À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

By Tim Nie, iBASE 2019 Graduate

Congratulations to everyone who got an offer of admission to Renison's iBASE program prior to your degree studies in À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ! Welcome to Canada, future Warriors!

My name is Tim, an MNS (Materials and Nanosciences) student from Beijing, China, and I completed theÌýÌýlast August. Fortunately, that summer I was theÌýrecipient of Renison'sÌýBASE Student Engagement Award. I am pleased to share with you my experience studying in iBASE.

Firstly, enrolling in iBASE program would give you a time of less than 2 months in order to interact with Canada and make many valuable friends before you begin your degree at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ.ÌýÌýis the only affiliated college which holds many useful activities and workshops for an international newcomer to immerse with true Canadian culture and learn the Canadian way of living and working (UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is well-known for its co-op system). For instance, Renison and UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ have scheduled many leadership, time management, learning skills and coop-related workshops for iBASE students to attend.

Secondly, language courses provided in Renison are not just about language. The iBASE andÌýBASE program is divided into 3 equal parts: writing and research skills, academic skills,Ìýand oral communication. During theÌý7-week program, iBASE will provide you with many opportunities toÌýtransformÌýyou from a high school student into an university studentÌýby introducing you to basic research skills and critical thinking skills. For instance, for Science students like me, we had the opportunity to attendÌýÌýand our first Chemistry lecture at the very beginning of iBASE. During the iBASE program, we visited theÌýEarth Sciences Museum, did biochemistry and physics experiments, and many science-related activities both in the Science Teaching Complex and Renison classrooms.

Additionally, Renison provided us with many social events with upper-year students in our chosen academic plans. This is very important and unforgettable for me because I gained information about what I am going to learn and whatÌýI will probably do in the next fourÌýor fiveÌýyears. Renison has a building layout similar to a real university since it hasÌýinstructor offices, library, atrium, classrooms and residences. This means that during your 7-week learning experience, a small society will be formed. You can build strong connections with your classmates and share your thoughts within this circle freely. If you are a warm-hearted person who is willing to help others, coming to iBASE would be a wise choice.ÌýInternational OrientationÌýwill happen just after the iBASE graduation ceremony and Renison is your pathway toward getting this volunteer job!

ÌýÌý

iBASEÌýwillÌýbe the first challenge in transforming yourself to an undergrad in a Canadian university, but it is also your first chance to be successful in both academic and future co-op placements. It is your responsibility to choose how to complete this 7-week program. You can choose to attend many workshops and activities toÌýimproveÌýyourself whileÌýgetting to know other outstanding studentsÌýin your program. Or, you can just study the language stuff and not interacting withÌýothers. It is totally up to you.

What is iBASE?

iBASE is one of UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s English language foundation programs offered through Renison’s English Language Institute. Eligible students complete seven weeks in the program to meet the requirements of their conditional acceptance into their respective Faculty at UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. Learn more atÌý.

Do you have questions about the iBASE program?

You can request a video call or phone chat with a member of the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ community. You can speak with a student like Tim but from your specific UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ program, a member of the Student Experience team, an iBASE instructor, or a member from the Registrar's Office.ÌýRequest a video chat or phone call on our web form.