BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY & MARITIME STUDIES PROGRAMS

2019-20

Welcome to the Marine Institute. This guide contains information that will help you with your arrival plans and transition to life in Canada. We encourage you to read it carefully.

MI is committed to assisting you with any problems or concerns you may have during your studies here. So, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time!

ABOUT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY (MUN)AND THE MARINE INSTITUTE (MI)Memorial University is a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary, public, teaching and research university. We have more than 18,000 students studying across four campuses and online. Marine Institute (MI) is only minutes away from the St. John’s campus, Memorial’s largest campus. MI is Canada’s most comprehensive centre for education, training, applied research, and industrial support for the ocean industries.

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YOUR CONTACT POINTSMI International (MII) is the international office at Marine Institute. With Student Affairs and Office of the Registrar, MII manages international student recruitment and provides international student services at MI. We also collaborate closely with the Internationalization Office (IO) at the St. John’s Campus to provide the support you need.

Please see our contact information below:

MI INTERNATIONAL (MII) OFFICE

Room C3218, 3rd FloorTel: (709) 778-0484E-mail: internationalstu@mi.mun.caFacebook: facebook.com/International.MI

Sonia HoInternational Student CoordinatorTel: (709) 778-0631E-mail: sonia.ho@mi.mun.ca Skype: miinternational_isc

MARINE INSTITUTE (MI)

155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, NL

Office Hours:Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm(8:30am to 4:00pm during summer)

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY (ST. JOHN’S CAMPUS):

Internationalization Office (IO) Memorial University of NewfoundlandCorte Real Building, Room CA-200457 Allandale Road (Burton’s Pond)St. John’s, NLOffice Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tel: (709) 864-8895 E-mail: international@mun.caFacebook: facebook.com/InternationalizationOfficeMUNTwitter: twitter.com/memorial_intlInstagram: instagram.com/muninternational

MI STUDENT AFFAIRS

Angie ClarkeDirector Room W3013, 3rd Floor Tel: (709) 778-0565E-mail: angie.clarke@mi.mun.ca

Rhonda McMeekinStudent Liaison Officer Room W3011, 3rd Floor Tel: (709) 778-0611E-mail: rhonda.mcmeekin@mi.mun.ca

Robert ForwardStudent Affairs Officer, Accessibility ServicesRoom W3025, 3rd FloorTel: (709) 757-0702E-mail: robert.forward@mi.mun.ca

MI REGISTRAR’S OFFICE

Coordinator of Advanced Programs Room C2210, 2nd Floor Tel: (709) 778-0682 E-mail: cap@mi.mun.ca

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WHAT’S NEXT?Now that you have been accepted, you should be completing the following:

POST ADMISSION (PAGES 5-6):

❑ Apply for the appropriate immigration documents (p. 5)❑ Decide on housing (p. 5)❑ Join MUN Mentors (p. 5)❑ Set up your MUN Portal and MUN e-mail (p. 6)

AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (PAGES 7-14):

❑ Book temporary housing if permanent housing is not confirmed (p. 6)❑ Book your flights to YYT (St. John’s) and sign up for airport greeting service (p. 7-8)❑ Register with the Internationalization Office (p. 8)❑ Register for ENGL 1020 (if applicable)(p. 8)❑ Register for your courses (p. 9)❑ Understand your fees and health insurance (p. 9)❑ Pay your fees ahead of time and arrange money transfer (p. 10)❑ Familiarize yourself with the University Calendar for school regulations and University Diary for

important dates (p. 11)❑ Pack and prepare for travel (p. 11-14)

AFTER ARRIVAL (PAGE 15):

❑ Settle in and update your family/friends ❑ Visit MI International❑ Attend orientation!

If you have any questions at any point, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

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POST ADMISSION

APPLY FOR THE APPROPRIATE IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

Most international students are required to obtain a study permit before studying in Canada. Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to apply for other immigration documents, such as a visitor’s visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), as well as, biometrics. For more information on all the necessary immigration documents and the application process, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html). If you have any additional questions, please contact IRCC (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc.html).

As this process can take up a long time, you are strongly recommended to start the process soon after you are admitted to your program. You can check the estimated application processing times here: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.

DECIDE ON HOUSINGMI students can access Student Residences and resources at the Off Campus Housing office at the St. John’s Campus. The IO provides some helpful tips and resources on housing here: www.mun.ca/international/students/housing.php Student Residences www.mun.ca/residences Most on-campus accommodations are located approximately a 15-minute bus ride to Marine Institute. Types of housing range from dormitory to apartment style housing. To apply, follow the instructions on the Student Residences website. Space fills up quickly so apply soon!

Off-Campus Housing (www.mun.ca/residences/buildings/offcampushousing.php) If you choose to live off-campus, you can begin your search online through the rental properties listing on the Off Campus Housing website. You should look for housing that is close to school, or consider how you will commute to school if it’s further away. More information about the local bus system is available under the “Transportation” section on page 12 of this guide.

JOIN MUN MENTORS MUN Mentors program matches new students with senior students, who can provide some help in navigating the academic system and the new environment. A mentor will be assigned pending on availability. For more information about this program, please visit:

www.mun.ca/international/programming/mun-mentors-program.php

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SET UP YOUR MUN PORTAL AND MUN E-MAILOnce accepted to MI, you will be assigned a MUN Portal (https://my.mun.ca) account. Please set it up right away by visiting https://login.mun.ca/create-account and follow the prompts. The MUN Portal will allow you to access various services, including your mun.ca email account, as well as Self-Service, where you can register, view your timetable, pay your fees, check your marks etc. Please note that important e-mails from the university will be sent to your MUN e-mail regularly.

BOOK TEMPORARY HOUSING If you have not confirmed housing in St. John’s, you may wish to book temporary housing for the first few days of your arrival as you look for long term accommodation.

For suggestions on temporary accommodations, please visit: www.mun.ca/international/students/temphousing.php

POST ADMISSION (CONTINUED)

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND SIGN UP FOR AIRPORT GREETING SERVICEOrientation for bachelor students at MI will take place in the evening of September 3, and for parents on September 2. Students studying online will be oriented on September 4. Your lectures will also begin on September 4. If you are staying in residence, please check with Student Residences Office directly for your move in date. In general, it is not necessary for you to arrive far in advance before the start of classes. Arriving a few days to a week before classes begin should be sufficient. If you are planning to search for off campus housing after your arrival, you should arrive earlier.

Check with your travel agency or the airline directly about the most reasonable fares for travel between your point of departure and St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. There may be discounts for students, so do not hesitate to ask. You can book your flights through the websites of Canadian airlines such as Air Canada, Westjet, Porter and Sunwing. Please make the booking BEFORE you leave your country.

Air Canada and Westjet now offer direct flights from London to St. John’s. Please ensure your final destination is St. John’s (YYT) in Newfoundland as there are many cities with similar names.

If you are not flying through London, your flight to St. John’s is likely connected through one of the following Canadian international airports:

• Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR)• Toronto, Ontario (YYZ)• Montreal, Quebec (YUL)• Halifax, Nova Scotia (YHZ)

Please note that you will go through Customs and Immigration at the first point of entry in Canada. You should allow at least two hours to go through immigration when booking your connecting flight to St. John’s. Please refer to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for documents you need to bring and show to the immigration officers when you first arrive in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/prepare-arrival.html

If you decide to stop over at any city in Canada before you fly to St. John’s, please ensure you have enough money to cover costs for food and accommodation (you may want to do so anyway in case of delays or flight changes and for your taxi when you first arrive).

Finally, when you reserve your ticket, please ensure your name is spelled exactly the same as it is on your passport.

The IO offers a friendly airport greeting service for students arriving in St. John’s. Cost of transportation to your accommodation is not covered. You can register for the service by following the steps under the “Airport Greeting services” here: www.mun.ca/international/students/beforearrival/

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (CONTINUED)

Upon arrival, you can hop into a taxi outside the arrival area of the St. John’s International Airport. Taxi fare to downtown St. John’s generally costs $30-40.

Metrobus (bus system in St. John’s) Route 14 also services the airport. Cash fare is $2.50. More information about the service can be found here: www.stjohnsairport.com/to-from-airport/ground-transportation/public-transportation

REGISTER WITH THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OFFICE (IO) In order to register with the IO, you must have your MUN Portal and MUN e-mail account set up (see the “Set up Your MUN Portal and MUN E-mail” section on page 6). Visit http://my.mun.ca and log in. Then, click the “Students” tab, “launch” the “Student Services” tab, click “Internationalization Office” and “Check In”. Follow the instructions and answer the questions on each screen. You can leave the questions incomplete if you are unable to answer them. Upon arrival, you must attend one of IO’s information sessions. We will offer one at MI on September 5 (see Orientation for International Students on p.15) These sessions will provide you with important information on things such as health insurance, work, immigration and other initiatives offered through the IO.

REGISTER FOR ENGL 1020 (IF APPLICABLE) All undergraduate students who were required to submit proof of English language proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, CAEL, etc.) must register for ENGL 1020 Writing for Second Language I.

For more information, please visit: www.mun.ca/esl/support/english_placement_test.php#undergraduate

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (CONTINUED)

REGISTER FOR YOUR COURSES Registration for courses normally begins two months before the start of semester. For Fall 2019, registration began on July 16 and will be ongoing until September 18.

In general, you should wait until your immigration documents are approved before registering, as you are required to pay your school fees once registered. However, some courses do fill up quickly. If you register ahead of time but find out you cannot pursue your studies later, please ensure you drop ALL your courses BEFORE the 100% refund date.

You should register for courses before your first lectures begin, and you cannot register two weeks after the first day of classes when the regular registration period ends. If you wish to finish your program at the earliest date possible, it is important that you complete all your required courses first.

Please note that certain courses in our Bachelor programs are offered online only. If you plan to work in Canada during or after your studies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has certain restrictions regarding your course load and the number of online courses you can take. Please consult the International Student Immigration Advisors at the IO for additional advice: Arif Abu (aabu@mun.ca) and Natasha Clark (nclark@mun.ca).

Please follow the link below for instructions to register: www.mun.ca/regoff/registration/how/ustepstoregister.php

For information about important deadlines and dates, please visit the University Diary: www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar/sectionNo=GENINFO-0086

UNDERSTAND YOUR FEES AND HEALTH INSURANCE It is important that you check your financial charges on Self-Service at the beginning of each semester. You are responsible for paying all your fees by the fee payment deadline, which is normally the first day of class, otherwise a late fee will apply.

All registered students are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan. International Students are automatically enrolled in the foreign health insurance plan. More information regarding health insurance coverage for international students is available here: http://www.mun.ca/international/programming/healthinsurance/.

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (CONTINUED)

PAY YOUR FEES AHEAD OF TIME AND ARRANGE MONEY TRANSFERAs the first few weeks in Canada can be quite hectic, you may wish to make arrangements to transfer your school fees to Canada ahead of time. You can pay your school fees through one of the following methods:

1) GlobalPay for students - this is a platform to send your wire transfer to Memorial University. It is the preferred method of international payment and can be completed from any bank in any country listed in GlobalPay. For more information, visit https://www.mun.ca/finance/fees/gov_info/payment_methods.php#WUBS

2) Mail a(n) International check, money order, or bank draft – to the Cashier’s Office at MI, address it to “Memorial University of Newfoundland” and be sure to indicate your name, student number and program with the payment.

3) Online with a credit card – this option is available ONLY after registration, payment can be made through Self Service (https://www5.mun.ca/admit/twbkwbis.P_WWWLogin) or the MUN Portal.

If you require a receipt of your payment, please send an email to our cashier: pamela.butler@mi.mun.ca.

A breakdown of your tuition fees is available here (please check back periodically for updates): www.mun.ca/undergrad/money/index.php ANDwww.mun.ca/finance/fees

Other ESTIMATED Expenses per Year (12 Months):In general, living expenses are very personal and can vary greatly depending on one’s lifestyle. Our international students usually spend between C$15,000 and C$18,000 a year in living expenses (excluding all school related fees). Please note that the living expenses below are only estimates.

Accommodations 1 bedroom in a house @ $500/month Note: varies depending on location and type of accommodation.

~ $6000

Groceries $3600Books & School Supplies Note: varies by program and types of books purchased. ~ $2000

Personal Needs Including: clothes, transportation, entertainment, telephone, laundry etc. $3600

TOTAL PER YEAR ~ $15,200

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (CONTINUED)

For transferring additional funds to Canada, please speak to your financial institutions regarding your options. If you have an account with a bank that has international branches (e.g. HSBC, Scotiabank), you should still find out ahead of time how to access your funds before coming to Canada.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH UNIVERSITY CALENDAR AND UNIVERSITY DIARYIt is very important that you understand the academic regulations outlined in the University Calendar and are aware of all important dates listed in the University Diary:MUN University Calendar: www.mun.ca/regoff/calendarMUN University Diary: www.mun.ca/regoff/calendar/sectionNo=GENINFO-0086

PACK AND PREPARE FOR TRAVEL Before you start packing, it is advisable to check the Canada Border Services Agency website (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html) to verify what items are permitted to be brought into Canada. In addition, you should check with your airline to find out restrictions on carry-on and checked baggage. You should be able to purchase all essential and daily use items in Canada. The general rule of thumb is to bring ONLY items that you cannot live without. Below are a few suggestions about what to bring.

CLOTHING Bring casual clothes for daily wear and some traditional and formal clothing for special occasions (e.g. cultural events, class presentations, job interviews etc.). If you are coming from somewhere warm, you may find the weather in St. John’s much cooler. Bring your warmest clothes and sweaters or wait until you arrive to purchase any winter clothing and gear. We advise students to dress in layers so you can adjust based on the temperature in/outdoors.

DAILY NEEDSCooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, beddings and toiletries can all be purchased at local grocery stores (e.g. Dominion or Sobeys) or big box stores (e.g. Walmart or Canadian Tire). You may wish to bring some spices from home as they may be difficult to find here. If you are bringing any food items, please ensure you meet the requirements of Canadian Border Services Agency, otherwise you could be fined and the items could be confiscated. A set of sheets and a pillow case may also come in handy. Check with Student Residences Office or your landlord to see what is included in your accommodation.

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AFTER IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS ARE APPROVED (CONTINUED)

ELECTRONICS

It is easier to purchase your electronics once you are here. If you are bringing any electronic equipment, please make sure they are compatible with Canadian voltage (110 volts, 60Hz). Otherwise, you will need to purchase a voltage converter. You may also need to purchase a plug adapter. Please bring along your chargers as well.

CARRY-ON

Remember to carry your essential documents, such as passport, other personal identifications, flight itinerary and ticket info, travel insurance etc. with you. In addition, you should carry your medications, electronics and valuables (if applicable). Carry a change of clothes, some basic travel size toiletries and a small pillow and light blanket in case there is a layover or delay. As well, bring some local currency, a credit card that can be used overseas (if you have one), and a few snacks. Again, please ensure you review and follow the guidelines for carry-on baggage with your airline.

RESEARCH ABOUT CANADA, NEWFOUNDLAND AND ST. JOHN’SCanada is the second largest country in the world measured by area. So, our climate and cultures vary greatly from province to province. St. John’s is the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada’s most easterly province. It is close to the ocean and features some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever experience. Our city is safe, affordable and rich in cultures. It offers a vibrant music and art scene, and people are very friendly!

WEATHER: Temperatures in St. John’s tend to be neither extremely hot nor cold. During the summer months, the temperature ranges from cool to hot with an average of 18-22 degrees Celsius. Our winters are 0 to -5 degrees Celsius on average, but it can feel colder with the wind. For more information about Canadian weather and forecasts, please visit the Environment Canada website: www.weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html.

TRANSPORTATION: Most students get around the city by bus or on foot. During summer and fall, some students bike as well. Others may purchase a car or call a taxi when needed. Our public transit system is called Metrobus (www.metrobus.com). You can search for schedules and bus routes on the Metrobus website or Google Maps (www.google.ca/maps). Bus fare is generally $2.50 per ride (or discounted with a bus pass). Student bus passes are sold at various locations at the university, including the MI Campustore. You can ask for a transfer slip from the driver if you need to change buses to reach your destination. Your in-class courses will take place either at the St. John’s Campus (University Centre stop) or at the Marine Institute (Marine Institute stop). Please feel free to ask the driver if you are not sure which bus to take or where to get off.

ACTIVITIES: Sunny summer days in Newfoundland are among the most delightful anywhere in Canada. You can go whale watching, iceberg sighting and berry picking! There are plenty of places to hike, swim and picnic in St. John’s. Only a short drive outside the city, you will find provincial parks, camping grounds, nature preserves, hiking trails, and much more. During winter, students can enjoy activities such as skating, sledding, snowshoeing, snowboarding and skiing within or right outside the city.

For more information about the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the city of St. John’s, you can visit: www.newfoundlandlabrador.com and www.stjohns.ca/bound

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ST. JOHN’S AIRPORT TO MARINE INSTITUTE

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MARINE INSTITUTE TO MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

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AFTER ARRIVAL

SETTLE IN AND UPDATE YOUR FAMILY/FRIENDSContact your family and/or friends to let them know you have arrived! There are various applications (such as WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype etc.) you can use to call or send messages for free through Wi-Fi. You can access free Wi-Fi at the university (both the St. John’s Campus and MI), in most coffee shops and some public areas (e.g. airport).

VISIT MI INTERNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONALIZATION OFFICEAfter you arrive in St. John’s, please visit MI International to meet our staff. You will find out what you need to do next and get your questions answered (e.g. how to set up cellular/mobile phone, opening a bank account etc.). In addition, you should register online with the IO, so to receive regular emails with important and relevant information concerning international students.

ATTEND ORIENTATION!Students who attend orientation sessions usually have an easier time in their classes, in making friends, and in finding help when they need it. Attending orientation is your first step to succeed at Memorial University!

Orientations for:

Parents - September 2 Bachelor Students at MI - September 3 (pm)/Bachelor Students at MI (online)-September 4 International Students - September 5 (evening) - mandatory info session

More details about these sessions will be available in the Orientation section of our website soon: www.mi.mun.ca/departments/studentaffairs/orientation. There will also be a week of welcoming events in September at the St. John’s campus. For more information, please visit: www.mun.ca/become/orientation/

Finally, we wish you a safe journey to St. John’s and we look forward to seeing you soon!

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Marine InstituteP.O. Box 4920, St. John’s Newfoundland and LabradorCanada A1C 5R3

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