As you research Waterloo Passport for opportunities to go abroad, we recommend that you pay attention to the following topics to make an informed choice.
Matching term dates
It is expected that you study at your host school for the entire duration of their term, including exams. Term dates vary abroad and sometimes overlap with Waterloo’s. If your terms overlap, you will need to take a term off or arrange a shortened work term. Some schools offer early/alternative assessments that will allow you to return to Waterloo early and write a proctored exam in Waterloo.
Ask yourself:
- Do my term dates line up?
- Do I need to arrange a shortened work term, or a term off?
Planning your courses
Going on exchange is an academic experience, so it is important to make sure you can take the courses you need. Consider planning to take more electives during your exchange term to make choosing courses easier. Research the course offerings at your host school to find out what they offer and when, and what language they are taught in. Use this year’s online course descriptions as a guide, but please note that changes may need to be made as programs and courses evolve.
Course loads vary abroad, so you will also need to find out what a full time course load at your host school is and what the credit weights are for the courses you want to take. You will find links to course calendars on the program pages in Waterloo Passport for the host schools you’re interested in, and your faculty exchange representative and academic advisor can help you determine equivalencies. Course availability is never a guarantee, so make sure you choose some alternatives in case your first choices are not available to you.
Ask yourself:
- What courses does the host school offer and when are they available?
- What language are courses taught in?
- What is considered a full time course load at the host school?
- What are the credit weights?
Consider competitiveness (only during first round matching)
Each host school is given a colour to assist you in making choices that will increase your chances of getting matched. The colour assigned to a host school is based on last year's demand. However, each year demand for schools shift. Use these colours (green, yellow, and red) as a guide and remember that there are no guarantees.
Lowest - These schools are very popular and are in very high demand. Less than half of the students who list this school as their first choice are likely to be matched. Do not list this school as your second, third, or fourth choice.
Low - These schools are popular and students who list these schools as their first choice have a chance of getting matched. Do not list this school as your second, third or fourth choice.
Moderate - Students who list this school as their first choice have the highest likelihood of getting matched. You may get matched if you list this as your second, third or fourth choice.
Ask yourself:
- Did I choose a mix of red, yellow, and green schools?
- Are any of my second, third or fourth choices a red or yellow school? If so, swap it out for a green school.
- Have I selected a variety of schools and countries? For example, more than two schools and more than one country.
- Do I understand the matching process? If not, read about how it works.
Checking your eligibility
Waterloo's requirements
Undergraduate students should aim to apply during their second year for departure in their 3A or 3B term. Students who plan to go on exchange during their fourth year of studies must consult with their academic advisor and their global learning coordinator to discuss the possibility of delaying their graduation. You should also review your faculty's requirements:
Host school requirements
While researching, focus on schools for which you meet the requirements. You should pay close attention to minimum overall average and language requirements. Check the requirements section of the program pages on Waterloo Passport for the schools you are interested in to see if you are eligible. Some exchange programs also require you to be in a specific program of study at Waterloo. Check the requirements section of the program pages on Waterloo Passport for the schools you are interested in to see if you are eligible.
Ask yourself:
- When should I apply for an international experience?
- What is the minimum overall average?
- What are the language requirements?
- Do I need to be in a specific faculty to apply to this school?
Budgeting for the cost of living
When researching the cost of living in a region or city, consider rent, food, transportation and entertainment costs. Check the costs section of the program pages on Waterloo Passport for the schools you are interested in to learn about the cost of living at each school.
There are ways to make spending a term abroad more affordable. Check out our suggestions for how to pay for it below.
Ask yourself:
- What is the cost of rent, food, transportation and entertainment costs?
- What scholarships, awards and other financial aid can I apply for?
Reviewing housing options
At many host schools, you will have the option to live off campus or in university-managed accommodation. Your host school will often send you information about accommodation options when it is time to apply, but you can still look into your options ahead of time. Consider how far you will be from campus, the costs, whether or not it is furnished, and whether or not it includes a meal plan. Do not assume the type of housing you want will be available everywhere.
Ask yourself:
- How far do I want to live from campus?
- How much will it cost?
- Do I want extra amenities, like a furnished room or a meal plan?
Wellness planning
A key part of your planning should be centered on your personal wellness. Think about what you will need to be as successful abroad as you are at home. At Waterloo, there is a culture of promoting wellness, both physical and mental, that takes into consideration the environment around you. Internationally, the support for this type of programming will look different.
To best help you research the wellness resources at universities for your exchange, Waterloo Passport has a dedicated "wellness planning" section for each university.
If you are registered with AccessAbility Services, make sure you look into what accommodations will be available abroad. The global learning team can help you identify these resources as needed, and you can work with AccessAbility Services to make a plan before you go.
Even if you are not registered with AccessAbility Services, consider any conditions you regularly manage at home that could require attention while you are abroad, like repeating prescriptions, regular counselling/medical appointments, and access to physically accessible spaces.
You should also consider how you might manage an unexpected change to your wellness while you are away. This includes an unexpected illness or injury, physical or mental.
No matter what, you should think about who your support is, both in country and at home, to help you maintain your wellness while you are away.
Ask yourself:
- Are the types of accommodations I require available at the host school?
- How will I manage my physical and mental health while I’m abroad?
- What supports do I need to arrange to help me be well while I’m abroad?
Planning to graduate on time
It is recommended that you go abroad during third year, because any later may delay your graduation. For one, course availability cannot be guaranteed at the host school. If you are not able to get the courses you need, you may have to stay an extra term at Waterloo.
Even if you get all the courses you need, it can take months for your transcript to arrive from your host school and your transfer credits to be added to your Waterloo record. Going abroad in your final winter term will not allow for spring (June) convocation, even though you will probably be finished your exchange by then.
Ask yourself:
- Am I planning an exchange term that will still allow me to graduate on time?
- Is it important to me that I graduate on time?