VIEWBOOK 2014/2015
www.columbiacollege.ca
c o l u m b i a CO l l e g e
C elebrating over 75 years of helping students
succeed at C anadian universities
Founded in 1936, Columbia College is Canada’s oldest international college. Located in
downtown Vancouver, the college has prepared thousands of young adults for entry into
some of the leading universities in Canada and the United States.
University Transfer PROGRAMS
Courses in these Programs are the same as university courses, and are transferable at the first
and second year levels at universities in Canada and the United States.
University Transfer Programs help high school graduates gain university admission and
succeed academically.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
An Associate Degree is an academic qualification awarded to students who have completed
two full years of study at the first and second year university levels, including completion of
specific course requirements. An Associate Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a fouryear university degree, and as such is accepted as the basis for admission to the third year of
university Bachelor Degree programs.
U n i v e r si t y Fou n dat io n P r og r a m
The University Foundation Program allows students who have completed Grade 10 or 11 to
take courses leading to a British Columbia high school diploma. This Program is designed for
university-bound international students who wish to complete the last one or two years of high
school in Canada.
ESL & E n gl i sh P r e pa r at io n P r og r a m s
The College specializes in teaching international students, and offers English language
preparation and support for students educated in languages other than English. Students are
placed in courses that match their level of English fluency.
Columbia College is a CELPIP Test Delivery Centre.
Paragon Testing Enterprises is a subsidiary of The
University of British Columbia.
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
alumni
Comment
“Me et Rob G i ll & M a r ia P o sp e lova”
Former Columbia College student Rob Gill, now a fourth year
business student at the University of British Columbia, has
moved far from his days as a bartender and a draftee in the
Singapore Army. He knew he wanted to do something more
meaningful with his life. Gill wanted to get a solid education
and find a secure profession.
Gill, originally from Singapore, heard about the advanced
education system in Canada. He yearned to study in a place
that was green and environmentally-conscious, and offered a
rich cultural life. For Gill, Columbia College in Vancouver was
the natural choice.
In regards to the Vancouver lifestyle, Gill says, “I love the
fact that Vancouver has such a great culture to balance work
and play, while providing residents with an avenue to live
organically, while caring for the environment in their day-today decisions.”
Maria Pospelova, also a former Columbia College student and now a third
year business student at the University of British Columbia, echoes the
sentiment: “I love the ecology of the city, and the fact that it is so clean and
calm.”
For Pospelova, who hails from Chelyabinsk, Russia, Columbia College
has everything that was important to her: close contact with instructors,
a supportive classroom environment, and the opportunity to get involved
in college social activities.
“Throughout my two years at Columbia College, I was socially involved
like never before!” says Maria.
“I had the chance to participate in different clubs, partake in numerous
activities like our Halloween party, International Day, and talent shows. I
went snowboarding, kayaking, rafting, camping, and was a member of the
dragon boat team, the C.C. Riders.”
Gill liked the fact that instructors took a close personal interest in the
well-being of their students. He recalls once having a question about his
school work and walking up to an instructor to see if he could book an
appointment for the next day.
“The instructor conducted a short discussion in the hallway,” says Gill.
“The passion that they took in my learning was unmatched, even at the
university level.”
Gill and Pospelova still carry fond memories of their Columbia College
days. “Over the four semesters that I attended Columbia College,”
says Gill, “I made friendships that are ongoing to this day, and vividly
remember the days I used to spend hours on campus, studying with
friends, and having a great time meeting up over the weekend.”
As for Pospelova, she simply says, “I feel a strong sense of belonging at
Columbia College. It reminds me of great experiences.”
Educational Progress Chart
Overseas
High School partially completed
(Grade 10 or 11 completed)
Some of the universities
Columbia College
students have successfully
transferred to:
Columbia College
The University of British
Columbia
Columbia College
Accelerated Secondary Program,
High School Completion
Program, or Adult Secondary
Diploma
High School completed
Require completion of smaller
number of courses.
(Grade 12 or equivalent
completed)
Overseas
UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.
First Year of University
Transfer Program
First Year University
8+ courses
8+ courses
University of Victoria
McGill University
University
Columbia College
University of Toronto
UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.
Second Year of University
Transfer Program and
Associate Degree completion
University of Alberta
Students complete the
full requirements for
B.C. Dogwood Diploma.
University
Columbia College
Simon Fraser University
Senior Secondary Program
Second Year University
20+ courses
20+ courses
University
UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.
Third Year University
30+ courses
University
UBC, SFU, UVic, etc.
Fourth Year University
and Bachelor Degree completion
40+ courses
University Transfer Programs
University Transfer Programs offer first and second year university
courses for transfer to major universities across Canada and the U.S.
Over the years, Columbia College has consistently been one of the top
providers of international students to the University of British Columbia
and Simon Fraser University.
Statistics show that a large number of Columbia College students gain
admission to university, and that Columbia College graduates have an
above-average university graduation rate.
Many possible course combinations exist within 6 program areas:
Bu sine ss I C ommun i c ati on I C omputer S c i en c e
Pre -E ng ine er i ng I Ar t s I S c i en c e
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“I found the instructors at Columbia to be very friendly and readily available
whenever you needed help with your studies. They are very personable and they
remember each student’s name; this is something that is not found at a larger college
or university. I still keep in touch with some of them. Outside of studies, I was
involved with the Student Association of Columbia College from my very f irst
term, before joining the Entrepreneurs Club. The clubs really helped me hone my
leadership and organizational skills, as well as my teamwork skills. ”
Mellissa Tan, Indonesia
University Transfer
Business Program
Columbia College offers a wide range of business courses, including
accounting, corporate finance, management science, marketing,
statistics, and organizational behavior.
Students may take 27 to 60 credits of Business Program courses before
transferring to a university Business/Commerce degree program at the
second or third year level.
Columbia College
classes are limited
in size, allowing for
greater interaction
between students and
teachers. University
program classes at
the College have an
average of about 25
students.
Sample Business Program courses (other electives are available):
S emester 1
S emester 2
English 100 (3) Business 272 (3)
Mathematics 111 (3) Economics 105 (3)
Economics 103 (3) Business 291 (3)
Psychology 110 (3) Philosophy 102 (3)
Mass Communication 110 (3)English 110 (3)
15 S emester Credits 15 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/
Business at www.columbiacollege.ca
University Transfer
Science
Program
Students in the Science Program can choose from a wide selection
of courses including natural sciences, chemistry, biology, physics,
computer science, and mathematics.
Many courses are taught in the college’s science labs, enabling students
to conduct experiments and get a better grasp of scientific theory.
Students can complete from 24 to 60 credits before transferring to
second or third year in a university science program.
Sample Science Program courses (other electives are available):
S emester 1
S emester 2
English 100 (3) Mathematics 114 (3)
Mathematics 113 (3) Physics 120 (4) / Biology 110 (4)
Physics 110 (4) Chemistry 123 (4)
Chemistry 121 (4) English 121 (3)
14 S emester Credits 14 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/
Science at www.columbiacollege.ca
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
A lot of our students are away from home for the f irst time in their lives. We pay
close attention to students, and I’d say the environment is a cross between high
school and college. While they’re at the College, our students get great exposure to
the North American education system — how courses are taught, how to study
for exams, what a North American classroom is like. When our students leave the
College, they’re fully prepared for university life.
Helena Chen, Admissions Officer, Columbia College
University Transfer
Liberal Arts Program
Students in Liberal Arts focus on social sciences and the humanities.
The Liberal Arts Program encompasses one of the widest academic
areas, covering language, literature, philosophy, anthropology,
sociology, Asian studies, economics, business, mass communication,
and psychology.
“The value of a
college education is
not the learning of
many facts but the
training of the mind
to think.”
Liberal Arts students complete from 24 to 60 credits before transferring
to second and third year university programs.
Sample Liberal Arts Program courses (course choices depend on major):
S emester 1
Albert Einstein
S emester 2
English 100 (3)English 131 (3)
Mass Communication 110 (3) Mass Communication 223 (3)
Asian Studies 110 (3) Geography 100 (3)
Sociology 110 (3) Philosophy 113 (3)
Fine Arts 100 (3) Psychology 110 (3)
15 S emester Credits 15 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/Arts at
www.columbiacollege.ca
University Transfer
Pre-Engineering Program
The University Transfer Pre-Engineering Program helps students enter
a university engineering program at the second year level. Students may
take approximately 30 credits of courses at the first year level before
transferring into a university engineering program.
“Scientists dream about
doing great things.
Engineers go out and
do them.”
Sample Pre-Engineering Program courses (other electives are available):
S emester 1
James A. Michener
S emester 2
Mathematics 113 (3) Mathematics 114 (3)
Physics 110 (3) Physics 120 (3)
Chemistry 121 (3) Chemistry 123 ( 3)
English 100 (3) Mathematics 252 (3)
Applied Science 151 (4)English 108 (3)
Applied Science 160 (3)
American novelist
16 S emester Credits 18 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/
Engineering at www.columbiacollege.ca
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“ The thing I like most about the courses at Columbia College is the training in
critical thinking. Asking questions whenever one is confused or has different
opinions is always encouraged, and different opinions on various matters
are always tolerated as long as they are reasonable. Such an environment has
encouraged me to think differently and communicate with the instructors and
classmates about different opinions.”
Cédric Chen, Simon Fraser University, Arts and Social Science (Linguistics)
“I very much enjoy meeting students from all over the world. We have an
incredibly diverse group of students at the moment, and they are teaching
me as much as (I hope) I am teaching them! English 101, for example, is a
course that allows for debate and discussion on hot topics and getting the
input of students from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the former
Soviet Union results in an informative and interesting discussion, and,
eventually, enlightening written assignments.”
Leslie Mercer, Instructor, English Divison, Columbia College
University Transfer
Computer Science Program
Columbia College offers students an excellent foundation for higher level
Computer Science studies, with courses covering the history of computer
science, fundamental skills for implementing computer programs, and
digital and computer system design.
Students in Computer Science can take courses at the first and second
year level before applying to university programs in Science (University
of British Columbia), Applied Science (Simon Fraser University) or
Engineering (University of Victoria).
Sample Computer Science Program courses (other electives are available):
S emester 1
S emester 2
English 100 (3) Economics 103 (3)
Mathematics 113 (3) Mathematics 114 (3)
Computer Science 120 (3) Computer Science 125 (3)
Sociology 110 (3) Computer Science 150 (3)
Chemistry 121 (4) Mathematics 206 (3)
16 S emester Credits 15 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/
Computer Science at www.columbiacollege.ca
University Transfer
Do you have the
ability to think
creatively, an interest
in communication,
and strong visual and
auditory imagination?
A career in
Communication could
be for you.
Communication Program
The University Transfer Communication Program is recommended
for students who wish to specialize in Applied Media, Public Policy,
Telecommunications, and Marketing Research.
Careers in Communication are numerous: journalist, editor, public
relations expert, media consultant, advertising director, producer, film
editor, media researcher, public policy consultant, media broadcaster.
Sample Communication Program courses (other electives are available):
S emester 1
S emester 2
English 100 (3)English 101 (3)
Mass Communication 110 (3) Mass Communication 220 (3)
Mass Communication 130 (3) Mass Communication 230 (3)
Asian Studies 110 (3) Sociology 110 (3)
Philosophy 113 (3)
Psychology 110 (3)
15 S emester Credits 15 S emester Credits
For more information, look under University Transfer Programs/
Communication at www.columbiacollege.ca
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“ Teachers are very enthusiastic about their subjects and are patient in teaching
and helping new students, even though we always ask too many questions.
Teachers here often encourage students to voice their opinions and ideas, and
encourage us to work with other students. More importantly, our activity
coordinator, Ben, usually organizes a lot of outdoor activities for students so that
we can discover new places in Vancouver. He encourages students to join clubs and
to volunteer within community, so that we can meet new people. ”
Hang Nyugen, Vietnam
“Being an international student, I wanted to start my education in Canada
in the proper way. The College offers a great academic program, which
allowed me to continue my studies at a more advanced university level,
without wasting time or spending money on foundation programs. I got to
participate in a number of clubs, where I learned how to organize events
and become a better team player”
Lesken Murzatayev, Kazakhstan
Associate Degree Programs
Associate Degrees
give students a solid
foundation in one
particular area of
study, while allowing
them to take a variety
of elective courses.
Students can earn an Associate Degree at Columbia College on
completing two years of university-level courses.
Students can pursue the following Associate Degrees:
Associate of Arts Degree
Associate of Arts Degree, Business Administration Concentration
Associate of Science Degree
Get work experience while studying
Students pursuing an Associate Degree at Columbia College are eligible
to work part-time off campus. Students with an Associate Degree or
Bachelor’s Degree may also apply for a permit to work in Canada for
three years after graduation, and thereafter may apply for Permanent
Resident status in Canada.
For more information, go to the Citizenship & Immigration Canada
website at www.cic.gc.ca and look under English/Come to Canada/
Study and English/Come to Canada/Immigrate/Canadian Experience
Class.
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“For me, enrolling in Columbia College was the main reason for coming to
Vancouver. I liked taking the University Preparatory Courses because I was
able to study many different subjects. This gave me time to think about what
I wanted to major in, and at which Canadian university I wanted to enroll. I
liked the small class sizes, and the instant feedback we got from our instructors.
The instructors were always available during off ice hours, and sometimes they
would meet you outside of school if it was more convenient for us.”
Mehak Arora, India
University Foundation
Programs
University Foundation Programs are ideal for university-bound students
who wish to complete Grade 11 or 12 in Canada, leading to a British
Columbia high school diploma or certificate. University Foundation
Program courses are taught by high school instructors and College faculty.
Senior Secondary Program
Upon completion of the Program, students earn a British Columbia high school diploma,
and can apply for direct university admission. Because of the College’s 14-week semester
system, students can complete Senior Secondary courses more quickly than at a British
Columbia public high school. The Senior Secondary Program is open to students who have
completed Grade 10 or 11 in Canada or elsewhere.
For more information, look under Grade 11 & 12 programs/Senior Secondary Program at
www.columbiacollege.ca
High School Completion Program
The High School Completion Program is appropriate for students who wish to complete
a British Columbia high school program. Students in this program finish quicker than
students in the Senior Secondary Program because they take fewer courses than required
under the full Senior Secondary Program. Students who complete this Program won’t be
able to gain immediate admission to university, but may enter the College’s University
Transfer Program, and then apply to university as a second or third year student.
For more information, look under Grade 11 & 12 programs/High School Completion
Program at www.columbiacollege.ca
Accelerated Program
Students with above-average grades (“B” or better) can choose the Accelerated Program.
Although students completing the Accelerated Program won’t earn a high school degree
or gain immediate university admission, they can enter the College’s University Transfer
Program more quickly, and apply for university admission earlier than those in other Grade
12 programs.
For more information, look under Grade 11 & 12 programs/Accelerated Program at
www.columbiacollege.ca
Adult Secondary Program (19 years or older)*
This Program carries fewer courses than the Senior Secondary Program, and takes less time
to complete. Students who complete this Program may enter the College’s University Transfer
Program and then apply to university as a second or third year student.
For more information, look under Grade 11 & 12 programs/Adult Secondary Program at
www.columbiacollege.ca
University Preparatory Program
This Program is ideal for students who have a high school diploma or equivalent but lack
one or more Grade 12 courses required to enter the College’s University Transfer Program.
The Program is tailored to the student’s background and goals, and normally consists of
one semester of courses. Upon completion of the Program, students may enter the College’s
University Transfer Program.
For more information, look under Grade 11 & 12 programs/University Preparatory
Program at www.columbiacollege.ca
*Students who are 18 years old and have been out of school for one year or more may enter
the Program with the Principal’s permission.
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“What I liked most about the courses at Columbia College was that they were interactive
and there was a constant exchange of ideas and information between teachers and
students. Our courses gave us a better idea of what to expect at the university level.”
Cogilavani Padmanathan, Fourth year, Faculty of Business, University of British Columbia
“ This experience is the most important in my life. In Columbia College all
the personnel are friendly and since the f irst time that I came here they
helped me in everything I needed. They know how diff icult it is for us to go
far away from our country. All the teachers helped me a lot in my English.
They are so patient and always trying to explain easier and clearer to us.
They’re so professional with their jobs and how to teach us.
Mayra Reyes, Columbia College English Language Centre student
Columbia College English Language Centre
Columbia College offers comprehensive English language courses for
international students who wish to improve their English before entering a
University Transfer Program or University Foundation Program.
The English language program covers core skills such as listening, speaking,
reading, writing and grammar. Students may also choose elective courses
that cover conversation, IELTS preparation, and business English.
Courses are taught by experienced and qualified English language
instructors. The college emphasizes academic English language skills to
prepare students for academic studies.
An effective way to improve your English
>Students are tested at all stages to ensure their English is improving.
>After every seven-week session, students get a progress report and a one-on-one
interview with their teacher to make sure they are achieving as much as possible.
>Students are encouraged to join school activities, where they can practice their English.
> The English Language Centre offers full-time and part-time courses designed to meet the
needs of international students.
Our students have access to all of Columbia College’s state-of-the-art
facilities
> Computer labs with the newest language learning software and Internet and email
services
> Up-to-date library with more than 30,000 titles and an ESL section
>Tutorial centre where students can get one-on-one tutoring
English 094 >English 095 >
English 096 >English 097/097A >English 098
Upper BeginnerIntermediate Level 1Intermediate Level 2Advanced Level 1/
Columbia College
Advanced Level 2Academic Progams
plus one University
Transfer course or one
University Foundation
course
Integrated SkillsIntegrated SkillsIntegrated SkillsIntegrated Skills
Listening
Listening
Listening Academic Writing
Conversation
Conversation
ConversationAcademic Reading
Pronunciation
WritingAcademic WritingIELTS Preparation
Reading & VocabularyReading & VocabularyReading & Vocabulary Media Studies
Composition Skills
Composition Skills
Current EventsAcademy Study Skills
Drama
Composition SkillsEnglish for Science
Presentation Skills
English for Humanities
English for Business
Composition Skills
Start dates and fees
Programs start six times per year. The minimum program length is seven weeks.
For more information, look under English Language Programs/Academic ESL Program at
www.columbiacollege.ca
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“When I f irst came to Columbia College in September 2012, I had a lot of fun during
Orientation Week. We got to participate in a lot of different activities such as paintball
and dragon boating. We visited places like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Harrison
Hot Springs. Later on, I served as president of the Students Association where I learned
new leaderships skills, and got to apply some of my business knowledge.”
Mariya Zhikhareva, Kazakhstan
“At Columbia, there’s never a dull moment. I enjoy the movie nights, and
the sporting events like snowboarding and football. I consider many of my
classmates at Columbia to be my friends; they are all helpful and friendly.
It’s amazing how we all click together just after a simple ‘Hello!”
Oluwakemi Adekeye, Columbia College student
Services and Facilities
Columbia College offers a full range of student services to help you with
your academic, personal, and social life in Canada.
Counselling
Columbia College has six academic program counsellors to help you with career planning,
course selection, university selection, study permit questions, and personal issues. Our
counsellors welcome students any time to discuss career objectives or to have an informal
chat.
Library
The Columbia College Library website is the gateway to a wide range of print and digital
resources. Students have off-campus access to thousands of journals in all disciplines as well
as collection of approximalely 100,000 e-books. Professional librarians assist students in
their research through Reference Services and the Library’s Information Literacy program.
Activities
Columbia College has an activities coordinator who plans new events every week. The
College believes that students should have an active lifestyle. During the summer, the
College organizes a dragon boat team, camping trips, soccer matches, biking trips. During
the winter, students can go skiing and ice skating, and participate in indoor sports like
basketball and volleyball.
Fitness Centre
Columbia College students can use the Steve Nash Fitness World facility, a health club and
weight training facility, located at various locations throughout the city. The Club has up-todate training equipment, and qualified fitness instructors are available to help students.
Health Services
Columbia College has a licensed practical nurse who helps students with ailments
ranging from colds and flu to sports injuries. The nurse’s office is fully equipped, and,
whenever required, the nurse assists students in seeing doctors, dentists, physiotherapists,
psychologists, and other medical experts.
Tutorial & Testing Centre
The Tutorial and Testing Centre offers qualified Math, English, and Economics tutors to help
students with their coursework. Students can book appointments with their tutors without
charge, and have access to the Centre’s audio, visual and multimedia equipment for their
learning needs.
Home s t a y
Students can enrich their Canadian cultural experience by staying with a Canadian family.
For students away from home for the first time in their lives, staying with a Canadian family
offers a safe and secure environment. Our Homestay Coordinator screens host families to
ensure they can provide comfortable accommodation for students.
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
“Columbia College is a place where long lasting friendships were
made. Professors encouraged us to think outside the box. Studying at
Columbia College was such a wonderful experience! ”
Kevin Mann , Columbia College student
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada
What’s it like to live and study in one of the most
beautiful places on earth?
In recent years, the Economist has consistently ranked the city of Vancouver as one of the
most livable cities in the world.
It’s no wonder: Vancouver is nestled within snow-peaked mountains, bordering on the
Pacific Ocean. It has literally hundreds of city parks, and enjoys the most temperate weather
in all of Canada (ranging from temperatures of zero to five degrees Celsius in winter, and 18
to 26 degrees Celsius in summer).
In April 2013, Columbia College moved into a brand new, custom-designed building located
just east of downtown. The larger campus provides new and improved facilities to students,
including state-of-the-art classrooms, improved laboratories, an excellent Library, and food
services. The new campus is conveniently located just two blocks away from the Skytrain
station, and is just a short distance from downtown Vancouver’s main attractions.
Vancouver is Canada’s third largest metropolitan area (with a population of 2.1 million
people), and its downtown and West End neighbourhoods are among the most densely
populated urban centres in North America. Nearby apartment rentals are abundant,
enabling students to walk or take a short commute to the College.
Vancouver has one of the most efficient public transit systems in North America. The
Skytrain, the world’s longest automated light rapid transit system, is located within a threeminute walk from Columbia College. Vancouver’s public transit system – consisting of
buses, ferries, railways, and the light rapid travel system – connects downtown Vancouver
with urban centres located throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland, including the
Vancouver international airport.
Vancouver has a highly educated population, is safe and secure, and has thriving ethnic
communities from China, Japan, Korea, India, Eastern and Western Europe, the Middle East
and parts of Africa.
In 2010, Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which brought 5,000
athletes and officials from over 80 countries to the city, celebrating international goodwill
and the best in athletic sportsmanship.
Vancouver is home to two of Canada’s leading universities: The University of British
Columbia (student population 50,000) and Simon Fraser University (30,000). Another top
Canadian institute, The University of Victoria (19,500), is located two hours away from
Vancouver.
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COLUMBIA COLLEGE viewbook
NOTES
Admissions Office
438 Terminal Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6A 0C1 Canada
Tel:
Fax:
email:
web:
+1 604 683 8360
+1 604 682 7191
admin@columbiacollege.ca
www.columbiacollege.ca