Choosing which school to attend after I graduated high school was a months-long process. 

I was stuck between two options from September to March, constantly battling pros and cons lists, asking a million questions, and doing a lot of soul searching. My final decision comes as no surprise, and one of the big reasons why I chose Mount A was the opportunity to do a study abroad exchange during my degree. (Somewhere out there COVID is laughing her head off right now…) Global pandemic aside, the things I wish I knew about exchanges at Mount A remain the same and hopefully by the time you get to go on exchange this crazy year will be a distant memory (*knocks on wood*). 

1. Distribution Requirements

To start, I am no Academic Advisor, so what I say here is purely from what I’ve picked up from talking to upper years and a couple professors. I was done my distribution requirements by first semester of second year, but I wish I had saved them. Many people who know they want to go on exchange save some of those general first-year-level distribution classes for their exchange so A) they can take “easier” classes, and B) there is a higher chance of the credits transferring back once they return to Mount A. If you know an exchange is something you want to do, this is not a bad idea. 

2. Build-Your-Own-Exchange

Many people don’t know that you can actually build your own exchange, what we here at Mount A call an “Independent Study Abroad”. If you want to study at an institution that Mount A doesn’t already list, there’s no need to fret. Mount A helps you apply to non-partner universities, though you do have to pay tuition to the host school. This does take a little more time though, so I’d recommend starting very early to give yourself plenty of time to communicate back and forth with your host institution. 

3. The Killam Fellowship

Here is a hidden gem of Mount A exchanges; a subsection of Fulbright Canada that specializes in America-Canada exchanges. Mount A has had tremendous luck in sending students to the states with the Killam Fellowship, and it is always worth applying. This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to study at an American school while still paying Mount A’s tuition. 

4. Academic Advisors

Meet with an Academic Advisor early to plan out your degree if you know you want to go on exchange. Most students study abroad in their third year but I know of a few who have gone in second year because they planned their classes out well ahead of time. Academic Advisors are also good to consult with when choosing a school to apply to so you don’t end up going somewhere that has very little transferable credits.  

Studying abroad as a student is such a fantastic way to travel because you get to experience living somewhere new while still having the safety net of classes and a familiar academic schedule. I hope that you found this useful; now hop onto Mount A’s International Centre website and start exploring!