Outbound Exchanges

Huron students are encouraged to consider studying abroad through our exchange program. Participating in the exchange program is an excellent way to:

  • Gain a different perspective on your studies
  • Improve your language skills or learn a new language
  • Develop problem-solving and adaptability skills
  • Expand your personal and professional network by meeting Faculty, staff, students, and employers outside of your community
  • Develop transferrable skills that can be referred to in a job interview or on your resume
  • Travel and experience different cultures
  • Reach personal goals

How it works:

Students are eligible to participate in an exchange for one full year or one semester during their 3rd or 4th year of study; students who want to go on an exchange during their 3rd year of study, apply in 2nd year, and students who want to go on an exchange during their 4th year of study, apply in 3rd year. While on exchange, you earn credits for courses taken at another school.

Financial Obligations:

Students pay tuition and ancillary fees to Huron. (NB. For some exchanges, students also pay for residence and meal plan to Huron).

  • Students pay for all expenses required to go on exchange: visa fees, obtaining a passport, ordering transcripts, Huron program fee, and in some cases medicals.
  • Students are personally responsible for travel costs to and from partner, additional travel, and living costs (usually housing, food, etc.).

Funding:

Students are encouraged to fund their participation in the exchange program early and from various sources, i.e. part-time and summer jobs, scholarships.  Students eligible for OSAP and who are receiving a Huron scholarship can apply it to their exchange.  Students can also apply for bursaries and scholarships to fund their studies abroad.  Find out more about scholarships and bursaries:

Selection criteria:

Students must generally have a 70% cumulative average and maintain it before they go.  Students who do not meet the minimum academic criteria can still apply.  Preference will be given to qualified students registered at Huron University College and to students who will be returning to study at Huron following the exchange, but UWO and affiliate college students are eligible. A student with an academic offence record will not normally be considered for an exchange. In addition, students must demonstrate how they will benefit from the exchange and be a good Huron ambassador abroad. 

Application Process:

To determine suitability for the exchange program, students must submit an application package no later than January 9th via e-mail or in-person in W39 (Academic Services Centre).  Application packages should be addressed to: Clare Tattersall, Manager of Community-based Learning. 

The application package includes:

  • Application form
  • Two (2) reference letters; 1 must be from a Huron professor and the other one can be from another professor or employer.  * For a language exchange, it must be from a language professor. 
  • A 250 word statement letter outlining why you are a good candidate for the exchange program and how you will benefit from it
  • A copy of your resume
  • Payment of the $25 program fee by internet banking, certified cheque, or money order (NO personal cheques or cash). 

Please consult the documents and form in the red text box to the right to get started.

Acceptance:

Students will find out if they have been accepted by mid February after the first semester grades have been verified.

At this time, students will need to submit the confirmation package by February 28, 2012. 

The confirmation package includes:

  • Acknowledgement of Assumption of Risk and Waiver 
  • Exchange Contract
  • Emergency Contact Form
  • Permission to Release Information form 
  • Copy of passport 
  • Course selection form (Due to the availability of course calendars, we do not expect you to have a fully confirmed list of courses.  For non-language exchanges, the Huron International Office requests that students submit a list of 10 courses that they want to take while on exchange) 
  • Payment of the $125 program fee by internet banking, certified cheque, or money order (NO personal cheques or cash)
  • Availability for the mandatory pre-departure orientation session held in March

Applying to Host Institution:

The Huron International Office will submit your nomination to the exchange partner in mid-February.  You will also need to submit an application to your host institution and complete VISA requirements.  Both Huron and your host institution will help you with this process between March and June as it varies.  Final acceptance is at the discretion of the exchange partner.

Pre-departure Orientation:

Attendance at the pre-departure orientation session is mandatory.  Students who do not complete the session will have their acceptance revoked.   This session is a fun and informative way to help you prepare for your exchange.  Topics discussed are: academic, health and safety, culture shock, budgeting, scholarships, and emergency protocols.

Links:

 

Exchange Program Process

  1. Attend information session: Sep. 28
  2. Submit application: January 9, 2012
  3. Attend interview: end of January/early February
  4. Receive final acceptance:  Mid February
  5. Confirm your participation:  End February
  6. Attend pre-departure orientation: Mar.
  7. Submit application to host:  Mar.-Jun.
  8. Select your courses: Mar.-May

Forms and Documents

1)  Application package


2)  Confirmation package

3)  Preparing to go on exchange