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General Information on Exchange Programs

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LIST OF OUR EXCHANGE PARTNERS

What is an exchange program?

An exchange is a formalized agreement between 2 insitutions that allows you to register at, and pay tuition to, your home institution while taking academic courses at a partner institution. Partners agree to exchange a limited number of students each year.  Exchanges can be for one or two semesters.

Am I eligible to apply?

To be considered for an exchange program you must:

  • Be a current Vancouver Island University student and have completed approximately 30 credit hours before the application deadline, of which a minimum of 12 credit hours have been completed at VIU.
  • Have achieved a minimum GPA of 6 or higher (on a scale of 10) in the past two full-time semesters.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant (international students may be considered based on available space and the regulations of the host institution).
  • Be planning to return to VIU to complete your degree or diploma.

Exceptions to the above may be considered if space is available in the exchange program.

Will my courses transfer back to VIU?

Most courses taken abroad transfer back as "unassigned" credit. These credits may be used to fulfill general elective requirements. If a course taken abroad is similar to a course offered at VIU, it may be awarded assigned credit.

What does it cost?

You will pay tuition for 5 courses, plus student/activity fees, to VIU for each semester you are abroad. You are responsible for all other costs of the exchange-travel, accommodation, food, insurance, personal expenses and so on. Think you can't afford it? Consider these options ..

Is there any financial assistance?

International Education Stipend - The International Education Department at VIU encourages education abroad by providing eligible VIU Students with an International Education Award of $750 or $1000. Conditions apply.

StudentAid BC - Students on StudentAid BC funding may be able to continue their funding to include education abroad. Contact Terry Lyons in the Financial Aid office.

What are my responsibilities?

Preparing for an exchange program will take a significant amount of time and effort on your part.  Steps to follow:

  • Arrange to meet with the Education Abroad Manager:  educationabroad@viu.ca.
  • Check out the list of partners.
  • Determine which partners have courses that will fit into your program at VIU.
  • Apply by the deadline (Oct 5 and Feb 5).

After you have been accepted

  • Complete the necessary paperwork.
  • Obtain a passport and any required visas or permits.
  • Attend the required pre-departure orientation sessions.

Application procedure

Application forms available from the Reception desk in Building 255.  You may apply up to a year before you want to go on exchange.

Application deadlines:  Oct 5 & Feb 5. Late applications will be considered if space is available.

Your application must contain all of the following:

  • Completed exchange application form
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Current CV or resume
  • Copy of your current program timetable (for purposes of scheduling an interview)

Interviews with all applicants will be held shortly after the deadlines listed above.   If you are accepted as an exchange student by VIU, you will then be asked to fill out an application for the host school and work on selecting courses.

 

For more information

Audrey Hansen, Education Abroad office
Centre for International Education, Bldg 255
educationabroad@viu.ca