International Students Are Welcome At Academy Canada

At Academy Canada we welcome cultural diversity in our classrooms. To encourage this, we have worked hard to become a logical choice for international students wanting a North American education.

Since 1985, Academy Canada has enrolled students from over 15 countries, including Mexico, Korea, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and the United States (although there are many other countries represented as well). Each student has become an integral part of our school. They have motivated us through their curiosity, empowered us with their courage and inspired us with their unique perspective on Canadian life. We have been honored to have them make our College a better place.

International students arrive at Academy Canada in one of several ways. Some attend on Student Visas while others are Landed Immigrants or Refugees. A number of students have even gone through the process and have become Canadian citizens.

Besides students who attend Academy Canada independently, there have also been several groups who are studying as part of a formal exchange program. For example, we have had three groups of students from Tianjin Foreign Studies University (TFSU) in China register. They were enrolled in the TFSU Bachelor of Business Degree program and used their year in Canada to gain international experience and learn about local culture/business practices. The university then allowed them to transfer all of their Academy Canada courses and get a full year’s worth of credit towards their degree. While in Canada the students lived with local families, took part in many social outings, studied English and learned about local customs. When finished, all of the participants said it was the most exciting thing they had ever done in their lives.

Studying abroad can be equal parts thrilling, scary, overwhelming and fulfilling. Moving to another country means leaving family, learning a new language, eating different foods, making a big financial investment and succeeding in a foreign land can definitely be challenging. Despite that, there are few things in life that can be more rewarding. Students who attend college away from home gain a unique perspective on life that is hard to get any other way. They typically arrive as inexperienced youth and leave as adults who are prepared to take on the world!

Academy Canada is anxious to play an important role in these transformations. We are committed to providing a comprehensive global education in a safe, caring and encouraging environment. We want our international students to not only gain educational knowledge but achieve a social wisdom that can only come about as the result of immersion in something entirely new.

Our international students become experts in their particular fields of training and go on to build wonderful careers. Many return home (or to a different country) to work while others go through the process to stay and work in Canada. Upon graduation, many options exist. We encourage you to explore them all!

Below are answers to questions that we often receive from International students and their families. We hope they help you as well. If you require clarification or additional information please don’t hesitate to email: internationalstudent@academycanada.com.

Will the Government allow me to study in Canada?

The Canadian government is quite selective in who they allow to enter the country as a student. There is a comprehensive procedure to follow in getting a Study Permit. Interested students should start that process as soon as possible since it will likely take longer than anticipated. Your country will also have requirements that you must satisfy before you can leave for school. Please consult with your local government for details.

Whether you will receive government permission to study in Canada will depend on many factors, including your personal situation, your financial capacity and the career you plan on studying. Government will review your individual situation and make a decision. It is important to clearly understand the requirements and the process for students entering Canada as a student from your country. You will likely need to apply for a visa and/or a study permit. Please visit the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website relevant to your situation. You may also need to visit the Canadian Embassy, Canadian High Commission or Canadian Consulate Office nearest you. You will need to bring your Official Letter of Acceptance, show that you have sufficient funds to pay for your education and living expenses while you are in Canada and you may be required to get a medical certificate. Depending on your country of origin there may be other requirements as well.

Academy Canada is formally recognized by the Canadian government as a “Designated Learning Institution” (DLI) and is fully permitted to accept and train International students. The Academy Canada Designated Institution Number is O19441333188 – this number applies to all of our Newfoundland & Labrador campuses. To be a DLI means that the school has been evaluated by authorities and deemed to be reliable, legitimate and to have met the rigid standards needed to host students from abroad.

You will have to provide Academy Canada with the necessary approvals from the Canadian government prior to Registration Day. Students who do not provide this information are not eligible or begin classes.

While enrolled with Academy Canada it is essential that students adhere to the requirements of their Study Visa.

Where are the Academy Canada campuses?

All 15 Academy Canada locations can be found in Newfoundland & Labrador (NL). NL is Canada’s most easterly province and is located on the northeast corner of North America.

Newfoundland is the island portion of the province.

Labrador is the mainland portion of the province. It borders Quebec. View Map

By air NL is located 3 hours from Toronto, 3 hours from New York City and 5 hours from London, UK.

The NL Educational system is second to none! The province is committed to building partnerships with nations around the world and has put in place numerous programs to increase the number of international students arriving each year. You will find few jurisdictions that are more welcoming than ours.

Academy Canada has 15 locations throughout NL. Campuses in two cities (St. John’s and Corner Brook) offer programs that are suitable for international studies (the others deliver High School courses that are not applicable to students from abroad).

St. John’s is the provincial capital and is home to two of our campuses. With 200,000 residents, a vibrant economy and all of the amenities that one would expect from a major center, Metro St. John’s is an outstanding place to study. To learn more about the City of St. John’s visit stjohns.ca or click here.

Corner Brook is the second largest NL city. It has a population of 20,000 and provides the opportunity for international students to have a more adventure-oriented experience. Students interested in outdoor adventures like skiing and a friendly small-city experience would definitely enjoy life at this campus. To learn more about the City of Corner Brook visit cornerbrook.com or click here.

Why should I study in Newfoundland & Labrador?

Our province offers an excellent quality of life, including one of North America’s lowest crime rates, affordable housing, moderate climate, natural scenic landscape, and our unique friendly culture. With our warm summers and moderate winters, outdoor activities are plentiful for recreational golfing, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, fishing, whale and bird watching, sports and entertainment events. In 2002, the city of St. John’s, located on the southeast part of the island, hosted the Juno Award Show for Canadian Artists.

What programs can International Students study?

International students are eligible for admission in any of our programs. Please see the “Our Programs” section of the website for a full list. International students will attend class with their fellow Canadians.

What are the credentials of Instructors?

While government requires college instructors to have a minimum of six years of experience and education in their field of instruction, we strive for much higher qualifications. Most of our instructors have more than 20 years of practical experience, advanced academic credentials and a keen understanding of their field of instruction. Some have bachelor degrees, masters, or PHds while all trades instructors have a Journeyperson certification. As a condition of their employment, instructors must also complete a University Diploma of Vocational Education in addition to their other credentials.

Is Academy Canada accredited?

Yes. All Academy Canada programs, instructors and facilities are fully approved by (and registered with) the provincial government’s Department of Advanced Education, Skills, and Labour. Apprenticeship trades programs are accredited by the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board. The college is proud to have an A+ rating (their highest) with the Better Business Bureau and be the only provincial school to be nationally accredited by the Career College Accreditation Program (CCAP).

As well, all facilities meet provincial building and accessibility codes to ensure safety and student comfort.

As mentioned above, Academy Canada is formally recognized by the Canadian government as a Designated Learning Institution for purposes of admitting International students. The Designated Institution Number is O19441333188. This means that the school has been evaluated and deemed to be reliable, legitimate and to have met the rigid standards needed to host students from abroad.

What are the entrance requirements for International Students? Do I need to know English to attend?

Requirements for admission vary from program to program. Please review the specific requirements of your program of choice under the Programs section.

Since all courses at Academy are taught in English, applicants must demonstrate that they are able to read, write and speak the language. All International Students whose first language is not English should submit TOEFL or IELTS results. Students who are unable to provide evidence of proficiency may be conditionally accepted into the program, and agree to be tested once they arrive in Canada, prior to the start of classes.

Students who are unsuccessful in providing proof of English proficiency or who are unsuccessful in Academy Canada’s English proficiency test may be required to complete an ESL program that may be have an extra cost associated.

In addition, students must also meet all specific admission requirements for their chosen program of study.

The application fee for International Applicants is $100 Canadian. Upon submission of the application, fee, and required documents, your application will be processed. Once we have processed your application and have determined that you meet admission requirements we will issue you an Official Letter of Acceptance.

What does it cost for an International Student to study at Academy Canada?

Tuition fees at Academy Canada vary from program to program. Please contact us at:
internationalstudent@academycanada.com for more information on fees applying to your program of interest. Along with tuition fees, books, and supplies all International Students are required to pay the following fees:

Application Fee: $100.00
Insurance Fee: Approximately $700.00 per year

Additional airport pick-up and homestay fees for international students who choose to avail of these services will also apply. These fees will be made available upon request.

Insurance

It is mandatory for international students to have insurance while studying in Canada. Proof of insurance (provider, policy number, and a copy of insurance certificate) must be provided to Academy Canada on Registration Day. Academy Canada does have insurance options for students who do not have insurance. Information on this policy and an application can be obtained from the business office and will be provided should a student arrive without a policy.

What are the people like?

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are among the worlds friendliest. We have roots worldwide with diverse cultural backgrounds. Our heritage extends deep from Northern Europe including England, Ireland, France, Scotland, and Scandinavia. In Labrador, our indigenous people still practice their rituals passed down from generation to generation. Several groups, past and present, inhabited the island of Newfoundland, including the Mi’kmaq who contribute to our unique cultures, and to fuse them together as our own. This diverse background allows the people of our province to have a great sense of humor, strong work ethic, adaptability, change, and a friendly demeanor to embrace all.

What is the weather like?

Since Newfoundland and Labrador is geographically very large, we have an array of climates that are strongly affected by our location in the North Atlantic and the Ocean’s moderating effects. Average temperatures range from -6 degrees Celsius in winter to +19 degrees Celsius in Summer, although there can be a wide fluctuation by region. The province tends to experience a great deal of precipitation – rain in summer and snow in winter. If you are looking for a diverse weather experience, NL is the place for you!

Weather information can be found at: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/AboutThisPlace/WeatherClimate.

Is the Province safe?

Yes. Newfoundland and Labrador are one of the safest regions of Canada. With its low crime rate and reliable police presence, students can walk safely throughout our communities and are at an incredibly low risk of being harmed or exploited. Like all cities, however, bad things are possible and we encourage all our students to remain aware of their surroundings and act in a responsible manner.

Are foreigners welcome?

Yes. You will find Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to very welcoming and friendly.

How do you have fun in Newfoundland?

Newfoundland draws visitors from all over the world due to its unique culture and fascinating attractions. For your curious and intellectual side, we offer great museums, theatres, historical sites, plays and folk art, and music. Both the St. John’s area and the Corner Brook area both have amenities such as shopping malls, movie theatres, bowling alleys and public swimming pools, recreation facilities and skating rinks. You will find that there is lots to do and see when you are not working on your schoolwork!

Some local attractions in the St. John’s area include:

• The Rooms Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum
• Signal Hill National Historic Site of Canada
• The Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful Roman Catholic church built in 1855
• The Memorial University Botanical Gardens
• Bowring Park
• Frontline Action, one of Canada’s largest Paintball shops
• The Johnson Geo Center
• George Street
• The St. John’s Arts & Culture Center
• The Suncor Energy Fluvarium
• Wallnuts Climbing Center
• Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium

Some local attractions in the Corner Brook area include:

• Marble Mountain Ski Resort
• The Corner Brook Arts & Culture Center
• Grenfell Campus Art Gallery
• The Captain James Cook National Historic Site
• Newfoundland Hockey Hall of Fame
• Corner Brook Museum and Archives
• Cyber Zone Laser Games

Please see http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/ for more tourism information about our beautiful province.

What type of food do you eat?

Newfoundlanders eat a typical North American diet, comprised of fish, potatoes, beef, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Grocery stories have a tremendous variety of products. You will undoubtedly find a food to suit your needs. Many also have large ethnic food sections so you’ll likely find a lot of things that you recognize from home.

There are many restaurants in the province. Some are international fast food chains (ie McDonalds, KFC) while others are based in the province and offer a true slice of local culture. Prices range from very affordable to very high end. St. John’s is actually home to “Raymonds” – a very famous restaurant that has been ranked amongst the best in the world.

Can I work in Canada while enrolled? Upon graduation?

The Canadian Government prohibits students attending Private Colleges on Student Visas from working off-campus while enrolled. They can, however, accept positions on-campus.

Students are not currently permitted to remain in Canada to work after they complete their program and do not have access to the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program.