After You Arrive

Loyalist College strives to offer international students an opportunity to participate in studies of their choice, while enjoying the safe, small-city atmosphere that Belleville has to offer. To our new international students, we extend our warmest greetings and hope that your stay at Loyalist will offer you a combination of academic preparation, extra-curricular activities and intercultural experiences.

Faculty and staff are sensitive to the needs of international students. They are dedicated to helping with your academic and personal adjustment, as well as offering assistance in understanding the culture and policies related to our College community.

The following is intended to provide information that will help you prepare for your journey at Loyalist College.

COME TO OUR ORIENTATION!!

Loyalist College offers a special orientation for international students and Newcomers to Canada prior to the commencement of classes for the Autumn semester. This is an opportunity for you to meet other international students, become familiar with Loyalist College and the surrounding community and prepare yourself for a successful year at college! It will also help prepare you for your classes and answer many questions that you might have.

Things covered in orientation:

• Receive your timetable
• How to get a student card
• How to use the college information systems (Groupwise, WebCT)
• What to expect in a Canadian College classroom
• How to use your health insurance
• What services are available on campus and in the community to help you
• How to use the bus system
• Immigration Regulations for International Students

Please contact the International Advisor at jrussett@loyalistc.on.ca for upcoming dates and more information. If you are planning to attend the orientation, please let us know.

For students commencing in September 2010, plan to attend the orientation on Thursday September 2, 2010.   You can fill out the orientation registration form on the Related Links.  

Bank Accounts

When you arrive in Belleville, it is advised to open a bank account.  Most banks offer a student account package. 

At the appointment, you will need:
• your passport and study permit
• any other official identification in case the bank asks for it
• the money you would like to deposit (Bank draft, traveller’s cheques etc.) – they may put a hold of up to 4 weeks for the funds to clear.
• Your complete address and phone number in Canada

To look up exchange rates, visit the Bank of Canada website: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/

Working on Campus

International students are eligible to work on-campus, earning a potential of $1000 per semester (students earn @ $9/hour).  Students must receive approval from the International Centre to work on-campus.  Students must be in good standing with the college, and maintain a GPA of 60% to continue working on campus.

Jobs on campus are limited.  It is the student’s responsibility to find their own job on campus and it is not guaranteed that a student will gain employment at the college.  It is recommended to arrive early for the semester, and have a C.V. or resume ready to give to potential employers within the college. 

Working on campus is an opportunity for international students to interact with the college community and earn valuable Canadian work experience.  Students should not rely on their student job to support themselves financially while living in Canada.

For more information to prepare you for working in Canada, please refer to the Career Centre.

Working off-campus

Full-time International students of Loyalist College who have studied for a minimum of 6 months, and are in good-standing with the college are eligible to apply for an off-campus work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. 

The International Centre at Loyalist College can assist you with this application.  The off-campus work-permit would allow you to work part-time during school sessions and full-time during holidays.  The student is responsible for finding their own employment.

For more information on the Off-Campus Work Permit, refer to the immigration section of this website, or
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-offcampus.asp 

 International Student Scholarships

Each year, Loyalist College awards up to 10 scholarships ($1,000 each) to international students.  Selection is based on financial need and on prior academic achievement.  Five scholarships are for entry students, five for returning students. Half the scholarship is awarded in November, and half in January as long as students remain in good standing with the college.

Applications are available to registered students at the beginning of the Fall term with your orientation package and are due by September 30 of each year.  These scholarships are offered only to students studying with a Study permit.  This is the only scholarship available to international students.

International Student Health Insurance

Canada has a very good medical system and ranks among the top medical countries in the world.   International student fees include mandatory 12 month health insurance while students are registered at the college.  This health insurance package is currently through Guard Me Student Guard Health Insurance.  For specific details about the policy, please refer to the Colleges and Universities Policy at  http://guard.me/studentguard/policies.php. 

The insurance policy will not cover any pre-existing medical condition, so please ensure that you resolve any health issues prior to your arrival in Canada. The policy also covers a small amount for emergency dental work only.  It is advised that you have any dental work and cleaning done before you arrive in Canada.

Health Services

If you need to see a nurse or doctor, you should go to the College's Health Centre. 

Loyalist College Health Centre  Room 1H7,   613-969-1913 ext. 2374
• There is a full time nurse available, as well as a doctor once a week

For non-emergency medical treatment in the evenings, you can access one of the medical clinics in Belleville as follows:

Dr Savic  walk in clinic from 1-4  and 7-10 Mon to Friday - 150 Sidney Street, Suite 5 - Phone: 613-966-7300
Bayview Medical Clinic  - open Mon to Fri 5 -10 - 274 Dundas Street East - Phone:  613-968-5709

If you have an emergency situation, you should go to the Belleville General Hospital:

Bevilleville General Hospital,  265 Dundas Street East  - 613-969-5511

Filing Health Insurance Claims

Instructions for filing a medical claim can be found on the Guard.me website - http://guard.me/studentguard/howtoclaim.php

If you know you are going to see a doctor, you will need to phone the toll-free number on the back of your health card to let the insurance company know you are seeking medical treatment. 

Please ensure when you get medical care, that you fill in your claim form and mail it to Student Guard.  It is advisable to make copies of your claim form for future reference.  Claim forms are available online at http://guard.me/forms/StudentGuard_Claim_form.pdf 

If you need assistance with this, please contact the International Advisor.

Income taxes

All students working and earning money while in Canada are required to fill out an Income Tax Return by April 30th .

You may also be entitled to a GST and housing refund. Newcomers to Canada (including International Students) should file their return to:

International Tax Services Office
Canada Revenue Agency
2204 Walkley Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 1A8

For more information, visit their web-site at http://www.cra.gc.ca/ or phone 1-800-267-5177.

LIFE IN BELLEVILLE

Check out the City of Belleville website at http://www.city.belleville.on.ca/  for more great information about the region.

Belleville Transit

The City of Belleville Transit system has a number of buses that run every 30 minutes Monday – Friday, and an altered schedule on Saturdays anbd Sundays.

The cost of the bus is currently $2.25 per use or you can purchase a monthly or semester bus pass in the bookstore at the college for about $60/month. If you are paying for individual rides, you must provide exact change as drivers are not permitted to carry change.

International Driver’s License

You may find it beneficial to get a driver's license while in Canada.  To be able to drive in Canada, you must have a driver’s license. If you have a valid driver’s license from your home country it will only be valid in Canada for 60 days. If your driver’s license is from a country other than the United States, you must also have an international driver’s license. If you do not have an international driver’s license, you must apply for an Ontario driver’s license.

For more information on drivers licenses visit The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario website.

LIFE AT LOYALIST COLLEGE

Academic Success

The faculty and staff are here to help you succeed. If you have any questions or concerns about lectures or assignments, do not hesitate to ask for help. There are several services available at the college to assist you in your academic progress.

All students are given a copy of the “Student Manual Guide: Rights and Responsibilities”. This is an important guide to keep on hand regarding college policies, important dates, and student responsibilities.

Class Schedule

Classes will be scheduled Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The number of classes each day varies from program to program. Classes are usually between one hour and three hours duration. Most students have between 20 and 22 hours of classes per week.

Saturday and Sunday are considered week-ends. Many students visit with their families, travel, or complete academic assignments. Library and computer services are open to students on the week-end.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the submission of words, ideas, images, or data of another person as one’s own in any academic writing, essay, theses, research project or assignment in a course or program of study. It is not permissible to have someone else write tests, examinations, essays, or laboratory reports for you. If you are caught plagiarizing someone’s work, you may be expelled from college. If you are unsure if you are allowed to use notes or textbooks during a test or exam, ask your professor.

Attendance

To be successful in college, you must attend all your classes on time and be ready to take notes and participate. If you miss a class, you should ask a friend or the professor for the notes as soon as possible.

Need help?  Access Student Success Services

We want to ensure you are successful in your studies.  Learn more about our student success services.

Recreational Activities on campus

Learn more about our Athletics,sports facilities, and Campus Recreation and Outdoor Education programs!

Learn more about the Loyalist Student Government, the Student Centre and what's going on at the Shark Tank Pub.

The Student Centre offers students a place where they can relax and meet new friends while at Loyalist College. The pub is equipped with 6 billiard (pool) tables, televisions and a patio lounge area. There is also a Tim Hortons coffee shop where weekly movies are shown along with the occasional special live band and comedy performances!

Dates to Remember

For important dates in the academic year, please refer to the Academic Schedule.

Holidays

The college, as well as local banks and grocery stores will most likely be closed on the following holidays:

• New Years Day – January 1.
• Good Friday – The Friday prior to Easter Sunday – in March or April
• Easter Sunday –  in March or April.
• Victoria Day –  the Monday before May 24
• Canada Day – July 1
• August Civic Holiday – the first Monday of August.
• Labour Day –  the first Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day –  the second Monday in October.
• Remembrance Day – November 11th. (The college is open on this day, but banks and government offices will be closed.)
• Christmas Day – December 25
• Boxing Day – December 26

Customs and Values

Learning to live in and cope with a new culture that is often very different from your own can be difficult and frustrating.  Most international students suffer some sort of culture adjustment, transition or ‘shock’. 
To help you cope with cultural transition…
• Learn about the new culture.
• Be open to new ways and keep an open mind.
• Have personal photos, music etc. from home to maintain a link with your own culture.
• Develop friendships with fellow students from your own country. 
• Ask about college or beginners sport teams, get involved in activities

Understanding Canadians

Although Canada is very multi-cultural, there are many basic values and customs that create the foundation of the country.

Individualism
Freedom and individuality are important to Canadians.  Canadians are taught from an early age that they are responsible for their own situations in life.  Canadians usually see themselves as individuals more than as a member of a group, nation, or even a family.   It will be expected that you become self-sufficient while in Canada.

Privacy
Privacy is important to Canadians.  It is polite to ask about someone's work or academic major, but it is generally considered impolite to ask about someone's age, appearance (e.g., their weight), or status (e.g., how much their car costs).

Personal space is important to Canadians and the typical Canadian conversation takes place with one arm length between each person while they are speaking.  Canadians also like to have time and space to themselves.  In people’s homes, it is important to respect the private rooms such as bedrooms.

Informality
Canadians tend to relate rather informally with one another.  When speaking with family or friends, “slang” language is commonly used by Canadian youth.  Casual attire is acceptable for students to wear at college.

Politeness
Canadians are very polite to others.  They tend to say “please” and “thank you” as well as other respectful notions and responses. 

Equality
Canadians believe in equality of all people regardless of race, heritage, gender, age, disability or social status.  Canada has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy when it comes to acts of violence or of dominance over another person.   Many Canadians value political correctness, which means they avoid expressions or actions that could be insulting to others. Canadians believe themselves to be tolerant of different lifestyles and customs. In reality, stereotypes and prejudice do exist in Canada.

Time
Canadians place a high priority on punctuality.  When you have an interview or appointment, it is customary to show up a few minutes early.  If you are unable to make the interview or appointment, contact the individual you are meeting and schedule an alternative time and place. 
 

Tour Canada

Belleville is located at the mid-way point between Toronto and Ottawa, and is situated on the Canada’s largest cross-country highway; thus allowing travellers easy access to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal etc.

Travelling outside of Canada

The United States website for questions and information on immigration can be accessed at www.us-immigration.com.

If you decide to travel outside of Canada while attending Loyalist College, you are required to have the following documents:

• A valid passport. If your passport has expired, you must contact your country's nearest embassy.
• A valid study permit. If you are returning to study after traveling outside of Canada and your permit has expired, you must renew it.

Remember to check with each embassy for the country you plan to visit as requirements for entry may vary.

Contact the U.S.A. embassy at 1-416-595-1700, or http://www.toronto.usconsulate.gov/ .