NOW is the time to make definite plans for exchange. You have made it through first year with flying colours; consider how to get the heck outta here and have a great time in foreign places for part or all of third year!
Engineering has exchange arrangements with over 60 institutions around the world where you can enhance your education, gain valuable insight into the cultures and languages of other lands, and see the world as no tourist ever could.
WE will select up to 200 students from your graduating class to enjoy this privilege. But YOU have to make the first steps. There is an application process that must be followed and it takes time and effort. Applications for Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 have to be completed before the end of lectures this term.
To qualify for exchange, you need an average of at least 70% for the three terms immediately before the exchange and you will need to show that you can be a good ambassador for your program, for Waterloo and for Canada as a whole while you are away. In some cases you will need to learn the home language of the exchange partner.
We can help you get prepared. You need to visit our website, www.eng.uwaterloo.ca/~exchange to learn about the various destinations and the details of the application process. The Faculty Exchange Office is also at your service. Just drop by CPH 1320 to sign up for a meeting with Cindy Howe, or to make an appointment to meet me.
If you’re unsure about foreign languages, (or French, which by the way is NOT foreign but is an official language of Canada), you really don’t need to worry. Our partners in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Turkey, India, Singapore and Hong Kong all provide instruction in English. In France, Germany and Switzerland you can get special language courses before the beginning of term, and there are technical electives taught in English. Naturally, you would be better off knowing something of the local language, and there’s still time to take a course or two here before leaving. Only in China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan is it really critical to make yourself as fluent as possible. But in any case, just think of the long-term advantage of being able to read and write a second or third language.
Are you concerned about costs? Don’t let money put you off! First, there is some financial assistance available. Second, you are giving yourself international experience – your increased earning capacity will make the payback time quite short.
Finally, if you are unsure about exchange, talk to returned exchange students who are now in fourth year. Cindy Howe, in the Exchange Office can help you find them.
Exchange isn’t for everyone, but it certainly can be for you. Check it out!
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