Exchange & study abroad program

AUArts partners with post-secondary institutions worldwide to offer cross-cultural experiences for students. The program is designed to allow AUArts students to continue their academic progress while attending the host institution. Eligible students complete their full-time complement (15 credits) of 300-level major courses and electives for one semester at the host institution and return to AUArts for the following fall semester to maintain their spot in their selected major. The exchange and study abroad program is for one, full-time semester of study in which students earn transferable credits toward their AUArts program. Exception to one semester of study may apply to students who earn extra credits that can not be applied directly to their program of study.

Who is eligible?

At the time of study, students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits applicable to their AUArts degree requirements, have no First Year Studies deficiencies, have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher at the time of application and before departure, and have officially declared a major.

There is only one annual intake of applications to participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad program for AUArts students. AUArts students wishing to study at one of our partner institutions for one semester must apply to participate by January 3 (or the next business day) prior the next academic year fall or winter semester. In other words, application to participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad program is due on completion of a student's first term of 200-level required coursework, and Exchange study will occur the following academic year when the student is completing 300-level courses.) When approved for study, students will be required to prepare an application for the host institution. Students who transfer to AUArts in their third year of study are not eligible for the Exchange & Study Abroad program.

Are there any special criteria?

Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application to participate and at the time of travel. Students may be required to have a basic knowledge of the language of instruction of the host institution.

Where can I go?

With over 40 participating institutions around the globe, the hardest choice will be where to go! Check out the schools and make a shortlist of priorities.

>>> Check out the participating institutions

What is the deadline for the application?

• January 3 (or the next business day) is the application deadline for AUArts students applying to participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad program (there is one annual intake of applications). Successful applicants will be notified whether they will be nominated to participate and will then receive approval to prepare an application for the host institution.

I am a student from another institution. How do I apply to study at AUArts as an Exchange & Study Abroad student?

• AUArts's Exchange & Study Abroad committee will consider your application after we receive a letter from your institution nominating you for consideration to our program. You can verify whether AUArts has an Exchange & Study Abroad agreement with your school by reviewing our list of partner institutions (see list above). Your application to study at AUArts and nomination letter from your institution must be received by March 15 (for fall semester enrolment) or October 1 (winter/spring semester enrolment). See How to study at AUArts as an Incoming Exchange Student for details about application materials.

I am an AUArts student. How do I apply to participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad program so that I can travel and study at one of AUArts's partner institutions?

1. Research the host institution that you wish to attend and be ready to answer why it is your first choice.  Also, have two alternative schools in the event that there is limited space for your first choice school.
2. Submit by email a pdf that includes the following elements to advising@auarts.ca no later than January 3 (or the next business day). 
   • Cover Page that includes YOUR NAME, AUArts ID#, MAJOR, Exchange Institution of Choice, Semester and year of Exchange
   • Personal Statement / Letter of Intent (500 words max.) that describes your research interest and how the Exchange program will help you fulfill your academic goals
   • A scanned copy of the photograph page of your valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid for six months following your return from the Exchange & Study Abroad program.
   • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (The College Art Association has an excellent guideline for creating your CV) 
   • 3 images of work with dimensions and titles (use still images for sound or video pieces and links to web file)
   • Provide a statement that shows you have researched the host institution and believe that the host institution’s aesthetic and educational descriptions are fitting for equivalency.
     Please note: While on exchange you will be enrolled as a full-time student and will be required to complete 15 credit equivalents; ie. five courses or 24 instructional hours, such as two 300-level studios plus three 200-300-400 level studios; or two 300-level studios in combination with Studio and Liberal Studies electives.
   • When your PDF application is submitted to advising@auarts.ca a non-refundable application fee will be added to your account. Payment will be due by the tuition fees deadline.
3. Your PDF Application to Participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad program will be reviewed by the committee. Successful applicants will use the elements in their participation application for a follow-up host institution application. Do not contact the host institution until you are nominated by the AUArts Exchange & Study Abroad Committee and have met with your Exchange Coordinator/Academic Advisor to discuss the next steps.

What happens after I apply?

The Exchange & Study Abroad Coordinator/Student Academic Advisor will:

• Ensure that all Applications to Participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad Program are forwarded to the Exchange and Study Abroad Committee.
• Notify all applicants of the committee results by the end of January
• Send a Letter of Nomination and Official Transcript to host institution(s) on behalf of those students selected to participate in Exchange & Study Abroad program
• Meet with participating students to review academic plan and to provide instructions for preparing their host institution application(s)

AUArts Students who are nominated to participate in the Exchange & Study Abroad Program are required to:

• Meet with the Exchange & Study Coordinator/Student Academic Advisor (set up an appointment advising@auarts.ca) to follow up on completion of your application to the host institution. This will occur AFTER you receive an official notice of approval to participate in the Exchange & Study program.
• Refrain from contacting the prospective host institutions directly.
• Contact ihaveaplan.ca to arrange health & dental coverage, obtain study visas (when required), make travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Copy all documents sent to host institution to AUArts's Exchange & Study Abroad Coordinator/Student Academic Advisor.
• Follow up on transfer credit procedures* upon completion of the program.