My international degree

Be recognized for adding international components to your degree!

Students who have considered studying or working abroad, taking a language course, or taking part in any of the other international opportunities offered through York International, now have another reason to go for it.

The Letter of Recognition - International Experience allows students to receive an official letter of recognition from York based on the international experiences they've had during their time at York.

What is it?

The Letter of Recognition - International Experience is an initiative of the Office of the Associate Vice-President International. It enables students to use their accumulated international experiences towards an official letter of recognition signed by the Associate Vice-President International.

Recipients will be honoured at a special reception held in March or April.

 Who is eligible?

Current students (Keele and Glendon Campuses) who have earned a required total of 60 points in international experiences as outlined in the chart below, completed by the end of December. [U1]

Note that all 60 points cannot be from the same section.

Only experiences accumulated during students’ current York degree will be counted towards the Letter of Recognition; experiences gained prior to becoming a student at York University or during previously completed degrees and diplomas will not be counted towards the Letter of Recognition.

Only programs and courses completed by the end of December will be considered.

 

Category Points Available Applicable Experience
A) International Education Experiences 50 points
each
  • York exchange or study abroad program (minimum 3 weeks away)
  • York official research project, internship or volunteer or paid work program (minimum 1 month)
  • Full-time international student enrolled in a York degree program (on a Study Permit)
  • Must have been completed by December 2013
  • Supporting documentation for York International programs and York University exchanges is not required.
  • Supporting documentation of international student status is not required.
B) International and Language Courses 10 points
each
  • 12 credits in one modern language
  • 12 credits in courses with an international focus (submit a course description obtained from the York online lecture schedule)
  • Must have been completed by December 2013
  • Please submit a list of courses and grades from the York University website (an official transcript is not required).
C) Co-curricular International Experiences 10 points
each
  • York International programming, such as the Peer Mentoring/Buddy Program
  • York program with an international aspect, such as Model UN
  • Other groups/programs/clubs with a strong international focus, aspect or connection as approved on an individual basis.
  • Non-York volunteering, internships or research projects with a strong international focus, aspect or connection as approved on an individual basis
  • Must have been completed by the Letter of Recognition deadline date
  • Supporting documentation for York International programs is not required.

 

Application Process

Please submit the following to York International:

  1. Completed application form [PDF]
  2. Cover Letter (Maximum one page)

The cover letter should include a summary of your international experiences. Please explain what you learned in specific programs and courses mentioned in your application form and how that learning has enriched your life.

  1. Documentation of the completion of each requirement. Some examples include:
  • List of Courses and Grades
  • Letters of Reference (e.g., from a professor, TA, or project supervisor)
  • Certificates or Letters of Participation

Supporting documentation is not required for the following:

  • York International programs (including Global Internships and YorkU Summer Study Abroad)
  • York University official exchange programs
  • International student status

Frequently Asked Questions about the Letter of Recognition

What is a Letter of Recognition (LOR)?

It is a document that is granted to current York University students in recognition of international activities accumulated in their current York degree. It is open to students from Keele and Glendon Campuses.

What is a modern language course?

It is a course in a language that is currently used, such as French, Spanish, Italian, etc., rather than a classical language, such as Latin, Ancient Greek, etc.

 What is a course with an international focus?

It is a course that has as its subject or a component of the course a discussion of foreign culture, fine arts, politics, etc. For example, India: Life, Culture and the Arts, etc.

Do I have to apply in my last year?

No, you can apply when you think you have accumulated the required 60 points.

Do I need to submit an official transcript as supporting documentation?

No, you need to print out your ‘List of Courses and Grades’ from ‘My Student Account Online’ and highlight the courses that you would like to be counted towards your LOR.