Tim's Experience in iBASE

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 Waterloo! Welcome to Canada, future Warriors!

My name is Tim, an MNS (Materials and Nanosciences) student from Beijing, China, and I completed the Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English program (iBASE) last August. Fortunately, that summer I was the recipient of Renison's BASE 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 Waterloo. Renison University College is 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 (UWaterloo is well-known for its co-op system). For instance, Renison and UWaterloo 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 and BASE program is divided into 3 equal parts: writing and research skills, academic skills, and oral communication. During the 7-week program, iBASE will provide you with many opportunities to transform you from a high school student into an university student by introducing you to basic research skills and critical thinking skills. For instance, for Science students like me, we had the opportunity to attend Science 101 Day and our first Chemistry lecture at the very beginning of iBASE. During the iBASE program, we visited the Earth 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 what I will probably do in the next four or five years. Renison has a building layout similar to a real university since it has instructor 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. International Orientation will happen just after the iBASE graduation ceremony and Renison is your pathway toward getting this volunteer job!

iBASE will be 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 to improve yourself while getting to know other outstanding students in your program. Or, you can just study the language stuff and not interacting with others. It is totally up to you.

What is iBASE?

iBASE is one of UWaterloo’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 UWaterloo. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/base/ibase.

Do you have questions about the iBASE program?

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