University of the Fraser Valley
University of the Fraser Valley
This public university is often referred to as UFV. It has campuses in Abbotsford, Chiliwack, and other cities in the province of British Columbia. The University of the Fraser Valley was established in 1974, and it was initially named as the Fraser Valley College. Ten years later, it officially acquired the status of a university and started to grant degrees. Annualy, more than fifteen thousand students are enrolled in a huge number of university programs. The university boasts ten research institutes and centres, where students as well as university members are engaged in various research and training activities.
Programs in University of the Fraser Valley
The University of the Fraser Valley is organised into seven faculties and three schools. They are further subdivided into departments. The academic programs offered lead to Bachelor’s, Master's, and Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Students can choose a program from the field that interests them the most. Some of the areas that are researched at the University of the Fraser Valley are the following: Media and Communications; Legal and Criminal Justice; Creative Arts and Design; Earth and Environmental Sciences; Society, Politics, and Policy; and a number of others.
In the field of Media and Communications international students can obtain a Bachelor’s of Art degree by studying the following programs: Creative Writing, Graphic and Digital Design, Media and Communications Studies, English, French, and Arts.
The program in Creative Writing aims at teaching students the skills necessary to write literature of various genres: novels, screenplays, poetry, and even video game scripts. During four years at the University of the Fraser Valley, students hone their writing skills to become professionals who can work in different industries: tech firms, public relations companies, marketing agencies, publishing houses, and non-profit organizations. In the fields of Social Work and Human Services, students can study Psychology, Child and Youth Care, and Social Work to obtain Bachelor’s degree. Students can obtain a diploma, studying in Social Service Worker and Early Childhood Education programs. A Masters degree can be achieved through completing a Social Work program at the University of the Fraser Valley. The program in Child and Youth Care leads to a Bachelor of Arts Degree. It aims to prepare students who can protect and safeguard children and families during times of trouble. Graduates of the program also help families with developmental challenges deal with their new lives and prepare them for the challenges they might face. During the program, students at the University of the Fraser Valley can choose a concentration in child protection, while the third and fourth years of studies are dedicated to two practical terms, each lasting for three hundred hours.
The University of the Fraser Valley is also famous for its program in the field of Aviation. Students can achieve a Bachelor of Business Administration degree by studying Aviation. A diploma can also be achieved by choosing the program of the same name.
The Aviation program that leads to a Bachelor of Business Administration lasts for four years. The whole study period is organized in such a way that it allows students to take flight practice classes and theory classes simultaneously, so that they can put the knowledge they learned in practice immediately. To become eligible to be a pilot, students need to obtain a number of aviation certificates and licenses granted by Transport Canada Aviation, and they can do it during the study period or once they have obtained a Bachelor's degree.
International students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field of education by studying in the program of Adult Education and Education. In the same field, students can also obtain a certificate by studying the following programs: Teaching English as a Second Language; School and Community Support Worker; Early Childhood Education; Workplace Education, and others.
The program in Teaching English as a Second Language can be taken online and lasts a minimum of two semesters. Today, specialists who can effectively teach foreigners English while knowing special methodology and pedagogical rules are in demand. Every year, more than forty thousand foreigners arrive in the province of British Columbia. That’s why a dedicated English language tutor won’t have a chance to be left without a job.
Besides outstanding academic programs, students are offered the opportunity to participate in athletic clubs and teams. The University of the Fraser Valley boasts two gymnasiums and a fully equipped fitness centre, where students can get fit. The basketball and soccer teams of the university often participate in various tournaments and competitions. Moreover, students can take part in non-competitive sports such as dancing and playing badminton.
There is a special club for international students organised by the University of the Fraser Valley. It’s a ten-week program that is called "Friends without borders." During the program, international students from different countries and local students build connections and a supportive community. Together, they organise various events and introduce each other to their own culture. It was established to support international students when they’re alone in a foreign country: seeing friendly peers who can relate to their problems is always beneficial for the mental health of students.
There are some other groups and clubs for international students at the University of the Fraser Valley. During some of them, they get answers to certain questions concerning their health, accommodation, and work. Some concentrate on assisting international students only at the initial stages of their studies. Some clubs are led by the university members, and some by the senior international students so that they can share their own experience.
The University of the Fraser Valley wants higher education to be available to people of different financial backgrounds. That’s why it offers scholarships that partially reduce the tuition fee. For example, one such scholarship can cover part of the tuition of three international students. They have to be from a country that is facing a national crisis. Once a year, the students are warded a sum ranging from CAD 12,000 to CAD 36,000.
Another scholarship is offered to international students who achieved excellent academic results in their previous educational establishments. It awards a student CAD 20,000 for the whole period of education.
The fee for studying at the University of the Fraser Valley without any scholarships is around CAD 8,300 per semester, with tuition, ancillary and administration fees included. Additional costs include medical insurance, which is approximately CAD 500 per semester; the fees for books and supplies, which is around CAD 1200 per academic year, but depends on the academic program of choice. Living expenses can amount to around CAD 4,400 per year. On the whole, international students should be ready to pay CAD 30,000 for the first year of education.
Accommodation in University of the Fraser Valley
International students who study at the University of the Fraser Valley have a chance to live in a student residence. It’s located in the city of Abbotsford. The city has a population of over 150 thousand people. That’s why it’s the second largest, in terms of population, municipality in the province. The city is located on the Canadian-American border with a view of Mount Baker. Most of Abbotsford’s residents have English as their native language, so a student doesn’t need to worry about communication with the locals. The University of the Fraser Valley is the only university in the city. Other educational establishments include Columbia Bible College, Summit Pacific College, Spratt Shaw College, and a number of other colleges and educational centers. There are 102 suites available in the residences of the University of the Fraser Valley, with a total number of bedrooms of more than two hundred. Students usually live in private bedrooms while sharing a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room with other students. As for the fees, a place in a two-bedroom suite costs around CAD 2,400 for the full summer. A place in a residence during the academic year costs CAD 6139 for eight months. That is, on average, CAD 760 per month. A student can rent an apartment while studying at the University of the Fraser Valley. It will cost them, on average, CAD 1,100 for a month of living in a standard one-bedroom. The final price is influenced by the location of the flat, the type of furnishing, and a number of other factors.
Future Prospects after study in University of the Fraser Valley
After finishing studies at the University of the Fraser Valley, international students are free to continue their education at other educational institutions in Canada or somewhere else in the world. Completing a full-time program is also a great opportunity for international students to stay in Canada for good. First, they may apply for a post-graduation work permit—a working visa that gives them a legal right to work in Canada for up to three years. Then, they can get the status of a permanent resident and, after that, even become citizens of Canada. International students can also come back to their native countries after completing their studies at the University of the Fraser Valley, as with the knowledge gained, international students can succeed anywhere.
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