Yes it IS too early in your academic career to go on an international exchange but it’s NOT too early to start planning for it!
It’s a great opportunity and privilege but you must prepare, organize and plan. You could be among the 15% of your class who go on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most students go on exchange in 3A or 3B or both. You might even consider combining it with a work term. But you have to start planning early!
What is an academic exchange? You’ll get to spend one or two academic terms at a partner university where you’ll take courses equivalent to those your classmates will be taking at UW. It is common practice for engineering exchange students to remain on the same academic schedule as the rest of their cohort and graduate with their class.
We have exchange partnerships with over 80 top-tier universities in about 30 countries around the world. So you need to investigate which partner best suits your needs; many of our exchanges are restricted in numbers, some are open only to certain disciplines of engineering, for others you may need to brush up on your language skills or possibly learn a new language. In some cases, it’s best to go for a one-term exchange; in others, two terms work out best.
All this is a part of planning for your future career which could take you anywhere in the world.
To get started, visit our website (search for “Engineering Exchanges” from the UW home page) for all the details and then meet with Cindy Howe, Administrative Coordinator of engineering exchanges to discuss all of your exchange options. She can be reached at eng.ug.exchange.askus@uwaterloo.ca and her office is Carl Pollock Hall, Room 3658.
On Facebook, look for the “UW Engineering Exchanges” group, which is specifically for outbound students and those who have been on exchange. It’s moderated by the Engineering Society (EngSoc) and Cindy Howe.
Don’t let the opportunity pass you by! The application process takes more than a year of lead time. Applications must be submitted by November 1 for the following academic year. For example, if you want to go on exchange for your 3B term (Fall 2018 or Winter 2019), your application must be submitted on Waterloo Passport by November 1, 2017.
Finally, exchange is great for fun, travel and adventure. You’ll visit parts of the world that stay-at-home students may never experience. Don’t take my word for it; read what previous exchangers have to say:
“Going on exchange is the BEST decision I’ve made in my undergrad life! It has helped me grow as a person from learning in a new environment, making friends around the world, and seeing things in different perspectives. Not to mention all the amazing travels you can do on an exchange.” (Lin Lin Chen, Management Engineering)
“Going on exchange was the single best choice I made during my undergraduate studies. The experience was eye opening to parts of the world I’ve only read about. Experiencing Asia rather than simply seeing it as a tourist gave traveling a whole new definition and I will cherish the memories forever.” (Gary Guo, Computer Engineering)
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