Costa Rica’s women’s senior national soccer team tours Cap U

The Costa Rica women's soccer team (in red) visits with Cap's women's soccer team at the university's Sportsplex on January 30.

Costa Rica’s women’s senior national soccer team visited Capilano University on January 30, meeting with Cap’s women’s soccer team, international students, faculty members who worked on projects in South America, and representatives from Cap’s Centre for International Experience, as well as from our department of Athletics and recreation.

“Capilano University offers excellent academic programs supported by first class intercollegiate sport programs for women and men,” says Cap’s Athletics director, Joe Iacobellis. “The university programs will be of interest to international student athletes who may want to study and experience university competition in Canada.”

The team was one of eight in town for the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Competitions. The roster included: Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, USA, Mexico, Guatemala and Dominican Republic.

Costa Rica was knocked out in the semi finals against the US, which went on to win the tournament in the finals against Canada. Both Canada and the US teams will meet again at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

The Costa Rican team’s affiliation with Cap is through Cap’s women’s soccer coach, Darren Rath. Rath hosted Antonio Arreaga-Valdes, Honorary Consul of Costa Rica in Vancouver, at one of the preliminary soccer games earlier in the tournament. The consul general is also affiliated with Cap as a past member of the advisory board for the former McRae Institute of International Studies at Cap.

Capilano University to benefit from $13M in new skills training programs

Students in Capilano University’s 12-week Business & Culture for Foreign-Trained Professionals and their instructors, Leslie Kozak (second from left, sitting) and Kathy Danford (second from left, standing at back), share some time with North Van-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite (third from left standing), West Van-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan (fourth from left, standing), West Van-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre (fourth from right, standing) and Catherine Vertesi, Cap’s vice-president of international programs (fifth from right, standing). This class of students is comprised of new immigrants from Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Russia, Macau, Philippines and Mainland China. Some of their professions in their home countries include computer engineer, lawyer, architect, biomedical engineer and software technician. (Photo by Ken Barbour.)

An announcement made on December 9 by Minister of Advanced Education Naomi Yamamoto will see more funds coming to Capilano University for its tuition-free full-time Employment Skills Access programs.

ESA skills training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages.

ESA programs at Capilano University include:

• North Vancouver campus:
  • The popular 12-week Business & Culture for Foreign-Trained Professionals, which starts up again January 9 and offers Canadian business perspectives, intercultural interaction, business communication, accounting, MS Word & Excel and Canadian work experience; 
  • Introduction to Trades, a six-week program starting January 30, that will provide trade certification, such as Forklift, Confined Space and WHMIS;
  • And the eight-week Retail and Hospitality Customer Service program that provides B.C. tourism certificates and cashier training, and begins February 6.
  • At Cap’s Squamish and Sunshine Coast campuses, programs include:
    • WorkStart Essentials, an eight-week program beginning January 23, that will provide certification in Word and Excel, WorldHost, and Occupational First Aid. Completion of this program then leads to either Business and Computer Essentials or Introduction to the Trades.   

Participants in programs must be unemployed individuals who have not established an Employment Insurance claim in the past three years, or five years in the case of maternity/parental leave.

“Higher education is key to our province’s growth and prosperity as we develop the workers of the future,” Yamamoto said. “Under the BC Jobs Plan, we’re working with our quality post-secondary institutions to increase learning and employment opportunities, building the foundation for a stronger economy.”

The Employment Skills Access Initiative is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA).

Over the next decade, British Columbia is projected to have more than one million job openings. A new wave of economic growth stimulated by the BC Jobs Plan will further increase the number of jobs. The BC Jobs Plan will ensure the more than $500 million provided annually for labour market and training programs is targeted to meeting regional and industry labour market needs.

More information about Capilano University’s ESA training programs can be obtained by e-mail at esa@capilanou.ca or by visiting this website.

Capilano University creates new partnerships in China

Catherine Vertesi (left) with Premier Christy Clark, President Peng of Huizhou University, and the director general, Mr Luo, of the Guangdon Ministry of Education.

A busy schedule in China has kept Cap’s vice-president of international programs, Catherine Vertesi, and Susan Watson, manager of Cap’s China programs, on their toes over the past few weeks. The two have been travelling with Premier Christy Clark and reps from 11 other British Columbia post-secondary institutions, all which are taking part in ceremonies in either Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing or Chongqing.

“We had several events, first in Guangzhou and then Shanghai,” Catherine said. “The Premier, as well as ministers Pat Bell and Steve Thompson, have all been very gracious in meeting and talking with the partner institutions of B.C.’s universities, institutes and colleges.

“Many of us saw alumni and the welcome to the premier was warm,” Catherine added.

A B.C. government media release said that this mission is an opportunity to strengthen B.C.’s relationships in Asia and discover new ways to work together through the development of educational initiatives.

“International cooperation between B.C. and China means shared experiences, successes and relationships that will continue for a lifetime,” said Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto. “International students’ contributions help to create services and programming as well as cultural experiences for our domestic students.”

Approximately 39,000 international students from more than 160 countries attended a B.C. post-secondary institution last year, with an estimated 12,500 students being from China. About 58 per cent of international students in B.C. study in private institutions. International students in B.C. currently generate 22,000 jobs and bring an estimated $1.25 billion into the provincial economy. Each 10 per cent increase translates into an estimated 1,800 new jobs for families across the province.

As part of the BC Jobs Plan, Premier Christy Clark is leading the largest trade mission in the province’s history to promote B.C. as a safe harbour for investment. The Jobs and Trade Mission is focused on strengthening existing relationships between B.C. and Asian markets, opening doors for new relationships and setting the stage for future opportunities in China and India. Delegates from more than 130 companies, post-secondary institutions and organizations are accompanying the Premier as part of the effort to defend and create jobs here at home. Health Minister Mike de Jong will also accompany the Premier during her time in India.

Premier Christy Clark is photographed with President Sun Cheng of Yunnan College of Business Management, a college he grew from two classrooms to two campuses and 20,000 students over the past 19 years. YCBM is a new partner of Capilano University. President Sun and his wife spend part of the year in Burnaby where they have two sons living and working.

Gift to Capilano University benefits the international experience

Catherine Vertesi, Sheldon Trainor and Emelda Wong were part of a $500,000 donation announcement made at Capilano University on September 8. (Photo by Ken Barbour)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Contact:  Shelley Kean at T:  604.983.7596  C:  604.868.4374
E: skean@capilanou.ca

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—Capilano University students wishing to study abroad and international students attending the university will benefit greatly from a $500,000 gift announced today from international businessman Sheldon Trainor and his wife Emelda Wong.

The funds will be used to allow the creation of the Sheldon Trainor and Emelda Wong Centre for International Experience in the heart of the university’s North Vancouver campus. Activities and services will be offered that encourage Canadian students to consider an overseas experience as part of their studies and that give support to students from all countries who choose to attend Capilano University. The donation will also provide funds to assist students with their travels.

“With this gift, international community members Sheldon Trainor and Emelda Wong are showing the leadership necessary to expand the global horizons for young women and men from around the world,” said Capilano University president, Dr. Kris Bulcroft. “This generous investment in young people will help build a better future for all and will also enable Capilano to fulfil our commitment of providing a global educational experience to our students.”

Trainor grew up in Vernon, B.C. and graduated in 1988 with a BComm from the University of British Columbia. He was encouraged by his then-UBC instructor, Catherine Vertesi, who today is the vice-president of international programs at Capilano University, to spend a semester studying business administration with Denmark’s International Study program in Copenhagen. This international experience was a turning point in his life that sparked his interest in international finance.

He has since gone on to pursue a successful international career that included working for Morgan Stanley in Asia for 11 years before becoming the head of Meryll Lynch’s Asia investment banking. Today he runs his own principal investment and advisory boutique called Pacbridge Capital Partners, focusing on commodities, energy and natural resources.

Besides wanting to help expand global opportunities for Canadian students and creating a welcoming environment for visiting international students at Cap, Trainor says his gift to the university is also a way for him to express his gratitude for the encouragement he received as an undergrad student to study abroad.

 “As an undergraduate, I was encouraged to study abroad in Copenhagen by Catherine Vertesi,” Trainor said. “That single experience changed my life. I probably would not have chosen my career path otherwise. My wife and I hope our gift will inspire Capilano students and visiting students alike to broaden their horizons.

“The Chinese have a saying,” he added: Xíng qiānlǐ lù shèng dú wàn juǎn shū, which means ‘walking 1,000 miles beats reading 10,000 scrolls/books.’ So start your journey now!”

Trainor has visited the university as a guest speaker, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with its business students.

“Sheldon was an incredibly bright student who was a real leader and someone who I thought would benefit significantly from a study abroad experience,” Vertesi said. “Young Canadians need encouragement to overcome their nervousness and learn in a different country. Sheldon is the perfect person to provide students with a real-life learning experience of how they can benefit from study abroad opportunities and see the world in a supportive setting.”

Capilano University has a strong commitment to international education and plays an active role in the development of international engagement and activities. Currently, 708 international students from 52 countries are studying in 43 programs at Cap.

“International students enrich the lives of all those who they come into contact with, and the ties they develop while they attend various educational institutions, both in Canada and abroad, add to the foundation for better international relations in the future,” Vertesi explained. “Canadian and international students alike who study in other countries benefit from an expanded network of global connections with friendships and even business connections that last a lifetime.”

North Vancouver resident and 2011 Cap Bachelor of Business Administration grad, Corinna Zimmermann, found her study abroad experience to be so valuable that she did it twice. In 2009 she took part in a China Field Study program, and in 2010 she studied abroad in Caen, France.

“I went overseas to study because I have a passion for travelling, and combining my education with this opportunity only seemed natural,” said the 25-year-old. “I also believe travelling and seeing other parts of the world is as much of an education as going to class.

“I came away with a better understanding on how interconnected the world is and it has widened my perspective on things,” she added. “I also learned a lot about myself and developed a further sense of independence and an enriched cultural and global understanding.”

Jase Wilson, a current Cap student enrolled in the Bachelor of Tourism Management program, learned firsthand the benefits of project experience in another country. While taking Cap’s Destination Resort Management program last year, Wilson travelled to the Sapa region of Vietnam. While there, he worked to improve the villagers’ quality of life by developing and managing sustainable tourism in their communities. From March 13 – 17, 2011 Wilson, along with other Cap students, provided practical tourism training in areas such as entrepreneurship, tourism product development, tour guiding, homestay accommodation, first aid, food safety and sanitation.

“I felt that the work experience would be highly beneficial in terms of my education and future career goals,” he said. “I really love being a part of something bigger than myself, being a piece of the puzzle rather than the puzzle itself. I liked the idea that I would have a chance to travel and challenge myself while being a positive contributor to the environment that I was traveling in.

“The opportunity to be a part of this program has made me not only a better student but also a better person,” the 26-year-old Squamish resident added. “It opened my eyes to international opportunities that exist for those that would like to live abroad. I would highly recommend any study abroad program to all students. The world is becoming such a pluralistic environment and those who can learn about and understand alternative cultures will have a better chance at a successful future. Those who do not may be limited in their opportunities.”

Capilano offers three kinds of international opportunities for Canadians that can continue from 10 days to one year, providing students with the option to choose a program that best fits their interests, pocket book and other commitments, such as family or work. These opportunities include: short term field schools to countries such as Guatemala, France, China, and the EU that include several field trips and are led by a Cap faculty member; full semester exchange programs to Australia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States; and international development work/project experiences that include travel and work in Vietnam and Paraguay.

Capilano University is a teaching-focused university that serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Enrolment totals 7,500 students in credit programs each term with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Currently, 708 international students from 52 countries are studying in 43 programs at Capilano. Capilano University offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university-level arts and science courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.

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Stats on International Students in B.C.
International students enhance the educational experience of all our students and also contribute to the economy as they learn. In B.C., international education provides an estimated $1.8 billion to gross domestic product and sustains 21,000 jobs.

British Columbia is a popular destination for international students coming to study in Canada.

From kindergarten to university, short-term courses to degree programs, B.C. offers a wide range of options and programs for students from around the world.

In 2010, B.C. welcomed an estimated 94,000 international students to the province, creating 21,540 jobs and an economic impact of $1.8 billion to the provincial economy. The top 10 source countries for international students in 2010, in rank order, are: Korea, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Mexico, Taiwan, United States, Germany and Switzerland. It is estimated that more than 10,000 B.C. students study abroad each year.

In 2009, international students in British Columbia came from over 165 countries spanning all regions of the world.

International students choose to study in B.C. for a variety of reasons. A survey conducted of international students in 23 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions found that the top three factors influencing their decision to study in B.C. were the quality of education, safety and security, and the reputation of the institution. More than half of these international students (54%) also expressed an interest in working in B.C. after completing their studies.

With programs like the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), many international students with Canadian post-secondary degrees have the opportunity to stay permanently as new immigrants after the completion of their studies.

These programs allow the province to attract and retain skilled international graduates who may already have Canadian qualifications, work experience and familiarity with Canadian society to succeed in B.C.

For more information, visit: http://www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/communities/international_stud.pdf

Background on some of Cap’s international programs:
This past summer, 18 Capilano University students took part in a four week France Field School where activities included classroom lectures, guest presentations and field trips to important historic and/or cultural sites, such as Juno Beach, Dieppe, Beaumont-Hamel (Battle of the Sommes), Vimy Ridge, the Louvre, Monet’s garden and Chantilly Castle.

Earlier this year, 15 Cap students studied abroad in China, gaining valuable insight into one of our largest trading partners and collecting academic credits along the way. The three-week study tour, partially sponsored by Neptune Terminals with $4,000 worth of scholarships, included stops in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Hong Kong, Tianjin and Beijing and studies in classrooms with Chinese students.

Capilano University also offers its students a study abroad opportunity in Guatemala City, Panajachel, Antigua, Flores, Tikal, and Livingston. This usually takes place in February.

For more information about Study Abroad opportunities through Capilano University, visit www.capilanou.ca/studyabroad or e-mail: studyabroad@capilanou.ca

Cap U students enjoy France while earning university credits

Students from Cap’s France Field School receive a guided tour of Juno Beach.

Eighteen students from Capilano University had the trip of a lifetime this summer while collecting credits for their studies in European history and European business.

As part of Cap’s France Field School, student activities included classroom lectures, guest presentations and field trips to important historic and/or cultural sites. Those sites include Juno Beach, Dieppe, Beaumont-Hamel (Battle of the Sommes), Vimy Ridge, the Louvre, Monet’s Garden and Chantilly Castle. Courses were taught by Cap instructors Anne Watson and Towser Jones. The students also had two 3.5 day weekends for independent travel. Their destinations this year included Barcelona, London, Brussels, Nice, and Amsterdam, to name a few.

Capilano University developed the France Field School in 2010 to provide students with the opportunity to live and study in France. Participating students become residents for the month of July at a partner institution in Amiens, which is one hour north of Paris by train.

For more information about study abroad opportunities, please visit the Study Abroad website.

New business program at Capilano University will assist immigrants to work in and with North American organizations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Contact:  Shelley Kean at 604.983.7596

(NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.)—Undergrads with international credentials will benefit from North American business studies, Canadian work experience and the Canadian credential earned from Capilano University’s new North American Business Management (NABM) program.

The NABM program aims to build on the existing skills of business and economic degree holders from around the world, providing them with a one-year intensive post baccalaureate diploma program where students will learn North American business concepts. Students will practice what they learn in real-world situations, culminating with a two month work placement that will build on their foreign credential and international business experience.

“This is the only program of its kind that focuses specifically on North American business practices,” said Cap’s dean of Business, Graham Fane. “It is designed to provide graduates of recognized undergraduate degree programs in a variety of business-related disciplines from universities around the world with the skills necessary to acquire employment in North America.

“The program is well-suited for new immigrants and international students who wish to augment their existing business related degrees with North American business management skills and work experience,” he added. 

Along with increasing their ability to find better employment opportunities, graduates of the NABM may also choose to enter into Cap’s Graduate Diploma in International Business (slated to start in 2012), or a master’s level business program, such as an MBA or MSC in Business at another institution.

“Many skilled and talented new immigrants to Canada are often under employed because their credentials from abroad are not easily recognized by the local business community,” Fane said. “The NABM program will assist graduates in understanding North American management practices and increase their ability to secure employment with a North American company, work with a North American based company operating abroad, or assist an international company to expand their services, products or operations to North America.” Classes begin in September and class size will remain small, allowing for personalized attention by instructors who are leaders in their field. The application deadline is July 30. For more information, contact 604.990.7914, or e-mail inted@capilanou.ca. An information session will be held on July 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Birch building, room 322, at Cap’s North Vancouver campus located at 2250 Purcell Way.

Capilano University is a teaching-focused university that serves the communities of the Lower Mainland, Howe Sound, and the Sunshine Coast through campuses in North Vancouver, Squamish and Sechelt. Enrolment totals 7,500 students in credit programs each term with an additional 7,000 people taking non-credit courses annually. Currently, 573 international students from 47 countries are studying in 43 programs at Capilano. Capilano University offers a complete range of preparatory courses, university-level arts and science courses, business and management studies, creative and applied arts programs, health and human services programs, plus a range of services in support of student learning and success. Credentials awarded include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, post-baccalaureate diplomas, advanced diplomas, diplomas, certificates and statements of completion.

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Indian principals take a closer look at Capilano University

A group of principals from Indian schools visited Capilano University on September 27. They were joined by Cap employees Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani (second from left), Gary Henkelmann (sixth from left), Dr. Chris Bottrill (fifth from right), Catherine Vertesi (third from right), and Laura Stevenson, far right.

Some colourful items from Cap’s Performing Arts programs caught the eye of a group of Indian school principals who visited Capilano University on Monday, September 27. The visit was an opportunity for influential Indian educators to learn more about the Canadian education system as potential study destinations for their graduating students. It also provided an opportunity for Canadian post-secondary institutions to register and reinforce their interest in the India education market, including an opportunity to become more aware of the recruitment potential beyond north India where Canada is already fairly well-known; and an opportunity to establish longterm education partnerships.

This Indian premier schools principals’ visit profiled the quality, variety and uniqueness of post-secondary education in Canada, recognizing that Indian educators are not as familiar with Canada as they are with other destinations, particularly the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and increasingly, Singapore. Difficulties encountered by some Indian students in Australia, as well as changes to Australian immigration regulations, along with a tightening of visa requirements in the United Kingdom, has created greater student interest in Canada. Information gained by the visiting principals will allow them to provide better information and counselling to their students and to the students’ parents on post-secondary options available in Canada.

The visit is timely from a study permit perspective. There has been a steady rise in Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) study permit approval rates for Indian applicants (approval rates now approaching 90% for university-bound students and increasing approval rates for community college bound students as well). This suggests that this is a particularly appropriate time to look at further expanding education connections with India. The Canadian High Commission in New Delhi reports that study permits for Indian nationals approved at the visa offices in India in 2008 totalled 3,120. In 2009, application rates rose sharply and approval rates continued to rise, such that 3,705 study permits were issued by September 30, 2009. The trend indicates that final total study permits issued for 2009 will approximately double 2008 figures. More information on the study permit process is contained in a research piece prepared by Gardiner Wilson for the Association of Universities and College of Canada (AUCC) entitled Recruiting International Students in India: A Good Practices Guidebook, and released on January 26. 2010. It can be viewed on the AUCC website at www.aucc.ca

Visiting organizers are Maria Mathai, formerly Canadian Education Centre Network (CECN) director for India, who has worked for many years in support of Canadian education marketing. The in-Canada organizer is Gardiner Wilson, former director of public policy and research at CECN, and a retired senior Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade diplomat. He has organized approximately 15 incoming visits form Asian countries over the past few years.