Hi Aska,
So i really wanted to study abroad this summer and i was wondering what the difference is between doing a summer abroad program or an exchange program? They seem basically the same to me. What are the pros and cons of each? Which would you suggest?
Thanks for the help!
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hey there,
i’m feeling like i wanna shake things up a bit today, so let’s do this in LIST FORM, shall we?
Summer Abroad Program
– runs out of Woodsworth College’s Professional & International Programs
– 3-6 weeks
– available in these countries, for certain uoft courses
– costs between $5000-$9000 (including flights, meals, etc.) depending on the country
UofT Exchange Program
– run by the CIE
– one semester, one year, or one summer long
– available at partner institutions in these countries
– cost is your regular uoft tuition plus flights, meals, accommodation, etc.
the main distinction is that in the summer abroad program, you’re doing a UOFT COURSE in some other country. in the uoft exchange program, you’re completing TRANSFER CREDITS at an international university.
if you think another university’s courses would be a really good supplement to your program, and you can get enough transfer credits there to be on track when you come back, then the exchange program is for you.
also, if you just want to get away from toronto for a really, really long time, CIE’s program is your golden ticket. you can get away for so long your memories of the TTC will almost be washed away entirely. almost.
on the other hand, if you’re not particularly interested in taking courses outside of uoft, and you’re more comfortable committing to just one or two months abroad rather than a full semester or year, the summer abroad program is probably a better fit.
finally, consider the financial aspect carefully before you decide to go. it’s no fun coming back from an exchange dirt poor, AND having to spend the little money you do have left on the TTC. that gosh dang TTC. here are CIE’s funding opportunities, and here’s Woodsworth’s.
cheers,
aska