THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY:
WHERE THE UNIVERSITY MEETS THE WORLD

"Apart from the amazing landscape, it is the people that really make the difference," says former Thompson Rivers University student Katharina Pohl of Leipzig, Germany. "May it be your friends, teachers, support staff, or the girl at the supermarket, you will reserve them a place in your heart and never let them go."

Canada: An Adventure in Learning

When selecting a study destination, students consider not only educational facilities and value, but also quality of life, the potential for adventure and fun, safety and social interactions, and cost of living. In all respects, Canada is a brilliant choice: its educational standards are top-rate, and its natural beauty and open, safe society combine for an incredible experience of study abroad.

Canadians place great importance on learning, with educational spending (as a percentage of GDP) above the OECD average, and second highest among G8 countries. The diplomas and degrees offered by Canadian universities are recognized and respected worldwide, and graduates benefit both from the excellent reputation of Canadian education programs as well as the international perspective that is increasingly present at all levels of the Canadian curriculum.

But that's not all Canada offers.

For more than a decade, a United Nations survey has found that Canada ranks among the top places in the world to live. Education, high life expectancy (due to the universal health care system), and low crime rates are among the key reasons. Furthermore, Canadians enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world.

A country of diverse geography and natural wonders, Canada is also a society of immigrants. Different religions, worldviews, and cultures are respected — and reflected in a wide range of ethnic cuisines and festivals, as well as clubs and associations representing all kinds of backgrounds. International students benefit from a context of diversity and global outlook.

Beautiful British Columbia

British Columbia — Canada's westernmost province — is home to some of Canada's leading universities and colleges, and is known the world over for its natural beauty. From the lush rainforests and islands of the coastal areas to the open spaces, lakes, and rivers of the interior and northern regions, to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, British Columbia is spectacular, making it a leading international destination for students and tourists from around the world.

Students in BC complement their studies with hiking, skiing, camping, golfing, fishing, whitewater rafting, biking, wildlife viewing, and many other activities — often throughout the year and close to campus, since British Columbia has perhaps the mildest, most accommodating climate in Canada.

Where The University Meets The World

Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Thompson Rivers University is a different kind of university. TRU is a primarily undergraduate, teaching-focused university with the distinct advantage of offering students a complete range of programs, from Masters and Bachelor degrees to diplomas, certificates, technology and trades and distance education programs.

What makes TRU truly distinct is its extensive services for international students and a mandate to provide degree access to graduates of two-year diploma programs through "laddering" options into university degrees.

"Apart from the amazing landscape, it is the people that really make the difference," says former TRU student Katharina Pohl of Leipzig, Germany. "May it be your friends, teachers, support staff, or the girl at the supermarket, you will reserve them a place in your heart and never let them go."

TRU offers many services for international students, both on and off campus. International Student Advisors (ISAs) provide information and assistance with any aspect of life in Canada, while International Admissions Officers assist students with admission and registration. International Academic Advisors help students plan their program of study, while the International Student Activity Program provides planned outings and activities all around the Kamloops region.

TRU is a teaching-focused university, offering students smaller classes where all of the teaching is done by qualified faculty. Students have direct access to their instructors on a regular basis, so the learning experience is personal and supportive.

More than 100 different programs are available for international students, including four-year degrees in over 40 disciplines, and a growing number of post-graduate specialties. TRU has made international programmes and student exchange opportunities a top priority. The university's current enrolment of approximately 11,000 students includes more than 1,100 international students from more than 70 countries.

TRU's School of Business is a perfect example of a school striving to develop programmes with an international focus in mind. The school features a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and a range of specialized undergraduate and post-graduate diplomas. Many courses are taught with an international focus, an emphasis on applications of technology, and other innovative themes.

Other popular program choices among TRU's international students include Tourism Management, Computing Science, and Arts. An increasing selection of courses is now available via distance education through TRU's innovative Open Learning Division.

Students from around the world have also discovered that TRU offers an outstanding campus environment. The spectacular landscaped grounds of the TRU campus are located in the heart of the city, and offer students modern classrooms, computer labs, studios, recreation and student support facilities.

"Everything is (very) modern and comfortable," says Pohl. "All the different buildings are easily reachable and within walking distance. Computer labs and different coffee places are also spread out conveniently over the campus. Studying at TRU was the best time of my student life."

In addition, TRU has made international programs and student exchange opportunities a top priority. Along with the many opportunities for students to come to TRU to attend university, TRU's Study Abroad Centre manages student exchange programs with institutions throughout Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and the U.S.

The TRU website includes detailed information on programs and services for international students, including housing and admissions details. For more information, please visit www.truworld.ca or contact TRU International Admissions at welcome@tru.ca.