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Study Abroad / Exchange Opportunities

What are Exchanges and How Do They Work?

OC provides opportunities for Canadian students to study or work abroad for one or two semesters by entering partnership agreements with insitutions in countries around the world. These partnerships allow students from either institution to pay tuition fees and retain their status as students at their home insitution while they travel, study and earn credits toward their program of study at the partner institution in another country.

The International office provides information and assistance with application prodedures, pre-departure orientation sessions, re-entry debriefing, and other resources related to Study Abroad, international internship and volunteering opportunities.

You are expected to enroll in a full-time course load at the partner institution. 

What is a Formal OC Exchange?

Pre-Departure Orientation

Participation in a pre-departure orientation program at Okanagan College is mandatory. The pre-departure orientation will include information about the emergency support program. Emergency contact information will be given to each student. Students will also be required to sign a Waiver of Liability and Ambassadorship Agreement to participate in an exchange program.

Are Exchanges Right For Me?

The primary purpose of these exchanges is academic - to broaden your educational experience in an international setting. If travelling, culture immersion or work abroad is your primary aim, then an exchange study is not for you.

Why Go?

While the reasons for wanting to go on an exchange program are varied, most students are attracted by the opportunity to:
  • Take academic courses not otherwise available at Okanagan College
  • Live in another country
  • Experience another cultural environment
  • Travel to/tour new destinations

Take the time to thoroughly examine YOUR reasons for wanting to participate in an exchange. If non-academic reasons are your primary motivation, then other options (travel, work abroad) may be better suited to your goals.

Expectations

Exchanges, by their very nature, imply difference from the way of life at Okanagan College.  It is usual to find differences in the provision and delivery of academic programs, student services and facilities, campus culture, the cost of living, living conditions, social behaviour and customs. Having realistic expectations will play a substantial role in the level of enjoyment of the experience.

Risks

Academic

Of primary concern is the influence the exchange experience will have on an academic experience. There is no guarantee of enrolment in desired courses at the partner institution. You may not be enrolled in the courses planned and approved for study prior to arrival at the new campus, as course offerings and allocation of spaces may differ from published materials (without notice).

Personal

Being geographically removed from family, friends and loved ones for a lengthy period of time can be demanding and stressful. Adjusting to a new environment may take some time particularly in the absence of accessible familiar support.

Health & Safety

Do not put your personal safety at risk. Take all reasonable measures and precautions to ensure your personal well-being.

Sufficient and appropriate health and safety precautions must be taken, including obtaining proper health insurance and inoculations against disease. Medical services and treatment of safety issues may differ greatly from what you are accustomed to.

No one is accident or injury-free, so serious thought must be given to the possibility of the occurrence of such incidents. Crime rates vary from region to region. Attention should be given to the possibility of theft, burglary, property damage, personal injury or more serious crimes.

Getting Out of Touch With OC

Upon re-entry to OC, there will undoubtedly be some catching-up to do. Changes to the campus will be readily noticed and it will not be unusual to feel a bit out of touch. You may find yourself amid classmates with solid academic peer relationships which were forged while you were away. Finding a suitable housing arrangement with other students may present some difficulties. This is normal, so be prepared for some re-adjustment.

Getting Information and Advice

Which Exchange is Appropriate For Me?

Appropriate exchanges are usually the ones for which you are eligible. You may find yourself having to choose between an exchange which is university-wide and one which is faculty/school specific. Furthermore, proficiency in the language of instruction will be a determinant in the consideration of an appropriate exchange.

What's the best way to make a decision in which you'll be confident?
Research, research, research.

Where to look for information?

The exchange programs at OC are co-ordinated by OC International, which can provide information on general and administrative matters, immigration, culture, travel, pre-departure resources and procedures to apply for exchange study.

Academic Advice

Faculty members are primarily responsible for academic considerations. For specific information regarding eligiblity requirements, course selection for degree requirements and related academic matters, consult the academic advisor associated with each parnter institution.

Financial Aid

Information and applicatons for exchange bursaries, awards, scholarships and loans for participation in an exchange may be obtained from Financial Awards.

Health Advice

For information on health insurance coverage consult your provincial Ministry of Health office and the student government offices.

For advice and information on health concerns for international travel, consult the staff at Campus Health Offices.

DepartSmart

DepartSmart
This is an on-line travel orientation session designed for students and faculty involved in overseas programs. Students planning an exchange are encouraged to complete this information session.

The Application Process & Exchange Contract

Please contact International Education at local 4503 for more information. 

A World of Opportunities

Canadian Bureau for International Education's DestinEducation website contains educational information and planning tools for Canadians interested in studying or working abroad, people living outside Canada who would like to pursue academic interests at Canadian institutions, and professionals in Canada and abroad who provide guidance on study abroad, counsel international students, develop international education projects and related activities.