If you couldn’t make it to the FCAD Exchange Program Info Session held on November 5, here’s what you missed:
Locations:
Ryerson is partnered with over 40 universities around the world. For FCAD students, we have the opportunity to study in:
· England
· Australia
· New Zealand
· Scotland
· Germany
· Denmark
· Hong Kong
· Vietnam and
· Singapore
Requirements to apply for the exchange program:
1. Currently a full-time 2nd year student (domestic or international)
2. Minimum CGPA of 2.5
3. Clear academic standing
Courses:
Students are required to take a full-course load when abroad. This varies from 4 to 9 courses, depending on the university. Keep in mind that those who have done the exchange program have said their courses were much easier than Ryerson’s, and grades earned on exchange do not affect your CPGA as long as you pass. Additionally, the student affairs coordinator, Donna Morrison must approve your courses the semester before leaving for exchange to ensure they correspond with your program’s courses at Ryerson.
Things to consider when choosing an exchange destination:
· Location
· Language and culture
· Cost of living
· Access to health care providers (mental health isn’t a main concern in some countries)
· Accessibility
· School and campus life
· Program and courses
Remember that you should be mostly considering the research and your budget.
Cost:
In terms of pricing, students are responsible for their own housing and meals, as well as the additional costs of airfare, emergency medical travel insurance and a student visa. So depending on which location you choose, the price will range from $10,000 to $15,000, not including tuition.
Awards and scholarships:
Ryerson also offers awards and scholarships for students interested in the exchange program, including Ryerson International Exchange Opportunity Scholarships (RIEOS) and FCAD Passport Fund. It’s highly competition, so make sure you work hard on your applications.
For the application form, you need to hand in:
1. An unofficial transcript
2. A 500 to 700 letter of intent that demonstrates your interest in studying abroad. The coordinator explained they’re tired of reading letters about students wanting to go on exchange to see where their family’s from. Focus on how the exchange program will help your personal and professional goals and what you hope to achieve after you return.
3. Your top three exchange destinations. Don’t just pick your number one choice then throw in two others because it’s very competitive. Do lots of research and choose wisely.
Students are given the opportunity to become a FCAD international ambassador. This would include sharing their experiences abroad through blog writing and social media, as well as attending and speaking at FCAD events. You’d also get the option to mentor future generations of exchange students.
At the end of the info session, three guest speakers who recently got back from exchange shared a bit of their experiences and gave us advice. They explained how big of a culture shock it was when first arriving and had some struggles with language barriers. Hence, they recommended learning the basics of the country’s language, attending school events and doing tons of research before leaving in order to be more comfortable in a new setting.
If you have any questions, the FCAD international coordinator, Sandra Chung offers one on one meetings. You can contact her via email, exchange@ryerson.ca, or go to ryerson.ca/fcad/international/exchange to find out more.