Simon Fraser University was founded in 1965 and has been growing rapidly with an excellent reputation as Canada's best comprehensive university by Maclean's Magazine. The University has two campuses: the main campus is located on a small mountain in Burnaby a half-hour drive from downtown Vancouver. The Harbour Centre campus is in beautiful downtown Vancouver. The main campus has excellent surroundings for biking, hiking, and running and is close to Seattle and Whistler Mountain, one of the most famous ski areas. Both campuses have quiet gardens for relaxation and reading.
Vancouver is a vibrant, rich multi-cultural city, which still conserves the distinct Canadian outlook. The city provides both the cosmopolitan comforts and the wilderness of its surroundings. There are a number of cultural events and ethnic cuisine is sold throughout.
As Paul Kemppainen, a Project North America student, and writes "If you have been accepted, I congratulate you, and assure you that you are in for a grand adventure". One of those close adventures could be Alaska, which is a short trip by airplane. Paul went during the school's Thanksgiving break with other international students.
A prospective student needs to apply for a "Student Authorization" at the nearest Canadian Consulate, although students such as Laurent Lebouder, who is a Project North America participant, found that the new legislation passed with NAFTA allowed him to go without a visa.
HOUSING
a) Finding your own accommodations: An off-campus housing office is available at the University, which maintains a current listing of all types of housing available to the students. If you do your homework, you can find affordable housing within a reasonable distance from the University. For example, Laurent Lebouder found a place for $325 dollars per month with all utilities included.
b) Student Residences: On campus there are traditional residences, studios and townhouses, which are fully furnished and are equipped with stoves and refrigerators. The townhouses also include a dishwasher. There are also apartment residences with a stove and refrigerator. Students have to fill a separate application for the housing. From May to August there are student residences available for students while seeking permanent off-campus housing.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Simon Fraser University's academic year consists of three four-month semesters. Spring starts in January, summer in May and fall in September. The summer semester includes two sections May-June and July-August.
More information about academic calendar, course offerings and schedules can be found at the World Wide Web at: http://www.reg.sfu.ca
Spring Semester: Early January to Late April
Fall Semester: Early September to Mid December
