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This is a competitive program. Each year, we have many more applicants than spaces, and we select students who have carefully thought about an exchange. The application process is fairly demanding, and best suited to students who are seriously committed.
Before going further or submitting an application, we suggest students consider the following points.
Options to Your First Choice
You will compete with other UVic students for space in the overseas universities of your choice, which means you may not get your first choice. Do you have options in mind? We ask you to select three universities as your first, second and third choices.
Academic Goals
A host university in a country you want to visit may not offer courses in your area of study. Will the host institution you attend further your academic goals? Will you be able to advance your studies?
Credit Transfer
Most of the credit you earn on exchange will transfer as UVic credit, but perhaps not all. Some courses may not be eligible for full credit because of the differences in course content, or hours of instruction. Can you accept less than full credit in an academic year? See Course Credit at UVic for more information.
Language
Most of our host universities offer courses in English, but not all. Will you be able to receive the courses you need in a language of your choice? Some students have the skills needed to take courses in other languages. See Partner Universities for the languages of instruction.
Finances
UVic tuition for 15 units for a full year or 7.5 for one term allows students to attend any of our partner universities. Students are, however, responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and living expenses. Will you be able to financially support your academic year abroad? See The Cost of Exchange and Funding Your Exchange for some thoughts on expenses and funding for exchange programs.
Motivation
We suggest that students who are interested in exchange think about why they want to do so. What are your personal reasons for going abroad? Reflect on why you are considering overseas study, and how it might affect your life.
Expect Some Differences
Education systems in various countries are different. Each university has developed its own program and orientation that reflect the society in which it is located. Methods of instruction, length of courses, the degree of autonomy of the professor, evaluation requirements and techniques all vary among universities and, sometimes, within them as well. This is both the magic of the exchange experience and the greatest cause of difficulties.
Courses or programs may be cancelled without notice; timetable clashes may occur. This means that you may not have the opportunity to take the courses you need for graduation or for other reasons. In case your first-choice courses are not available, you should have a couple of alternatives to fall back on.
The application process will challenge you to research and document all of these points, so it is worth giving them careful consideration beforehand.
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