Go Abroad: Learning for Sustainability (GOALS)

GOALS is designed for individuals who are:

• interested in studying abroad in Canada at one of the nation’s most innovative universities
• looking to explore the SDGs while gaining skills for the 21st century

• 20 hours of programming a week
• orientation session and campus tour on the first day of the program
• curriculum based on CEFR international standards for language proficiency
• opportunities to meet with instructors during office hours
• individual feedback sessions with instructors during regularly scheduled sessions
• course assessments to measure progress and demonstrate knowledge
• final achievement report (transcript)
• a certificate of participation from Renison University College at the University of Waterloo

The GOALS program is recommended for students with a CEFR level B1 (intermediate).

• An integrated approach to teaching and learning which ensures that students are building language and intercultural skills as they develop and enhance the 4C’s of Education for Sustainable Development: Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity

• A student-driven, project-based experiential learning program that connects theory and skills acquired in the classroom to broader, real-life, world issues 

• Opportunities to collaborate with others, foster a growth mindset and showcase leadership skills 

• An exceptional Student Experience team committed to helping you adjust to life in Canada
• Individualized support from our student advisor to help facilitate your learning success
• Opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through engaging workshops, excursions and participation in social events 
• The option to take advantage of various leadership and volunteer opportunities
• An active texting community which uses WeChat, Kakao Talk, Line and WhatsApp to connect with peers and Renison staff

PART I: EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs)

In this course students will:

• develop personal accountability to engage effectively in teamwork
• explore the dynamics of teamwork to facilitate team performance and the exchange of ideas
• position themselves as global citizens to enhance awareness of privilege and inequity
• demonstrate understanding of SDGs to reflect on the need for action
• apply design cycle inquiry and analysis to global challenges

PART II: IDEAS TO ACTION

In this course students will:

• use project management tools to prioritize tasks and support team efficiency
• reflect on self and team achievements to strengthen team performance
• analyse a global challenge to identify opportunities for mitigation strategies
• evaluate potential consequences to select appropriate responses
• work collaboratively to organise findings and present solutions

COMMUNICATION: CONVEYING A MESSAGE

In this course students will:

• work collaboratively with peers to discuss topics and plan and execute group work
• apply research skills to assess information from a variety of sources
• compile relevant data to develop and support arguments and lines of thinking
• explore audience and purpose to develop effective communication style
• enhance communication skills to explain and justify actions and decisions
• use digital tools to enhance the appeal and clarity of visually presented information
• edit and revise drafts to enhance communicative clarity

CULTURE: EMBRACING DIVERSITY

In this course students will:

• develop cross-cultural sensitivity and awareness by examining both culture-general and culture-specific knowledge as well as by identifying their own cultural assumptions
• build strategies for managing cultural misunderstandings and adapting communication style to different cultural contexts
• reflect upon the value of diversity in local and global sustainable development
• develop communication strategies that can facilitate cross-cultural communication

INNOVATION: THINKING CRITICALLY

In this course students will:

• develop critical thinking skills to identify problems and analyze issues
• enhance independent thinking and decision-making abilities
• apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of proposed solutions to real-world scenarios related to sustainable development
• strengthen their sense of responsibility and personal agency for sustainable development
• develop a mindset that embraces ambiguity as an opportunity for growth and innovation

Our Student Experience team is here to help you reach your goals. You will be offered a variety of opportunities for support such as one-on-one meetups and access to program peer leaders who are here to support your skill development. As a GOALS student, you will have the opportunity to:

Dates and Fees for GOALS

 Dates and fees breakdown (per term; in Canadian Dollars)

*Required for international students (and their dependents) in Canada. If you are a returning student, please check your UHIP fee amount by emailing renison.sace@uwaterloo.ca.

Fees accurate as of October 2024. All fees are subject to change.

Not included: travel costs between your home and Canada, transportation between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Renison University College, and accommodation. Please email renison.sace@uwaterloo.ca if you require assistance.

Application process

Applications must be submitted through our student portal. Follow these steps to apply for the GOALS program:

Step 1: Visit the student portal to submit your application; if you are not signed in to or signed up for a portal account, you will be prompted to do so now.

Step 2: Once signed in, you will be directed to the Program Applications page; select the blue ‘Submit Program Application’ button.

Step 3: Proceed with preparing and submitting your application.

Step 4: You will receive confirmation of your application through e-mail to the e-mail address attached to your account.

Step 5: Pay the application fee and tuition deposit(s) to secure your registration.

Step 6: Receive your Letter of Acceptance within 3 business days of payment receipt.

Step 7: Pay your remaining fees two weeks before the start of the program.

Payment options

You may pay your fees through Convera GlobalPay for Students, online by credit card through your student portal, through online banking (only available from a Canadian bank account), or in person at Renison.

For more information, contact renison.sace@uwaterloo.ca.

Cancellation and deferral policy

• The $200 application fee is non-refundable.
• Tuition deposits are non-transferable, and are refundable only for students whose visa or study permit application has been denied. If this happens to you, we will refund your tuition deposit if you send official proof by the first day of the program that your visa or study permit application has been denied.
• If you have not yet arrived in Canada, you can defer your studies one time without penalty if we receive your deferral request by the first day of the program.
• Normally, deferral requests will not be granted for students who have already arrived in Canada.
• Official proof of visa/study permit refusal and/or a deferral request must be received by the first day of the program or your tuition deposit is forfeited.
• Once a full term (Fall, Winter or Spring term) has begun, you can withdraw in writing from a course or courses up until the Friday of the first week of classes, and be refunded 90% of your remaining tuition (less the deposit). All other fees are non-refundable. After this date, refunds will not be issued.
• Renison reserves the right to cancel any program because of insufficient registration. You will be refunded fees paid for a cancelled program.

Accommodation options include on campus university residence and homestay. You may indicate your accommodation preference in your program application form (please use the additional comments box to indicate this). Based on the information you submit, our team will look into accommodation availability for you.

NOTE: Fees below are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to change at any time.

On campus university residence

Double room, shared washroom facilities, on-site laundry facilities, lounge space, full meal plan, Internet access, linens included

One term residence fees: $4865 - $7660 CAD

Homestay

In order to provide an opportunity to experience Canadian culture and community living in the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener, students may stay with a local, homestay family. Homestay is provided by a third party provider, Homestay Plus, and includes a private bedroom, Internet access, and 3 meals per day. Homestay families are generally located within a 20 to 50-minute bus ride from the University of Waterloo campus. 

One term homestay fees

Homestay fees can be paid through Renison. Prices listed are based on homestay registration assistance provided by Renison, a single room in homestay, and 3 meals per day. Additional fees apply for additional days, if available, and for special dietary requirements in homestay (example: Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.).