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Winter Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation

Join us from January 4 - 5

You’re ready. You’re about to join a community of current exchange, study abroad students, alumni, professors, and staff and we have two days of activities and events planned to help you feel right at home. 

You'll have the opportunity to: 

  • Connect with other exchange and study abroad students

  • Learn about Canadian culture 

  • Get to know the services, resources and opportunities Waterloo offers you 

  • Settle into your new home at Waterloo 

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I really enjoyed the orientation days as well and the social activities! It was a great way to introduce WU and connect with other exchange students.

Mei Stagaard Therkelsen - DTU student from Denmark

Schedule

  1. 2024
    1. Jan
      1. Day 1: Information Sessions

        January 4

        Attend a variety of sessions on topics such as:

        • Canadian classroom experience
        • Course enrollment
        • Fees and Health Insurance 
        • Campus Services

        You'll also get to meet exchange students who were here in the fall! 

      2. Day 2: Exchange and Study Abroad social event

        January 5
        • Attend an Indigenous Relations session
        • Join a scavenger hunt or Trivia to learn more about campus and meet other exchange and study abroad students.
        • Exchange Hot Chocolate Social and get a chance to meet 2 term exchange students!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

DO I NEED TO REGISTER/ SIGN UP FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

Yes, you will need to register for Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation. Keep an eye on your UWaterloo email for more information on how to register. 

DO I HAVE TO GO TO EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

We strongly encourage you to attend Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation as it will get you set up for life in Canada with activities and sessions planned specifically for your needs.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

No, there is no additional fee associated with Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation.  

IF I REGISTER FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION, DO I HAVE TO ATTEND EVERY EVENT?

You don't have to attend every event, but we strongly encourage that you attend as many as you can! These events are carefully planned with the needs of Exchange + Study Abroad students in mind to make sure that you have a seamless transition and set yourself up for success at Waterloo! 

I WON'T BE ABLE TO ATTEND EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION DUE TO VISA/STUDY PERMIT DELAYS. IS THERE A WAY THAT I CAN STILL GET THIS INFORMATION?

We will be hosting a Late Arrival Welcome in mid January for students who are unable to attend Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation. Keep an eye on your UWaterloo email for details once you arrive or reach out to studyabroad@uwaterloo.ca for details in January.  

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE IN CANADA FOR EXCHANGE + STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION?

We recommend arriving on or before January 4. Before you plan your flight, make sure that you can move into your accommodation when you arrive. Most leases begin on January 1, so you may need to book a short-term accommodation if you arrive before this. If you are living on-campus, connect with Campus Housing to secure your move-in time slot. 

Have questions? Contact us

Exchange + Study Abroad Orientation is a partnership between the Student Success Office (SSO), and the University's six faculties.