Summer is a time for many to unwind and to even slow things down a bit, but that doesn’t mean TRU stops being an economic driver for Kamloops and the region.
Since 2009, two of TRU’s global branches—TRU World and the International Training Centre—have attracted an increasing number of international students wanting a short-term summer immersion where in a few weeks, they practice their English and experience Canadian culture on- and off-campus. Twenty-four students signed up the first year and a few hundred are expected this summer.
“With over 700 students here this summer, I think we have a positive effect on the community,” said Lori De Frias, manager of TRU World’s International Training Centre. “We work hard to use local vendors for all our activities because we feel it is important to shop and play locally.”
This summer’s students are coming from China, Colombia, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
What is the economic impact of the short-term programs? A conservative estimate puts the figure at more than $2 million when factoring the average tuition is $2,500 and each student is encouraged to bring at least $200 in spending money. The majority bring three to five times that, said De Frias, and in years past, those from more affluent families have spent a few thousand dollars.
Tuition flows into the community as wages to instructors, compensation to local households signing up to be billets under TRU’s Homestay program for food and other expenses, and to off-campus events like horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, kayaking, and trips to Paul Lake, Wells Gray, Sun Peaks, Kangaroo Creek Farm in Lake Country, and a weekend camping trip to North Barriere Lake Resort.
In-class instruction is active, with students also working in small and large groups and as a class. Further enhancing their learning, students choose one of the following electives: general English, study skills, preparation for standardized tests, workplace English, or leadership.
Why have the summer programs taken off they way they have? De Frias narrows it to three reasons: TRU World’s marketing efforts, the ability to provide customized programs to suit group needs and to the more than 200 Homestay families. Such a success is Homestay that only a little more than 100 students will not stay with a family. Seventy will stay at Upper College Heights apartments and 45 at TRU Residence and Conference Centre.
“The Homestay families are a critical part of our success. They are a foundation and without them we wouldn’t be able to offer what we do,” said De Frias. “Because we are competing with universities around the world, we have to offer something that many others don’t. I strongly believe the support we provide our students, plus the engaging active lessons taught by our committed staff are our strengths. Our goal is for students to gain a better understanding of Canadian culture while increasing their overall English proficiency.”
