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International Exchange Programs

About International Exchanges

The international exchange program offers the unique opportunity for Applied Health Sciences students to study overseas while fulfilling their degree requirements at the University of Waterloo.

Students who are selected to participate in an International exchange have the opportunity:

Normally students will attend the host university for one academic term. Students are required to register for a full course load (4-5 courses depending on the university) while on exchange. Transfer credits and course enrollment must be approved prior to the student's first day of class at the host University. Upon being accepted for the exchange, you will be enrolled in KIN 372 (2.5 units) for the term. This is a place holder course to bill your tuition at UW for 2.5 units. Transfer credits and course enrollment must be approved prior to the student's first day of class at the host university. Normally students are advised to pick a term where you will be taking mostly electives and should take into account when the degree-required courses are offered.

Once you have returned, specific transfer credits will be assigned. All courses that are selected must be approved by the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies to ensure transfer credits can be given and that the courses are not repetitive of a course already taken at Waterloo.

Your UW transcript will indicate that you took these courses while on exchange. The courses will count toward your degree as credit. No marks are transferred.

You pay all tuition to UW. The only money you will have to give your international exchange institution will be for books, rent (if you live in residence), orientation, etc.

Where can I go on an exchange?

See Waterloo International for all exchanges Applied Health Sciences students can go on and information about each school.

Who should apply?

Students selected for the exchange program serve as ambassadors to the University of Waterloo. Successful candidates must have:

The students must also demonstrate that they have sufficient maturity to handle travel and study in a foreign country, a different educational system and unpredictable situations. Normally students can spend up to two terms studying overseas.

Note: It is the student's responsibility to make a plan of how they intend to fulfill their degree and minor/option requirements. Students in the co-op program must also make arrangements if they intend to alter the typical work/school sequence. Both the academic and co-op plan must be approved by the Student Services Co-ordinator and the Chair of Undergraduate Studies.

It is important to note that there is no guarantee concerning course offerings here at the University of Waterloo. Although students may arrange their schedule so that they can fulfill their degree requirements in four years, not all courses are offered every year and some courses may change time slots. This may lead to course conflicts. Students must be prepared for the possibility that they may not finish in four years. Scheduling conflicts may be a bigger concern for students completing a Minor or Option.

How do you apply?

Students interested in applying are required to submit the following:

All application materials must be submitted to the Student Services Co-ordinator (BMH 3103) by:

Upon acceptance, students will receive a package and checklist that will include a formal application for the host university and an application for accommodation. All students must participate in a pre-departure safety and information orientation session.

Study Abroad Programs

A number of Study Abroad programs are open to all AHS students through the International Programs offered by the Office of Research; including:

Please visit International Programs for a complete list of study abroad schools and information for AHS students.

Financing your exchange

Normal tuition fees are paid to the University of Waterloo, including incidental fees, prior to departure. There is no extra tuition charged for participating in an Exchange Program. Students pay for a full course load (5 courses) regardless of the number of courses taken.

While abroad, you may be required to pay additional fees for field trips or supplies for particular courses. You are responsible for any extra studying costs (books, lab fees, etc), travel expenses, passports or visa arrangements, accommodations, food and all other living expenses, including health care.

Scholarships available to students

The University, in support of international studies, offers the following awards and bursaries:

Application for these awards is done through the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office in Needles Hall.

The Canadian Bureau for International Exchange Committee offers International Learning Grants. Applications and information can be found on their website, www.cbie.ca.

Pre-Departure Workshop

All exchange participants must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Abroad Orientation session organized by the International Student Office.

Prior to the pre-departure briefing students are required to review:

International Exchange Information Presentation

click here to view the Power Point Presentation on Exchanges

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