While you are abroad

Things to note

The staff at your host university's exchange office are equipped to support you throughout your exchange with any inquiries or issues related to your stay. For additional assistance, feel free to contact your Go Global advisor.

While you're away, you may want to:

Start the process for transferring your credits
There are three ways to transfer credits taken abroad.
Register for UBC courses while abroad
Even while on exchange, don't forget to pay your registration deposit and register for courses for your return term at UBC. You will receive a reminder email with information on your registration date.
Remain eligible for UBC awards
Students enrolled in an exchange program can be eligible for certain scholarships in their upcoming period of study.
Extend or shorten your stay
Depending on your exchange agreement, there are specific instructions to change your stay duration.

Changing the length of your stay

Extending your exchange

Some students scheduled to go on exchange for one term find that one term just isn't enough. By the time they start to develop a routine and feel like they fit in, the term is almost over!

If your exchange agreement permits, you may be able to extend your exchange. You need to contact your Go Global advisor first and ask for permission. If there is space for extension in your agreement, your Go Global advisor will contact your host university and see if your request can be accommodated.

If your extension is approved, you'll need to:

Extend your health insurance coverage
Find out if you’re able to extend your health insurance from outside of Canada.
Extend your student visa
It’s important to start this process early, as processing times may vary.
Discuss the courses you want to take
Connect with your UBC program advisor about courses you can take during your second term abroad.
Adjust your course registration
Un-register for your UBC courses and register for courses at your host university.
Update your student status
If you are on student loans, notify your Enrolment Services Advisor that your student status has changed.
Make the appropriate housing arrangements
Be sure to also cancel any housing arrangements you may have made at UBC.
Confirm your host university requirements
Meet with the staff at your host university's exchange office to ensure that you have met all your host university's requirements.

Shortening your exchange

If you intend to shorten your exchange from two semesters to one, you must notify your Go Global advisor as soon as possible. Your advisor will inform your host university.

If you are reducing your exchange from two semesters to one, you will need to take care of the following:

Change the status of your health insurance coverage
Check if you cancancel your travel insurance and get a refund.
Discuss the courses you want to take at UBC with your UBC program advisor
Courses may already be filling up, so be sure to register as soon as you know that you will be returning.
Adjust your course registration
Un-register from courses at your host university.
Update your student status
If you are on student loans, notify Student Financial Assistance & Awards that your student status has changed.
Make appropriate housing arrangements
Be sure to cancel any arrangements you made in your host country.

Please consult with your Go Global advisor if you have any questions.

If you have questions

You can contact Go Global by email, phone, in-person or virtually through Zoom.

Booking a virtual advising appointment

If you need to book an advising appointment, please complete the online request form. Appointments will be held through Zoom or by phone, and can be scheduled between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm PT from Monday to Friday.

If you require an appointment outside of these hours, contact Go Global and they will do their best to accommodate. Appointments outside of regular hours can only be accommodated virtually.

In-person drop-in advising hours

Starting Tuesday, Sep 7, Go Global will offer in-person drop-in advising at the UBC Life Building during the times below:

Tuesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Go Global 101 - Group Advising Sessions (Virtual) Every Friday

Go Global offers group advising online on Fridays at 12:00 pm. Sign-up for Group Advising to learn more about the main Go Global program areas, meet a Go Global Advisor and meet other students interested in Go Global.