UBC pitches special college to attract international students

Proposed 12- month program would cater to those who need help with English and who are unfamiliar with western learning styles

The University of B. C. plans to create a special college for international students who struggle with English in order to welcome many more fee- paying foreigners onto its Vancouver campus starting next year.

Although it has not yet received final approval, the proposal envisions a 12- month program for first- year students who did not graduate from an English- speaking high school and need extra help adjusting to western learning styles.

During that time, the students would complete their first year of studies while benefiting from language instruction, small classes and extra assistance. At the conclusion of the program, successful students would transfer into the regular UBC stream for their second year as undergraduates.

Tuition fees have yet to be decided, but the amount suggested is $ 30,000, said Angela Redish, vice provost and associate vice- president, enrolment and academic facilities. The university has been discussing costs with its international students and will make a decision after the UBC board of governors votes on the proposal Wednesday.

The university senate has already given its approval. If the governors follow suit, the college would prepare to accept 300 students in August 2014 with expansion to 1,000 students in three years, Redish said.

The intention is to increase diversity on campus, she said, noting that the international students now attending UBC are mostly from International Baccalaureate programs and high schools that teach an international curriculum. The new college would create an alternative entry point for students who are less prepared for a western education and would struggle if placed in the regular undergraduate program, she added.

This year, there are 4,417 international students attending classes on the Vancouver campus — roughly 14 per cent of the total undergraduate enrolment of 30,857.

Determining the credentials of this new group of students will be challenging, Redish admitted, because they will come from local schools in countries such as Brazil and Vietnam. “But they will have to be extremely gifted academically,” she said, noting they will be in competition with all other UBC students by the time they reach second year.

While the delivery of content will be different, the final exams will be the same. Based on experiences in other countries with similar programs, UBC expects that 80 per cent of students attending the international college will transition successfully into second year. Those who don’t make it may decide to transfer to other postsecondary institutions in Canada or return home, Redish said.

The proposed college doesn’t yet have a name or a dedicated building. Initially, the administrative offices will be in the Choi Building and students will attend classes in various parts of the campus. However, there are plans for a new building to be constructed by summer 2016 with classrooms and additional residences to accommodate the enrolment increase.