Exchange or Not Exchange, That is the Question

Just before Reading Week, I had the pleasure of conducting pre-acceptance interviews with a dozen members of the 2B Architecture class. Between them, they are going on exchange to five different universities in Europe and Asia. For these people, and for all the others who have gone or are going on exchange, it is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Exchange is a world-wide system for a global education with broad cultural implications. You can enrich your program by studying at top-rated universities and thereby enhancing your career prospects.

If you are in 1B, 2A or 2B this term, it’s time for you to be preparing for your exchange adventure. It’s more important than ever that you get started, because, with revisions in application requirements, the process may take more time. On the other hand, it will entail slightly less paper-work to fill in. But still, the best thing to do is to get started as soon as possible. How to do this?

1. Go to the Engineering Exchange website (for our list of current exchange partners).
2. Look at the universities’ websites in Europe, the Pacific Rim, Australia and the Americas where we have exchange agreements.
3. Contact the Faculty Exchange office and find out where opportunities are available.
4. Download the UW application forms
5. Make an appointment with your department’s Exchange Advisor or Undergraduate Associate Chair to present your proposed study plan.
6. Get approval from Coop.
7. Make an appointment for an exchange pre-acceptance interview.
8. Have the interview.
9. Now your application is ready for final approval by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate.
10. You’re on the way – You are ready to complete the exchange partner’s formalities, get a study visa for the exchange country, buy an airline ticket and fly away to a real adventure!

The above ten steps may look long and difficult, but they’re not, really. Cindy Howe and I in the Engineering Exchange Office are here to help you, as is Michelle Coulombe in CECA and your undergraduate department exchange advisor. So long as you show that you will meet the criteria, and maintain good standing, you will find that international exchange is easy to apply for. And when you go you’ll join the hundreds of students who have had the time of their lives all the while becoming Canadian citizens of the world.