iBASE runs 7 weeks, and your classes take place at Renison University College on the University of Waterloo campus. If you are unable to attend iBASE this summer, you may have the option of choosing to study in the regular BASE program in the fall. Please contact Cynthia Zalewski at base@uwaterloo.ca, if you have questions.
iBASE Orientation will happen on Monday, July 8, 2024 and your first day of classes will happen on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
If you would like to live in the Renison Residence during iBASE, we strongly recommend that you arrive to move in on Friday, July 5, 2024. This will allow you time to adjust to your surroundings and settle in before you begin iBASE.
You must attend ALL classes for this intensive program. Students are not able to begin the program late. No exceptions.
During iBASE, you will study 3 BASE courses that focus on different areas of English language preparedness for academic studies.
BASE 42: Enhanced Skills and Strategies for University
In BASE 42: Enhanced Skills and Strategies for University, you have the opportunity to practice the skills and strategies essential for academic success as an undergraduate student. Because studying at university can be very different from studying at high school, the content and assignments of this course closely reflect what you will experience in your first-year credit courses. In this course you will:
-
listen to lectures, take notes, and learn to read academic texts strategically while developing your vocabulary.
-
build valuable peer collaboration skills and learn how to communicate effectively with professors and advisors
-
develop your test-taking strategies, time management skills, and understanding of the academic culture at the University of Waterloo.
BASE 44: Extended Academic Writing & Research Skills
In BASE 44: Extended Academic Writing & Research Skills, you have the opportunity to practice the writing and research skills that are important for success as an undergraduate student. In this course you will:
-
develop an awareness of audience and learn to use patterns of organisation and formats commonly used in undergraduate level academic writing
-
learn about the research process to produce clearly structured texts that are well supported by relevant academic research
-
examine and practice grammar and sentence structures to enhance the clarity of your work.
-
practice professional forms of writing such as resumes and cover letters which may be used in future co-op job searches
BASE 46: Effective Academic Speaking & Communication Strategies
In BASE 46: Effective Academic Speaking and Communication Strategies, you have the opportunity to practice and become more confident speaking in a variety of academic situations that are commonly experienced by undergraduate students. In this course you will:
-
increase your academic vocabulary and improve your pronunciation and verbal fluency
-
develop your overall speaking confidence as you learn how to prepare for and actively participate in interviews (for use in future co-op job searches), academic seminars, and individual and group presentations
-
receive different types of feedback on your progress and performance from both your peers and your instructor
In iBASE, you do not take any Waterloo credit courses. However, you complete faculty-specific activities and attend guest lectures. You will also participate in scheduled leadership workshops and events that will help you to engage fully in your future studies and prepare you for future employment.
What will my iBASE schedule be?
In iBASE, you will be in classes and workshops for 20+ hours each week, Monday to Friday. Your classes will begin at 9:30 am each day.
You will receive your official iBASE schedule by email during the week of July 2, 2024.
iBASE Orientation takes place on Monday, July 8, and classes begin the next day, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
During the evenings and weekends, we encourage you to participate in the iBASE activities designed to help you meet new friends, practice your English communication, and strengthen your connection to the University of Waterloo and surrounding area.