Summer Abroad

Care for an academic vacation for two? Just you and your beloved textbooks––destination: anywhere you want. It turns out opportunities for students to continue their studies abroad are out there, just waiting for a willing candidate. The University of Toronto has more than 125 university partners in 34 different countries around the world. What the Student Exchange Program provides is a chance for second or third year students to experience new cultures, learn new languages and still earn credits towards their U of T degree. Whether it is legal studies in England or advanced microeconomics in Argentina, students have the option to explore new customs and partake in diverse traditions.

You might be thinking, with so many choices, how does one possibly decide which institution to choose? Of course, a process such as selecting a country is much more complex than deciding upon a University in Ontario. Naturally, it will take a focused mind and some careful thought to partake on a mission like this. Perhaps you have always imagined yourself in New Zealand, or maybe you are fluent in French or Spanish; there are several ways to slim down your selection. How much support are you looking for from the host program? Do you want to attend a larger or smaller institution? Are you interested in a more natural environment or does an urban setting still appeal to you? What about the course selection? With so many programs available the varying advantages and disadvantages are endless and the decision process could be  an interesting adventure itself.  

School + Vacation = Summer Abroad

Certainly such an enriching escapade cannot be accessible to all students, but students like you, that have completed at least 4.0 full credits, have a minimum annual GPA of 2.5 and a cumulative GPA of 2.25 are still in the running. Keep in mind, however, that some programs might require a higher GPA. As well as meeting the minimum averages, those that are interested in a spicier education must undergo a conducted interview and must provide other documents including a statement of interest, a resume, an online application and academic references. Going abroad is an experience of a lifetime, but in order to be nominated the above steps must be taken care of. In regards to costs, students in the Student Exchange Program including Summer Abroad, are still only subjected to the predetermined U of T fees. You can visit the U of T online website for more information about the various exchange programs as well as a full detailed list of participating countries and institutions.

“We should come home from adventures, perils and discoveries every day with new experience and character.” – Henry David Thoreau.

Exchange programs are an interesting way to dive into new cultures, interact with locals and still be considered a dedicated U of T student. Who knows, maybe the international venues can learn a thing or two from us. You would be surprised! The deadline for the Student Exchange Program and the U of T Summer Abroad is late February and early March respectively. What better way to end this article then to say, bon voyage, UTSC? 

For more information regarding U of T Exchange Programs, click here  

Cornell Jones