You've Been Accepted to go on an Exchange! Now What?
Congratulations!
Have you been accepted to study abroad through our Global ME Program, and you want to know how to start planning your exchange? We've got you covered!
You are about to embark on a life-changing global experience through the Global ME (Mobility Engagement) Program. Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to enrich your post-secondary experience, develop intercultural skills, gain independence, and make connections around the globe. There is a wide range of planning and preparation that goes into any student mobility experience, and we are excited to support you as you navigate this process.
Please review all of the information below to learn about the required steps as you prepare for your time abroad. If you have any questions or need assistance, please book an appointment (available via Zoom or in-person in Thunder Bay) or contact the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs at globalme@lakeheadu.ca.
Mandatory Paperwork Nomination & Application Letter of Permission
Passports & Visas Housing Financial Planning Health Insurance
Pre-Departure Session Safety Abroad Cultural Matters Academics
Mandatory Paperwork
All outbound Global ME students must complete and submit required paperwork prior to their departure date.
Here is the list of required documents:
- Exchange Student Waiver
- Photo Release Form (optional)
- Letter of Permission (see below)
- Copy of a valid passport
Accepted students will be contacted directly with instructions for submitting these documents. Failure to submit all required paperwork by the deadline may result in the suspension of your study abroad program.
Nomination & Application to the Host Institution
After you have been accepted to the Global ME Program, the Global Mobility Programs Coordinator will nominate you to your preferred host institution. Following the nomination, you will be required to complete an application directly to the host institution. The application process and deadline varies depending on your host institution.
The timeline to submit your application to the host institution will depend on which semester (Fall or Winter) you will be starting your studies. Students beginning their exchange in the Fall term will typically receive application instructions in the spring prior (March/April). Students going on exchange in the Winter term will typically receive application instructions in the late summer or fall before their exchange term. Make sure to check your Lakehead University email regularly in case of any updates from LUI or from the partner institution.
Final confirmation of your participation in the Global ME Program is at the discretion of the partner institution. This may take several weeks after the application, depending on our partner institutions’ internal timelines. We strongly recommend that you do not book your flight or make immigration arrangements until you receive your official Letter of Acceptance from the host institution.
Letter of Permission
All outbound Global ME students wishing to receive credit for the courses they are taking abroad must complete the Letter of Permission process with their program Chair(s). A Letter of Permission (LOP) is a document that allows students to take courses at another institution and transfer the credit back to their home institution. Students will receive support from the Global Mobility Programs Coordinator to complete this process. LOP requests must be submitted to Student Central to records@lakeheadu.ca prior to departure. If the courses you are taking change after you have arrived at your host institution, you should notify the Global Mobility Programs Coordinator (globalme@lakeheadu.ca) right away for assistance on getting your LOP revised.
Passports & Visas
Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your anticipated return date. If you do not have a valid passport, apply well in advance of your departure. Canadian passport applications and renewals are processed through Service Canada. Find a passport application or renewal location here.
Visas & Study Permits
Depending on your host institution and program length, you may need a student visa, study permit, residence permit, or other immigration document.
Once you receive your Letter of Acceptance from your host institution, contact the Embassy or Consulate of your host country to confirm the application process and required documents. Requirements and application methods may vary by country. Some applications may require an in-person appointment, while others can be completed online.
Common supporting documents may include:
- Letter of Acceptance
- Proof of housing
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statement)
Find Embassy and Consulate information through the Government of Canada Travel & Tourism website.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all required immigration requirements of their host country.
Housing
We encourage all outbound students to stay in accommodation provided by their host institution whenever available. If you choose to live off-campus, you are responsible for making your own arrangements.
Your host institution will typically contact you with instructions for applying for university housing. Be sure to follow the application process and meet all housing deadlines. We recommend researching your accommodation options and costs in advance.
For questions about accommodation at your host institution, contact globalme@lakeheadu.ca for support.
Financial Planning
Budgeting
All students are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and create a tentative budget for the duration of their experience abroad. Doing thorough research and figuring out an estimated cost of living is the first step, taking into consideration your approximate monthly accommodation costs, food, transportation, travel budget, etc. Researching student accommodation costs and accessing resources like Numbeo (Cost of Living Calculator) can help you prepare for the cost of living in your host country.
Financial Support
Funding is available for outbound Global ME Students via our Global ME Award, Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) Program (if applicable), and Global ME Faculty Awards (if applicable). We also encourage students to explore the MyAwards Portal to see if there are any other relevant scholarships, bursaries, or awards available to them. For more information about financial support, please check out the Global ME Funding Opportunities webpage or reach out to globalme@lakeheadu.ca if you have any questions.
OSAP & Student Financial Aid
With regards to OSAP, when a student studies abroad during the Fall or Winter semesters they are still registered as a full-time Ontario student. Any questions regarding OSAP and your upcoming study abroad experience should be directed to Student Central at studentcentral@lakeheadu.ca.
Banking & Accessing Money While Abroad
It is not necessarily required to open a bank account in your host country, but it is the choice of the student if they wish to. Students should ensure they notify their bank of their travel plans prior to their departure. Typically, we encourage students to have a credit card before their international experience in case of emergency. We recommend outbound students speak with their bank about the best banking plans or cards that will suit their upcoming travels.
Health Insurance
All outbound students must have valid out-of-country health insurance for the entire duration of their study abroad program.
Lakehead University provides outbound Global ME students with travel and health insurance through the Student VIP Backpack Program. Before departure, you will receive a Welcome Package email from the Student VIP Backpack team with information about your coverage and instructions for accessing your health insurance card.
You may also have additional coverage through:
- A parent or guardian’s health insurance plan: check whether it includes out-of-country medical coverage.
- LUSU Health & Dental Plan: if you are enrolled and have not opted out, you receive 120 days of out-of-country health coverage through the WeSpeakStudent health insurance plan.
To request your LUSU health insurance card and a letter confirming your coverage, contact general@lusu.ca.
Pre-Departure Session
All outbound Global ME students must attend the mandatory Pre-Departure Session. You will receive a direct invitation in the weeks or months before your program begins.
The session will connect you with other Lakehead students going abroad and help you prepare for your international experience.
The session will cover:
- Host country research, resources, and tools
- Culture shock and strategies for managing it
- Travel and packing tips
- Safety and security abroad
- Health and wellness
- Finances and budgeting
- Student VIP Backpack insurance program
- Mandatory pre-departure processes and paperwork
Safety While Abroad
Your safety and well-being are important throughout your Global ME experience. Before you travel, take time to learn about your host country, including local laws, customs, health considerations, and potential safety concerns. Global ME students also have access to support and resources while abroad, including 24/7 emergency assistance, health and travel coverage, and counselling support through the Student VIP Backpack service.
Explore our safety resources to prepare for your time abroad, stay informed, and know where to turn for support when you need it.
Cultural Matters
Studying abroad is an opportunity to experience new cultures, perspectives, traditions, and ways of life. Before you leave, take time to learn about your host country and reflect on how cultural differences may shape your experience.
Explore resources on cultural customs, culture shock, and cultural self-reflection to help you prepare for your transition, navigate differences with an open mind, and make meaningful connections in your host community.
Academics
Course Registration While Abroad and Transfer Credits
As you research which destination you wish to study abroad at, you will review the program and course offerings at potential host institutions, ensuring that they have courses that interest you and match your Lakehead program.
Once you’re accepted into the Global ME Program, we will guide you through the Letter of Permission (LOP) process. The LOP request form is a document where you list the courses you wish to take while you’re abroad, and we match them to courses at Lakehead University in collaboration with Student Central and your academic Program Chair.
After your LOP is submitted and processed, you will know exactly how the credits you plan to take abroad will transfer back to your degree at Lakehead. If your courses change upon your arrival at your host institution, you can modify your LOP and re-submit it.
How Many Classes Do I Take While I'm Abroad?
Most students who study abroad will be enrolled full-time which is equivalent to 2.5 FCE at Lakehead University. If you are currently enrolled at Lakehead part-time or you’re receiving accommodations through Student Accessibility Services (SAS) it is still possible to study abroad and stay on track with your academic program. Some host institutions around the world require students to take a certain number of courses however, so please be sure to inform the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs if you wish to be part-time while abroad so that we can advise you accordingly.
Please reference the legend below to understand a bit more about course weights around the world. A 0.5 FCE at Lakehead University is equivalent to the following:
- 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System)
- 12 UK credits
- 3 AU (Academic Unit)
- 10 Australian credits (only at University of Tasmania)
Part-Time Students
Some of our international partner institutions require students to register for a full course load (equivalent to 2.5 FCE at Lakehead), but we can typically find a suitable option for wish to take only part-time courses while abroad, or require a part-time course load due to accessibility requirements.
Students Registered with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Students with disabilities and/or medical conditions are more than welcome to study abroad through our Global ME Program. We will work 1:1 with you to ensure that your accessibility needs are met and that you're supported throughout the planning process, your time abroad, and upon your return.
Please note that your each international partner institution will have their own Student Accessibility Services and your Lakehead accommodations won't automatically transfer to your host institution. As well, each institution might have slight variations in the accommodations they provide to students, so please pay attention to that when doing your research about which institution you wish to study abroad at. You will be required to register yourself for academic and/or residence accommodations at your host institution, however, we are happy to support you throughout this process and liaise between you and your host institution as needed.