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What is the Global ME (Mobility Engagement) Program?

Lakehead University's Global ME (Mobility Engagement) Program offers a wide range of exciting opportunities forStudent standing on mountain smiling with arms above head students to travel abroad. Whether it's an academic semester abroad, conducting research in another country, or a short-term language program, there is an opportunity that will fit your unique needs.

Outbound Global ME students can typically go abroad for 1 or 2 semesters (Fall, Winter, or Fall & Winter), or participate in a short-term opportunity (e.g. Summer Program). Students going abroad for the Fall or Winter semesters will not be required to pay tuition at their host university and will pay their standard tuition fees to Lakehead University. 

Most Lakehead students study abroad in their third year of their undergraduate program. Depending on your academic program, your Program Chair can provide you with a recommendation about the best timing to study abroad. As you plan for your exchange, you must connect with your Academic Program Chair as well as the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs.

All students interested in participating in Global ME must apply and be accepted to the program. After completing the application process, you will receive support every step of the way from the Global Mobility Programs Coordinator to plan your international experience.

Still have questions? Check out our Global ME 'Frequently Asked Questions' and feel free to contact the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs at globalme@lakeheadu.ca.

Am I Eligible?

In order to be eligible to study abroad, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a minimum of 70% academic average (cumulative)
  • Have completed 2.0 FCE at Lakehead University
  • Be considered an positive representative of Lakehead University (no previous Student Code of Conduct infractions)
  • Planning to study abroad in their second or third year (NOTE: some exceptions may apply)

NOTE: Students should consult with their Program Chair to discuss the best time during their degree to study abroad, as each academic program is different.

All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be called for an interview with the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs. Lakehead University International is highly committed to working with all eligible students to find an international experience that will work for them. However, studying abroad can be a competitive process, so meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a spot at your first-choice institution.

How to Apply?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THE GLOBAL ME PROGRAM

NOTE: Application deadlines vary depending on the student's preferred host institution. We typically encourage students to start the application and preparation process during the academic year before they plan to study abroad. For more information, contact globalme@lakeheadu.ca.

What Deadlines Should I Be Aware Of?

In order to study abroad there are two major applications that you need to be aware of (sometimes there are three applications, but this doesn’t apply to all students).

  1. Global ME application (mandatory)
  2. Consortium application (North2North, NSE, OBW, ORA) (only if applicable*)
  3. Host institution application (mandatory)

Global ME Application: The first step is to apply and be accepted to Lakehead University's Global ME Program. There is no deadline for the Global ME application, and we accept applications on a rolling basis all year round. Typically, students apply between 6-12 months prior to their departure. 

Consortium Application (if applicable): Secondly, if you are applying to a consortium such as North2North, NSE, OBW, or ORA, then you must apply to the consortium by their indicated deadline below. Please note: you are only permitted to apply to a consortium if you’ve been accepted into the Global ME Program. To have enough time to process your application, we recommend applying to the Global ME Program at least 1 month prior to the posted consortium deadline. For example, the North2North consortium closes on February 15th, so we recommend you apply internally to Global ME no later than January 15th. If you are applying to one of our bilateral partner institutions, then you can skip this step and apply directly to your institution. 

Host Institution Application: As a final step, you must complete some additional paperwork and apply directly to your host institution. These deadlines are set by each of our partner institutions and they vary by institution. You should reference the institution’s Fact Sheet and connect with the Coordinator, Global Mobility Programs to ensure that you’re on time for applying and to ensure that you’re meeting all deadlines. Please note: you are only permitted to apply to a host institution if you’ve been accepted into the Global ME Program. 

Consortium Deadlines:

Costs

The good news is that Lakehead University does not charge an application fee to join our Global ME Program!

Students are responsible for covering all aspects of this program (including accommodations, travel, food, etc.) and you can find more detailed information about this below.

  • Roundtrip flight to/from your destination
  • Housing
  • Groceries
  • Restaurants/entertainment
  • Letter of Permission form ($100 CAD)
  • Additional daily living expenses as they arise (before, during, and after the program as needed) such as laundry, personal expenses, SIM card, souvenirs, etc.

Different destinations around the world can have very different costs of living or travel costs, so it is important that you take time to research various costs such as roundtrip flight, groceries, 

You can use the budget estimator tool called Numbeo to get a better idea of comparing costs between different cities.

Benefits

  • Explore a new culture: Experience new traditions, communities, languages, and perspectives.
  • Enhance your education: Learn in a different academic environment and gain new perspectives
  • Grow personally: Build confidence, independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
  • Build your global network: Meet students, professors, and people from different backgrounds.
  • Develop career skills: Gain valuable international experience and skills that can support your future career.
  • Broaden your perspective: Challenge yourself to see your studies and the world from new perspectives.
  • Create lasting memories: Discover new places and make experiences that you can carry with you long after your exchange.
  • Strengthen your sense of home: Returning home can give you a new appreciation for your community and your university.