Portage College

Portage College
Portage College, as an esteemed educational institution in Lac La Biche, Alberta, Canada., plays a vital role in facilitating the connection between individuals and the transformative power of knowledge, skills, and opportunities. With a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact, the College embodies a set of core values centered around collaboration, inclusion, and a resolute dedication to success and accountability. Governed by a board and operating publicly in accordance with the Alberta Post-secondary Learning Act, Portage College has faithfully served the region for over half a century, proudly earning its position as the preferred choice for learners in northeast Alberta. The College's unwavering presence is exemplified by its strategic placement of seven campuses thoughtfully dispersed across the region, strategically ensuring accessibility and convenience for its students.
In its profound partnership with the First Nation and Métis people in the region, Portage College embraces the profound word "wâhkôhtowin." This remarkable Cree term encapsulates the essence of collaboration and interdependence, encapsulating the Indigenous worldview that recognizes the interconnectedness of relationships, communities, and the natural world.

Programs in Portage College
Portage College holds no animosity towards larger colleges and universities; in fact, they maintain a harmonious relationship with them. However, when presented with the choice of receiving a superior education at a college where instructors personally know each student, Portage emerges as the ideal option. The college prides itself on providing one-on-one instruction and an extensive range of student support services, placing the focus squarely on the individual. Additionally, Portage College offers high school students the opportunity to begin their coursework while still in secondary education, ensuring a head start on their academic journey. Whether one envisions a future in trades, human services, arts, environmental studies, healthcare, business, or desires to further their education, Portage College covers all bases, accommodating various aspirations.

With an array of programs ranging from certificates to diplomas and degrees, Portage College provides a wealth of options. In addition, they offer academic upgrading courses designed to enhance skills in communication, mathematics, computer literacy, job preparation, and job maintenance, enabling students to obtain their high school diploma. Tuition fees for domestic students amount to $3,356 CAD, while international students incur costs of $10,670 CAD. Admissions requirements vary depending on the program and may involve math assessments, such as the Canadian Adult Achievement Test or General Educational Development (GED) for individuals seeking a high school equivalency diploma.
In the domain of arts, Portage College nurtures students' talents, particularly in the realm of traditional Indigenous art. Through a combination of studio work and expert guidance from experienced faculty, learners swiftly gain proficiency in various art forms, including hide-tanning, beading, caribou-tufting, and moccasin-making. The program prioritizes the preservation of traditional and authentic practices, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous artistry.
Portage College presents a diverse range of programs and courses designed to cater to various educational and career aspirations. For individuals seeking to explore their artistic inclinations, the Fine Arts Certificate offers an immersive learning experience in disciplines such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, digital art, and mixed media. Students have the opportunity to showcase their artwork and establish connections with professional artists through studio visits and gallery trips, providing a platform for artistic growth and networking.
Those with an interest in the business realm can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management. This program, granted by NAIT, offers the convenience of completing the degree without the need to relocate to Edmonton. By rotating between year three and year four cohorts, the degree program ensures continuous availability at both the Cold Lake and Lac La Biche campuses, eliminating wait times for diploma students in any year. Additionally, graduates who have successfully completed the two-year Business Administration Management Diploma with a GPA of 2.3 or above can directly enter the third year of the NAIT Bachelor of Business Administration degree program, further advancing their business education.
The Business Administration Diploma with a specialization in Accounting caters to the growing demand in the field. Upon completion of this program, students gain the necessary qualifications to work in accounting firms or embark on a journey to become accountants themselves. The program emphasizes financial, managerial, and tax accounting, equipping students with a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills highly valued within the accounting profession.
Portage College's Community Adult Learning Program (CALP) provides personalized training for adults seeking to enhance their literacy skills, encompassing reading, writing, math, and English as a second language. Additionally, the college supports students in academic upgrading and college preparation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to educational growth. CALP locations can be found in Bonnyville, St. Paul, Frog Lake Cree Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation, Kehewin Cree Nation, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, and Elk Point.
Continuing Education at Portage College offers a wide range of courses and programs tailored to individuals and groups aiming to enhance work skills, renew certifications, or pursue general interest courses. With a dedicated team of instructors, the college is well-equipped to meet diverse learning needs and facilitate personal and professional development.
The Natural Resources Technology program at Portage College is ideal for individuals passionate about the outdoors and interested in environmental sustainability. This program combines classroom learning with ample field experience, allowing students to deepen their understanding of the natural world and develop practical skills applicable to natural resource management challenges.
For aspiring culinary professionals, the Pre-Employment Cooking program at Portage College equips students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the food service industry. Covering topics such as proteins, stocks, soups, sauces, baking, and knife skills, the program provides a solid foundation in culinary arts, equivalent to First Period Apprenticeship Cook training. Practical application is emphasized through a combination of theory, demonstrations, and hands-on experience, complemented by certifications in FoodSafe, First Aid, and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
Finally, Open Studies at Portage College offers the flexibility to select individual courses without committing to a full program. It serves as an excellent opportunity for individuals to explore specific subjects and potential career paths. Whether one's interests lie in programs such as Practical Nurse, Natural Resources Technology, or Community Social Work, Open Studies provides a gateway to explore diverse educational avenues. Both full-time and part-time options are available to cater to individual scheduling needs.

Accommodation
Residing on campus offers far more than mere convenience; it creates an enriching experience for students. Whether you're embarking on your first venture away from home or returning as a resident, living on the Portage College campus presents a safe and nurturing environment that fosters academic achievements while offering abundant social, recreational, and educational opportunities for personal growth.
To initiate the housing application process, it is important to note that formal acceptance into a Portage College program is a prerequisite. Therefore, it is advisable to submit your housing application concurrently with your application to attend Portage College. Once your acceptance is confirmed, you will receive a letter from the Student Housing department, providing you with an official confirmation of your accommodation. This ensures a streamlined process and timely communication regarding your on-campus housing arrangements.
However, it is essential to note that the availability of on-campus housing at Portage College may vary. It is recommended for international students to contact the college's international student office or housing department directly for the most up-to-date information regarding on-campus accommodation options.
There are alternative ways for international students at Portage College to secure suitable housing during their studies in Lac La Biche. One popular option is living with a homestay family, which provides an immersive cultural experience and a supportive environment. Homestays involve living with a local family, where students are provided with a private room and meals. Costs for homestay arrangements can vary but typically range from $600 CAD to $1,000 CAD per month, depending on the location and services provided.
Another alternative is seeking rental accommodations in the vicinity of the college. This could involve renting an apartment, house, or shared accommodation with fellow students. Rental costs in Lac La Biche, Alberta, typically range from $800 CAD to $1,500 CAD per month, depending on the type of accommodation, location, and amenities offered. Sharing apartments or rooms with roommates can help reduce costs and create a supportive social network for international students.
Future Prospects after study in Portage College
One significant advantage for international students graduating from Portage College is the opportunity to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The PGWP allows eligible graduates to work in Canada for a period of up to three years after completing their studies. This work permit provides invaluable practical experience, enabling graduates to apply the knowledge and skills gained during their time at Portage College in a real-world setting. The PGWP serves as a stepping stone towards building a successful career in Canada.
Graduates of Portage College also have the potential to obtain permanent resident status in Canada. The Canadian government offers various immigration programs designed to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to the country's economy and society. These programs consider factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and age. By meeting the eligibility criteria and demonstrating their value to the Canadian workforce, graduates can embark on a pathway towards permanent residency.
When graduates make the decision to establish lasting roots in Canada, they open themselves up to the opportunity of acquiring Canadian citizenship. This pathway to citizenship comes with a wide range of benefits, including the right to vote, access to government healthcare, and improved employment prospects. Beyond these practical advantages, Canadian citizenship also nurtures a deep sense of belonging and security, empowering individuals to actively participate in every facet of Canadian society.

 

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