Pre-Arrival Welcome Kit

Pre-Arrival Welcome Kit Alberta 2023-2024

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WELCOME TO CANADA! Welcome to Canada! Moving to a new place as an international student can be exciting but may also be overwhelming. As an international student, you’ll have access to a wide range of support provided by Robertson.

This Pre-Arrival Guide may help you transition smoothly to your student life in Calgary.

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Campus information Robertson Global has campuses in Calgary and Edmonton in Alberta. Both campuses host the Red Deer Polytechnic at Robertson programs for international students.

Calgary

100 - 2912 Memorial Drive SE Calgary, AB, Canada T2A 6R1 Tel: +1 (403) 920-0070 Email: studentsupport.calgary@robertsonglobal.ca Web: www.robertsonglobal.ca

Getting here

There is no facility for parking for students at the Calgary Campus. However, students may use parking located at Franklin Station. For more information about the parking spots, please click here.

Robertson Calgary campus is well connected with different parts of the city through public transit. The Franklin LRT Station and many retail amenities are all within walking distance.

For more information about public transit in Calgary, please click here.

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Edmonton

10010 - 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N3 Tel: +1 (780) 705-6633 Email: studentsupport.edmonton@robertsonglobal.ca Web: www.robertsonglobal.ca

Getting here

Parking facilities are not available for students at the Edmonton Campus. However, students may use parking located at ATB place. For more information about the parking spots, please click here.

Robertson's Edmonton campus is easy to reach using buses and trains around the city. The Central Station LRT is within walking distance, among other retail amenities. Please click here for more information about public transit in Edmonton to plan your travel.

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I’VE RECEIVED MY LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE- WHAT’S THE NEXT STEP? Apply for your study permit As soon you receive your Letter Of Acceptance (LOA), you should apply for your study permit at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times for Study Permit applications vary depending on your citizenship and country of residency. The sooner you apply, the less stressful the wait will be. The Government of Canada's website has an excellent resource for applying for a study permit.

If your program includes a work practicum or work experience component, you must also get a co-op work permit before you begin your practicum/work experience.

Government of Canada webpage on how to apply for a co-op work permit.

Submit Your Official Documentation to Robertson The Admissions Team reviewed the unofficial documents to provide a Letter of Acceptance; now, you must provide official documentation to Robertson. Official documentation must be submitted on or before the orientation.

Robertson College - Global Office 2912 Memorial Dr #100 Calgary, AB, Canada T2A 6R1

Official Documentation: Sealed & unopened transcript from the school (either directly mailed from the school to Robertson or brought by the student to Robertson).

An email with a transcript received directly from the issuing institutions.

Exam results verified online by the government's online verification system- no need to submit other documentation unless requested.

Pay Your Tuition Fee The tuition schedule and policy must be followed to ensure you have a spot in the program.

A copy of your tuition payment schedule with your acceptance letter was sent to you.

To pay your fees, please follow the link Convera GlobalPay.

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MY STUDY PERMIT IS REJECTED, WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? When a study permit application is refused, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a letter with the reasons for rejection. If you can change the circumstances listed as refusal reasons, you can reapply for a Study Permit using the same Letter of Acceptance.

If you’ve decided not to re-apply for a study permit, email applications.calgary@robertsonglobal.ca with the rejection letter from IRCC. Our Admissions Team will follow up with you.

MY STUDY PERMIT IS APPROVED. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? Submit Your Study Permit Approval Letter to Robertson A copy of the Study Permit/Study Permit Approval Letter must be submitted at least four weeks before the start of the program. Please submit it to the Student Support Team in Calgary via email(studentsupport.calgary@robertsonglobal.ca).

Book Your Flight Early booking is recommended if you are certain you will receive a study permit.

Last-minute bookings often have limited availability and are more expensive. You will likely transfer to the connecting flight at one of the airports in Canada, such as Vancouver or Toronto Airport.

If you are considering transferring through the USA, you are required to have a valid US visa.

Travel Insurance Purchasing Travel Insurance is strongly encouraged for all international students.

The Province of Alberta offers the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which provides eligible Alberta residents with full coverage for medically necessary physician services. However, until you register and get your health care card for coverage of insured health services in Alberta under the AHCIP, you need to have your own travel insurance coverage.

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Housing Options - Short-term / Long term

Homestay Program Canada Homestay Network program allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture through the home-away-from-home experience.

Room/Apartment/Condo/House Rental Apartments, house rentals, buying, selling, or trading almost anything, including cars, furniture, electronics, sports goods, etc. Explore Kijiji or Rent Faster for more information.

Short-term rental To find short-term stay rooms or houses, explore Airbnb

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Packing Your Baggage What to expect?

Calgary is a high-elevation city at 1,048 meters above sea level.

Calgary receives the highest amount of sunlight among all of Canada's major cities. The weather can be warm and arid during the summer, with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher.

The most notable trait of a Calgary winter is the Chinook, a warm wind originating from the Pacific Ocean that can elevate temperatures by up to 15 degrees within a matter of hours.

In May, windiness is common, and June experiences higher than usual rainfall. The warmest months are July and August, while September and October often bring forth "Indian summer" conditions. Calgary experiences minimal annual rainfall, with the majority of its yearly precipitation occurring as snow during the winter season.

Clothing In Winter, snow is heavy, but it gets suddenly warm at certain times. Make sure to bring warm winter jackets, boots, gloves, a hat, sweaters, and other warm clothing with several layers and snow boots. In summer, it gets hot during the daytime but more relaxed in the morning and evening, or up in the mountains, so bring a jacket. It’s not very humid, but it does rain. A light jacket with a hood is recommended for spring and fall Daily clothing items include Jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and a good pair of walking shoes. You may need formal clothing or business casual for special occasions, like job interviews or business-related events. Bringing traditional clothing is also a good idea for special events.

Appliance Any electrical equipment should be compatible with 110v, Canadian voltage. You should purchase a universal travel adapter for any appliances you bring from your home country.

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Travel Tips For Your Flight Always have photo identification on hand. You will be asked for identification at several locations in the airport.

Carry your acceptance letter, copy of payment receipts, and accommodation information with you. Be sure to have it ready and accessible.

Leave gifts unwrapped. Sealed packages may be opened by security personnel for inspection. It is best to wrap the gifts at your destination.

Travel light. The less you have to worry about, the better.

Consult your airline for up-to-date flight information. The airport website is an excellent source of up-to-date information, with updates made directly by the airlines. The airlines have the most accurate information. If you’re not sure, call your airline.

Ensure carry-on baggage is within your airline’s size limits. Most airlines have size restrictions outlined on their websites.

Ensure you do not have any prohibited items in your carry-on baggage. See Transport Canada’s guidelines for carry-on baggage.

Have your emergency contact number on hand. Sometimes flights are changed or canceled. If something happens to your flight and you need to contact the college, have your agent’s and college’s contact numbers with you.

Know what your ticket says.

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What To Expect Upon Arrival At The Airport In Canada Upon arrival at the airport in Canada, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers may ask you some questions. Please answer the questions honestly and calmly as they try to get more information to ensure you are admissible while supporting national security and public safety. They will let you know where to go to get your study permit issued. Make sure that you carry the necessary documents, including.

Passport Valid Student Visa/eTA Study Permit (Study permit approval letter) Letter of acceptance from Red Deer Polytechnic Proof of tuition payment and proof of sufficient funds for at least your first year Other documents that apply to you from the list on the CBSA website

Calgary International Airport Entering Canada Calgary Airport Security and Screening After arriving at YYC, you must process through Canada Customs before being granted entry into Canada. To speed up your customs processing, download the ArriveCan App and save time at the border. Refer to the Customs and Immigration page of the Calgary International Airport website for details.

Transportation from the Calgary International Airport Calgary International Airport is connected to the City of Calgary and the region by various scheduled and on-demand ground transportation options. A list of options available at the airport can be found here- Ground Transportation.

Free Wifi & Other Information YYC offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply select the "YYC-Free-Wifi" network and access high-speed internet.

Get yourself familiar with Terminal Map so that you can find important spots. Please click FAQs for more information.

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Navigate the City Calgary Map Tourism Calgary's website is an excellent resource for navigating the city. Here is the City Map

Things To Do Upon Arrival Social Insurance Number You need a 9-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada or claim a tax refund.

There is no fee to apply for a SIN. You can apply online and upload your digital documents securely. You can also apply personally at a Service Canada Centre or by mail.

Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) Please refer to Alberta’s Health Care for international students.

Bring the completed application form and your original documents to a Participating Registry. There is no charge for this service. Cards are mailed to your home by the AHCIP office. Processing time can take up to 5 days.

Proof of Residency (name and current address)- bank or credit card statements showing an Alberta address, residential lease agreement Government-issued photo identification- passport Canada entry document- study permit and Letter of Acceptance from the college.

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Safety- Know your numbers: who to call

911

403.266.1234

211 or text INFO to 211

311

Emergency An emergency when there is an immediate threat to your health and/or safety.

Police non-emergency Non-emergency situations that require a police response such as noninjury accidents, missing persons, stolen vehicles or license plates, break and enter after they have happened.

Distress Centre Non-emergency situations that involve mental health and addiction, connection to food and basic needs, or community and social resources.

Bylaw, city information Call, download our app, or visit Calgary.ca/311 for City information, e.g, bylaw, garbage collection, etc.

Orientation information Robertson College offers orientation sessions to our new international students, usually the Tuesday before the start date of their program. Orientation is mandatory for all new international students to attend. All the information students need to know at Robertson will be provided during the orientation sessions. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet classmates and Robertson Staff and learn about Robertson and what to expect.

2912 Memorial Dr #100 Calgary, AB T2A 6R1, Canada robertsonglobal.ca