Have you heard of the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program?

What is BASE?

BASE is a four- or eight-month program that allows you to improve your English reading, writing, and speaking skills in a university setting, while earning credit towards your University of Waterloo degree. There’s also iBASE, a 7-week intensive BASE program that takes place before your first year begins, in July and August. Whether you’re admitted into the shorter or longer program, BASE is an opportunity to strengthen your English language skills before starting university, which increases your future academic and career successes. It’s also a way to guarantee a smooth transition to full-time university studies in Canada, making your time at Waterloo more enjoyable.

How does BASE work?

So, what exactly does four or eight months with BASE look like? Being offered a spot in the BASE program works as a conditional offer of admission into Waterloo; once you’ve successfully completed BASE, you’ll be able to continue your full-time university studies at Waterloo. An offer to BASE places you in the program that’s right for you based on your English language test results, which means your time in the program is tailored to your specific skill set. Once you’re in the program, you’ll be improving your English language skills while taking one or two credit courses — depending on your faculty — so that you begin earning your Waterloo degree right away. Plus, the cost of BASE is only a fraction of your tuition, and you get so much out of it.

Romina, an international student from Ecuador in Global Business and Digital Arts, was part of the BASE program for two terms before starting their undergraduate program. "My experience with the BASE program was great because it not only helped me improve my English, but also made me feel more comfortable and confident when communicating with someone, or just going to class", says Romina.

Oh, and you’ll be staying on campus! With BASE, you get to move into one of Waterloo’s residences, where you can live among other international and Canadian students and become part of the student community.

Hear from previous students who talk about all the ways BASE prepared them to thrive in their programs and how it positively impacted their academic experiences.

Why should I do BASE?

Transition into your degree

Most importantly, BASE is a stepping stone to allowing you to come to Waterloo and complete your degree. Aside from the English language skills you learn, which are incredibly important, you also develop other academic skills, like learning how to write lab reports and literature reviews. The class that you take while you’re in BASE also helps you get used to university in Canada, and, depending on your major, can range from labs to regular lectures. You’ll even be accompanied to your class by someone from BASE, to make sure everything goes smoothly and that you’re personally supported every step of the way.

Grant Leach, the Director of Marketing and Recruitment at Waterloo’s Renison University College, says "students who have gone through BASE are stronger academically than those who have immediately transitioned into their academic studies". BASE provides you with familiarity in your studies, and all the academic skills you gain are paired with a supportive network and a great student life experience.

Adjust to student life in Canada

BASE sets you up to be successful, in more ways than one. A huge perk of the program is that it lets you slowly adjust to the student life in Waterloo. It’s a great way to get used to the study pace, campus, and school environment, especially since you’ll be living on campus! You focus on career-building opportunities too, like developing leadership skills, volunteering, making résumés and cover letters, and perfecting your interview skills. It’s a great way to explore the school you’ll be attending for the next four years, while strengthening a lot of other useful abilities that will help you be successful in university in Canada.