Intercultural Communication Advancement Program

Announcement: ICAP has now completed its student recruitment through to Fall 2011. However, UBC Continuing Studies has recently added a new program to support undergraduate-level preparation. The new program is named IUSPP, the International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program. The entrance requirements are a bit higher than for ICAP, but it also includes elements of credit study at UBC. Please follow the IUSPP link to find out more.

GENERAL FAQ'S (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

1. Is UBC a good university?
UBC is a very good university with an academic reputation of excellence. In August 2006, Newsweek International ranked UBC in the Top 100 Global Universities. In their survey UBC was ranked 27th in the world. Other rankings put UBC in the Top-40 of the world's approximately 17,000 universities.

2. What kind of students will benefit most from this program?
Any student who is unfamiliar with the academic culture of North American universities will greatly benefit from the training and preparation available in ICAP. This includes the development of original and critical thinking skills. Students will also benefit from a better understanding of sensitive issues related to academic integrity (citation, plagiarism, cheating, etc.) from a North American point of view. Students in ICAP will take several academic courses delivered by university instructors and faculty and this allows them to build confidence that they can perform well with the typical academic challenges of undergraduate study.

3. How is ICAP different from other foundation programs?
First, you will study in a university setting rather than a high-school setting. Second, the academic courses included in ICAP are designed to develop your future undergraduate performance and your confidence through practice. This means that our courses are not for credit and as you learn the academic skills involved you will not risk damage to your grade point average (GPA).

4. What are the selection criteria for applicants to ICAP?
Admission to ICAP is modeled on admission to an undergraduate program. You must prepare an application (to tell us about your general background) and provide transcripts from your most recent study program (to review your academic preparation). Applicants should also have strong English language skills and, if available, provide any relevant test scores, eg. (IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC). Finally, applicants must be 18 years of age by the Program Start Date. Please see the Entry Requirement page for more details. In short, we're looking for good students from good schools with strong English language fluency.
 
5. What kind of success has this program had?
ICAP is a relatively new program at UBC Continuing Studies but already many of the first graduates of the program have received admission to attractive undergraduate programs including the Univeristy of British Columbia and other first and second tier universities in Canada. Several of these students have also received scholarships. More important than admission, however, is that these students are performing well in their first year of undergraduate study. Check out the story of Zhu, Mang from our student testimonials.

6. What kind of instructors will this program have?
The UBC Continuing Studies instructors for ICAP are professionals with degrees and extensive experience in adult education for international students. They generally have experience living, studying and working outside of their home culture and well understand the challenges ICAP students will experience. Each of them has also experienced learning a second or third language, and while pursuing their own advanced degrees, they have gained insight into what is required to succeed in the academic environment of North America. For more information please visit this link.

7. If I need to upgrade my language skills before ICAP, can I do this at UBC?
Yes. The English Language Institute at UBC has offered excellent ESL training for more than 40 years and worked with many ICAP students already. Please visit their website for more information. We also require that all ICAP students have no less than advanced English language fluency for direct entry into the program or at least intermediate fluency, if they are prepared to upgrade their language skills at UBC just before starting ICAP. There are more details in our section on entrance requirements here.

8. Do I need a language test score (e.g. IELTS) to get into your program?
We do require that all students have advanced English language fluency (e.g. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) to be admitted to the program. For other ways to fulfil the language requirement, please refer to the Entry Requirement page. For students without these test scores, also see question 7 above.

9. How much does it cost to attend the ICAP?
The total program fees are $15,500 CAD* for the 2010 and $15,8000 CAD* for the 2011 regular stream of ICAP.

The program fees in 2010/2011 for the PRIMA music stream are $22,000 CAD*.

Text books, air travel, accommodation, medical insurance, food and personal expenses are not included. See the Payment Information section of the iCAP application for more information.
*Prices are subject to change.

10. Will I need to buy textbooks?
Yes, students will be required to purchase all course textbooks (approximately $300 CAD).

11. Can I transfer to the UBC undergraduate programs through ICAP?
No and Yes.

No, meaning that ICAP is not a direct bridge for you to the undergraduate programs at UBC or any other university. It only prepares you. So just like an amateur athlete trains with a special coach when he or she wants to compete at the highest level, ICAP is the special training and coaching you'll want to be an academic star.

Yes, meaning that UBC always welcomes applications from qualified students and the majority of our ICAP students are fully qualified and have been accepted as UBC undergraduates in the past.

12: Tell me more about accommodation options in Vancouver.
We highly recommend that ICAP students live with a local family (homestay) during their time in the program. Homestay has the advantage of providing both a chance to practice your language skills and to develop your understanding of Canadian culture. The companionship of living with a local family is another reward and it can also be the most economical option as homestay families provide three meals per day at a typical cost of $800 to $1100 CAD per month. Homestay is usually arranged by homestay agents, who will charge an additional "settlement fee" of $200 to $350 CAD per client. For more information, please check out the homestay options offered by the ELI.

Other options are to rent a room or apartment. Rental fees usually range from $1000 to $1,500 CAD for a one-bedroom apartment, depending on the location and facilities provided. Sharing an apartment will typically cost less.

13. Do I need medical insurance?
Yes. Medical insurance is required during your time in Canada from an approved insurance provider (Global Campus Health Insurance or the provinical government, MSP). The cost (approximately $240) for this insurance is not included in your program fees. UBC Continuing Studies will arrange these details with you prior to beginning ICAP.

14. What other living expenses are typical?
Personal expenses such as clothing, household goods, personal toiletries and supplies, recreation and entertainment, etc. are approximately $600 per month. If you do not live in a Homestay situation, food costs approximately $200-$300 CAD per month. These are only estimates and your personal experience may vary.

15. Can I work while in Canada?
No, as ICAP students are not part of a degree program at UBC, they are not eligible to work while in Canada.

16. Do you provide airport pickup?
Yes, this service is available. One of our cultural assistants can meet you at the airport, if you provide us with your flight number and arrival time. This service costs $150 CAD. Alternatively, you may hire a taxi, take a bus, or ask if your agent can arrange a pickup for you.  The distance between the airport and downtown Vancouver is about 20 km and a taxi ride will be approximately $32 CAD with a tip for service.

17. What is the weather like in Vancouver?
Vancouver experiences four seasons which are generally much milder than other North American cities. In winter we do experience some snow, but usually very little. Rain and cold temperatures (around -5-10 °C) are typical from December to March. In April it begins to be warmer and drier and flowers even start appearing in February. Summers are warm without getting too hot or humid (around 23-30 °C). Fall is generally wet but mild.

18. Will I receive a diploma after the program?
ICAP is not a diploma, certificate, or degree program. An award of completion is presented to all participants who successfully complete the program. Letters of reference from UBC Continuing Studies are also provided for ICAP graduates applying to undergraduate study programs.

19. What's new in 2010?
Announcement: ICAP has now completed its student recruitment through to Fall 2011. However, UBC Continuing Studies has recently added a new program to support undergraduate-level preparation. The new program is named IUSPP, the International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program. The entrance requirements are a bit higher than for ICAP, but it also includes elements of credit study at UBC. Please follow the IUSPP link to find out more.

20. What can I study after ICAP, if I have time before I start my undergraduate program?
There are some excellent programs offered by UBC Continuing Studies that you might want to consider. For example you could do a business and work internship such as GAIP. Or perhaps New Media is something you'd like to check out, such as the program in Multimedia and Web Development. Or maybe you're pasionate about environmental sustainability and these programs will suit you best.

For more information and advice on how you should prepare for your studying in Canada, please review our Pre-Departure Handbook.