Graduate students share experiences traveling abroad

Last month, the University of Waterloo joined over 100 countries in celebrating International Education Week (IEW), and highlighted the significant impact of international education on our campus community and Canadian social, economic and cultural well-being. To support the international education of graduate students, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs hosted a "Funding your Graduate International Experience" panel event. 

Each of the panellists had received either the Graduate Student International Experience Award or the Graduate Studies Research Travel Assistantship:

• The Graduate Student International Experience Award includes multiple international experience funds covering international academic exchanges, study terms (for research or academic requirement), work, or volunteer experience.
• The Graduate Studies Research Travel Assistantship provides funding to assist graduate students to attend professional conferences and present their research. 

Both funds have application deadlines each term, and applications are required the term prior to travel. 

Final thoughts from the panel discussion included: 

• Plan ahead! There are lots of considerations when planning your graduate international experience, from finding funding to accommodations and transportation, so start planning early. 
• Apply! Even if you don't know all of the details for your trip, apply for funding opportunities. You aren't required to provide booking confirmations at the time of application for University of Waterloo funding. 
• Explore your options! There are many different options for traveling abroad during your graduate studies, from volunteering or internships to field work and conferences. Explore the options that are available to you, and if you're an international student, ensure that you talk about these options with an immigration consultant at the Student Success Office to understand any implications to your study permit.