International exchanges

Travel to another country. Broaden your knowledge. Learn to adapt to different environments and situations. Improve your language skills.

These can all be benefits of doing an international exchange.

See the list of countries where you can study as part of your Environment degree. Don't see an exchange opportunity that interests you? Feel free to explore exchange possibilities offered by other uWaterloo Faculties; you may be able to arrange an exchange through them.

If you are interested in participating in a short-term summer program, please visit www.exchange.uwaterloo.ca/summer.html for details. The summer programs are shorter in duration and usually focus on language and culture. A maximum of 1.5 units can be transferred back to Waterloo which may count as elective credit towards your degree requirements. An overall cumulative average of 70% is required to participate in a short-term summer program.

For more information regarding outgoing exchanges, please visit the Waterloo International website.

Who should apply?
Students who participate in exchanges have a keen interest in other countries and cultures, enjoy a change of routine, and are able to adapt easily to different circumstances.

If you have completed at least two years in Environment at uWaterloo, you can apply for the exchange program. To be accepted for an exchange, you must have at least a 75% overall cumulative average, be proficient in the language of instruction at the host university, and may be asked to complete an interview process.

How do I apply?
There are a limited number of positions for exchanges and acceptance is not guaranteed. You can apply by downloading this exchange application form, acquiring department and Co-op (if applicable) approval and submitting the application to Carol Knipe , EV1-329, or via email.

When assessing applications, the exchange committee considers:

Academic potential of applicant
Ability of applicant to adapt to unfamiliarenvironments
Ability of applicant to act as a suitable uWaterloo ambassador
Ability of applicant to finance their study abroad

Selection procedures are completed well ahead of time, so think about exchange opportunities in your first year, especially if a second language is required to participate.

Deadlines
Application deadline is January 15 for studies beginning the following September and January. A complete and up-to-date list of application deadlines is available at: www.exchange.uwaterloo.ca/apply.html

Study at a host university may be for either one or two terms depending on the terms of agreement.

Note: The application for Australian exchanges, due January 15, is for the following Winter and Fall term, i.e., application due January 15, 2012 would be for the Winter and Fall term, 2013.

Am I paired with a student at a different university?
Unlike some exchanges where Canadian students are paired with an international student who visits Canada, exchanges at uWaterloo are essentially one way. You study internationally but are not responsible for hosting an "exchange partner" or international student who comes to Waterloo to study.

Learn more about exchanges

Tips for international exchanges

1. Passports and visas should be obtained well in advance. Contact the consulate of the host country for information.
2. Adequate health insurance to cover any medical expenses incurred abroad is required.