On December 22, the 9th pre-departure orientation and partner university information session was held by International College（IC） of Xiamen University(XMU) in Room 101, Main Building No. 4. The event featured representatives from University of Plymouth in the UK and University of Canada West（UCW）, who provided students with comprehensive and practical guidance on studying abroad. Through presentations, student sharing sessions, and interactive consultations, the orientation served as a bridge for direct communication between students and overseas institutions.

At the beginning of the event, Ms. Shang, the study abroad advisor at IC, delivered a thematic presentation on preparing for overseas education. She systematically outlined the key timelines, required materials, and primary application methods for this semester’s admission process. Ms. Shang also provided specific recommendations focusing on three areas: improving language proficiency, strengthening academic performance, and refining application materials. She encouraged students to make full use of the resources offered by the college, such as pre-departure courses and themed lectures, to gain a deeper understanding of overseas institutions and their admission policies. By combining personal interests with career planning, students can make informed decisions about school selection and better prepare for their upcoming applications.

University of Plymouth, UK: Academic Excellence and Dedicated Support

Ms. Miko Zhang from the China Office of the University of Plymouth, UK, introduced the university's overview to the students. As one of the world's top 500 universities, the University of Plymouth ranks 41st in the UK according to the 2023 Soft Science Rankings and has achieved a "triple gold" award in the UK's Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The university has been recognized as the 2nd best modern university in the UK by the Times Higher Education, and its advanced DLE teaching system supports collaborative learning. The business school holds exclusive accreditation from the IACBE. Its newly constructed £14.5 million eco-friendly teaching building is equipped with an upgraded Bloomberg Professional Lab, providing business students with high-standard professional training. Upon completion of the training, students can obtain a Bloomberg Certificate, which can be included in their resumes. This credential effectively enhances their competitiveness in the job market, helping them stand out during employment selection processes.

In terms of living support, the university is located in the city center of Plymouth, a picturesque and convenient "Ocean City." Students can easily access accommodation, classrooms, and shopping within a 5-10 minute walking distance. The campus provides medical services and 24-hour security, while the student union has over a hundred societies and sports clubs, supporting students' holistic development. The business school has a dedicated Vice Dean for Student Experience, emphasizing the needs of every student.

Additionally, Ms. Miko Zhang provided a detailed explanation of various scholarship policies, including a £4,000 scholarship for the final year of undergraduate studies and a £500 Early Bird Scholarship. During the presentation, a video featuring Yang Chenyue, an alumnus of IC, was played, offering valuable insights and references for the students in attendance.

University of Canada West: Opening a New Pathway to Study in Vancouver Through Interactive Engagement

The University of Canada West (UCW) integrated key information about its unique features, admission policies, and scholarship details into an engaging game format. Students participated enthusiastically, earning points and winning prizes through interactive Q&A sessions, creating a lively atmosphere. Representative Ms. Ivy from UCW highlighted that as a QS Five-Star rated institution, UCW offers highly attractive pathways for SQA program students. Business majors can receive up to 60 credit exemptions, enabling them to complete their undergraduate degrees in as few as five semesters, significantly saving both time and cost. Starting from the Fall 2025, the Bachelor of Commerce program will introduce three popular elective specializations—Accounting, Marketing, and Technology Management—to help students better align with industry demands. Additionally, the university provides multiple forms of financial support, including the "Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship" (offering up to CAD $14,875 in tuition reduction for students enrolling in 2026) and the "President's Scholarship" for high-achieving students.

It is particularly noteworthy that the university is located in downtown Vancouver, and graduates are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Leveraging the favorable employment outlook in British Columbia, which is projected to have one million job openings by 2031, UCW offers international students an efficient, cost-effective, and promising pathway for high-quality study abroad.

This information session provided students with precise guidance for further education and comprehensive information about universities, effectively addressing many of their concerns during the preparation process for studying abroad. In the future, IC will continue to integrate high-quality resources and organize more targeted guidance activities to comprehensively support students in achieving their study abroad aspirations.