Go Global Office of Global Engagement

While you're away

Things to do

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

While you're away:

  • Start transferring your credits
    Review the three ways to transfer credits earned abroad and begin the process.
  • Be aware of your UBC registration dates
    Talk with a faculty advisor for degree progression advice, and don't forget to pay your registration deposit and register for courses for your return term at UBC. You will get a reminder email with information on your registration date.
  • Stay eligible for UBC awards
    Get in touch with your your Enrollment Services advisor if you have ongoing awards and student loans to check your status and renew scholarships. 

Changing the length of your stay

Review your exchange agreement for information about making a change to your stay and how to do so if it is possible.

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 can extend your exchange. Contact your Go Global advisor first to ask for permission. If there is space for extension in your agreement, your Go Global advisor will speak to your host university to 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, 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.