Interview mit dem Fraser International College

COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Please tell us a little bit about FIC – what kind of institution is it and what is its place within the Canadian education system?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: FIC was established three years ago and has grown from 85 students in its first intake to over one thousand students now. Fraser International College (FIC), in association with SFU, provides students with a predetermined pathway to achieving their undergraduate goals in the fields of Business Administration, Computing Science or Arts and Social Sciences among many other options.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: We understand that FIC has close links to Simon Fraser University. Can you tell us more about your connection to this university?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: FIC was established in association with Simon Fraser University specifically to provide an alternative entry option to the university for international students. Students have the option of a foundation program and the first year of their Bachelor Degree at FIC and then transfer into second year at SFU.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Why should students choose to study at FIC first instead of applying directly to Simon Fraser University or another Canadian university?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: For students who wish to study at SFU but do not currently meet the academic and/or English language requirements, FIC is the perfect option. FIC is located on the SFU campus and students have access to all of the facilities, clubs and recreation opportunities. Studying at FIC, however, provides them with small classes and a supportive learning environment in which to begin their degree at SFU. FIC students are guaranteed a place at SFU, provided they meet the required GPA.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What exactly are ‘University Transfer Programs’ and what is the difference between Stage I and Stage II?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: University Transfer Programs are the FIC programs which allow students to transfer to SFU. Stage I is offered to those students who have not completed Year 12 or do not meet the entrance requirements for Stage II at the Year 12 level. This is a foundation program of two semesters and allows students to experience subjects from all three programs offered at the UTP Stage II level.

UTP Stage II is equivalent to studying first year university at SFU. All courses studied at this level are credited towards students’ transfer GPA. UTP Stage II students can choose to study either Arts and Social Sciences, Computing Science or Business Administration. These programs can lead to degrees in five different faculties and a variety of majors and specialisations.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Is it ‘guaranteed’ that FIC students will be accepted into a program at Simon Fraser University once they have successfully completed their program at FIC?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: As long as students meet the required GPA upon transfer, they are guaranteed a place in their program at SFU. Also, upon successful completion of their program at FIC, they are not required to take any further English language exams.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Are there any programs at Simon Fraser University that FIC graduates cannot transfer into?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: FIC students can move into any degree at SFU with the exception of Education.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: How well do students need to speak English in order to be accepted at FIC? Do you offer English as a Second Language programs for students who do not meet FIC’s English language requirements?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: In order to be accepted into UTP Stage II at FIC, students need to provide an IELTS result of 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0, a TOEFL result of 69 or an O Level pass of C.

For entry into FIC’s Mixed UTP Program, which requires students to study one unit of Academic English for one semester, in conjunction with their academic program, an IELTS of 5.0 with no band lower than 4.5, TOEFL of 59 or O Level pass of D is required.

If a student receives an IELTS of 4.5 with no band lower than 4.0, TOEFL 49 or O Level score of E, they will be offered entry into the Preparation of Academic Skills (PAS) Program. This is one semester of full time Academic English study on the SFU Burnaby campus.

If students have an English level below IELTS 4.5 or equivalent, they are offered a place in the SFU English Language and Culture Centre. Students will be required to retake the IELTS or TOEFL test upon completion of their ELC program in order to demonstrate their improvement and provide a result for entry to FIC.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What other admission requirements does FIC have? Many community colleges in the US accept German applicants if they have completed both ten years of school (‘Mittlere Reife’) and a two-year vocational training program – is this the case at FIC as well?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: Entry to FIC for German students is successful completion of Year 11 equivalent for UTP Stage I and successful completion of Abitur or equivalent for UTP Stage II. Each application is assessed on an individual basis and students are encouraged to send all their education transcripts and results.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: How much does it cost to study at FIC and does FIC offer any scholarships to international students?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: Currently, tuition fees for FIC are as follows:

UTP Stage II Direct – CDN$15,200 (three semesters)
UTP Stage II Mixed – CDN$18,500 (three semesters)
UTP Stage I Direct – CDN$13,080 (two semesters)
UTP Stage I Mixed – CDN$16,380
PAS Program – CDN$5047


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: At the moment, how many international students are enrolled at FIC and where do they come from? How many German students do you have? How easy or difficult is it for them to get in contact with local Canadian students?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: Currently, there are 1,064 students enrolled at FIC from over 35 countries. FIC currently does not have any German students. As FIC is located on the SFU campus, it is very easy for FIC students to join any of the clubs and societies at SFU and participate in sport or other recreation activities. This allows FIC students the opportunity to meet with Canadian and other international students. Additionally, as students become comfortable living in Canada, there are opportunities to meet local Canadians.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Where can international students live while they are enrolled at FIC? What are the typical costs for accommodation and living expenses per month?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: FIC offers a range of accommodation options to suit our student’s needs. These include on-campus accommodation, homestay and off-campus accommodation.
Students under 19 must be in accommodation acceptable to their parents and FIC.

SFU Residences (on-campus accommodation)

FIC students may choose to live in SFU residences at the Burnaby campus, just a short walk from your classes. New residences that opened in 2004 and 2005 feature extra long beds, shared TVs and microwaves in common rooms, and wiring for high speed Internet access. Our new residences include a dining hall and a meal plan that is available for the entire residence community.

Homestay

For many students, the opportunity to stay with a Canadian family, off-campus and in the community, offers a special appeal. As a homestay student, you will have the chance to be a part of the family, taking part in family activities and celebrating special occasions.
All families are within commuting distance of SFU. Homestay includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your homestay package may be upgraded to include high speed internet access or a private bathroom.
FIC’s preferred homestay providers are First Choice International Placement Inc and Vancouver Central Homestay.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: What kind of activities and services does FIC offer to international students to help them settle in well?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: FIC has a full time student adviser who is on hand to provide assistance and advice with any problems students may have. As well, we have a full time course coordinator who provides advice for students regarding their program choices and transfer to SFU. At orientation, new students are assigned a group and orientation leader which allows them to meet fellow new students and current FIC students from their first day. Their orientation leader also provides a mentorship role throughout their stay.

FIC has a number of clubs and committees that students can choose to join. FIC students also have full access to all SFU facilities and are encouraged to participate in all student clubs and events. FIC lecturers also host many diverse events for students.

Academic support is also provided through a wide range of support tutorials, peer tutoring and additional support provided by the lecturers.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Finally, do you have any ‘last words of advice’ for German students interested in applying to FIC?

CHRISTOPHER PIWARSKI: The unique benefit of studying at FIC is the opportunity to begin university studies in a supportive and nurturing learning environment. FIC enjoys a 97% transfer rate for students entering their second year at SFU and they are well-prepared for the continuing rigour of academic studies. Studying in Canada and living in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Vancouver, adds to what is an amazing experience that will only encourage students to develop their world view, experience life in another country and achieve an internationally-recognized degree.


COLLEGE-CONTACT.COM: Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Piwarski!