Before you apply
- Explore possible learning‑abroad options (exchange, internships, summer programs, research) and see what suits your degree, interests, timeline.
- Attend Learning Abroad events, info sessions, or the Learning Abroad Fair to gather information and talk to past participants.
- Meet with your academic advisor to assess how going abroad will affect degree progression, course sequencing, and graduation timeline (especially for fall/winter/year). Book an appointment with an RC advisor via RC portal.
- Investigate credit transfer: which courses abroad would count toward your program, departmental equivalents, and whether pre‑approval is needed.
- Investigate which courses you are interested in taking.
- Check eligibility requirements for your faculty, your program, and target destinations (e.g. minimum GPA, completed credits, program restrictions).
- Research funding and awards (e.g. International Experience Awards) and understand eligibility and deadlines.
- Start thinking ahead about health, safety, and logistics (visa, immunizations, insurance, budget) in your desired destination(s).
Application process
- Review the “How to Apply” instructions carefully and note all requirements and deadlines.
- Attend a “How to Get Started” info session (or watch the recording) to clarify the application process.
- Choose your term (fall, winter, full year, summer) and confirm you can be away while satisfying your degree’s timing constraints. Book an appointment with an RC advisor via RC portal.
- Select your destination(s) and a shortlist of courses you might take at each host institution (to show in your application).
- Gather and prepare all required documents:
- Resume / CV
- Interim Grade Report (if you’ve done less than a threshold number of credits)
- Funding / financial information documentation (if applying for awards)
- Submit your application through the portal by the deadline (only one application per term; you cannot change the term once submitted)
- Be aware of the review timeline (CIE processing, conditional nomination, admission letter) – it may take several weeks.
- After being nominated, apply to the host institution as required, and upload your admission letter to the application portal.
After you’re accepted / before you depart
- Accept or confirm your offer from the host institution, as needed
- Upload or submit your admission letter into your home institution’s application/portal system
- Complete Safety Abroad pre‑departure requirements:
- Review any travel advisories for your destination
- Complete the Safety Abroad workshop (valid for 18 months)
- Obtain travel health insurance that provides sufficient coverage for your entire exchange period
- Register your trip in the Safety Abroad Registry (include emergency contacts, accommodation info, local contacts)
- Confirm and finalize your visa, study permit, and other necessary immigration documents (apply well in advance)
- Review health and wellness preparations:
- Finalize housing / accommodation plans (long term or temporary) and ensure safety, security, and local utility considerations
- Research and prepare for local logistics:
- Understand electrical voltage, plug types, whether you need adapters or transformers
- Think through money: notify your bank/credit card companies of travel plans, check fees, bring multiple cards, carry initial foreign currency, plan for local withdrawal strategy
- Prepare emergency contacts and safety planning:
- Pack appropriately:
- Make a packing list tailored to climate, culture, academic needs, and safety
- Include important documents (passport + visa, admission letter, insurance, emergency contacts) in both physical and digital form
- Bring travel adapters, backup power, safety items (lock, money belt), et
- Stay in communication:
- Make sure someone back home has your itinerary, contact info abroad, and emergency plan
- Check whether there are orientation or welcome sessions at your host institution and plan to attend
