Frequently Asked Questions

On this page:

 

  1. What are the benefits of going on Exchange?

    Going on Exchange can be a transformational learning experience. By studying at another university, in another part of the world, you will immerse yourself in a new culture. Rather than being just another tourist, this immersion experience will allow you to connect meaningfully with people in your host country and experience a different academic perspective and culture. It will also allow you to experience international issues and ideas from a fresh perspective. Lastly, it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment and to gain confidence while strengthening your life skills.
     

  2. Why should I go on an Exchange?

    “It is a more engaging experience than just taking a course on the culture. It is deeper experience than just traveling through the culture. It is an experience that would never want to give up.”-AJ Mauger, Political Science student, University of Ningbo, China

    “It is the best way to get out of your comfort zone; to get the strength and time to do more than just study and work. It will add to your knowledge by giving you a different perspective on the subjects you are already learning and it will also enhance your knowledge of yourself by challenging you in many different ways. It will also be an incredible tool to expand your network by allowing you to actually know people abroad by living amazing adventures with them and therefore making lifelong friends.” –Manon Picard, Marine Biology, University of Adelaide, Australia

    “It may be intimidating at first to think about waking up in a foreign country and communicating with people who speak a completely different language from you, but when you actually do it and look back on your experience, you will love every moment of it — just like I did.” Maria Kim, Asian Studies and Sociology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan

     

  3. How can an international Exchange experience enhance my employability after I graduate?

    Participating in an Exchange program offers you the opportunity to develop skills and gain experience that employers may desire in a candidate. An Exchange program can serve as the opportunity to demonstrate the problem solving, intercultural and language skills that you have acquired while completing your degree. It can also showcase an independence and self-reliance that would be invaluable in the workplace. Lastly, it may highlight your ability to succeed in new and challenging environments.
     

  4. Can I take part in both a co-op program and Go Global?

    Yes, you can do both!  But planning your co-op term and an Exchange will require some careful planning on your part.  If you are already accepted into a co-op program, please speak with your co-op advisor to determine whether or not you can balance a co-op and an Exchange program.  We currently have very few co-op placement opportunities with our overseas partner institutions – please speak with your co-op advisor first.
     

  5. Will going on Exchange delay my graduation?

    Not usually.  Students will receive UBC credit for all successfully completed academic courses taken on exchange. Non-academic courses such as badminton or tea ceremony, or seminar courses without assessment, will not earn UBC credit. Therefore, taking a full course load while on Exchange will be the same as taking a full course load here at UBC.  How your credits transfer back to your degree can vary and is dependent on how they are articulated.  Please read our transfer credit webpage for details.
     

  6. Do I have to know a second language to go on Exchange to a non-English-speaking country?

    In most cases you can do course work in English. However, we do have some partnerships with universities that do not offer courses in English. Most schools offer courses in English or have language programs intended for foreign students (eg. Universidad Nacional Autonomia de Mexico does not offer courses taught in English, but has an excellent Spanish language program).
     

  7. Do I have to be a third year student to go on Exchange?

    In most cases, students apply during their second year to go on Exchange in their third or fourth year. All eligibility requirements must be met and in most cases, this means that students must go in their third year. However, exceptions can be made with respect to going in your final year. In this case, please consult with your Go Global advisor.
     

  8. When should I start planning to go on Exchange?

    Deadlines are 6 months to a year in advance of the start of an exchange program to ensure there is sufficient time to prepare partner university applications, travel documents and pre-departure programming. For many students, the planning process begins as they start their degree and consider how an exchange might fit into their academic plans. We find that students who have done extensive research benefit the most from the entire Exchange experience (from before they apply to integrating back to UBC).


  9. Can I go on exchange if I haven’t declared my major yet?

    Yes, you can go on exchange without having declared a major. Simply write your proposed major and/or minor on your Go Global application.


  10. Do I have to go for a full year?

    No, in most cases you can go for just one Term (however, some university programs are a full year). Some universities offer shorter programs (two to eighteen weeks) in the summer.


  11. Can I do two exchanges?

    Students are permitted to do either a one term or two term exchange.

    It is possible to apply for a summer program AND a one term or full year exchange program.

    Only Commerce and Land and Food Systems students may do two one-term exchanges to two different universities within one academic year.


  12. A friend told me it’s really competitive to get accepted. Is that true?

    There are limited spaces available at each partner university and the demand for each partner varies from one year to the next. In some cases, the demand exceeds the number of spaces available.  For this reason, we ask that students provide us with your top three choices and carefully consider their second and third choices.
    As long as you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you will be accepted to the program. However, although we do our best to match you to your first choice, this is not always possible if we have more students than spaces available.Two thirds of available positions are matched to top academic applicants based on grades. The remaining spots are offered to students on a combination of grades and the essay.


  13. How do I choose a partner university that’s right for me?

    Your decision should be based on a number of factors, some academic, and some personal. You should make sure the universities you’re interested in offer courses you need to take towards your degree in the term(s) that you wish to go. Also check to see what subject areas the university offers – they may offer unique courses not offered at UBC – take advantage of this! Some universities are well-known for certain departments or faculties; think about what you’re interested in learning about, and find a university that can help you meet that goal.
    Also consider living arrangements, lifestyle, and other personal needs. What kind of accommodation do the universities you’ve researched offer? What size campus or town would you like to live in? Would you like to learn another language through immersion? We encourage students to push their boundaries and explore new perspectives. Talking this through with someone is often a good strategy as it helps you clarify your goals. 


  14. What types of accommodation are available?

    There are many types of accommodation available While not all of our partners have guaranteed student housing most provide assistance in finding accommodation on and off campus. However, many do not offer on-campus accommodation and in some cases, you may be required to find off campus housing on your own. Some universities have homestay programs. Alternatively, you may choose to stay with family or friends. Please note that Go Global does not facilitate your housing at the host university. It is your responsibility to research your own accommodation and to find options that meets your needs.

    Students who require special accommodation should contact a Go Global advisor regarding their needs at least six weeks prior to the application deadline. You will need to provide Go Global with appropriate documentation so that we may liaise with the partner university on your behalf.


  15. How much does it cost to go?

    It really depends. You pay UBC tuition with the exception of a few partner universities where tuition is paid directly to them (this is indicated in our partner pages).  Living costs vary from one country to the next and it is also important to consider your living cost budget in Vancouver as your baseline. 

    Prepare a budget to help determine how much it will cost to study abroad. Be sure to include extra spending in your budget, in order to take advantage of the different opportunities exchange offers.
     

  16. Are there any scholarships or awards available?

    Yes! When you are accepted to go on Exchange you are automatically considered for most International Learning Awards. However, we have other funding opportunities on our Awards and Scholarships page that you must apply for. Keep in mind that you are only eligible to receive one UBC mobility award (the one of greatest value will be awarded if you qualify for more than one).


  17. Can I still get a student loan while I’m on Exchange?

    Yes. In most cases, as a full-time UBC student you are eligible for provincial and national student loans. Please contact Student Financial Assistance and Awards for details.

    During pre-departure you will have the opportunity to learn more about student financial assistance and awards.
     

  18. How will my credits transfer back to my degree?

    All successfully completed academic courses will transfer back to your UBC degree. How these credits transfer is dependent on how they are articulated. Please visit the Transfer Credit webpage for more information.
     

  19. Is it true that grades don’t count while you’re on Exchange?

    While on Exchange, you receive credit for coursework taken abroad; however, grades do not appear on your UBC transcript. But they do count. Your grades from exchange may be used for assessment of some UBC scholarships. If you choose to apply to grad school you will be required to provide transcripts from all prior institutions attended, including those you attended while on exchange. Passing grade varies by institution. Please look at your partner university page on our website for more information.


  20. My program is very focused. How can I make sure my courses transfer?

    Please read the transfer credit information on our website. Also, your faculty advisor (law, commerce, applied sciences, etc) will help you determine course requirements.
     

  21. How can I talk to other students who have gone on Exchange?

    There are many ways to contact returned Exchange students. Consider the following options:
     

  22. How do I go about getting a student visa/residence permit?

    The visa application process varies by country and in complexity. Go Global is not able advise on student visas as the criteria change and differs depending on the applicant. The best place to access current and accurate information is directly from the host country’s embassy, consulate, or high commission.

    Note: everyone’s circumstances are different. Please do not assume that a fellow student’s process will be the same for yours. Your visa process is based on your citizenship, prior travel, your destination, as well as other personal factors. 
     

  23. When should I book my flight?

    You should wait until you receive official acceptance from your partner university before purchasing a ticket. However, if you chose to purchase your ticket before you receive your acceptance, make sure you buy cancellation insurance.

    It is extremely rare that Go Global would nominate you to a school and the nomination wouldn’t be honored; however, a few students don’t look into their student visas requirements early enough and aren’t able to go because they don’t get their visa on time for their flight. 
     

  24. How many credits do I have to take while on exchange?

    If you are going on Exchange as an undergraduate student for one or two terms you will be automatically registered in 15 UBC credits per term (unless you have a letter from Access and Diversity which recommends a reduced course load). While you may be registered in 15 UBC credits and assessed for 15 credits of tuition, some students choose to take fewer courses. Make sure you are registered in a full-course load as determined by your partner university to avoid jeopardizing your student visa.

    Grad and Law students are assessed their regular program fee while on exchange.

    Summer Programs are assessed per credit (i.e., some Summer Exchange students register for as few as 3 UBC credits).

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