Name of the Host University: CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
INFORMATION SHEET FOR UNIVERSIDAD DE LA RIOJA STUDENTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------International Office
Address:
1455, de Maisonneuve Blvd.
West Hall Building, 6th floor, room 653 Montreal,
Quebec Canada H3G 1M8
Telephone/Fax:
(514) 848-3599
Fax: (514) 848-3599
E-mail:
iso@alcor.concordia.ca
Student’s Contact person:
Isabelle Lacelle Coordinator (514) 848-2424 ext. 3514 Pat Hardt Cross-Cultural
Advisor (514) 848-2424 ext. 3516
Brenda Brisson International Student Advisor (514) 848-2424 ext. 3995
Anna Nigoghosian International Student Advisor (514) 848-2424 ext. 3515
Claire Beaudreault Liaison (514) 848-2424 ext. 3945
Jenny Calder Administrative Assistant (514) 848-2424 ext. 3943
Mireille Frigault Secretary (514) 848-2424 ext. 3515
Office hours:
Housing office (if different):
University WWW-address:
www.concordia.ca
International WWW-address:
http://advocacy.concordia.ca/international/
Language of Instruction: English
Language courses:
Level of Study for Rioja Students:
Period of Exchange: 9 months
Program(s) or Department(s) open to Rioja exchange students:
Areas of Concentration: Mathemathics, English philology.
Choice of Subjects:
Full-time Workload:
Cost of Programs:
Certain international students may be eligible to pay the tuition fees for Québec
residents which is $55.61 per credit. Below is a list of international students who
may qualify for an exemption from the tuition fees for international students:
• Diplomats, consular personnel, accredited representatives or civil servants of a
foreign country, the United Nations or one of its organizations, an intergovernmental
organization to which Canada belongs, and any member of the staff of the abovelisted
persons, who are working in Canada in an official capacity and who have
obtained an attestation issued by “Le Protocole”, Gouvernement du Québec, 525
René-Lévesque East, Québec City, (418) 649-2346. This attestation is valid for one
academic year and must be renewed each year the student is attending university.
• The spouse and unmarried children of the persons listed above.
• An international student whose spouse or parents working in Québec hold certain
work categories of work permits. For further details, contact the Office of the
Registrar, telephone: 848-2624.
• A university student who participates in an exchange program which exempts the
participant from paying the tuition fees for international students.
• A student who is a French citizen (accord France-Québec).
• A student who is admitted to a Québec university and whose country has a differential
fee exemption agreement with the Québec Government. The government of
Québec has agreed to grant a limited number of exemptions from differential fees
for international students from the following countries:
Germany (a certain number of holders of Deutscher Akademischer
Austauschdienst scholarships [DAAD]), Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Belgium
(some members of the Communauté française de Belgique), Benin, Bolivia,
Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Catalonia, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Republic of the Congo, Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire,
Ecuador, Egypt, Flemish Community, Gabon, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Israel,
Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Niger,
Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia, Uruguay and Viet Nam.
Inquiries and application for an exemption from differential fees should be made
directly to the student’s own Ministry of Education prior to leaving their home country.
In some cases, when the person lives in Canada, it may be possible to apply for
the exemption at their Embassy or Consulate in Canada or the United States.
Further information regarding the Policy to Promote Study in Québec may be
obtained from the following website:
http://www.meq.gouv.qc.ca/ens-sup/ens-univ/$etrangers-a.asp
The exemption of differential fees is normally offered for the duration of the student’s
program and is renewed on a term basis. To be eligible for it, the student must maintain a
full-time status and be in good academic standing during each term. Failure to
maintain
this full-time status and good academic standing will result in the cancellation of the
exemption and the charge of differential tuition fees for international students.
• A student who is registered at a university and whose status as a permanent resident
has been officially recognized by Canada Immigration. Should a student receive permanent
resident status during the academic year, he or she should immediately present
the official document to both the International Students Office and the Office of
the Registrar, Room LB 700, to have his or her status changed and to inquire about
possible refunds. For more information on refund policies and deadlines for submission
of documents, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Additional Fees:
Application Requirements:
You will most likely receive more than one invitation to an Orientation Program at
Concordia. If time permits, try to attend as many as
possible. You can never have too much information
when you are a newcomer! An Orientation Session,
however, that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS is the one
organized by our office, the International Students Office. The ISO Orientation Session
has been especially designed for international students who are new to Concordia and
Montréal. Our program will focus on issues specific to your settling in Montréal (finding
an apartment, opening a bank account, etc.), your adjustment to Concordia (registration,
student ID card, computer account, etc.) and will, of course, discuss cultural
adaptation, an important key to your success as a student. We have also prepared a
comprehensive “Information Package” which will be distributed at the ISO Orientation
Session, along with our popular “LIST OF THINGS TO DO.” Follow this list and you will
not
be lost; you will know exactly what to do, where to go, and even in which order to do
Don’t forget to bring photocopies of your CAQ (1 copy) and Study Permit (2 copies)
or a copy of your passport (for students studying for 6 months or less) when you
attend the ISO Orientation Session. As we mentioned in the immigration section, the
University has an obligation to have, in each international
student’s file, a copy of their immigration
documents. This is a regulation of the Québec
Ministry of Education.
:
Application Deadlines:.
FALL ADMISSION
ADMISSION
December 15 April
WINTER ADMISSION
SUMMER
April 15
15 August 15
Term dates for the academic year 2003/2004:
CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES
2003
Sept. 1 Labour Day – University closed.
Sept. 2 Classes begin – Fall Session.
Sept. 10 Last day to add two-term and fall-term courses
Sept. 16 DNE Deadline – Deadline for withdrawal with tuition refund from
two-term and fall-term courses.
Sept. 16 Fee payment deadline for Fall-term.
Oct. 13 Thanksgiving Day – University closed.
Oct. 27 DISC Deadline – Last day for academic withdrawal from Fall-term courses.
Oct. 31 First deadline for opting-out of the Concordia Health Insurance Plan
for eligible students who began their academic year in September 2003
(Full refund). See Sections 9.4.
Dec. 1 Last day of classes – Fall-term.
Dec. 4 Examinations begin.
Dec. 21 Examinations end.
Dec. 22 Second deadline for opting-out of the Concordia Health Insurance Plan
for eligible students who began their academic year in September 2003
(Refund of $380; Administrative Fee $100). See Section 9.4.
Dec. 23 Beginning of Holiday Break
2004
Jan. 2 End of Holiday Break
Jan. 5 Classes begin – Winter Session
Jan. 19 DNE Deadline – Deadline for withdrawal with tuition refund from
Winter-term courses.
Feb. 23 Mid-term break begins.
Feb. 27 Rector’s Holiday – University closed.
Feb. 29 Mid-term break ends.
Feb. 28 First deadline for opting-out of the Concordia Health Insurance Plan for
students beginning the academic year in January 2004 (Full refund).
Apr. 8 Classes end – Winter Session
Apr. 15 Examinations begin.
Apr. 9-12 University closed (Easter Holidays).
May 2 Examination end.
May 3 Final deadline for opting-out of the Concordia Health Insurance Plan for
eligible students who began their academic year in September 2003
(Refund of $280; Administrative Fee $200); for students beginning the
academic year in January 2004 (Refund of $299; Administrative Fee
$100). See Section 9.4.
Exam dates:
Resist Exams:
Exams/Grading System:
Accommodation:
.
Finding a place to live is a source of great anxiety for new international students,
yet, within 5 to 7 days, most students are successful
in finding, not only an apartment, but a roommate
as well. So rest assured that you will be able to find
something to suit your taste and your budget. You may not be able to find an apartment
in downtown Montréal because the vacancy rate is less than 1%, but you will
surely find an apartment along a metro/subway line or bus line. Montréal has a reliable
and efficient transportation system.
Plan to arrive at least two weeks before classes begin in order to give yourself time
to look around, choose a suitable place, buy furniture and get settled. Arriving a
few days early can make all the difference between feeling in control or being in a
state of panic. Information about apartment-hunting will be provided during the
ISO Orientation sessions, and you will have a chance at the end of the sessions to
meet other students who are looking for housing or roommates.
10.1 ISO HOUSING SUPPORT GROUP
This vital service will be available on a daily basis starting in mid-August for students
arriving for the Fall semester, and January for students coming for the Winter
term. Staffed by international student volunteers, the group will offer practical tips
on housing, access to classified ads, newspapers, and maps – plus a little human
contact and the benefit of their own personal experience. Location and schedule
will be available when you come to the ISO Orientation Sessions.
10.2 TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
We strongly recommend that before your departure, you make a hotel reservation
for at least one week; this should give you enough time to look around for roommates
and an apartment. The last two weeks in
August and the beginning of September fall right in
the busy tourist period in Montréal, and even more
so because of the Montréal International Film Festival. If you don’t book a room in
advance, you will have great difficulty finding a place to stay.
The vacancy rate in Montréal has been steadily dropping, and apartment hunting
has become more difficult, so arrive early and give yourself enough time for a sensible
search.
Following is a list of temporary accommodation located close
to Concordia.
Hotel, Hostels, Residences Rates (subject to change)
and Rooms
Hotel Travelodge (accessible to disabled)
50 Rene-Levesque West Student Rate
Phone (514) 874-9090 low season 01/01 to 30/04 $66
Fax (514) 874-0907 high season 01/05 to 31/12 $88
E-mail: travelodge-mtl@videotron.ca ( taxes and breakfast included)
Manoir Ambrose (non-smokers only)
3422 Stanley (10 min. walk from Concordia)
Phone: (514) 844-0342 $55.-$115. (1 person)
Fax: (514)-288-5757 $70.-$125 (2 persons)
E-mail: webmaster@manoirambrose.com (breakfast included & shared bathroom)
Web site: www.manoirambrose.com
(metro: Peel)
Comfort Inn Suites (Hotel Apartment)
2170 Lincoln (10 min.walk from Concordia)
Phone: (514) 935-9224 $85. Mini-suite (for 1-2 persons)
Fax: (514) 935-5049 $103. 1 bedroom suite
E-mail: richebourg@iber.com (plus taxes)
Web site: www.iber.com
(metro Guy-Concordia)
Casa Bella Rooms
264 Sherbrooke West $40.00 (1 person)
Phone: (514) 849-2777 $60.00 (2 persons)
Fax: (514) 849-3650 (breakfast included & shared bathroom)
E-mail: info@hotelcasabella.com
Web site: www.hotelcasabella.com
(Metro: Place des Arts)
Hotel St-Denis
1254 St-Denis (metro: Berri: UQUAM) From $89. + taxes (weekend)
Phone: (514) 849-4526 From $69. + taxes (weekday)
Fax: (514) 849-4529 Longterm stay $65. + taxes
E-mail: hotelstdenis@yahoo.com
Web site: www.hotel-st-denis.com
Residence Maria-Goretti (Women only)
3333 chemin Cote Ste-Catherine $19. (private room)
Phone: (514) 731-1161 $215.-$255. per month
Fax: (514) 341-4556 $12. (little room)
(Metro Cote des Neiges)
Canada Youth Guest House
E-mail:info@hostelMontréal.com $45 – $70 (double occupancy
breakfast included)
$19.00 (dormitory & breakfast)
Youth Hostel
Web site: www.hostelmontréal.com
Toll Free within USA & Canada:
Phone: (877) 350-4483
Gîte du Parc Lafontaine
1250 Sherbrooke St. East From $50. (private room with 2 single beds)
Phone: (514) 522-3910 $23 / person (dormitory)
Fax: (514) 844-7356 $65 (private room with a double bed)
$65 (studio)
Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal same as listing above
185 Sherbrooke St. East
Phone: (514) 284-1276
Fax: (514) 844-7356
BED AND BREAKFAST NETWORK
Accommodation in private homes in various areas of Montréal. (Ask if there is a
student discount, especially if you stay longer than one night.)
RATES
Single Double
Bed and Breakfast à Montréal $75. + $85. +
(A City-Wide Reservation Service )
Phone: (514) 738-9410
Toll Free: (800) 738-4338
E-mail: info@BBMontreal.com
Web site: www.bbmontreal.com
Downtown Bed & Breakfast $55 – 75 $55 – 95
3458 Laval Avenue (metro St-Laurent)
Phone: (514) 289-9749
Fax: (514) 287-7386
E-mail: bbdtown@cam.org
Web site: www.bbMontréal.qc.ca
Welcome/Bienvenue Bed & Breakfast $55.+ $65.+
3950 Avenue Laval (metro Sherbrooke)
Phone: (514) 844-5897
Fax: (514) 844-5894
E-mail: info@bienvenuebb.com
Web site: www.bienvenuebb.com
44 ISO Information Guide 2003-2004
B & B Hospitality Montréal Relay $35+ $65+
3977 Laval Avenue room monthly:$500+
Phone: (514) 287-9635 studio monthly:$950
Fax: (514) 287-1007
E-mail: pearson@videotron.ca
Web site: http://pages.infinit.net/pearson/B_B/
Montréal Oasis in Downtown $70 $95
3000 Breslay Road
Phone: (514) 935-2312
Fax: (514) 935-3154
E-mail: bb@aei.ca
Web site: www.bestinns.net/canada/qc/mo.html
OTHER SOURCES:
1. Hospitality Canada (Reservation Centre)
Phone: (514) 393-9049
Fax: (514) 287-1220
E-mail: hosp.can@iq.ca
Web site: www.hospitality-canada.com
2. Tourisme Montréal: www.tourisme-Montréal.org
10.3 APARTMENTS
The majority of our international students live in apartments. Some prefer to stay
alone while others choose to share their apartment with a roommate. Rental costs
in Montréal tend to be slightly more affordable compared to other major cities in
Canada. It will take a few days before you find an apartment that you like, but you
will surely find one. Our best advice is to take your time and visit a number of
places before making a decision and signing a lease. You want to make sure that
the apartment you choose will meet your needs and suit your budget.
How to Find an Apartment
Attend the ISO Housing Support Group (see section 10.1)
Visit the Off-Campus Housing Office and get a listing of available accommodation
such as apartments to share/sublet from one room to large flats, and rooms to rent
in private homes or rooming houses. If you prefer a homestay placement they will
refer you to organizations that place students with host families.
The Off-Campus Housing Office is located at:
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Hall Building, 2nd floor, Room 260
Tel.: (514) 848-7476
Fax: (514) 848-7419
E-mail: housjob@alcor.concordia.ca
Website: http://alcor.concordia.ca/~housjob
To use their service, show your Concordia student card or your Concordia letter of
acceptance.
Check the bulletin board at the ISO for apartment notices and items for sale. Pick
up a copy of our Housing Information Sheet for advice and tips on housing. Come to
the ISO Housing Support Group.
Apartments for rent are advertised in the classified section of Montréal’s daily
newspapers such as La Presse (French) and The Gazette (English). Wednesdays and
Saturdays are the best days for housing advertisements.
Apartments for rent are much more expensive downtown compared to other areas in
Montréal. Moreover, the vacancy rate is less than 1%, so there are few apartments
available downtown. If you are looking for affordable housing and a more quiet
neighbourhood, sectors outside the downtown area will best meet your needs.
Equip yourself with a good map of Montréal and go for it!
Looking for Roommates?
If you are looking for a roommate and want to meet other international students,
come to the Housing Support Group where you will surely meet other students who,
like you, will also be looking to share an apartment. Hopefully, some of you will be
able to go apartment hunting together, or possibly end up as roommates.
Sharing an apartment with someone is one way of easing the financial burden and
can mean a bigger apartment with smaller costs. Roommates can also be companions
and a source of support that can turn an apartment into a home. To ensure
smooth relations, it is essential to determine the compatibility of your lifestyles
before moving in with someone you don’t know.
Signing the Lease
We recommend that you visit a few apartments before you make your choice. Don’t
jump
on the first place you see — make sure that the apartment you choose will best meet
your
needs and your budget. Moreover, as the tenant, you will be asked to sign a lease
which
is a legal binding contract between the landlord and you. Once the lease is signed, it
is
almost impossible to cancel it unless you sublet the apartment to someone else.
Apartments in Montréal are typically described as two and a half, three and a half,
etc. A two and a half apartment usually consists of 2
rooms — 1 bedroom and 1 living room which includes a
kitchenette. The half room is usually the bathroom.
Rental Costs (in Canadian Dollars):
Rents vary from building to building depending on age, condition and location. In
general, apartments are not furnished, but many are equipped with a refrigerator
and stove. If electricity and heat are not included in the rent, you will have to pay
for these utilities. Typical monthly rents are:
Bachelor $428
1 Bedroom $510
2 Bedrooms $562
3 Bedrooms $711
A Few Housing Tips
1. Ask lots of questions! For example:
• Is heating and hot water included in the rent?
• Are there laundry facilities in the building?
• Is the apartment close to a bus stop or a metro station?
• Does the rent include appliances?
2. Check appliances (refrigerator and stove) to make sure they are in working order
before you sign the lease. Also check the taps for water pressure and hot water
availability.
3. You may have to give a deposit of at least one month’s rent when you sign the lease.
N.B.: When the landlord/agent asks for identification, show them your letter of
acceptance from Concordia University, your Study Permit and your passport. Never
give out your credit card number.
10.4 UNIVERSITY RESIDENCE—LOYOLA CAMPUS
Concordia University owns and operates a small residence, Hingston Hall, located
on the Loyola campus. Hingston Hall can accommodate 144 students. It is co-ed
(men and women), and contains double and single rooms. The rooms are not
equipped with bathrooms. The rent is approximately $352 per month for a single
room and $405 per month for a double room. Prices are subject to change.
There is a mandatory meal plan which may cost between $900-$1500 (Canadian
funds) per term depending on the meal plan you enroll in.
Prices are subject to change.
To apply for residence, you must complete a Residence Application Form which is
available on-line on their website at: http://residence.concordia.ca/
Make your reservation as fast as possible, first come, first served. Residence will
then contact you to let you know if you are guaranteed a room.
RESIDENCE
Concordia University
7141 Sherbrooke St. West
Montréal, Québec
Canada, H4B 1R6
Tel: (514) 848-4755
Website: http://residence.concordia.ca/
E-mail: lcleduc@alcor.concordia.ca
Rental Lease
If a room has been reserved for you in residence, you will be required upon arrival to
sign a rental lease which is a legal binding contract between the university residence
and you. Before you sign this lease, we recommend that you visit the
Residence Hall to make sure that it suits your lifestyle and expectations. Should you
decide at this point to cancel your reservation, contact the Residence
Administration Office as soon as possible and do not sign the lease. Once a lease
has been signed, it is almost impossible to cancel it unless you find another student
to take your place.
Note: Refunds are generally not granted.
Rent (in local currency) aprox:
Other living costs (2003) aprox.:
Please note that this amount varies greatly depending on individual life style.
Visa requirements:
If your country is not served by Québec Immigration Services
If your country does not appear on the list mentioned in Option A, you will be
required to apply for your CAQ directly from the Québec Immigration Office in
Montréal, Québec. Please send the three documents listed to the Québec
Immigration Office as soon as you have received acceptance to Concordia
University. To speed up the process, you may want to consider sending your documents
to Québec Immigration by courier.
1. CAQ application form (enclosed in this Guide)
2. Photocopy of your Letter of Acceptance (keep the original for Canada
Immigration)
3. Processing fees of $100 in Canadian funds, or the equivalent in U.S. dollars.
Only bank drafts, certified cheques, money orders (made payable to the “Ministère
des Finances du Québec) and credit card payments will be accepted by Québec
Immigration. Do not send a personal cheque or it will be returned to you. In order to
avoid payment difficulties, please note that your bank draft must be purchased at
a bank which deals with a correspondent bank in Canada.
N.B. You are required to submit ONLY the 3 documents mentioned above. You do
not
need to send proof of financial capacity despite the fact
that question 24 on the CAQ form asks for it. Proof of
sufficient funds will have to be presented to Canadian
authorities with your application for a Study Permit.
Upon receipt, your application will be processed (normally within 3 weeks), and
confirmation of your CAQ will be sent by fax to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate
where you will apply for your Study Permit. You will receive by mail the original CAQ
indicating the period of validity as well as notification of the Canadian
Embassy/Consulate where confirmation of your CAQ was sent.
The address of the Québec Immigration Office in Montréal is:
Québec Immigration
DSI—Students’ Division
276 St. Jacques Street West, 4th floor
Montréal, Québec
H2Y 1N3
Canada
Telephone: (514) 864–9191 (calls within Canada)
(514) 864-9231 (calls outside Canada)
Fax: (514) 873–9931
Web site: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca
Under the Canada Immigration Act, all persons, other than Canadian citizens and permanent
residents, who wish to pursue University studies in Canada, MUST obtain a
Study Permit. Only people with a valid Canadian Diplomatic Visa and students who are
in a program of study of six months or less are exempted from getting a Study Permit.
As we mentioned in section 1.3.1, you should start the procedures for obtaining your
Study Permit as soon as you receive the official letter of acceptance from Concordia
University. Please note, however, that your Study Permit
will be issued only after the Canadian Embassy/Consulate
receives confirmation of your CAQ.
Citizens and Permanent Residents of the United States, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon,
and Greenland
If you are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, Saint-Pierre et
Miquelon or Greenland, you may apply for your Study Permit at the nearest Canadian
embassy or consulate or directly at a Canadian port of entry. Wherever you apply,
you must meet the same requirements and present the same documents (see section
1.4.1 below), together with your Québec Certificate of Acceptance, in order to
obtain your Study Permit.
People Living Temporarily in the United States
Unlike citizens or permanent residents of the United States, you cannot apply for your
Study Permit at a Canadian port of entry. You will be required to apply for your Study
Permit at a Canadian embassy/consulate in the United States.
People Living in Canada
If you currently study or live in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for your Study
Permit in Canada (by mail), or you may have to apply for it through a Canadian
Consulate or Embassy outside of Canada. Contact the International Students Office
and we will tell you what steps you must take.
1.4.1 Documents Required for the Canada Study Permit
In applying for a Study Permit, you will be required to submit the following documents.
1. A Québec Certificate of Acceptance (Remember that if your country is not served
by Québec Immigration Services, confirmation of your CAQ will be sent by fax to
the Canadian embassy or consulate nearest to you.)
2. Valid passport (except for citizens and permanent residents of the United States,
Greenland and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon).
3. An original letter of acceptance from Concordia University. If you plan to send
the
original by mail, make sure that the Canadian Embassy will return it to you.
Verify if the Embassy would accept a certified copy — you could then keep the
original.
4. Evidence of sufficient funds for your tuition and living expenses, and for living
expenses of your dependents if they accompany you. In addition to tuition fees,
the Canadian Embassy requires proof that you have, or will have, for a period of
12 months, a minimum of $10,000 Canadian per year for your living expenses.
Evidence of financial support may be:
• your updated bank book with proof that it belongs to you, and, if
necessary, documents attesting to your other sources of income;
• sworn declaration of financial support (certified by a notary or lawyer)
from your parents or from your sponsor, accompanied by proof of
sufficient funds, if applicable;
• authorization to transfer funds from the organization which controls
currency in your country, if applicable;
• a bursary attestation or confirmation of a financial award, specifying
the monthly or annual amount, if applicable.
5. Payment of Processing Fee. The required fee to process your file is $125 in
Canadian dollars. Verify the methods of payment and currencies accepted by the
Canadian Embassy.
6. A medical certificate: If you have lived for six consecutive months in a designated
country, you will be required to undergo an immigration medical examination.
The Canadian Embassy will provide a medical form along with a list of designated
medical practitioners. Be certain to have the medical examination as soon as
possible; the results often take a long time and can delay your departure for Canada.
You can check the list of designated countries on the Citizenship and Canada
Immigration website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/medexams.html.
7. Character reference: in rare cases, you may be asked to obtain evidence of good
character such as a letter from a dependable person in your community supporting
your good reputation.
Please note that the requirements for obtaining a Study Permit
may vary from country to country. Contact the Canadian
Embassy in your country to verify the requirements applicable
to you.
Once you have satisfied all the requirements, your Study Permit (form IMM/1442)
will be issued from the Canadian visa office. The original letter of acceptance from
Concordia should be returned to you. Remember that you will have to show these
documents again with proof of financial support at the Canadian port of entry (read
carefully section 4.1).
Most Canadian embassies/consulates are linked by computer to Canadian ports of
entry. If you apply at one of these Embassies, you will be issued a confirmation letter
to present at a Canadian port of entry instead of the IMM 1442. This letter
attests that you satisfy all the requirements for a Study Permit. In this case, your
Study Permit will be issued by the Canadian immigration authorities at the port of
entry when you arrive
Do not leave for Canada until you have received written acceptance from Concordia
and have obtained your Québec Certificate of
Acceptance (CAQ) and Canada Study Permit. It is
also important that you ensure substantial funding
to complete your degree. Concordia University does
not assume financial responsibility for students with insufficient funds.
ARRIVING IN CANADA
Please do not forget to complete the procedures with Canada Immigration at the
port of entry. If the customs officer does not direct you to the Canada Immigration
Office, ask where it is located. You need to present yourself at this office to complete
your immigration procedures where you will be asked to present the confirmation
letter from the Canadian Visa Office, and where your Study Permit (IMM 1208)
will be issued.
1.5 COPY OF YOUR CAQ AND STUDY PERMIT
TO CONCORDIA
International students are required to provide a copy of their CAQ and their Study
Permit to Concordia University before the DNE* deadline of their first semester at
Concordia and thereafter, EVERY TIME they renew their immigration documents. This
directive is in accordance with the funding regulations of the Québec Ministry of
Education which requires that all international
students registered at a university in Québec have
in their permanent file a copy of their CAQ and
their Study Permit. Failure to comply with this regulation
could result in the CANCELLATION of your registration.
The office responsible for the collection of CAQs and Study Permits at Concordia
is the
International Students Office, Hall Building, Room 653. Please bring copies of
your
documents before the DNE deadline of your first semester at Concordia. The best
time
to hand them in would be when you attend one of our Orientation Sessions.
DNE DEADLINES
Fall 2003 Term Winter 2004 Term
September 16, 2003 January 19, 2004
* DNE = Did Not Enter
(This is the deadline for withdrawal from courses with a full tuition refund.)
Facilities (access to sports facilities, library services etc):
Other information which you feel may be of interest for the prospective Rioja students:
Concordia International Students Association will also extend a warm welcome by
finding volunteers to help you with tasks like finding an apartment, or registering for
courses. They too have experienced the excitement, confusion and shock of coming to
a new country, and are eager to help!
To find out more about this very vibrant and active group, visit their website or
e-mail:cisa@cisamontreal.com
Since health insurance fees for international students are charged on a yearly
basis,
when you register for courses or CIP you will have to repeat the process each
year if you
want to opt out of the health insurance plan.
Please note that students who have submitted a claim to the insurance company can
not
be considered for an exemption/cancellation/adjustment.
Exemption Deadlines for Opting Out if Beginning the
2003–2004 Academic Year in SEPTEMBER 2003
First deadline: Oct. 31, 2003 Full refund
Second deadline: December 22, 2003 Refund of $380.
(Administration fee:$100)
Final deadline: May 3, 2004 Refund of $280.
(Administration fee:$200)
NO REFUND WILL BE APPROVED AFTER THIS FINAL DEADLINE.
Exemption Deadlines for Opting Out if Beginning the
2003–2004 Academic Year in JANUARY 2004
First deadline: February 28, 2004 Full refund
Final deadline: May 3, 2004 Refund of $299.
(Administration fee:$100)
NO REFUND WILL BE APPROVED AFTER THIS FINAL DEADLINE.
Exemption Deadline for Opting Out if Beginning in SUMMER 2004
Final deadline: June 15, 2004 Full refund
NO REFUND WILL BE APPROVED AFTER THIS FINAL DEADLINE.
9.5 SUPPLEMENTAL DENTAL PLAN
Please note that the Concordia Health Insurance Plan for international students and
the Québec Medicare card do not include a dental plan. A supplemental dental plan*
can be purchased at a competitive cost from the Québec Student Health Alliance
(ASEQ). Information brochures are available at the International Students Office.
International students at Concordia are not automatically enrolled in the ASEQ
Dental plan. If you are interested in having this dental insurance you must do so at
the start of your academic programme before the following deadlines:
Students who start their academic programme in the Fall:
Fall Term Opt-in Period: September 2 – September 16, 2003
Students who start their academic programme in the Winter:
Winter Term Opt-in Period: January 5 – January 19, 2004
If you forget to opt-in before the deadlines indicated above you will have to wait
until the next academic year begins, i.e. Fall term. Further information is available
at the following website: www.aseq.com.
Telephone: (514) 844-4423 or 1 (800) 795-4423 (USA and Canada only).
* Please note that graduate students enrolled in the EMBA, AMBA, GAMBA, IMMBA,
MIM and DIM programs cannot enroll in the Graduate Student Health and Dental Plan.
9.6 SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH PLAN FOR STUDENTS
WHO HAVE A QUÉBEC MEDICARE CARD
The Québec Medicare Card covers services that are medically required and performed
by a general practitioner, a specialist in a hospital, a doctor’s office or a
patient’s home. Insured services include but are not limited to the following: visits
and examinations; consultations; psychiatric treatment; diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures; surgery; anesthesia; radiology and laboratory services.
Please note, however, that the following services are not covered: dental care, eye
examination and lenses, vaccinations, drugs and medicines. ( N.B. Les médicaments
sont gratuits pour les étudiants de France.)
Students who have a Québec Medicare Card should consider enrolling into the ASEQ
Health Insurance Plan to supplement the Québec Medicare Card coverage, thereby
filling the gaps left by the provincial health plan. Students may enroll in the ASEQ
Health Plan within seven days of receiving the Québec Medicare Card. Further information
is available at the following website: www.aseq.com. Telephone: (514) 8444423 or 1 (800) 795-4423 (USA and Canada only).
9.7 TRAVEL INSURANCE
When travelling outside Canada, we strongly recommend that you purchase supplemental
travel insurance. Both the Concordia Health Insurance Plan and the Québec
Medicare Card limits your coverage up to the amounts reimbursed by the Régie de
l’assurance-maladie du Québec (Québec Medicare Card). Since medical expenses
could be higher in another country, it is wise to buy extra health insurance. It is not
costly and it will usually cover the additional medical costs should you have an
accident or become ill.
9.8 HEALTH SERVICES
The Concordia Health Services clinic is open to all international students. Good
health is vital to the success of your academic goals. Concordia Health Services
should be the first place you go to when you are not well. Health Services provides
an excellent resource for all your health concerns.
The clinic is located at 2155 Guy Street, Room 407,
Sir George Williams Campus
Telephone: (514) 848-3565
Website: http://www-health.concordia.ca