## [Before You Apply](/cie/plan-your-exchange/before-you-apply) ## What are the Eligibility Criteria? CIE is a competitive program. This eligibility criteria exists to ensure you are prepared to thrive academically while studying abroad. You must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the CIE program: - Be in at least the **3rd year** of your degree and align your exchange semester with the recommended timing for your program listed below. - You must achieve a 70% average in the current Winter session. - You must have a 70% cumulative average. Some institutions require a more competitive average (i.e. ETH Zurich: min CGPA **75%**). See the Go Global [Partner University pages](https://goglobal.ubc.ca/partner-universities) to ensure you meet the correct eligibility requirements. These criteria are **not** eligible for appeal. - **BDES** students must have at least 70% overall average and have achieved 80% or higher average on the most recent term of full-time studies to participate in the CIE exchange opportunities. Students with lower GPA may be considered at the discretion of the Program Chair. - You must be a UBC student in **good academic standing** as defined by the [UBC Faculty of Applied Science](https://vancouver.calendar.ubc.ca/faculties-colleges-and-schools/faculty-applied-science/bachelor-applied-science/academic-regulations) - You must be studying [fulltime](https://legacy.students.ubc.ca/course-load-guide) in the Winter session prior to exchange - Students may participate in one full-year or two single-term (winter session) exchange experiences during their degree #### What Grades are Considered in My Application? - **Students applying in December (round 1):** Go Global will review your cumulative and Winter term 1 average. Final grades will be reviewed in the Spring. *If your exchange begins in July we will only review term 1 grades* - **Students applying in May (round 2):** Go Global will review your cumulative and Winter session (term 1 and term 2) grades. ## Decide Where to Go Image ![Map showing CIE partner institution locations](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-07/Partner-Institution-Regions.jpg.webp?itok=Lfx0stZl) Check out 17 CIE partner institutions to determine where you want to go! You are allowed to choose a maximum of 3 institutions when you apply. [Partner Institutions](/cie/partner-institutions "Partner Institutions") ## Exchange Costs and Awards Going on exchange is not as expensive as you might think, in fact, a term abroad could easily be in line with your usual expenses at UBC. Your choice of destination country and the cost of living in that region are particularly important to consider along with your budget, as these choices significantly influence the overall cost of an international experience. Find more information on [budgeting for exchange](https://goglobal.ubc.ca/go-global/new-programs-ubc-students/new-student-resources/budgeting-exchange-research-and-study). - The Go Global application fee ($431.50) is required for all students applying to go on exchange; - Students are required to pay for 15 UBC credits to UBC directly for each semester on exchange; - Other known costs include airfare, accommodation, insurance, visa applications, living expenses, etc.; - Some partner institutions will reserve spots at their student housing for international and exchange students, other partner institutions have limited or no on-campus housing options. Carefully consult the [partner institutions page](/cie/partner-institutions "Partner Institutions") when selecting your destination preferences for information regarding housing options; - You may be eligible for a Go Global exchange award. Find eligibility requirements for each award from the [Go Global website](https://global.ubc.ca/go-global/international-experiences/awards-students-participating-go-global). Estimates of local costs at our different partner institutions can be found in the Student Reports featuring individual [partner institution profile](/cie/partner-institutions). ## How can CIE Work in My Program? ### Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urbanism Students in the Bachelor of Design in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urbanism program are recommended to participate in **term 2 in third year**. You are required to get an approval from SALA Advisor before you complete the application to Go Global University-wide or CIE exchange program. You are also recommended to take the following equivalent courses in the exchange term: **DES 302:** Design Studio IV – Vancouver (9 credits) **DES 321:** Topics in Architectural History I (3 credits) or **DES 323**: Histories in Landscape Architecture (3 credits) **Electives** (6 or 9 credits) **Restrictions**: ARCH and STUDIO courses are not available for BDES exchange students at **National University of Singapore**. ### Biomedical Biomedical Engineering students who would like to complete both CIE and Co-op should contact their [program advisor](https://canvas.ubc.ca/courses/143502/pages/1-dot-1-connect-with-an-advisor) for support with degree planning. You may take only technical electives during your exchange term. Course evaluations will be complete after you return from exchange. Please refer to the BMEG UG Canvas page - [Exchange Process with CIE](https://canvas.ubc.ca/courses/143502/pages/3-dot-6-exchange-process-with-cie?module_item_id=7511777) for more detailed information on CIE course planning and general approach. ### Chemical & Biological Chemical & Biological Engineering students are recommended to participate in **term 2 in third year**. And students are allowed to take **technical elective courses only** in their exchange term with an approval from the [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. [Chemical & Biological engineering](https://chbe.ubc.ca/undergraduate/academics/technical-electives) requires you must take a minimum of 6 Technical Elective credits, which must be CHBE courses. This can be waived for CIE exchange students on approval from the Program Advisor. ### Civil Civil Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in third year**. Please note that if you are interested in going on exchange to [Delft University of Technology](https://experience.apsc.ubc.ca/cie/partner-institutions#:~:text=Image-,Delft%20University%20of%20Technology,-Open%20configuration%20options), you must have completed at least 6 terms (3 winter sessions) of course work prior to your exchange term. ### Electrical & Computer Electrical & Computer Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in third year.** ### Engineering Physics Engineering Physics students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 1 in fourth year**. You are allowed to take **technical elective courses only** in your exchange term with the approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. ### Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineering students (in the **ENVE joint program**) are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in fourth year**. Environmental Engineering students (in the **ENVL program**) are recommended to participate in an exchange in **either term 1 or 2 of third year**. You are allowed to take **both core and technical elective courses** in your exchange term, with an approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. ### Geological Geological Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in third year**. ### Integrated Integrated Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in third year**. You are allowed to take **both core and technical elective courses** in your exchange term, with an approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. You can also refer to IGEN Internal Canvas page for more detailed information on CIE course planning and the general approach. ### Materials Materials Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 in third year or fourth year**. Materials Engineering students are allowed to take **technical elective courses only** in their exchange term with an approval from the [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. ### Mechanical Mechanical Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **term 2 after completion of 3rd year courses** – this typically falls in year 3.5. Image ![Recommended mechanical engineering year and term schedule for students who want to participate in CIE](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-08/schedule-2-940x189.jpg.webp?itok=rPJ-GVLj) Mechanical Engineering students are allowed to take **both** **core and technical elective courses (****Group A/B/C/D****)** in your exchange term with an approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. You cannot receive transfer credits for design courses (MECH 223, 328, 45X, 423) or MECH 400. For technical electives, if there is not a direct equivalent at UBC, you will receive general transfer credits, such as MECH 3rd or MECH 4th, then your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) will determine which type of elective it should be classified as per the guidelines below: - **Group A:** Mech-specific content with 90% or more of learning objectives from Engineering Science + Engineering Design - **Group B:** Mech-specific but doesn’t qualify as A-list - **Group C:** Non-Mech but within Engineering - **Group D:** Non-Engineering ### Manufacturing Manufacturing Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange **after completion of 3rd year courses**. You are allowed to take **both core and technical elective courses** in your exchange term, with an approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. ### Mining Mining Engineering students are recommended to participate in an exchange in **either term 1 or term 2 in third year**. You can take **both core and technical elective courses** in your exchange term with an approval from your [Program Advisor](/cie/contact-us) prior to registration. ## FAQ ### What is CIE? Coordinated International Experience (CIE) exchange program is a specific term-based Go Global exchange program, which is customized for Applied Science undergraduate students. It enables you to study for up to two terms, at one of our international partner institutions, while earning credits that can apply towards your UBC degree. All our CIE partner institutions have world-class applied science programs and have been specially selected to complement your UBC studies. ### What is the difference between CIE and Go Global University-wide exchange programs? CIE exchange program is one of several term-based Go Global exchange programs, however it is customized for Applied Science undergraduate students only. Review the [differences between the programs](/cie/what-is-cie "What is CIE?"). ### What term can I go on exchange? In general, you are eligible to go on exchange in the 3rd year or above. Which term you can do your CIE exchange depends on your Applied Science program of study and co-op work schedule. However, we do not recommend you go on exchange in the last term before graduation, as transfer credits evaluation process will delay your graduation. Review more information on your [program specific requirements](/cie/plan-your-exchange/before-you-apply). The academic calendar at each [CIE partner institution](/cie/partner-institutions) differs from UBC’s calendar, and you are expected to follow the partner institution’s semester dates. Be sure to: - Check your partner institution’s website for their latest schedule; - Plan your travel arrangements to ensure you will be available for the duration of the orientation period, course dates and official examination dates at the chosen partner institution. ### Where can I go on exchange? CIE has selected [17 partners in Asia, Australia and Europe](/cie/partner-institutions) to match UBC Applied Science curriculum. Our partner institutions are recognized internationally as academic leaders and were specifically selected because their course offerings complement UBC Applied Science degree programs. If you are interested in taking part in an exchange at other international partners, you can apply for Go Global University-wide exchange program. Search over 200 partners on the [Go Global website](https://global.ubc.ca/go-global/international-experiences/exchange). ### Can I apply to multiple CIE partner institutions? You can list a maximum of 3 partner institutions when you submit your online application. In the rare situation, where you are not accepted by the partner institution, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative partner institution. ### Where will I stay? You must make your own accommodation arrangements. Housing is not provided by all host institutions or coordinated for you. However, your host institution will have information to support you in organizing this. Check out each [partner profile](/cie/partner-institutions) for information about housing options. ### Will I need a visa? You may require a visa, study permit, or residence permit to travel to and stay in your host country for the duration of your program. In most cases, you cannot apply for your visa until you have a letter of acceptance from your host university. You are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the visa application process and processing times for the country where you will study. Check out the [partner institution profiles](/cie/partner-institutions) for information about visa requirements. CIE and Go Global Advisors do not advise on visas because rules and application processes change often and can vary greatly depending on students’ individual situation (e.g. citizenship or length of stay). **Note:** If you are a UBC international student with a Canadian study permit, you should make sure your permit remains valid while you are away on exchange. For more information, please contact [International Student Advising](https://students.ubc.ca/about-student-services/international-student-advising). ### How much does going on exchange cost? The Go Global application fee is $431.50. Students are required to pay for 15 UBC credits to UBC for each semester on exchange. Read more information on costs and budgeting for exchange on the [Go Global website](https://global.ubc.ca/go-global/international-experiences/budgeting-exchange-research-and-study-abroad). ### Will I receive any awards to support my exchange? If you are going on CIE exchange you may be eligible for a UBC or UBC-affiliated international learning award. You are always offered the highest-value award that you are eligible for. Read more information on eligibility requirements for each award from the [Go Global Website](https://global.ubc.ca/go-global/international-experiences/awards-students-participating-go-global).