FAQs

You experience different cultures and languages and meet new friends from all over the world.  You can better appreciate cultural diversity and learn about global interdependence.  Exchange experiences help students become more independent, better at problem solving, and facing new challenges.  You experience a different academic environment and help build your career portfolio. 

You need to know how the courses you take on exchange fit into your StFX degree program.  Your cultural interests, language skills, your capacity for difference and your comfort level will influence your decision on where to study abroad.  You also need to realistically assess whether you have the finanical resources for any increased cost associated with your exchange experience. 

The Education Abroad Advisor at the Office of Internationalization will be able to advise you on what opportunities are available and how an international exchange experience will fit into you overall StFX degree. Make an appointment using WCOnline on our appointments page. 

At StFX, the international exchange experience is a second or third year experience. Students may do exchange study for the fall semester, the winter semester, or for a full year (in your second or third year at StFX).  Under special circumstances, students may be approved to study in the fall semester of their final year. 

StFX has a large number of partners which offer courses taught in English.  See this list on the International Exchange website under 'Exchange Opportunities'. 

You submit an application form, two references, and your resume to the Education Abroad Advisor. The deadline for Fall and Full Year study abroad is January 15th each year.  Students wishing to do an exchange experience in the winter semester of their second or third year may apply as late as October 1st.  However, we recommend all  students apply by the January 15th deadline, as students applying later will only have access to exchange placements still available after the January applicants are placed. 

Students' applications are reviewed by the Dean of their faculty.  If approved, you will be offered a placement.  After accepting the placement, you are then nominated to your host university international exchange office. 

Yes, you must submit a host university application.  After you receive an acceptance letter you would then confirm your attendance. 

You are registered at StFX, so you would pay your regular tuition fees to StFX.  Students cover their own airfare, visa application costs, international health coverage and all other living expenses.  These will vary depending on where you are doing your exchange placement. Students have to also consider costs that are related to additional travel while you are living in their host country. 

You can apply for permission to study at a non-partner university.  If approved, you would then apply to that university as a visiting student and pay tuition fees to that university.  While you are away, you will not be registered at StFX as a student.  

If you take the equivalent of 15 credits (single semester) or 30 credits (full year) at your host university, those credits will transfer to your StFX degree.  Academic advising on what courses you should take, and how the credits are transferred, is essential to make sure you stay on track to graduate at the same time as you normally would. 

If you go on exchange for a single semester, you still need to register for courses in June, for the semester you will be at StFX.  

If you have a student loan, you should consult with your loan provider about any regulations they may have about studying outside of Canada.  

Renewable and in-course StFX scholarship's are still valid for one semester exchanges, but are NOT valid for full-year exchanges.  

Lastly, if you choose to study for a single semester, it is advisable to live on campus for that year, as you will be given special permission to cancel your contract for the semester you are not here.