Timeline for Preparing to Study Abroad
Come and meet with the 91探花 Study Abroad Office at any time along your journey. We are here for you!
A highlighting key points for before and after you submit your application to study abroad.
Download a step-by-step (.pdf)
Academic:
- Are you a full-time 91探花 student with your first 10 courses complete? (most common year for study abroad is second or third year)
- Review 91探花鈥檚 partner universities
- You can take courses within your major or elective courses, if approved.
- Most partner universities offer courses in English, some offer courses in French. And many offer a variety of language study courses.
- What are the semester dates at the partner university? Do they work for you? Will you study abroad for one or two semesters?
- Are there extracurricular activities of interest?
- You can take courses within your major or elective courses, if approved.
Geographic location of the partner university:
- Cost of living
- Language
- Food and culture
- Small/rural vs. big/urban
- Opportunities for travel
- Visa requirements/permissions
Fill out the 91探花 International Experience Form on the 91探花 Study Abroad webpage:
- Documents you will need are:
- References
- Transcripts
- Personal statement
- Financial planning
Make sure you have a valid passport that will last at least six (6) months beyond your study abroad return date.
After successful submission of your application to the 91探花 Study Abroad office, you will be 鈥渘ominated鈥� to the partner university (where you will be studying).
After accepting your nomination, the partner university will reach out to you on how to apply to be an exchange student at their university.
- You will apply to the partner university as an exchange student using the coordinator at that university as a resource.
Start looking into the Visa/Study Permit application process for the country you plan on studying in, and start this process once you have received the acceptance letter from the partner university.
During the application process with the partner university, keep the 91探花 Study Abroad Office up to date with the status.
- Once approved, the 91探花 Study Abroad Office will require important pre-travel information and document to be completed and emailed to studyabroad@upei.ca. The documents are found on the Study Abroad Required Forms and Pre-Departure Handbook page.
- You will also want to finalize what courses you want to take while studying abroad.
- Fill out the Course Transfer Form - called 鈥淟etter of Permission鈥�, which is also on the Study Abroad Required Forms and Pre-Departure Handbook page.
- The Letter of Permission form has a table you complete by filling out the courses you would like to take at the partner university.
- These classes get approved by 91探花 Deans and chairs for equivalent 91探花 course credit.
- The completed Letter of Permission goes to the Registrar鈥檚 Office for final approval. This ensures you will receive 91探花 credit upon completion of your classes at the partner university.
Talk to the Public Health Travel Clinic regarding vaccinations (if needed), or any other pre-health check-ups you might need to have before you go.
- A great resource to review before you go is
Figure out where you will live: on or off campus at the partner university.
Does the partner university offer on-campus housing? Do you want to live on campus? Would you prefer your own accommodation?
- Secure your accommodations abroad
- Submit proof of accommodation to the 91探花 Study Abroad Office
Make sure you鈥檝e applied for your Visa or Study Permit once acceptance from your partner university has been confirmed!
Organize your flights and travel plans! You will book and pay for flights independently. We recommend you always purchase cancellation insurance!
Ensure your courses are picked and approved so they will be transferred back to 91探花.
Look into applying for 91探花 funding scholarships and opportunities available to 91探花 study abroad students! Links to these are on the 91探花 Study Abroad webpage.
Consider any last-minute questions you might have before you go.
Double-check your 91探花 and partner university paperwork are good to go, and ensure your passports/visas are in order!
Make sure you鈥檝e completed all required Moodle uploads and course forms.
Begin planning your packing!
- Clothes, shoes, jackets, etc.
- Paperwork (passports, visas).
- It鈥檚 a good idea to take photos of any important documents before you leave in case anything gets lost.
Start organizing and packing for your study abroad experience!
Double check all your documentation is ready and packed!
Get a good night鈥檚 sleep!
