Fraser International College (FIC)

SFU internationally recognized for sustainability

Times Higher Education (THE) has placed Simon Fraser University at number 19 in the world for its response to the United Nations' (UN) key sustainability goals.

THE's global 2020 University Impact Rankings has placed SFU in several top positions for individual measures. These include:

• Number one for impact on sustainable cities and communities
• Number five for peace, justice and strong institutions
• Number seven for supporting life below water
• Number nine for tackling climate change

The rankings consider how global universities contribute socially and economically, with the aim to meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. THE reviewed over 760 institutions from more than 85 countries.

The university's president, Andrew Petter, said, ''As Canada's engaged university, we have made it our mission to help build healthy, resilient and sustainable communities.'' This achievement indicates the invaluable contribution SFE makes for global initiatives.

FIC offers foundation and undergraduate programs. Pathway programs prepare international students for university-level study in Canada.

Subject areas cover:

• Arts and Social Sciences
• Business Administration
• Communication and Business
• Communication, Art and Technology
• Computing Science
• Engineering Science
• Environment
• Health Science
• Science

Foundation

University Transfer Program Stage I (UTPI) – this bridges the gap between secondary school and university. Students prepare for university-level programs by academic eight courses designed to be completed in two semesters (8 months). They then progress to UTP Stage II.

Undergraduate

University Transfer Program Stage II (UTPII) – this is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree at SFU. UTP II programs consist of ten or more academic courses and is designed to be completed in three semesters (12 months). After successfully completing the program, students can transfer to the second year of a degree program at the university based on a guaranteed GPA requirement.

Associate of Arts Degree – through this two-year program, students gain an associate degree qualification. They can then transfer to a third-year degree program at SFU, or elsewhere.

International students must meet curriculum-specific academic requirements. As instruction is in English, they must also demonstrate a good level of language proficiency before they start their programs.

Direct entry

Those who meet the direct entry language requirements can enter into UTPI or UTPII. They will need to complete a non-credit academic literacy course.

Students need one of the following English language test scores, or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 6.0 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 79 with at least 18 in reading and writing
• PTE – 58 with at least 58 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Integrated entry

Those who meet the integrated entry language requirements can enter into UTPI or UTPII. They will also take INTG100 and two academic courses in the first term. If students achieve grade A in INTG100, they will not have to complete the academic literacy course.

Students need one of the following English language test scores, or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 5.5 with at least 5.5 in reading and writing, and 5.0 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 69 with at least 15 in reading and writing.
• PTE – 42 with at least 42 in reading and writing and 36 in listening and speaking.

Cornerstone entry

Students who meet the cornerstone entry language requirements can enter into UTPI or UTPII. They will also take cornerstone courses in the first term. If students achieve grade A, they can progress to direct entry. Grade B means progression to integrated entry. Students don't have to complete the academic literacy course.

Students need one of the following English language test scores, or an accepted equivalent:

• IELTS Academic – 5.0 with no band lower than 4.5 or 5.5 with at least 5.0 in reading and writing and 4.5 in listening and speaking.
• TOEFL – 59 with at least 12 in reading and writing.

FIC students enjoy university facilities, as the site is located on SFU's campus. The campus is home to 28,000 students and is full of amenities to enhanced living and learning.

The pedestrian-friendly campus is where administrative and academic offices are located. This also includes student services, a library, residences and shops. FIC students can utilize all services and facilities, such as computer labs, sports facilities and other recreation facilities.

Accommodation

FIC students can live in SFU residences that are close to Burnaby Campus classrooms. Rooms are single occupancy and come with internet access, common rooms, TVs and microwaves. There is a dining hall which offers meal plans.

GEC Burnaby Heights offers furnished residences for international students. These are close to public transport so students can reach campus easily. GEC Burnaby Heights is popular with FIC students.

Off-campus options include shared accommodation and private rentals. There's also the chance for a homestay with a local Canadian family. FIC can support international students with finding something suitable.

FIC's aim is to help international students to achieve their educational goals by transferring in and graduating from Simon Fraser University. Plenty of support services are in place to ensure students can smoothly transition to SFU and complete their degrees.

FIC students are treated in the same way as university students, but with more personalized attention and dedicated support. Lecturers, student advisors and other support staff are all available to provide advice and guidance.

Orientation

Orientation marks the beginning of the student experience at FIC. It's an important event where learners get to meet instructors, learn about the college and programs, and meet peers who often become lifelong friends.

Community Transition Program (CTP)

The CTP team offers personal and academic support to FIC students. It welcomes them at orientation and provides mentor support during the academic year. The team also runs the Peer Advising program, where students can become familiar with campus resources through connections with more experienced learners.

Awareness Campaign Team (ACT)

FIC's ACT team targets key issues that concern students at both FIC and SFU. It raises awareness, promotes campaigns and focuses on engaging students in a variety of important areas.

Peer Education

This program provides opportunities for engagement, academic success and career development. Run by students for students, it focuses on some of the most crucial academic challenges for learners at FIC. The team gives personal guidance in non-judgemental environments.

The primary pathway from Fraser International College is to Simon Fraser University. International students can pursue a university-level program and achieve the qualifications they need to enter directly into the second year of a program at SFU.

Simon Fraser University

An education at SFU sets students up for life. Programs open doors to endless career opportunities. Students develop the knowledge required for their studies, but also skills that are widely transferable and valued by employers. The university's support services help learners grow into the people they wish to be. This includes dedicated career guidance, where students receive support with career preparation through:

• Industry experiences
• Workshops
• Job search support

SFU's Co-op Program

SFU has one of the oldest largest co-op programs in North America. Co-op is where students undertake paid work placements during their degree program. SFU offers co-op in all academic disciplines across 54 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs, with approximately 2,500 co-op work terms each year.

• Every SFU faculty has a co-op option for students,
• Each placement is a minimum 4-month paid placement,
• Three placements earn a notation on the SFU transcript,
• FIC alumni have done co-op programs with many different companies including Ernst and Young, Fluor, IBM, KPMG, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Bank of Montreal, and Tata Industries,

SFU is based in one of the world's most vibrant and beautiful cities. It has been teaching since 1965 and is now regarded as one of Canada's top universities. Its teaching quality, research and community engagement is recognized all around the world.