By Eva Rachert — News Editor

Every student who can afford to go on exchange should do so, and exchanges should be made more accessible. International exchange is a unique opportunity for students to travel and learn about other cultures while being offered a support system through Bishop’s — students have more financial and social support through doing exchange than they do travelling independently. 

As application deadlines draw near, the international exchange office has been sending regular emails to students encouraging them to attend international exchange information sessions. There are three sessions in total — two held in Cleghorn room, and one held online. The sessions are intended to provide basic information regarding visa applications, culture shock management, affordability, budgeting, and deadlines. The info sessions inform students of the qualifications needed to go on exchange — all students with an average of at least 70 per cent who are currently completing their first degree and have completed at least 30 credits are eligible. 

Students pick three schools from the list of pre-approved exchange schools, ordering them by preference. Schools located in a variety of countries and operated in a variety of languages are available on the list; therefore, students in the modern languages and international studies departments are especially encouraged to apply. An international exchange is recommended by the politics and international studies department for all international studies students in an honours program. Students interested in politics are given the opportunity to study at universities in cities like Maastricht and Paris, major European political hubs. Students looking to learn other languages can study in Germany, France, Japan, and Mexico, which correspond with the languages offered through the modern languages and literature department. Bishop’s is partnered with more than 60 total institutions to offer exchange.

International exchange offers an opportunity for students to expand their worldview on a budget. Students on exchange can qualify for automatic bursaries of $750 a month or more offered by the Quebec Ministry of Education to assist with the costs associated with travel. To qualify, students must be attending an accredited institution, and must be full-time. Tuition also stays the same for all Bishop’s students — students with scholarships will also still qualify for their funding. International exchange is still costly, but the bursaries offer opportunities to a large group of students who otherwise would be unable to travel on exchange. 

Exchange also does not add any time to a student’s degree — all credits, so long as they are approved by the student’s department, count towards their degree at Bishop’s. Students can go on exchange during the fall, winter, or summer semesters. International exchange is one of the most accessible ways for a student to travel abroad, with funding opportunities and work exchanges being offered. Any student interested in going on exchange can find out more information by attending the online info session offered on Nov. 15.