International opportunities

The Renison International Office offers a variety of short-term international experiences. In addition to the in-house opportunities available to students, our international advisor is also here to provide additional support to Renison students and residents considering full-term exchange through Waterloo International.

NOTE: please familiarize yourself with the most current requirements established by Waterloo International Safety Abroad for international travel sanctioned by the university.

Discover your next adventure...

2024 programs

Tottori University 

Summer 2024  

This is a short-term immersive experience, with the program being conducted in Japanese. Students should have a comfortable level of Japanese in order to attend this program.  

Requirement: the completion of at least JAPAN 102R is required.  

Dates for 2024

Program main session: July 8th - July 19th, 2024 

*Pre-program online session: July 2nd and 5th 

*Placement test (online): June 24th - June 28th 

Program formats  

On-campus classes at Tottori University: Japanese language class, cultural experience, accommodations, and opportunities to interact with Tottori University students. 

  • Cost of program: 90,000 JPY + airfare + insurance  

Online classes via Zoom: Japanese language class, and opportunities for virtual interaction with Tottori University students.

  • Cost of program: 10,000 JPY 

Applications are now CLOSED.

Tohoku University Japanese Program (TUJP) 

Summer 2024 

This is a unique, short,  non-credit program designed to improve your Japanese proficiency and deepen your understanding of Japan. 

The program consists of intensive Japanese lessons with many hands-on activities to practice Japanese. In addition, there are interactive lessons on traditional and modern Japanese culture and society. Moreover, there are collaborative learning activities with local Tohoku University students. Also “buddies” (local students) will make you feel welcome and assist you during the program. 

Have an authentic experience abroad while improving your Japanese language! 

Dates for 2024

Session 1: May 29 to June 13, 2024 (2 weeks) 

Session 2: July 12 to August 8, 2024 (4 weeks) 

NOTE: This program requires a direct application to the host university. To apply, please visit the Tohoku University Japanese Program website. Participants of the program are still eligible for the Rita Lee-Chui International Education Fund, valued at $500 per student. 

Applications are now CLOSED.

Momoyama Gakuin University

Spring/Summer 2024 

This is a unique 4-week summer experience where you will have the opportunity to live with a Japanese family through a homestay program. Momoyama Gakuin University is located in Osaka City, which is one of Japan’s most bustling cities. 

Have an authentic experience abroad while improving your Japanese language! 

This non-credit program is aimed toward students who have limited knowledge of Japan, but have taken JAPAN 101/JAPAN 102. 

Dates for 2024

May 25 to June 22, 2024 

Cost of program

$2055 + airfare + insurance 

Applications are now CLOSED.

Japan's Friendship Ties Program - “Japan-Canada Kakehashi Project”

University Cohort 2023-2024 

Dates: Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 - Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 (In Japan Feb. 18-25), 8 days

Place: Tokyo plus one regional city (TBC)

Applications are now CLOSED.

The Japanese word “kakehashi” means “bridge.” The Kakehashi Project, conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is an exchange program aimed at promoting greater understanding of Japan in North America. With our university cohort theme of “Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” we are looking for University of Waterloo candidates to serve as bridges between people for the future.

Activities:

(i) Attend lectures on aspects of Japanese culture, history, society, economy, politics, and diplomatic relations to promote a better understanding of Japan.

(ii) Participate in school/university exchange programs.

(iii) Visit educational sites and institutions, high-tech and traditional industries, world heritage sites, provincial and municipal government offices, and participate in cross-cultural events, workshops, and discussions with local people.

(iv) Participate in hands-on-learning experiences such as homestays, home-visits, and cultural events.

(v) Share information through reporting sessions and social media during/after the program.

Application Process (Applications are now CLOSED):

  • Step 1: Please read the Application Guidelines for KAKEHASHI Project Japan's Friendship Ties Program carefully. Ensure that you meet all the qualifications and requirements. 
  • Step 2: Submit your online application form to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada). Please save your application form as a PDF file to send it to UW’s internal selection committee. 
  • Step 3: Please contact Kumiko Kunizane, Coordinator of Japanese Language and Culture Studies at Renison University College with the following information:
    • An electronic copy of your online application
    • Date of Birth (to be included in the candidate list)
    • Unofficial Transcript from the University of Waterloo (to be viewed by the UW/Renison Kakehashi Project Selection Committee)
    • Your general available time slots on Tuesdays, Thursday afternoons, and Friday afternoons for an interview
  • Step 4: Attend an interview (in-person or online) and share your Action Plans

  • Step 5: Selected candidates must fill out the International Travel Approval form and send it to the Renison International Office to be signed by the Approving Authority at Renison University College.

Past programs

JACAC Student Forum

collage of students and japan

The Japan-Canada Academic Consortium is a great opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills while meeting other students across Canada and Japan. Students will work together in groups and have debates and presentations, discussing a common theme. The JACAC Student Forum takes place during Reading week in February each year and takes place in Canada or Japan, in alternating years.  

The theme for 2023 - Canada and Japan: Towards 100 years of diplomatic relations

Examples of themes from previous years are:

  • 2022 - Japan-Canada Peace and Security Cooperation in the Asia/Indo-Pacific
  • 2021 - Youth During and After the Pandemic: A proposal for the new normal
  • 2020 - Energy Politics for the 21st Century: Searching for the best mix
  • 2019 - Japan-Canada Relations in an Era of Global Change
  • 2018 - Crisis in the Humanities: Reconsidering the Studies of the Humanities in the Age of Technology and Innovation
  • 2017 - Immigration Policies and National Borders: Integration and Exclusion

Cost: Participation fee is free.

For more information on the Student Forum and costs, please visit the JACAC website.

China Summer Program

*not currently running

Students will take language and culture courses at one of the top language schools in Shanghai, at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in May. This includes learning about different forms of Chinese art and paper cutting. The program also includes ten-days travel in China, as a field trip of cultural explorations in representative cities in China such as Xi'an and Beijing.

Kansai Gaidai University 

*not currently running

ASP Home-Based is an remote oriented program that students take Japanese Language courses and some selected Lecture courses focusing on Japan and Asia from his/her home.

  • Japanese Language courses taught by experienced Japanese instructors
  • 7 levels of instruction available
  • Selected courses focusing on Japan and Asia (mixed with Kansai Gaidai students)
  • Synchronously offered courses will use ZOOM
  • Part-time enrolment only (up to two courses)
  • Tuition is free (except Registration fee of JPY10,000)
  • Participation in Intercultural Engagement Program at least once a month
  • Online interaction with local Kansai Gaidai students available
  • Grades and credits awarded

Jeju National University

*not currently running

Learn about Korean language and culture through this two-week summer program on one of Korea’s most beautiful islands, Jeju island! You will have opportunities to explore, eat and learn about this island’s unique history and culture.

Tecnológico de Monterrey Programs

i-Summer MX Programs

*not currently running

i-Summer Mx are programs designed for students who love travelling and learning about new cultures. i-Summer Mx will allow flexibility as to how, when and where learning happens through visits to organizations, conferences with experts, workshops and trips. Tec de Monterrey offers the following programs that are available to UW students:

  1. Culture & Identity - Discover four of the most iconic states in Mexico, visit the capital Mexico City, enjoy the colonial city of Querétaro, go to the amazing Guadalajara, walk through historic places at Puebla, and choose to make everlasting memories in beautiful places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende. 
  2. Aeronautics - During their program students will live in three vibrant cities. The colonial city of Queretaro, the industrialized Chihuahua and Estado de México. These cities stand out as examples of growth, foreign investment and job creation, especially in the aeronautic industry.
  3. Business - Students will live in four vibrant cities in Mexico. The Santa Fe district in Mexico City, the colonial city Querétaro, the industrialized León and the modern business and industrial centre in Monterrey. They will make everlasting memories exercising their intellectual curiosity and developing entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership skills, in a multicultural setting.
  4. Marketing - Students will discover four of the most iconic states in Mexico, visit the capital Mexico City, enjoy the colonial city of Querétaro, go the amazing Guadalajara, walk through historic places at Puebla and make everlasting memories in beautiful places like Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel de Allende. 

Learn Spanish Virtually

*not currently running

Learn Spanish with native certified teachers from Mexico! 

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Business and Professional levels are offered.

Canada-Mexico International Learning Experience

*not currently running

Students will earn credit for this international experience course which is usually offered in the Winter. This experience promotes awareness of cross-cultural issues and a deeper understanding of issues of social justice. The program is shaped around the interests of the participants to create a shared itinerary for the international experience. The trip is rigorous, filled with long days, and packed with activities, but the end result is a life-changing narrative worthy of retelling. There will be Canadian experience days on weekends leading up to the international experience in Mexico during reading week.

For questions regarding past programs, please contact: rio@uwaterloo.ca

Application process

Application process: Applying to a program

1. Decide on a program and destination

Find out all international opportunities available through Renison and if there are any eligibility requirements. Make sure to check if the dates fit with your academic schedule. The Renison International Office can support assessing if you are academically fit for exchange opportunities of your interest.

2. Complete your application

Submit your online application through the International Opportunities application form by the program application deadline. Please note each international opportunity has its own deadline. Students are also asked to submit their transcripts when filling out the application form. 

NOTE: If you are applying to the Japan-Canada Kakehashi Project, please ensure you submit your application directly to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. Save a pdf of your applicationand contact Kumiko Kunizane, Coordinator of Japanese Language and Culture Studies at Renison University College. See 2024 programs for more information.

NOTE: Some programs will involve a second application for which the Renison International Office will contact you about next steps.

Application process: Interview selection

Depending on the program, you may be called for an interview as part of the selection process. The Renison International Office will reach out to coordinate interview scheduling with the students selected.

Application process: Pre-departure

1. Complete University of Waterloo’s Safety Abroad process (for in-person programs only)

If you are selected for an in-person exchange opportunity, you will need to complete the Safety Abroad process as required by Waterloo International. By completing this, you will be able to access University of Waterloo’s support while being abroad. Please carefully review this process and make sure to complete it before your departure.

NOTE: Renison students must fill out the International Travel Approval form (step 1: approval) and send it to the Renison International Office to be signed by the Approving Authority at Renison University College.

2. Payment process

Depending on the program, you will need to pay your program fees to Renison University College or your host institution. The Renison International Office will let you know how to process the payment. Remember to carefully review all the payment details provided in the program description.

Financing your exchange

There are many ways to finance your program abroad so it becomes an affordable experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Financial support is available through applying to the Rita Lee-Chui International Education Fund for all Renison students, up to $500 per student.

For more awards and scholarships, visit Renison’s Full listing of Awards, Scholarships, & Bursaries.


3. Finalize your travel arrangements

After you’ve been admitted, you can start finalizing your travel arrangements. We suggest that you book your flight after you've submitted your International Travel Registration form.

Some programs may include accommodations on their program fees. The Renison International Office and your host institution will reach out with additional information and instructions to arrange your stay abroad.

For more information and/or questions regarding international opportunities, please contact: rio@uwaterloo.ca.