Quick Links: FAQs, More Questions?, Useful Links

STUDENT ABROAD
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How much does it cost?
  • As a UNB student on exchange, you continue to pay tuition and fees at UNB, not at the partner university. So your tuition costs would be the same as though you were studying directly at UNB.
    
    You will be expected to pay for your own:
    - Accommodation and daily living expenses including books.
    - Travel expenses
    - Passport and visa costs.
    - Any additional medical insurance. Many of our partner universities require the students coming on exchange to purchase their medical insurance plan.
    - Any other incidental costs.
    
    
• Is there any financial assistance available?
  • Yes, UNB offers bursaries and scholarships especailly for students wishing to study overseas. Refer to the Financial Aid Office website at http://www.unbf.ca/financialaid/. There are other organizations that provide funding to students participating in study abroad programs, so it pays to do some research.
    

• Will I still graduate on time?
  • Student Abroad pre-departure sessions include working with your academic advisors to choose courses at host schools that can be used towards your UNB program of study.
    
    
• I only speak English. Can I still go overseas?
  • The majority of our partner institutions offer their courses in English and provide free introductory courses to help you get started learning the country’s national language.
    
    
• Am I eligible?
  • To participate in the SAP, you must be a full-time UNB student and plan to do your exchange in your third year of university.
    
    
• What is the minimum GPA requirement?
  • For many exchange programs you need at least 3.0 but now, 2.5 is enough for some programs.
    
    
• Can I apply if I am a transfer student?
  • Yes! Although transfer students may have a tighter schedule, UNB encourages you to apply in the SAP.
    
    
• Can I go through more than one country with the SAP?
  • Students can participate in more than one SAP program. However, some programs may not allow you to apply while overseas. Check with your SAP coordinator for any conditions that may apply.
    
    
• When are applications due?
  • Applications are due the last Friday of January.
    
    
• When should I start planning for the SAP?
  • In your first year!
    
    First Year:
    • Talk to your academic advisor about your interest in the Student Abroad Program so your advisor can suggest which courses would afford you the greatest flexibility in selecting overseas options.
    • Come see the Student Abroad coordinators to get updated information on what exchanges and funding is currently available.
    • Become involved in extra-curricular activities, preferably those with an international perspective.
    
    Second year:
    • Apply! Application deadline is the last Friday of January.
    • Once accepted into the Student Abroad Program, students participate in pre-departure sessions, which assist them to select courses, inform students about their destination country, the host educational institution, and provide students with tips on how to stay healthy and happy overseas.
    
    Third Year:
    • Travel to your host institution during either the fall or winter semester and have the experience of your life!
    
    Fourth Year:
    • Return to UNB Fredericton to graduate on time.
    
    
• Where can I go to learn about the country I will be studying at? http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
  
  
• Where can I get an application for the Student Abroad Program?
  • Please download the form available here. Print, complete and mail it to the address shown in the form.
    
    
• Can I go early or do I have to travel with the group?
  • Students are responsible to make their own transportation arrangements. Some will chose to travel to the host country before the official start of the program. Note that you are responsible for yourself until the official start of the SAP program abroad.
    
    
• Can I stay in the country after the program ends?
  • As long as your visa doesn’t expire. But, you are responsible for yourself after the program ends.
    
    
• Can I extend my participation once abroad?
  • In most cases, students can extend from one term to one year or even beyond the one-year academic period. To do this, it is recommended that students send their pre-departure extension to their Student Abroad Coordinator.
    
    
• Will the courses I take abroad count toward graduation?
  • With careful planning with your academic advisor, you can make progress towards your degree.
    
    
• Will my units and grades transfer?
  • Yes! You will receive UNB credits through the SAP.
    
    
• How many units do I take while abroad?
  • You are required to take a full-time load at your host university. What is considered a full-time load at your host university may vary but it can never be less than what is considered a full-time load at UNB.
    
    
• Do I have to go for a full year?
  • No because the SAP program offers short-term and full-year programs.
    
• Do I have to study in my major field while abroad?
  • Some institutions require that you choose most of your courses in your major field while others permit students to choose courses outside their major either for working towards a second major, or towards a minor, to explore new areas of interests or to develop second language skills.
    
    
• What happens to my status at UNB while I'm on SAP?
  • You remain a UNB student. Before you depart, the Registrar Office will be notified that you are participating in the SAP program and this will reflect in your student record and transcripts.
    
    
• What happens if I want to quit early?
  • By withdrawing from the Sap program you are also withdrawing from UNB. Thus, UNB has the final authority to determine the conditions of readmission. You will be held responsible for any financial aid that has been advanced to you as well as payments due to SAP.
    

• Will my financial aid apply?
  • All SAP participants are eligible for financial aid.
    

• Who do I pay registration fees to?
  • Tuition fees are to be paid to UNB.

• Who do I contact if I change my address?
  • Please contact your exchange coordinator.
    

• Do I need a Power of Attorney while abroad?
  • Yes, as you will need to allow transactions and have access to your funds.
    

• Do I keep a bank account here or start one abroad?
  • Some countries may not allow you to pay rent if you don’t have a bank account set up in your host country. A trusted person can be given the power of attorney or add an account signatory and access it from ATMs overseas. You should consult with his or her home bank regarding the possible use of an ATM card in the new host country, and how many digits the PIN for the ATM needs to be, as this varies by country.
    

• What if I extend from a semester to a year program while abroad for my financial aid?
  • Your financial aid will be revised once the extension has been approved.

Still have more questions?

Useful Links:

Passports: www.ppt.gc.ca

Embassies and Consulates in Canada: www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Canada/Canada2.html

Consular Affairs (Canadian Embassies Abroad, current issues, travel tips for women, and to register): www.voyage.gc.ca

Canadian Residents Abroad: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html

Department of Foreign Affairs (Travel Assistance): www.dfait-maeci.gc.c/travel/menu-en.asp

Immunization Info: www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/236_e.html

Center for Disease Control (travel & health issues): www.cdc.gov/

Medical Assistance for Travelers: www.iamat.org/
Canadian Border Service Agency: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Financial Aid Office: www.unbf.ca/financialaid/

Canada Student Loans: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/program/cslp.shtml

Canada Direct (phone): www.infocanadadirect.com/engl/index.html

Travel Cuts (discount cards, travel booking): www.travelcuts.com

Hostels: www.hihostels.ca or www.hihostels.com/openHome.do
Travel in Europe: www.raileurope.com/canada/index.htm

Travel in Australia: www.ozexperience.com

Travel in New Zealand: www.kiwiexperience.com

Travel in Brazil: www.brazilexpedition.com

Travel in Japan: www.japanrail.com