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University of Calgary Calendar 2016-2017 About the University of Calgary International Education Strategy
International Education Strategy

The University of Calgary Academic Plan, 2012-2016 has identified Internationalization as one of seven institutional priorities.

“We will create a campus that also attracts scholars from around the world to this hub – one that promotes diversity of thought, culture, and respect for alternatives. We will leverage our expertise to share capacity with targeted institutions in the developing world.” Academic Plan 2012-2016.

“Becoming a Global Intellectual Hub”, the International Strategy (2013) ucalgary.ca/uci/files/uci/international-strategy-final-sm has stated four goals for the University of Calgary:

  1. Increase the diversity of the campus community: including a target to increase the percentage of international students to 10 per cent of the undergraduate student body and 25 per cent of the graduate student body.
  2. Improve global and cross-cultural competencies within the campus community: including a target to have 50 per cent of domestic undergraduate students offered opportunities for study abroad; and increasing cross-cultural competencies through on-campus experiences.
  3. Enhance opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships in research and education.
  4. Leverage our unique areas of expertise to engage in international development.

“Our University will be a “global intellectual hub” where our students, staff, and faculty at the centre of this hub will radiate new discoveries, ideas, and applications that have global impact. “Academic Plan 2012-2016.

We are committed to raising the profile of the University of Calgary worldwide, making it an attractive destination for international students, academics and researchers. As well, we provide options for students to study around the world as part of their University of Calgary degree. Problems are international in their dimensions and require global solutions as countries are linked culturally, economically and ecologically. University graduates require skills which enable them to find solutions in a world characterized by a diversity of languages, religions, living standards, technological standards, historical perspectives and cultural values.

The University of Calgary has over 3200 international students registered on campus (Fall 2015) from over 100 countries. In addition, our alumni, including Canadians, are living in all areas of the world, proving the importance of an international education. The University of Calgary offers major entrance scholarships and awards for first year undergraduate international students as well as awards for continuing students as a part of the University of Calgary support for internationalization and to international students.

The University of Calgary has agreements to receive funded/scholarship students from a number of countries at both the graduate (Masters and Doctoral) and undergraduate (Baccalaureate) level. We encourage international graduate and undergraduate students to consider spending time at the University of Calgary working with academics in disciplines assisting in cutting edge research.

“Calgary is a global community – and we must prepare our graduates to work in a globalized world.” Academic Plan 2012-2016.

The University of Calgary has developed an ambitious plan that would encourage 50 per cent of undergraduate students to have a study abroad or international experience. Undergraduate programs provide an international component to programs which may include study abroad (Student Exchange, Group Study Programs, research, practicum, Internships or independent study). Students may enhance their academic program, employment prospects and personal growth by studying abroad for a term or year.

The University of Calgary offers study abroad options in more than 50 countries including: Student Exchange Programs for a term or full year; Semester At Sea for business students; Field Schools and Term Abroad Programs to selected sites which offer intensive study opportunities abroad with University of Calgary faculty members during Spring and Summer Intersession, Block Weeks and some full terms. Students may also use their initiative to design their own program of study or undertake a research project.

While some study programs require knowledge of a language other than English, not all the University of Calgary exchange partners expect a student to be fluent in order to participate. It is possible to combine study abroad with language learning.

Students unable to study abroad may get involved with international activities on campus: volunteering with international offices such as UCInternational or International Student Services taking part in events to promote discussion and an international understanding.

We will leverage our expertise to share capacity with targeted institutions in the developing world. International partnerships will be equitable, respectful of differences in culture, and mutually beneficial. We will be a global source for objective information, expertise, and productive collaborations across all sectors of government, industries, and non-governmental organizations.” Academic Plan 2012-2016.

The University of Calgary has over 250 international partnerships that include collaborative research, joint academic and scientific studies, collaborative degrees and student exchanges, training programs, internships and practicums. University of Calgary staff/faculty have led development projects in Water Management in Central and South America; Maternal Child Health in Tanzania; Health Care Accessibility, Rehabilitation and Education in South Sudan. University of Calgary students may complete a summer-long internship/practicum through our participation with NGO's in Ghana.

The University of Calgary operates a branch campus "UC Qatar" opened in Fall 2007, offering a Bachelors of Nursing and post-degree diploma programs to residents of the Gulf region. The University of Calgary celebrated its first graduating class from UCQatar in June 2010 and in addition to Baccalaureate degrees, UC Qatar offers a Master's Program.

FastFacts
  • In October 2014, the University opened a “Global Research Initiative” facility in Beijing China. This cooperative venture in unconventional oil and gas is a unique venture in cooperation with private interest and major universities in China.
  • There are more than 3200 international students at the University of Calgary and the five countries from which we receive the largest number of international students are: China, Iran, India, the USA, and Saudi Arabia.
  • The University of Calgary has developed a “Global Energy MBA” program which is unique in drawing on resources in the oil and gas industry in Calgary and from major centres around the world.
  • Through the American Friends of the University of Calgary, Antje Graupe Pryor Foundation, the UCalgary International Studentships and the new 50th Anniversary International Exchange Awards, the University of Calgary awards more than $1 million for students spending a period of time studying abroad.
  • The Student Refugee Committee of the Students' Union sponsors two new refugee students at the University of Calgary each year through World University Services of Canada (WUSC).
  • New student orientation programs assist international students to become comfortable with their new environment. Opportunities include a “Buddy” or “Mentor” program for new students.
  • The top destination countries for University of Calgary exchange programs are Australia, the UK, South Korea and the Netherlands.
  • The University of Calgary offers Semester Abroad programs for architecture and design graduate students in the Fall Term in Barcelona, Spain and/or Melbourne, Australia.
  • In 2015, more than 1000 (est.) University of Calgary undergraduate students studied abroad as part of their degree programs. Many participate in spring or summer schools abroad.
Main Offices Involved in International Education

University of Calgary International (Partnerships, Delegations, International Development)

Room 301 Mackimmie Block
Telephone: 403.220.7702
Fax: 403.289.0171
Email: uci@ucalgary.ca
ucalgary.ca/uci

Centre for International Students & Study Abroad (CISSA)

Room 275 MacEwan Student Centre
Telephone: 403.220.5581
Fax: 403.289.4409
Email: cissa@ucalgary.ca

International Student Recruitment & Prospective Student Information

Main Floor MacKimmie Block
Telephone: 1+403.210.7625
ucalgary.ca/future-students
ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/apply

Faculty of Graduate Studies

Room 213 MacKimmie Tower
Telephone: 403-220-4938
Email: graduate@ucalgary.ca