Are you interested in participating in a study abroad experience at Saint Mary’s? The following 10 steps will guide you on your way! Remember, the Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office is here to support you before, during, and after your study abroad experience. Don’t hesitate to get in touch. Email us at global@smu.ca or visit Atrium 106.

Step 1: Review your degree requirements

Check to see:

What courses you have left to complete in your SMU academic program requirements, and
If any of those remaining courses can be taken abroad. Ask your academic advisor to verify this for you.

Step 2: Check your eligibility

If you are in good academic standing and on track to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours by the end of the current academic year, then you are eligible for most programs!

Step 3: Research course options offered at SMU partner institutions

Go through the SMU Exchange Program Host Institutions List and see which options best match your academic needs and interests.

Step 4: Check the costs

You are responsible for covering the costs of international travel, insurance, $100 study abroad admin fee, housing, food, personal expenses, passport, and visa application. In most cases, you will pay your regular SMU tuition to SMU for the transfer credit hours.

Step 5: Research funding opportunities

There are scholarships and some host institutions offer financial support. Visit this page for more information.

Step 6: Check processes for international travel

You will need a passport that is valid for 6 months past the scheduled return date. Depending on your nationality and the program duration, you may need to apply for an entry/study visa in person at the host country’s consular office in Montreal, Ottawa, etc. several months before your departure – budget accordingly. If you are non-Canadian, ensure your re-entry to Canada upon program completion by checking the validity of your Canadian Study Permit, PR Card, etc.

Step 7: Submit your application to the Global Learning Office

The Study Abroad Application includes the following documents:

Completed application form (with your top three program choices from the Host Institutions List),
A letter of intent,
A printout of your grades from Self-service banner,
Your résumé or CV
Two reference letters (one must be academic)

Application Deadlines:

December 15 Full year, Fall-semester exchange, and Winter-semester exchange for the Killam
Fellowship in the United States (Canadian citizens only)

January 12 A full-year abroad in Japan

February 10 A Full-year exchange, Fall-semester exchange, and Winter-semester exchange in all other
programs not mentioned above.

February 1-15 Summer abroad program (unless noted otherwise)

Step 8: Wait for the selection result and an offer of nomination to a host institution

After a short interview with the Global Learning Office, we will inform you of the application result and, if successful, to which school you will be nominated. You may or may not be selected for one of your top choices, but your preference will be taken into consideration as much as possible. Typically, there are one to two exchange places available for each partner school in any given year, and some places can be popular and competitive.

Step 9: Apply for admission and housing to the host institution

Once your nomination is accepted as an exchange program candidate, you will be invited to apply to the host university. You will be given a full set of instructions about your host institution’s application processes and deadlines. The final decision on admission is made by the host institution.