Lauren Root – Features Editor 

Studying abroad is a hot topic for university students and is something many people dream of from a young age. The opportunity to be a university student anywhere in the world, exploring and immersing yourself in a new culture – what else could a university student possibly want? Well, the amazing thing is that Bishop’s makes the dream of studying abroad both realistic and attainable with the International Mobility Program. 

Photo courtesy of Bishop’s International

The BU International team helps students build studying abroad into part of their degree, meaning that you can continue your studies at Bishop’s, and still graduate on time, if you choose to go abroad. The only requirements to be eligible to apply to the study abroad program is to have a 70% cumulative average, and be a full-time student. 

Typically, students go on exchange in their second last year at Bishop’s. So, students completing their degree in three years go sometime during their second year, and those completing their degree in four years go during their third year. That being said, you can arrange to go abroad within a different time frame, as long as you plan ahead and are organized with your schedule. 

Early planning is the key when it comes to studying abroad. Organize your courses, so that you have enough electives to be able to take them while abroad, and also being organized helps you financially plan for your time away. At the very latest, you need to discuss your plans to go abroad with Bishop’s International during the fall semester the year before you plan to go away. Something that is important to know is that while the classes you take abroad go towards your Bishop’s degree, they don’t count towards your cumulative average. This means the courses show up on your transcript as pass or fail, not as a percentage. 

Financially, studying abroad is much more accessible than people think. While abroad, you pay your tuition to Bishop’s, and the price stays the same. Additionally, your scholarships and bursaries are still valid while on exchange. There are even scholarships meant for students going to study abroad. 

Bishop’s partners with over 60 institutions around the world, giving you plenty of choice on where you want to study. The whole world is open for your exploration, and you can pick a location based on your top interests. Whether you want to explore Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia or South America, there is a destination for you.

Studying abroad gives you the opportunities to discover and immerse yourself in a new culture while at school, and provides you with new experiences that you will carry forward with you for the rest of your life. The friends and experiences you make while abroad will be some of the best moments of your life, and will be the highlight of your university experience. 

If you’re an avid traveller or want to discover something new while at Bishop’s, make sure to stay tuned to the Bishop’s International instagram page, and make sure to attend at least one study abroad session before the application deadline. This year the dates are: Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. in McGreer-200, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. in McGreer-200 and Dec 5 at 4 p.m. in McGreer-200. Make sure to apply to the International Mobility Program, as the trip of a lifetime awaits you!