University of British Columbia Visits Shore!
Last Thursday, Shore welcomed Mr Stuart Floyd, Director of International Recruitment, Scholarships and Awards, from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, for an early morning information session. The session was open to all local schools in the area, and it was a wonderful opportunity for families to gain insights into tertiary study in Canada.
UBC has two campuses in the picturesque city of Vancouver and Okanagan and offers 45 different degree programmes with over 260 Majors. Degrees in Canada are four years in length, and at UBC, they are highly integrated with industry, including partnerships with Boeing, Microsoft, the World Health Organisation and Adidas. The first year offers general learning opportunities before students select their study specialisation from years two – four. This allows students who are uncertain of their areas of interest to explore different subjects before having to select a specific degree area.
UBC consistently ranks among the top 40 universities in the world, and its courses are world-renowned. In addition to the significant academic standing of its degrees, UBC has also been consistently ranked among the top five sustainable universities in the world. Sustainable practices govern everything about the university experience, even including how subjects are taught. For example, opportunities to teach subjects outside where students can engage with the environment are embraced, serving to save power and appreciate the environment.
Students wishing to participate in sports, either at an elite level or for enjoyment, have many opportunities. Elite sports pathways are equivalent to those in the USA. A variety of recreational sports and clubs also enhance the student experience with many international exchange programs. First-year students are guaranteed accommodation on campus in modern colleges and can either elect to stay or move beyond campus after the first year. With just 10,000 students on the Okanagan campus and 50,000 in Vancouver, UBC appears to balance the benefits of a well-resourced University with a personal and welcoming campus environment. International students are also entitled to a Post Graduate Work Permit for three years after the completion of their studies.
As the most international university in Canada, UBC attracts students from around the globe, thus creating a network of alumni that is truly global. The location of both campuses with close access to ski fields, waterways, and mountains for hiking and biking, there appears to be no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy beyond university.
Ms Vanessa Shirriff
Careers Education