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International Education

International Certificate Program

for Canadian and International Students

There is a growing need in education, government and industry for individuals with intercultural experience, fluency in a second language, and the skills required to manage change. By enriching an education internationally, students will:

  • become more culturally aware and better able to interact with people from a variety of different cultures;
  • have the opportunity to organize academic programs and co-curricular pursuits around a focused theme;
  • bolster their resume with an official certificate that recognizes their commitment to international, cross-cultural understanding.

VIU offers two non-credit international certificate programs (1) International Proficiency Certificate and (2) International Awareness Certificate that acknowledge that students have met the criteria for international proficiency or experience as determined by Vancouver Island University.

For the purposes of the ICP, “international” does not include the USA.

Program Requirements

International Proficiency Certificate (IPC)

Participants must complete all of the following requirements.

International Experience

  • Study or take part in an internship or work co-op placement abroad for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Academic Components

1.    Second language requirements: 6 to 12 credits of post-secondary language or demonstrated fluency in a second language.

2.    Course requirements: 5 courses (other than language) with a strong international or cross-cultural emphasis.

Co-curricular Activities

  • Four approved activities, totalling no less than 40 hours, that have an international focus.

Final Project

  • The Final Project must be pre-approved by the ICP Committee and should integrate/analyze the value of the first three components of the ICP.

    International Awareness Certificate (IAC)

    The International Awareness Certificate is suited to students in programs with little academic flexibility. Participants must complete all of the following requirements.

    International Experience

    • Study or complete an internship or work co-op placement abroad for a minimum of 3 weeks.

    Academic Components

    1.    Second language requirements: 3 credits of post-secondary language or demonstrated fluency in a second language.

    2.    Course requirements: 2 courses (other than language) with a strong international or cross-cultural emphasis.

    Co-curricular Activities

    • Four approved activities, totalling no less than 40 hours, that have an international focus.

    Final Project

    • The Final Project must be pre-approved by the ICP Committee and should integrate/analyze the value of the first three components of the ICP.

    For More Information

    For information on the International Certificate Programs and Study Abroad opportunities available for VIU Students, please visit the website at viu.ca/educationabroad or contact the Study Abroad office, Centre for International Education, (Building 255), Vancouver Island University, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5; or e-mail: studyabroad@viu.ca.

Updated November 10, 2009