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Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
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Foundation Program

This program helps you as a newcomer to Canada get ready for the Canadian workplace. We will help you improve your language and professional communication skills as well as courses on key professional areas. It also supports the growth of knowledge, skills and connections required for success in the Canadian workforce. You will gain access to opportunities to attend free career coaching and activities to support your job search.

We are now accepting applications for Summer 2024 Foundation Program.

To find out more about applying, sign up to be invited to attend an Information Session.

Sign up now

Interested in learning more? See Foundation admission requirements and eligibility.

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Program Structure

If admitted, you will complete an orientation session and begin the one month eight-session workplace language preparation program. During this program you will also be given an orientation to the University Library system, career services and events. After completing Jumpstart you will be evaluated on English language skills and commitment to the program (attendance, participation, completion and adherence to assignment deadlines, etc.) Performance in this Jumpstart to Success course will determine if you will continue in our Bridging Program Foundation skills courses.

If you successfully complete the course, you will be invited to enrol in two Foundations courses in the Fall term.

Upon successfully completing the Jumpstart to Success phase, you can take Canadian Workplace Foundations courses focused on the Canadian business and workplace environment. These university level courses help you gain knowledge and skills in professional workplace communication, leadership, management, law and IT skills within the Canadian context.

This program is part-time, and courses are offered during evening hours. For each 3-hour class, the anticipated homework, group work, and general class preparation workload outside of school is an additional 3 - 9 hours per week.

All IEP Foundations students are pre-registered for their first course:

  • ADMS 3015 | Professional Communication in the Canadian Context 
    This course increases the communicative competence of Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) in both business writing and presentation skills, while increasing their ability to analyze and negotiate the Canadian landscape of their chosen profession. Direct instruction is combined with simulations, discussions, and group activities to develop clear, accurate, effective oral and written communication.

You then need to enrol into one additional foundation course of your choice. We will provide more information after you have been admitted to the program.

Business professionals must choose one of the following two courses:

  • ADMS 3020 | Canadian Business Culture & Management Skills
    Provides an overview of the Canadian business environment and focuses on the development of management skills for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP). Theoretical instruction is combined with case analyses and teamwork exercises to develop a comprehensive understanding of the course material.
  • ADMS 3060 | Fundamentals of Canadian Business Law & Ethics
    Examines the background and nature of business law and ethics in Canada. Explains the foundations of Canadian business law and the essential legal elements key to business success in Canada. Analyzes stakeholder-support of corporate and professional accountability and governance. Provides insights into the development of decision processes based on socially responsible and sound ethical decision-making frameworks

Students with an information technology background will take this course:

  • ITEC 2615 | Object Oriented Programming for IEPs
    Provides the fundamental Java programming skills to Internationally Educated Professionals who already have some computer programming training in other programming languages. Java programming is today the most utilized software development tool in the Canadian industry. Presents an overview of Java-based object-oriented programming and covers class implementation, object-oriented design (with UML), graphics user interfaces, event programming and data structures.

Fee waivers are granted to cover the fees of these two courses, if successfully completed.

After the completion of the required Foundations courses in the Fall Term, students can choose to either complete the program or request the option of taking one specialized course in the Winter Term. These courses vary based on your academic backgrounds.  When accepted into the program, we can provide more information and assist you in selecting courses related to your area of focus. If you want to take a specialized course you will need to meet with IEP staff to review your specialized course choices, get an approved IEP pre-requisite waiver form and register for your course.

These courses are subject to course fees, the program will provide you with information on loans available to support your studies

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Testimonials

Participation in networking seminars, tech summits, and career fairs facilitated exposure to industry professionals and peers with similar aspirations, contributed substantially to my personal and professional growth during the program. The program's collaboration with IEP alumni and guidance from staff provided valuable insights, ensuring I was well-equipped for a successful transition into the Canadian workforce.

My journey with the IEP program at York University has been a personal odyssey of growth and success. This program has not just been a professional journey; it has been the best personal chapter since I arrived in Canada, setting the stage for continuous success and growth.

— Neha Aggarwal
Data Analyst, CARDWATCH POS

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The courses met my expectations. I was able to meet people with whom I have the same views in life. New acquaintances helped me get quick answers to my questions. I began to have a greater understanding of the labor market because during my studies I had the opportunity to practice Business skills that I now already use today and confidently apply them in my work.

The IEP office team makes responsible efforts to understand and support the student, their working formula is very impressive. Understand, help, and be happy to meet.

— Hanna Biletska

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The Foundation Program has really help develop my English skills. It has also opened my mind on some cultural must-know values. This (Foundation Program) has paved my route to success here in Canada. In less than one (1) year I am holding an important Management position.

York University’s Foundation Program is more than just improving language, communication, and management skills. It fills in cultural gaps and connects you.

— Kouassi Aristide Fabrice Kouame
International Development Manager, Collège Boréal

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Resources

Questions?

Contact us at IEP@yorku.ca for more information.

Pour des services d’établissement et emploi en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:  https://www.centrefranco.org/ Tel:416-922-2672 ou Services Emploi 416-962-4600.

Go to: Find free newcomer services near you (canada.ca) to search and connect to the available Francophone providers in your area.

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