engagements.

Additional Highlighted Activities:

Industry Tours: Visit leading companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, along with other notable entities in the high-tech and professional sectors, to gain insights into the Canadian industry landscape.

*UCW provides a diverse array of workshops and activities, allowing students to select based on their interests.
*The availability of workshops and activities can vary from term to term, providing an ever-refreshing lineup.
*Note that some activities may incur additional fees based on students’ choices.

Program Entry Requirements

Participation Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a recognized degree program and obtain written consent from their institution to participate in the program.

English Proficiency Requirements:

To qualify for the Academic Focus Track

• Students must achieve an IELTS Academic Score of 6.0 or higher, with a minimum score of 5.5 in the writing band. Eligible students may choose from all disciplinary areas offered in the program.
• Academic Focus Track Eligibility: Students must achieve an IELTS Academic Score of 5.5 or higher, with a minimum band score of 5.0 in the writing band. Eligible students may select quantitative courses offered in the program.

To qualify for the Language Enhancement Track

• Students must achieve an IELTS Academic Score of 5.0 or higher, with a minimum band score of 4.5 in the writing band.
• Additional Proficiency Assessments: Results from the in-house proficiency test or other recognized proficiency tests may also be accepted. Please find the following equivalent language tests

Application Process

Students interested in participating in the UCW Global Short-Term Student Visiting Program must submit their applications either through their home institutions or independently.

Upon receiving applications from students/partner institutions, UCW will invite students to take an in-house proficiency test. This test will assess students' language proficiency and academic readiness, helping determine their eligibility for the program and the appropriate track (Language Enhancement or Academic Focus).

Only students who demonstrate exceptional proficiency on the in-house test will be eligible for the Academic Focus track. Those who do not meet the proficiency requirements will be placed in the Language Enhancement track to further develop their academic skills and language proficiency.

Once students meet all requirements and are approved by both UCW and their home institutions, they will receive confirmation of their enrolment in the program.

Dates & Deadlines

Fees

**Additional costs related to textbooks and materials for each course are not included in tuition.

UCW’s tuition and fees change annually and are subject to change without notice. University Canada West reserves the right to adjust tuition fees each year.

Support

New students to UCW have a variety of options to help make their stay more comfortable. Check out our Transportation page for information on getting around Metro Vancouver or learn more about housing available, including UCW’s exclusive partnerships with 4stay and GEC.

For more details about the Global Short-Term Visiting Program, please email partnerships@ucanwest.ca.