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Information for Outgoing Students

Credit Transfer

Students will complete their course selection and seek approval for transfer credit from a faculty advisor prior to departure from Canada. If registration in pre-approved courses is not possible, students must seek faculty approval as soon as possible to ensure transfer credit at OC for courses successfully completed at the partner institution. Students are expected to return to OC to complete their program of study.

What Are The Costs?

Students are subject to regular OC tuition fees, payment methods and deadlines.

Ancillary fees such as student activity fees, media fees, and student society fees may be payable at the host institution, but are not payable at OC while studying abroad.

Accommodation options vary at each institution and may include homestay, student residence, or independent living. Cost of accommodation also varies by country and city. Contact the destination institutions for details, or contact  International Education.

Other expenses such as transportation, travel, health, medical and dental insurance and living expenses are the student's responsibility.

Eligibility for student loans, scholarships and bursaries will continue as usual. Study Abroad participants maintain their status as continuing OC students. For details please contact Financial Awards.

Where Can I Go?

OC currently maintains agreements with institutions in Japan, Netherlands, Australia, Mexico, England, USA, Korea, New Zealand, Germany, France, Austria, and Finland. There are also opportunities available through the CBIE Internship Program.

Eligibility

Students must be in good academic standing and have completed two years of study (at least 48 completed credits), with a minimum grade point average of 70%.

Language Proficiency

Although the language of instruction at most partner institutions is English, some knowledge of the local language is useful. Language requirements vary by institution. Language competency tests may be administered to determine capacity. Supplemental language courses may be included as a component of some exchanges.

Non-Academic Information

Your reasons for wanting to participate in an exchange, what you expect to gain from the experience personally and academically, your involvement in extra-curricular activities, and other factors may be taken into consideration in the selection process.

Orientation

Participation in a pre-departure orientation program at OC is mandatory. Pre-departure orientation will include information about the emergency support program. Emergency contact information will be provided to participating students. Students are also required to sign a Waiver of Liability.

The Application Process

What is Required?

An Application for Student Exchange must be completed for all exchanges. There is no fee to apply.

You must provide:

    • A completed application form
    • A standard one page professional resume (curriculum vitae)
    • A letter of reference from a professor or department chair
    • A typed statement of interest (250 to 500 words) about why you want to participate in an exchange, the impact of an exchange on your academic and career plans, and previous international experience
    • A budget estimate
    • Two (2) wallet size photographs (black and white photo booth prints are fine)
    • A photocopy of the photo page of your passport.

When are the Application deadlines?

The deadline dates for receipt of the completed application form and requested supplementary documentation for most programs are:

    • The last Friday in January to begin your exchange in the fall semester
    • The last Friday in May to begin your exchange in the winter semester

Where do I submit my application and supporting documents?

OC International Office at the Kelowna Campus

Who will select the students for exchange?

Each faculty/school has a faculty designate or Exchange Committee responsible for reviewing the applications and making the selection. An interview may be required.

What are the chances of being selected?

Your chances will depend upon the number of spaces available for a particular exchange for your application year; the number of fellow students also wishing to participate in the exchange of your preference; and the strength of your application.

When will I be notified of the decision?

Students will be notified within two months of the application deadline date.

INFORMATION AND ADVICE

Study Abroad programs are coordinated by OC International, which can provide information on application procedures, passport and visa requirements, culture, travel, pre-departure resources.