Pathways and Credit Transfer

Completing a Hospitality Degree in BC! 

When I was younger I was never really interested in school. But when I came to Fanshawe, I started succeeding which gave me the confidence to travel to VIU. The relationships I had with my teachers were really strong and I think that’s what made me do better in my courses. I was always interested in travelling through school so, I Googled the top 10 best schools for hospitality management and VIU was one. [The transfer process] was really easy. Both [the pathways contact at Fanshawe and at VIU] were very helpful. They were quick to respond to emails and [my Hospitality Chair at VIU] went over everything that’s possible with my degree.

With the pathway, it’s taken me four years to complete the [Fanshawe] diploma, the [VIU] degree and two certificates. My Fanshawe credits covered the first two years of the degree and the certificates. I only had to gain two more credits for my degree.
 

 
[To other students considering a pathway] all I can say is just do it. Find something that you are interested in and see if there’s a pathway opportunity.  You may be scared and nervous to move and live far from home, but it’ll just give you so many more opportunities. You just meet so many more people and are given more opportunities when you take an opportunity like a Pathway. Having a degree will make me more qualified for future jobs.

Piper Walker
Food and Beverage Management, Fanshawe College
Bachelor of Hospitality Management, Wine Business Certificate, Event Management Certificate, Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Expanding Skills with a UK Degree!

Fanshawe was a great experience that has taught me so much, brought me great friends, and allowed me to grow in ways I didn’t think was possible. […] Solent University’s Photography program is a great extension of the coursework I did at Fanshawe. This will push me to diversify my skill set and open opportunities for new connections and experiences. All of this will impact my career by expanding my artistic, technological, and business knowledge and skills. 

My advice to other students looking at transferring to an international school is to not be afraid to ask for help. There are so many layers to going to school internationally with the application, visas, accommodations, flights, finances, etc… It is a lot of work and can be scary. But finding people to support and guide you can make it more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and feel more human.
 

Molly Monger
Photography Diploma, Fanshawe College
BA Photography, Solent University
 

A Headstart into a Double Major Degree

I am a student with disability, and as I was applying to the Social Service Worker program, I was connected with an accessibility counsellor at Fanshawe who took me step by step through the application process, who after I was accepted, was always available to me to ensure I had what I needed to succeed. Danielle was such an inspiration to me, I wanted to find a way to help post-secondary students in a similar way. I began the SSW program and then realized  I wanted to attend university. After an appointment with my academic advisor, I moved into the General Arts diploma with intention of moving to King’s at Western.

The General Arts program helped prepare me to hit the ground running at King’s by providing direct transfer credits that put me ahead by a semester and a half. Because of this I felt I could do a double major, giving me an advantage in the career path I choose to pursue.

To students considering a pathway to university - go for it! With transfer credits, you can take courses at Fanshawe for less cost and apply them to your degree. You also learn study skills, writing skills, skills of working groups, and many others at Fanshawe that help immensely when you arrive at University. I have had nothing but good experiences from the pathway from Fanshawe to King’s and will have both a diploma and a degree when I graduate.

Debra Woodhall
General Arts & Science Diploma, Fanshawe College
BA, Double Major in Social Justice and Peace Studies and Disability Studies, King’s University College at Western University
 

Defining My Own Pathway

The main reason I chose this pathway with Royal Roads is that I could get it done in one full calendar year. [The transfer process] was extremely smooth. This particular program took in students from all over the country from different colleges. I really enjoyed that you could develop a really tight-knit group of people that were all going through the same experience. I really enjoyed the program and would highly recommend it. After I finished my degree, I went to work.  Then I went back to university and became a teacher.

[To other students considering further education] they should definitely explore options. Like me, you might not know where your degree actually leads up to, but there's always possibilities. I would say that anyone can be successful. My education pathway took me 10 years to finish on and off. I think it's possible for anybody if they want to do it,  just know your weaknesses and strengths. Don't be afraid to try to go outside your comfort zone.

Zachery Glavine
Environmental Technology Advanced Diploma, Fanshawe College
Bachelor of Environmental Science, Royal Roads University

Leveraging Experience Towards a Degree

Fanshawe College is an important part of my life’s journey. I returned to study as a mature student after working for 16 years in the community with the first diploma Fanshawe helped me achieve. My experience as a student at Fanshawe set me up for success, built leadership skills, and taught me professionalism. I am proud to say I earned my Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership from Fanshawe College, which is providing an additional pathway for me to become an Ontario Certified Teacher!

I chose this pathway because Fanshawe credited my previous experience as an ECE to bridge into the degree program. I was able to enter into the 3rd year of the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree after completing the bridge program. This pathway has already helped me in my career. My goal was to continue my education to Teacher College after completing the Hons. B.A. ECL degree. I was so pleased to be accepted to a number of universities for the Bachelor or Education program. I am currently a Teacher Candidate with Western University entering second year.   

I encourage students to think differently about their education – instead of following a specific path determined by the institution, consider ways to be empowered to construct their path and identify institutions and experiences that help them move forward on it.  
 

Ashley Shirley
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Degree, Fanshawe College
Bachelor or Education, Western University

Building Leadership Skills for a Masters

Fanshawe helped to prepare me for the coursework and the level of study that I was going into. I never felt less experienced or not at the same academic level as my peers. I felt well-prepared academically. [This pathway] prepared me to be able to teach at the postsecondary level and hopefully come back to teach in the program. The Western program has set me up to be a critical thinker and leader and be able to take that into whatever career that I choose to pursue.

Right now, I work with the city of London. I'm still interested in teaching at the post-secondary level. I may return to that, or I may look into pursuing a career for the city doing municipal policy or management within the department that I'm currently working in.  
 
I encourage [students considering further education] to reach out to other students that have pathways as well. Having that student experience and first-hand overview of what their experience is like, is really helpful. They can offer guidance and help you know what to expect.
 

Haille Ifabumuyi
Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership Degree, Fanshawe College
MA in Education Studies in Critical Policy, Equity and Leadership Studies, Western University

Challenging 75% of a Post-Secondary Program!

After over 30 years since last sitting in a classroom and at the age of 51, I made the exciting decision to pursue post-secondary education. […] Having spent my entire career in Office Administration and knowing I would have to complete courses online on a part-time basis, I contacted the Registrar’s Office at Fanshawe College – London Campus. An appointment was set up with one of their very knowledgeable & friendly advisors to discuss my educational path. Going into the appointment, I was fairly confident that I had enough of a knowledge base to complete at least 4 courses through PLAR.

To my surprise, I was informed I could challenge up to 75% of the courses for a flat fee. By the end of the meeting and a few words of encouragement, I enrolled in the one-year Office Administration program and decided to challenge 75% of the courses through PLAR. […] Because I live 2 hours outside of London, I was able to write the PLAR tests at the Fanshawe-Simcoe Campus, a half hour from my home.  I successfully passed the maximum amount of PLAR courses within a 4-month time frame. 

From that first meeting in London to graduation less than a year from when my journey began, it was a stress-free, enjoyable and seamless process.  It is daunting to return to the classroom years later, let alone do it online. The support staff at both campuses and professors went above and beyond to set me up for success. Their knowledge and genuineness in wanting to see me succeed confirmed I chose the right College to continue my education.  The skills I have learned through this program have further enhanced my job performance. […] An opportunity for a promotion [also] became available at my workplace!
 

Chris Dennis
Office Administration Executive Certificate, Fanshawe College
PLAR