To kick-start your preparation, here are a few things to remember to get done before you leave.
Pre-Departures
Ensure Transfer credit information sessions are the main way to learn how to get academic credit for your work abroad. These sessions explain the course pre-approval process, the details you need to consider when selecting courses to take abroad, and how to obtain credits upon your return from exchange.
If you are enrolled in one of the following faculties and want to transfer credits back to U of T from your exchange destination, you must attend a pre-departure Transfer Credit Session.
University of Toronto St. George (Arts & Science only) – Contact exchange.transfercredit
University of Toronto St. George Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education – Contact international.kpe@utoronto.ca
University of Toronto Mississauga – Contact Andrew Sedmihradsky
University of Toronto Scarborough – Contact studyabroad.utsc@utoronto.ca
For the faculties not listed above, please contact your faculty registrar for transfer credit information.
Make sure you have adequate health and medical insurance coverage during your time abroad. This is not only a requirement for your participation in any University-sponsored activity but also gives you (and your family!) peace of mind while travelling the world. It is also important to check whether you need any immunizations for the country you are traveling to.
Ensure that you have arranged accommodation before you leave. Be sure to note the potential move-in and move-out dates, as well as fees involving transportation and food.
It is important to do research on flight times and costs that suit your exchange program timeline and your budget. It is also recommended to arrange transportation to and from the airport.
All governments require foreigners to obtain a visa or work permit in order to reside, work, study, and in some cases, visit their country. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of your host country for specific visa requirements. Visas should be obtained before leaving Canada and you should apply well in advance of your departure date, as the application process can be long and time consuming.
Some countries require foreign nationals to complete a registration card, obtained either before or after arrival. This should be carried at all times.
If possible, carry some local currency with you while you are travelling to your destination. If you arrive during a holiday or after business hours, it may not always be possible to exchange money at the airport, and credit cards may not always be accepted. So bring enough cash to cover your ride into town, your accommodation, and any minor expenses along the way. Before going overseas, plan ahead and consider how you are going to access money while abroad. You can start by learning more from our Safety Abroad Resources.
Contact Past Students
Attend information sessions and events held in regards to your learning abroad program to meet and connect with experienced students who can share their tips with you. Contact us to be connected!
Global Affairs Canada
You may want to research about foreign policy and security on your destination country before departure.
While Abroad
If you notice that you’ve been un-enrolled or de-registered on ACORN, or that there is a mistake on your record, contact Student Exchange Program.
Detailed course syllabi or outlines, graded assignments or tests, independent study project papers, language workbooks, etc. may all be useful in obtaining transfer credit for the classes you take while abroad. If you are concerned about these documents weighing down your luggage, consider shipping them by sea or scanning them and keeping electronic copies.
