Study Abroad for UofC Students
International Student Programs & Advising
International Partnerships, Projects & Development
"UofCInternational" is committed to raising the profile of the UofC worldwide and making the university an attractive destination for international students, academics and researchers as well as providing options for students to study around the world as part of their University of Calgary degree. Increasingly, problems are international in their dimensions and require global solutions as countries are linked culturally, economically and ecologically. University graduates require skills which enable them to find solutions in a world characterized by a diversity of languages, religions, living standards, technological standards, historical perspectives and cultural values.
"Recruiting high-caliber students and providing them with excellent and fulfilling academic experiences is essential to our broad mission and to our success as a University in delivering our mandate." (Academic Foundations: Principles to Guide University Planning. page 7)
The University of Calgary has over 2500 international students registered on campus (Fall 2010) from 100 countries. In addition, our alumni, including Canadians, are living in all areas of the world, proving the importance of an international education. The UofC offers major entrance scholarships and awards for 1st year undergraduate international students as well as a number of awards for continuing students. It is a part of the UofC support for internationalization and to international students. The University of Calgary also has agreements to receive funded/scholarship students from a number of countries.
"A fundamental role of the University of Calgary is to educate our students to appreciate the complexities of the natural and human worlds in which they live and to prepare them to engage actively, thoughtfully and productively both in their careers and as citizens of their communities... the option of internationalizing educational experiences through study abroad will enhance our students’ adaptability, independence, cultural awareness and communication skills." (Academic Foundations: Principles to Guide University Planning. page 7)
The University of Calgary has an ambitious plan that would have 30% of its graduating class having a study abroad experience. All undergraduate programs provide an international component to the program which may include study abroad (Student Exchange, Groups Study Programs, research, practicum, Internships or independent study). Students may enhance their academic program, employment prospects and personal growth by studying abroad for a term or year. Since 2008, each year we have distributed grants valued at more than $500,000 to UofC students to support study abroad activities, mainly at the undergraduate level.
The University of Calgary offers a variety of study abroad options in more than 50 countries including: Student Exchange Programs for a term or full year; Semester Abroad Programs in India, Czech Republic and Spain with U of C courses taught on site; Field Schools to selected sites which offer intensive study opportunities abroad with U of C faculty members during Spring and Summer Terms and Block Weeks. Students may also use their initiative to design their own program of study.
While some study programs require knowledge of a language other than English, not all the U of C exchange partners expect a student to be fluent in order to participate. It is possible to combine study abroad with language learning.
Students unable to study abroad may get involved with international activities on campus: volunteering with international offices such as UCI or taking part in events to promote discussion and an international understanding: refer to “Make Your Degree More International” section of University Calendar for more information. In September 2009 the UofC opened the Dr. Fok Ying Tung International House, an international residence for students and visiting scholars as well as a full service hotel with meeting rooms. Senior university students have the opportunity to live in an international setting “Global Village” in the middle of campus.
The U of C has over 250 international alliances that include collaborative research, joint academic and scientific studies, collaborative degrees and student exchanges, training programs, internships and practicums. UofC staff/faculty lead development projects in Water Management in Central and South America, Sustainable Environment, Energy and Economy in Ghana and Child Health in Uganda. UofC students may complete a semester internship/practicum through our agreement with 'Right To Play'.
The University of Calgary opened its first branch campus "UofC Qatar" in Fall 2007 offering a Bachelors of Nursing and post degree diploma programs to residents of the Gulf region. The UofC celebrates it’s first graduating class form UCQatar in June 2010.
About the University of Calgary