Outgoing Nipissing Exchange Students

To be eligible for participation in our exchange/study abroad program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Nipissing University student
• Have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits at Nipissing University
• Be in good standing with the university, both academically and financially
• Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 70% and remain in good standing prior to departure

It is advisable to begin preparing for your study abroad experience during your first year at Nipissing University. Early preparation will facilitate a smoother process, allowing you to effectively organize your courses and financial arrangements for your journey.

Prior to submitting an application, it is essential to meet with an academic advisor to develop a comprehensive academic plan. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing advising@nipissingu.ca.

As a requirement for participating in the exchange program, students must have completed a minimum of 30 credits at Nipissing University. Consequently, students cannot embark on an exchange until their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year.

We recommend that students aim to study abroad during their 3rd year; however, some may opt for their 2nd or 4th year, which could necessitate adjustments to their academic plan. Those considering an exchange in their 4th year will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is crucial to discuss your intentions with your Academic Advisor.

For inquiries regarding program selection, please contact us at internationaladvising@nipissingu.ca.

We invite to read past testimonials from NU students who have enjoyed an outgoing exchange program.

You can attend one of the Education Abroad Information Sessions (you will be notified via your NU email) or come into our office for more information. We are located Room F205.

Cost is dependent on where you choose to study. Certain countries have higher cost of living, while others can be fairly low. After browsing through some of the available options, you should research on the different locations that interest you.

While students participating in the Exchange Program pay their standard full-time tuition to Nipissing University, there are many other expenses that should be considered and budgeted for when preparing for exchange.

Expenses you will want to consider when preparing your budget include:

• Additional fees required by your host institution (e.g. health insurance; residence fees; etc.)
• Passport/visa application fees
• Cost of travel (e.g. return airfare)
• Insurance (e.g. travel and health insurance)
• Cost of living (e.g. rent, groceries, cell phone, etc.)
• Tourist and social activities

Application Deadline

Fall : March 1st to April 10th

Winter : August 10th to September 15th

Click here to apply »

Please identify and rank up to three (3) preferred institutions on your application, along with the term(s) you wish to apply for (Fall, Winter, or Full Year). Be sure to note the approximate semester start and end dates for each of your chosen institutions.

We strongly encourage you to consider all three options carefully. While the International department will make every reasonable effort to place accepted students at their preferred partner institutions, we cannot guarantee placement due to the competitive nature of the Exchange Program. By identifying three preferred partners, you assist the Exchange Team in finding a placement that aligns well with your interests and goals.

Exchange Partner Institutions and Programs »

As part of the online application in MyInternational Database, you will need to identify and provide the contact information for one (1) academic reference and for one (1) personal reference:

• Academic Reference
  • To be completed by a Nipissing University Faculty member who has previously or is currently instructing you.
• Personal Reference
  • To be completed by a doctor, coach, academic, employer, etc...but may not be completed by a family member.

Please be advised that supporting documents may be required at the application processing time such as motivation letter, passport copy, etc.

Congratulations on your upcoming exchange! Participating in an exchange program is a valuable opportunity that often leads to transformative experiences, where learning extends beyond the classroom.

To prepare for your upcoming journey, please review the checklist available in MyInternational Database, where you submitted your application. This checklist will provide you with a comprehensive list of tasks that must be completed or acknowledged prior to departure.

Please note that it is essential to track and meet all responsibilities and deadlines outlined in the MyInternational portal.

Failure to fulfill pre-departure requirements may result in the loss of your opportunity to participate in the Exchange Program. Additionally, your host institution will provide you with important information regarding your upcoming exchange, including pre-arrival instructions.

If your plans change and you decide not to study abroad, it is imperative that you notify Nipissing International of your withdrawal as soon as possible by contacting us internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

Please ensure you regularly check your Nipissing email address as you prepare for your exchange. This will help you stay informed of any communications from your Host Institution or the Nipissing International Team.

Important dates will be communicated to selected students by March.

All students approved for an exchange must attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session. Failure to participate in this session may result in disqualification from the exchange program.

Liability Waiver

All outgoing exchange students are required to review and sign the Liability Waiver. This waiver must be witnessed by a Nipissing staff member. These forms will be distributed, signed, and witnessed at the mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session.

Proof of Insurance

All outgoing exchange students are required to order their Insurance with Guard.me.

The policy must be uploaded as part of your checklist on MyNipissing Database portal no later than August 31 for fall term exchanges and full-year exchanges or November 30 for winter term exchanges.

Read about the Consular Affairs Canada  Travel Advisories, which are updated regularly.

Certificate of Arrival at the Host Institution

All outgoing exchange students must have the Certificate of Arrival completed and signed by the exchange coordinator at their host institution within 2 weeks of their arrival. The completed form must be sent to internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

Certificate of Departure from the Host Institution

All outgoing exchange students must have the Certificate of Departure completed and signed by the exchange coordinator at their host institution prior to their departure at the end of their study term.

• Scotiabank International Exchange Award Scholarship
• Jack and Mary Ann Jones International Exchange Awards
• International scholarship opportunities for Canadians
• International scholarship opportunities for non-Canadians
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Obtain your Passport and Apply for Student Visa

Make sure your current passport is valid (or apply for a passport well in advance of your anticipated departure date if you do not have one already). The expiry date on your passport must be at least 6 months beyond your expected date of return. Canadian passport applications are handled by Service Canada.

In some cases, a student visa is required to study in the country of your host institution. After you receive a copy of your Letter of Acceptance from your host institution, you can apply for a student visa from the Embassy or High Commission of your country of destination.  Contact the appropriate Embassy or High Commission to find out what documentation is required in order to apply for your student visa.

Tuition Fees

Make arrangements to pay your Nipissing University tuition and other fees for your term(s) abroad.  You are required to pay full-time tuition to Nipissing University while you are on an exchange (and must take the equivalent of a full-time course load at the host institution).

Finances

Visit the Finance office for information on your government student loan, Nipissing renewable scholarship, and/or Nipissing bursaries for your exchange.

We also recommend that you arrange for someone (e.g. Power of Attorney, if required) to take care of your finances while you are abroad. Contact the Finance Office for more details on this process.

Provincial Health Insurance

Notify OHIP (or your provincial health insurance program) if you are out of province for more than 212 days (or approx. 6 months). If your provincial health insurance program requires a letter of support to maintain your coverage while you are abroad, please email internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca.

It is important for Nipissing students participating in international programs, such as exchange, to regularly check their NU email to stay connected with the Nipissing campus. We also recommend that you make photocopies of all important documents and leave the copies with a trusted individual at home. Additionally, please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance, including health insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and property insurance.

Useful Resources

• Travel warnings and country travel reports, including health and safety information from the Government of Canada
• Country facts and cultural information on the countries of the world from Global Affairs Canada
• Health Canada travel health information and advisories
• Global Affairs Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA)
• Canadian Offices Abroad (including embassies, high commissions and consulates)
• CBC
• British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service news and shortwave radio listings

We will communicate exclusively through your NU email account; therefore, please ensure that you continue to monitor it while you are abroad. You may also consider forwarding your NU email to a frequently used email account to ensure you do not miss any important or urgent information.

The exchange coordinator at your host institution will serve as your primary point of contact for any questions during your exchange. You are welcome to reach out to us at any time at internationalmobility@nipissingu.ca with your questions or concerns, or to share updates.

• Register as a Canadian Abroad: An additional resource we recommend is to register with the Government of Canada as a Canadian Abroad. By doing so, this will allow the government to notify you directly of any changes in the coronavirus situation in China (or other emergencies). For more information on the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, and to register please visit the ROCA website.
• Contact the local Canadian Embassy/Consulate* (*Canadian citizens). If the emergency occurs out of office hours and you need consular assistance you should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 24-Hour Emergency Duty Officer at +1 (613) 996-8885. Collect calls will be accepted.
• Speak to the contact person at your host institution.
• Contact Nipissing’s Campus Safety Office to receive assistance and report the incident. Collect calls will be accepted. (If you are unable to make a collect call from your current location dial the Canada Direct access number for your location to be connected with a Canadian operator.)

Remember, in the case of an emergency situation such as an earthquake etc. try and contact your family members at home as soon as possible and let them know that you are safe. We also ask that you contact your International Mobility Coordinator to confirm your safety.

Near the end of your exchange period, please arrange for an official transcript or certificate of departure to be sent by your host institution to the International Academic Adviser at Nipissing University via email at internationaladvising@nipissingu.ca. If you receive the transcript, kindly ensure that you submit a copy to the International Mobility Coordinator at internationalmobility@nipissing.ca.

**We recommend requesting an additional copy for your own records. If you plan to apply to graduate school or pursue other future opportunities, it is advisable to obtain an extra copy from your host institution at this time, as acquiring copies later may prove challenging.

A Pre-Entry Session is organized for all returning exchange students to provide an opportunity to share their exchange experiences and focus on re-integration.

The session will include presentations from:

• Career Services: Guidance on how to leverage your international experience
• Counselling Services: Discussion on reverse culture shock
• ISMP: 1-2 activities to share testimonials and insights

We encourage all returning students to participate in this valuable session.

The International Student Mentorship Program (ISMP) is designed to assist new international students in forming friendships and adapting to their new learning and living environment. Our mentors are Nipissing University students who volunteer their time to provide support. Some mentors may have studied abroad, while others may be interested in pursuing opportunities overseas in the future; however, all share a passion for meeting new people and learning about diverse cultures.

Mentors are responsible for organizing trips, social events, and activities for international students during their time at Nipissing. We strongly recommend and encourage all new international students to participate in the ISMP.

Members of the ISMP team are also available throughout the academic year to address any questions you may have regarding your courses, campus procedures, on-campus living, the North Bay community, and more.