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How does the Student Exchange work?
Students from the School of Business at Centennial College pay their regular tuition fees, register in their Centennial courses, and then take their courses, including attending classes and writing exams, at one of the colleges or universities with which we have a formal exchange agreement. At ths same time, usually, but not always, a student from one of our partner institutions attends Centennial College. It's a swap, or exchange, of students between the two institutions through a formal written agreement that permits each institutions students to study as a guest in order to build cultural awareness, global experiences, and an appreciation for global citizenship. Through this special experience students build their marketability and become a more sought-after commodity for potential employers.
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What makes the Student Exchange such an exceptional opportunity?
The chance to live and study in another country with other students from all over the world is a very special opportunity. In your courses you learn about business from a whole new perspective, and you bring this knowledge back with you. Prospective employers want to meet people with this kind of background. The Exchange is more than your courses, though, and employers are interested in the other skills you have acquired, too. During your semester away, you prove that you can adapt to unfamiliar situations, meet new challenges successfully, and thrive in an entirely different environment. These kinds of accomplishments can be invaluable in helping you get that first job after you graduate and indeed in helping you in your entire career. In addition to all this, the Exchange is a lot of fun!
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Who are our Exchange partners?
Find out about our exchange partner colleges and universities.
www.centennialcollege.ca/business/exchange/destinations
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Who is eligible to participate?
To be eligible, a student must be registered as a full-time School of Business student, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be either a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant. International students are already receiving a study abroad experience here at Centennial College in Toronto, Canada, but if they wished to participate in the student exchange program consideration would be given. It is important to note that international students are not eligible to receive Canadian government scholarship awards or OSAP funding to help finance this experience. As well, some international students have found that they were not able to obtain the necessary travel documents to leave Canada and enter another country. Finally, international students who wish to work in Canada after graduation must study in Canada for at least two years to obtain a three-year work permit and leaving the country for one semester may void this option.
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When do most students participate in the Exchange?
Most students participate in their third, fourth, or fifth semester, but begin to plan and save money in their first and second semesters. Some take part in the Exchange in the fall semester from September to December, while others prefer to study abroad in the winter semester January to April (or February to May). Semeters start and end dates may differ slightly in other countries, for instance, some students prefer to study abroad from February to June then take the summer to travel and explore the country they are visiting. The times and course offerings are set by the host institution, but many of our partners offer courses during the same timeframes (semesters) we do for the convenience of many students around the world.
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How much does it cost?
Students should budget about $1000/month for living expenses while away on the Exchange. Add Centennial College tuition fees, airfare, and medical insurance (approx. $240 for the semester) for coverage outside Canada to that figure to obtain an approximate total amount.
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Are students who participate in the Exchange eligible for OSAP?
Yes. Remember that you are registered as a full-time student at Centennial during your Exchange semester. The same rules apply for all registered Centennial students - whether you are taking courses here or at one of our partner institutions. There is form to be completed that must be submitted to the Financial Aid office so they are aware of your participation, but this does not affect your OSAP award/allocation.
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Is any other financial assistance available?
The Ontario government sponsors several scholarships worth $2500 each. The NAFTAPreneur Mobiltiy program offers each student who participates up to $3300 in scholarship money (not to be repaid). Although, not all students qualify for these awards or the full amounts of these awards, many do qualify so it is well worth applying.
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How do students find their way through "the system", both here and at the partner institution?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions. It can all be a little overwhelming: how to obtain a visa, what currency to carry, how to complete the forms, how to get from the airport to the partner institution, how to find accommodation there, and so on. The exchange framework is one of the most appealing aspects of the Exchange because it means that there is always someone to assist you, to answer your questions, and to help solve problems. Just as there is a Liaison in the School of Business here, there is also a Liaison person at the partner institution whose job it is to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In short, you are not alone!
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Is the Student Exchange worthwhile?
Yes! Read the stories and see the photos of School of Business students who have participated in the Exchange.
www.centennialcollege.ca/business/exchange/stories
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Need More information?
studentexchange@centennialcollege.ca |
