In an increasingly global marketplace, business professionals need an international education that gives them the knowledge and skills to keep pace. The intensive International Trade program at Vancouver Career College teaches the fundamental industry skills as per the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), which is a recognized credential in 26 countries and is accredited by the International Association of Trade Training (IATTO).
This program covers key topics such as import/export planning, entry strategies for international markets and cross-cultural business practices. The program also covers trade regulations, negotiation strategies, marketing techniques and global trade trends. Students will develop a skills portfolio and business plan as part of this course. Students will put their classroom skills into real-world practice as part of a five week, on-the-job internship.
Students will graduate this program with both an International Trade Diploma and a FITTSkills Diploma. Completion of the FITTSkills diploma counts towards the academic portion of the prestigious Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.
"I went to my practicum and they hired me directly. I am now permanently employed so that's the biggest change that came from my education." - Tina W., International Trade Graduate
This program is 32 weeks in length.
Job Opportunities
- International Research
- International Marketing
- International Buying
- International Banking
- International Sales
- International Contract Management
- Freight Forwarding
- Brokerage Management
- Customs Agents
- Government Trade Officers
Program Courses
The program outline below is for British Columbia.
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| SSSE |
Student Success Strategies |
25 |
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- Students will gain a better understanding of themselves through an exploration of their personal attributes, transferable skills and learning styles. This course will introduce techniques for time, conflict, and stress management and develop interpersonal communication skills. Fundamental study and motivation skills will be covered, preparing students to excel in their program of choice. Students will also prepare a professional resume and learn how to write effective cover letters.
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| B1156 |
Global Business Environment |
75 |
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- As global trade barriers come down, Canadian companies must learn to compete internationally. This course introduces the fundamentals of international trade. Students will learn to apply the skills and knowledge needed to perform export/import readiness diagnostics and initiate a variety of export/import planning process for companies involved in international trade.
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| B1174 |
International Trade Research |
75 |
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- True marketing success in international trade depends greatly upon developing an in-depth understanding of target markets. This can only be accomplished through research. This course will cover the research process, step by step. Topics covered include planning the research process, defining research objectives, evaluating import and export opportunities, data collection and analysis, management information systems for international trade, sources of marketing information and apply trade research.
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| B1158 |
International Marketing |
75 |
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- Marketing is the part of a business that focuses on the customer. Nowhere is marketing more important than in the global marketplace where competition is fierce. This course will provide knowledge on how to outdistance the competition. Topics covered will include principles of marketing, international marketing plan development, promotional strategies, pricing and international marketing management. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate the skills and knowledge needed for effective marketing in international trade.
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| B1166 |
International Trade Finance |
75 |
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- Financing plays an essential role in international trade. This course provides examples of complex ventures and will show you how to secure financing for them. Topics covered include trade finance risk analysis and management, forms of financing, cash flow planning and official sources of trade finance.
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| B1168 |
Global Supply Chain Management |
75 |
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- Logistics involve the steps taken to get your product to market. This course will teach the crucial interplay of the export team, documents, preparation and transportation in getting the goods from the seller to the buyer. Topic coverage includes: preparing a logistics plan, transportation management and analysis, order processing, shipment preparation, import and export process and documentation, delivery and distribution and clearing Canada Customs.
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| B1172 |
International Market Entry and Distribution |
75 |
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- This course will help chart a course to international markets and negotiate any obstacle. It will cover defining strategic needs, barriers to entry, distribution issues, product representatives, finding the right partner, negotiating partner agreements, managing joint ventures and exit strategies.
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| B1176 |
Legal Aspects of International Trade |
75 |
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- International trade law is a complex area that can directly affect success in international trade. This course will provide a management perspective in order to become fully aware of all the international legal implications of expansion into the global marketplace. Content coverage will include an introduction to business law, Canadian contract law, international business agreements and conduct, dispute resolution, anti-trust law, product liability and technology and intellectual property.
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| PSKE |
Professional Skills |
25 |
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- This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.
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| B1178 |
International Trade Management |
75 |
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- This course will help to manage international trade activities more effectively, with an eye to competitive advantage. Content coverage will include managing the export process, international business planning, the global economy and international companies, benchmarking the competition, managing for competitive advantage and managing cultural diversity, international innovation, assets and risk.
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- This module is for course credits but has no grade. Students will be placed in actual work places related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee for five weeks in order to gain the valuable “real world” experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory. (PR: All coursework)
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| CESE |
Career and Employment Strategies |
25 |
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- Students will have the use of our Job Search lab which has unlimited Internet access, a job search resource library and a fax machine and phone for contacting prospective employers with your resume. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques, and to carry out mock interviews. Students review core program concepts and learning in order to market their skills effectively.