Resources + FAQs

Both programs facilitate an experience where students are able to go abroad for up to two semesters, study at a partner institution, and earn credits that transfer back and apply towards your UBC degree. Differences between the programs are described in the following table:

All exchange and Go Global programs require Applied Science students to have at least third year standing when they go abroad. If you are looking for an international experience in your first or second year, consider participating in an international conference or symposium.

Students going on exchange for a term will receive transfer credits towards their UBC degree. Summer and research abroad opportunities are often not eligible to receive academic credit. Contact the International Learning Officer (cie.apsc@ubc.ca) if you have questions about this.

There is extreme diversity in the cost of living abroad due to the spectrum of different opportunities available. The length of time that you seek to live abroad and the region that you travel to are the major influences on cost. Consider your budget closely. Many universities have a list of estimated living expenses that students can typically expect in a term which could be helpful to create a mock budget.

Depending on the international experience you are planning, you may be eligible for a $1000 Applied Science International Experience Award. To confirm if your planned activity is eligible, please contact the International Learning Officer (cie.apsc@ubc.ca).

Other awards associated with international travel can be found at UBC Student Services:

 Awards for students in Go Global

The student is responsible for arranging their own accommodation abroad. If you are going on exchange, the host institution will offer resources and guidance on how to secure accommodation in the local area. On-campus accommodation options are available for some exchange locations.

Some international learning experiences will require you to obtain a visa and specific insurance coverage for your trip, this depends on the destination country and the options available to you to enter that country.

In March 2020, UBC made the difficult decision to cancel all student international travel for university purposes due to COVID-19. After careful consideration, UBC has extended this cancellation until December 31st, 2021. This includes international programs like exchange and study abroad, co-op, student research placements (both undergraduate and graduate), practicums and conference attendance.

This decision follows guidelines outlined in UBC’s Student Safety Abroad Policy and is in line with the current advice of British Columbia’s Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) and Global Affairs Canada.

Advice to students regarding programs beyond December 31st, 2021 is to continue to apply as normal. UBC will continue to monitor the situation and government directives as they evolve, sharing any updates on student international travel as they evolve.

For questions about going on exchange as an Applied Science student or earning transfer credits abroad:  
– UBC Vancouver students please feel free to contact the International Learning Officer (cie.apsc@ubc.ca). You can also book an appointment via PD Portal.  
– UBC Okanagan students please feel free to contact Engineering Advisor, Samantha Luckow (samantha.luckow@ubc.ca).

For questions about the summer or research abroad programs, global seminars or international conferences, email the Go Global office (go.global@ubc.ca).

To request an appointment with a Go Global regional advisor, complete this request form.