Using A University Exchange Program To Study Abroad

Have you ever felt pulled between the desire to travel abroad and the need to continue your post-secondary education? What many students don’t realize is that they don’t necessarily need to put off either their education or their travel dreams, but can combine the two by studying abroad.

At first glance it may seem impractical, to say the least. Universities in other countries often charge exorbitant tuition fees for foreign students, subsidizing their own citizens’ education in this way. As well, there is the concern of whether courses are accepted back at your home school, and whether grades and credits are transferable. Fortunately, many North American colleges and universities participate in exchange programs with international universities. Through these exchange programs, registered students are able to continue their program of study for a year at a partner school, earning credits for their degree at their home university.

University exchange programs allow students to choose another school from a long list that includes universities around the world. While most exchange programs limit how many students from a given university can study abroad in a given year, and many also put limits on the number that can attend a specific destination school, there are still lots of options available.

In most exchange programs sponsored by a university, the tuition is paid to the original school the student is registered at, at the same rate you would pay if you were continuing your studies there that year. There will likely be fees associated with the exchange, but the tuition fees you have been paying do not change, which saves you the expense of paying foreign student rates.

Student accommodation may also be arranged in a similar manner, or else the host school to which you are traveling may help you find housing at local rates and in the local currency, often with other foreign exchange students. You may also have the option of billeting or doing a home stay with a local family, or you may decide to seek your own off-campus housing.

Studying abroad can be a life altering experience, providing you with experiences you may never have otherwise. Exchange programs can make your dreams a reality.

By: Jon Ginsburg

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