Queen’s Engineering is partnered with over 50 schools across 13 countries, offering students the opportunity to travel, immerse themselves in a new culture and often language, and experience campus life in another nation.

 

Why go on exchange?

  • See the world, and learn in a different country without paying international fees
  • Acquire intercultural skills and knowledge while expanding a network of friends and professional contacts
  • Take courses that may not be offered at Queen’s
  • Benefit from supports both from Queen’s Engineering and your partner institution

 

Time to graduation: many students who have taken exchanges have done so without extending their four-year program by receiving credits for all or most of their studies abroad. To do so, students will have to obtain the approval of their Undergraduate Chair, the Operations Committee, and Academic Progress Chair. Contact our Academic Advisors to discuss which courses might be credited at Queen’s, and whether you should consider an additional term or two.

Language: Your language of instruction may not be English, and you must be competent enough to attend lectures, read textbooks, and write exams. Some exchanges have specific language training courses, including the Ontario Baden-Württemberg program and subsidized Swedish-language courses from the Swedish Government. Queen’s also offers language courses.

Scholarships: During your exchange year, your scholarships may be active (if you are fulfilling degree requirements) or deferred (if you are taking an extra term for Herstmonceux or arts studies). Consult the Student Awards Office about your options.

  • Talk to an academic advisor, students who have gone on exchange, the Faculty Exchange Coordinator, and others to get a sense of whether exchange is a good fit.
  • Do your own reading and research: the Internet, as well as books in the Faculty Office and Stauffer Library (such as the Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, LB2310, and the International Handbook of Universities, L900) will have helpful guidance.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for exchange, you MUST

  • Have a minimum ECGPA of 2.7.
  • Have no outstanding first year course failures.
  • Have completed the English Proficiency Test successfully.
  • Be eligible to travel outside of Canada to your country of choice.

Applicants are typically enrolled in second year in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and are scheduled to return to Queen's to complete their degree. However, applications from students in third or fourth year may be accepted but please speak to the Faculty Exchange Coordinator, engineering.intladvisor@queensu.ca, before proceeding.

Select a Partner University and Plan for Courses

  • Visit the partner institutions' website to get a feel of the universities and their environment
  • Consider your interest in the city and country
  • Consider affordability living in that country or city
  • Attend the International Exchange Fair in November to learn more about past student experiences
  • Visit the Faculty's Exchange Coordinator to discuss available options
  • Visit your department and explore your study plan with the program assistant and/or the undergraduate chair
  • Visit your department and explore your study plan with the program assistant and/or the undergraduate chair. A general recommendation from each department is listed here for your reference:
  • Consider the courses available in those institutions. Some previously approved course substitutions can be found in the list of institutions here. However, please note: These previously approved courses are only meant to be a guide for you. There is no guarantee that these same courses and weighting thereof, would be the same or approved for you.

How to Apply

Application Process:

After You Apply

If you are successful, accept the nomination for exchange, then apply to your host university.

Meet with your department’s Undergraduate Chair to plan what courses to take

Review the University’s Off-Campus & Safety Abroad page, including information on travel, safety planning, and the University’s Off Campus Activity Safety Policy.

Visa: Under an exchange, it is usually easy to obtain a student visa (embassy, high commission, or consulate). Please keep in mind that obtaining a passport and a visa are your responsibilities.

Internships abroad can be found through International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE, a global organization present in nearly 90 countries. The program offers paid, technical work terms ranging from 1-12 months in length. Positions vary from summer research positions at international universities, to industry placements.

More information can be found on the IAESTE Canada website.

The IAESTE Queen’s local chapter is a volunteer group on campus recognized by the AMS and EngSoc. IAESTE is always happy to accept new volunteers, and active volunteers get preference when applying for an internship. For more information, contact iaeste@clubs.queensu.ca.

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