University of British Columbia Direct Exchange

Background

Most people’s conception of Canada goes little beyond appreciating its vastness, recognizing its flag, and identifying a few well-known physical features. And while it is true that the majority of travelers are attracted by the opportunity to explore Canada’s wilderness areas, natural wonders and low-key rural charm, there is a lot more to Canada than maple trees, Niagara Falls and wide-open spaces.

It is the edginess between Canada’s indigenous, French and British traditions that gives the nation its complex three-dimensional character. Add to this a constant infusion of US culture and a plethora of traditions brought from Europe, Asia and Latin America by migrants; Canada is a thriving multicultural society with its own identity. Those expecting Canada to be the blander counterpart of the USA should check their preconceptions at the door – Canada’s wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its southern neighbor.

Canada covers 9,976,000 sq km (3.9 million sq miles) and has a population of over 31 million people. French and English are the official languages along with 53 native languages.

Academic Overview

Only 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Vancouver, the University of British Columbia holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning. The spectacular UBC campus is a must-see for any visitor to the city – where snow-capped mountains meet ocean, and breathtaking vistas greet you around every corner. The university boasts some of the city’s best attractions & recreation facilities, including the Museum of Anthropology, the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, the UBC Botanical Garden, and endless opportunities to explore the forested trails in the adjoining 763-hectare Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

The University of British Columbia is Canada’s third largest university, with a total enrollment of just over 35,000 students and 2,500 faculty. UBC attracts and welcomes top students from Canada, the United States and around the world. More than 2,300 international students from 114 countries currently study at UBC.

Housing

Students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing while in Canada. The majority of visiting exchange students at UBC choose to live in one of the furnished student residences on campus. Visiting exchange students are currently guaranteed a room in selected on-campus residences after completing the house application process.

Cost

The University of Washington’s direct exchanges operate on a home-tuition basis whereby students pay regular UW tuition and fees and no tuition or fees to the host university overseas. Students who study abroad for one semester pay 1.5 quarters of UW tuition; students who study abroad for the full year pay 3 quarters of UW tuition. Housing, living, travel and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the student.

In addition, students are required to pay a UW IPE fee of $600 for the year ($300/semester). The fee includes:

• Concurrent enrollment;
• Financial aid and scholarship eligibility;
• Graded UW credit for coursework completed abroad;
• Pre-registration privileges at the UW;
• Continued deferment of school-related loans;
• Satisfaction of residency graduation requirements;
• Eligibility for UW Accident and Sickness Insurance (optional).

Concurrent Enrollment

Health Screening

Since study abroad often means that students live with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in their home country, you will be required to have a health screening and to submit a Health Screening Form with your Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Courses and Credits

The University of Washington has an exchange agreement with the University of British Columbia. The agreement specifies that the UW will recognize the credit of the partner institution abroad. Although credit is guaranteed, the type of UW credit awarded is not determined until after the exchange year has ended and the appropriate UW department has evaluated the coursework completed abroad. For this reason, it is advisable that students communicate with their regular UW academic advisers before and during the exchange period to determine the courses best suited for credit in their degree programs.

All grades for courses completed abroad must be reported on the host university’s transcript and the student’s UW transcript, regardless of the final mark or need for credit. In general, students earn the equivalent of 36-45 UW credits per year for coursework completed in Canada.

Terms and Eligibility

UW students from all disciplines and majors are welcome to apply. UW’s direct exchanges in Canada require a semester or year-long commitment. Please state your preference on your application. An academic year is divided into two terms: Term one runs from the September until the end of December. Term two starts at the beginning of January until the middle of April. You must:

• Be enrolled as a regular, degree-seeking UW student;
• Have Junior standing or above by the exchange's beginning;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0;
• Be flexible, independent and willing to conform to cultural customs that differ significantly from those of the US.

Application Instructions

By the appropriate deadline, please submit your complete application to the IPE office with all of the following:

Application Deadlines

References