Global Learning
Facilitating global experiences for UCalgary students
through international exchanges, group study programs,
and research & internship opportunities
Getting started
First things first, watch the Global Learning 101 YouTube playlist (20-minute video series)! It covers the basics of global learning, including what types of programs are available, how you can apply, and why you should consider incorporating global learning into your degree.
Our Global Learning Benefits page also summarizes many areas of academic, personal, and professional growth that students experience as a result of studying abroad.
What's next?
Your identity has multiple facets which come together to shape how you experience daily life. Global learning is an opportunity to broaden your understanding of your own identity and explore new ways of interacting with the world around you.
Reflecting on your identities at the start of your global learning journey is invaluable! You may find there are facets of your identity that hold great importance to you and impact the type of global learning programs you want to pursue. You may also find there are identities that feel less significant in your life at home, but are perceived differently by other cultures and affect your time abroad in ways you didn’t expect.
Your family or community may also have questions about how to support you in your global learning journey - refer to our Parents & Family Resource for guidance.
There are a wide range of opportunities available. You could do a 2-week program up to a full semester or year, study abroad independently or in a cohort/group format, earn course credit or gain professional experience, travel to countries around the world or even participate online from home!
Use the Program Finder to browse all of your options and view more details about each program.
One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad through UCalgary is that you continue to pay regular UCalgary tuition. You will remain eligible for regular UCalgary awards & scholarships, and you can take your student loans with you. To make global learning even more accessible, you can also take advantage of awards specifically created for students attending global learning programs!
There are two advisors that you’ll work closely with as you plan for your global learning adventure.
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Global Learning Advisor
These are advisors at the Global Learning office, who each have a portfolio of programs that they coordinate. Global learning advisors can help narrow down your options and recommend programs to suit your personal or academic needs. They can also clarify program details, answer questions about past student experiences, and support you with any questions about your eligibility for a program. If you don’t yet have a specific program in mind or your questions are more general, you are welcome to come to drop-in advising at our office. Our advisors also offer appointments, or you can send them an email.
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Academic Advisor
This is your regular academic advisor from your faculty. At this stage, you should meet with your academic advisor to talk about where you’re at in your degree, when a good time to go abroad would be, and how your preferred program will fit into your studies. Later on (after being accepted to a global learning program), your academic advisor can help review your desired courses abroad and confirm transfer credit towards your degree requirements.
Once applications open for your desired program, go ahead and apply online!
Applications open on October 1 for all programs in the upcoming year. There are two main deadlines: November 11 (for Spring/Summer programs) and January 5 (for Fall/Winter Semester programs). As long as you apply by the deadline, your application will be fairly considered. All applications are reviewed after the deadline passes & results sent to students usually within a month or so.
Be sure to review the program page to check any program-specific eligibility & application requirements. Some programs also follow a different application timeline, which will be noted on the program page if applicable.
My semester abroad allowed me to explore a culture that’s embedded with the ideology of work-life balance. The city is built around nature, rather than nature being built around the city. Every day you could see people hiking, biking & running. Living in Norway broadened my views on how I wish to live, and in which type of society I wish to live.
Simran Sadhwani
BKin Honours 2023; UCalgary Global Learning Alumni
For more stories from UCalgary students, view our Global Learning Alumni page!
Upcoming events
View our Global Learning Events page for details on other events, such as annual contests & competitions.
Pre & Post-Travel
Information for students further into their global learning journey
Congratulations – you have been accepted to go abroad! Use this page for guidance on your next steps. Your global learning advisor will also pass along important information to you, so please keep an eye on your UCalgary email.
Transitioning back to life in Canada after any length of time spent abroad can be both exciting and challenging. We’re here to support you.
MyWorldAbroad is a web platform for developing global career skills, including resume advice, networking resources, international job postings, and more. All UCalgary students & alumni have access – just use your UCalgary email address to log in!
Feeling lost? This page is intended for UCalgary students travelling abroad. If you are an international exchange student coming to UCalgary, welcome! Please go to the Incoming Exchange Students page for all of the information you need to get ready for your exchange.