The GEC will not be accepting new applicants effective August 31st.
A certificate that recognizes your accomplishments in internationalization at home and abroad. This will allow you to:
- Develop skills that will help you stand out to employers
- Enhance your intercultural interactions and develop your language skills
- Experience intercultural immersion and get a competitive international advantage
- Get recognition for your experience studying or working abroad
- Gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of systems and practices in local/global contexts
Position yourself as a future leader and give yourself a competitive advantage. Learn the program requirements, application process, and what a great experience it can be from other Waterloo students, like Farzaan, who completed the GEC with the help of the Rension International Office.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Application process
- Learn the program requirements and explore the resources listed.
- Prepare your milestone plan and discuss it with your academic advisor to ensure you observe your own program requirements.
- Apply online (upload your milestone plan and indicate how you will fulfil the GEC components).
- Meet virtually with the global learning programs coordinator to finalize your proposal.
- Complete the components and keep the GEC informed of any changes to your plan.
- Once everything is completed, email the coordinator once you have submitted the Application to Graduate Form.
- Get your Global Experience Certificate upon graduation.
Please note
- Applied Language Studies students completing APPLS 205R, 304R, and 306R for the volunteer experience component are exempt from the GEC one-term volunteer requirement.
Contact us
Contact Vy Nguyen, Global Learning Administrator, for more information about the GEC.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General
Does the GEC appear on my diploma?
When you graduate you receive a separate diploma for the GEC. It will also appear listed on your transcript under “Degrees Awarded,” while the international experience and the intercultural volunteer experience will appear as milestones.
Do employers see a GEC as valuable?
Yes, employers and businesses are more interested in graduates with international experiences that translate into knowledge of global/local systems and dynamics, intercultural sensitivity, and skills that are further developed through immersion in a different cultural environment, including independence, problem-solving, organization, adaptability, and enhanced communication skills.
Eligibility
I’m an international student, can I apply for a GEC?
Yes, you can apply for the GEC. The requirements are the same for any undergraduate student.
I’m not a co-op student, can I still apply for the GEC?
Yes, both co-op and regular-stream students can earn a GEC.
I’m a graduate student, can I apply for a GEC?
Unfortunately, at the moment, the GEC is offered only to undergraduate students.
Is there a deadline to apply for the GEC?
You can apply for a GEC at any time during your undergraduate studies, although students who apply earlier in their plan have the most flexibility to meet all the requirements.
Requirements
When should I submit my application?
There is no application deadline. Applications are received on an on-going basis. It is recommended to apply for a GEC after you have met with your academic advisor to ensure you have accounted for your program requirements to avoid any delays in your graduation. NOTE: If the opportunities you intend to count towards the GEC are not pre-approved experiences, they’ll need to be vetted. Make sure to contact the coordinator and apply for the GEC before you start any of them.
What’s the difference between exchange and study abroad?
An exchange requires you to pay fees to Waterloo, while for study abroad you pay fees to the host school.
Do the different components need to be completed in a specific order?
No, you can organize your plan in the way that best suits you and your program.
Can I take two different languages?
No, the two language courses required for the GEC must be sequential.
Do the language courses have to be of the same language spoken in the country I am planning to go to?
No, the two language courses must be sequential, but they do not have to be of the language spoken in the country you are intending to go to.
Can I find and arrange my own work/voluntary experience abroad?
Yes, you can look for opportunities outside of the pre-approved experiences listed; however, they will need to be vetted by the coordinator ahead of your potential start date. Get in touch with them to learn about the details you’ll need to provide to get approval.
Can I count prior experiences/volunteering or language courses I took before I started at Waterloo?
No, you can count only what you do while enrolled in undergraduate studies at Waterloo.
If I don’t complete the minimum 20 hours of volunteering in one term, can I continue accumulating hours during another term?
No, you must complete the 20 hours during a single term. You cannot accumulate the hours across terms. If you do not complete the requirement in one term, you will have to start over, as previous hours will not be rolled over. If you are struggling to reach the minimum required, get in touch immediately with the volunteer program coordinator and the GEC's coordinator to make them aware of the issue.
Do I get marked on the reflection piece?
No, the reflection piece is treated as a pass/fail exercise. You will receive constructive feedback provided you have completed the reflection according to the guidelines provided. If your reflection piece is insufficient, you will be required to respond to additional questions in order for it to be accepted.
What happens if I complete all the components except one?
You must complete all components in order to obtain a GEC. If any component is missing, you will not qualify for the certificate.
What happens if I don’t pass one of the required courses for GEC?
You need to pass the relevant language and global studies courses in order to count them towards the GEC.
Process
The milestone includes a summary of courses related to your program and a plan to complete the different GEC components. The milestone plan is uploaded when you submit your online application for the GEC. Review the samples to ensure you follow the format.
Why do I need a milestone plan before meeting with the coordinator?
It is necessary to prepare a milestone plan to see how you want to complete the different components; however, it is understood that some elements may still have to be confirmed, or adjusted at a later date. When you apply online, make sure to upload your plan, even if it is a draft.
What do I write on the application form if I’m not sure (if, when, where) I’ll go on exchange/study abroad/volunteering/international co-op?
When you apply, you are asked to indicate the type of experience you intend to pursue, but this does not mean that the plan is set in stone. The application is meant to help you think through the logistics of your potential plans. Once your plan is confirmed, email the GEC's coordinator the relevant details of the exchange/study abroad/volunteering/co-op experience.
Do I pay a fee when applying for the GEC? Are there any withdrawal fees?
There are no fees associated with applying for, or withdrawing from, the GEC.
If I’ve made changes to my plan, can I still pursue a GEC?
Yes, you can make changes to your plan provided you still complete the components before graduation. Make sure to keep the GEC's coordinator updated with changes affecting any of the components (language and global studies courses, international experience, intercultural volunteer experience).
It looks like I will not be able to complete the GEC requirements, what should I do?
Contact the GEC's coordinator as soon as possible. If after further considering/discussing your options you are still unable to complete the GEC, you’ll need to send an email to the coordinator indicating the reason(s) why you are unable to complete it.
COVID-19
What if COVID does not allow me to complete my international experience and/or intercultural volunteer experience?
Students are required to travel in order to complete their international experience and potentially their intercultural volunteer experience. Please note, a virtual exchange will not count toward the GEC. If you are unable to travel to your destination, unfortunately you will not be awarded the GEC. For any questions, please connect with the GEC coordinator.
Can I complete my intercultural volunteer experiences virtually?
Pre-COVID, it was expected that all components of the GEC would be completed in-person. Due to the pandemic, the International Peer Community and Renison Conversation Partner Program can be completed virtually as part of the intercultural volunteer experiences until further notice.