Frequently asked questions

Global Engineering Experiences

Program options and locations

Schulich's Global Engineering Experiences initiative offers three types of travel:

  • Global Experiences (department led)
  • Global Community Projects
  • Global Entrepreneurship

Please refer to the main web page for the most up-to-date information about what experiences will be offered each year.

Timing

Each of these programs will be offered for four to nine days, primarily during the winter reading break.

Application and confirmation deadlines

Deadlines vary by program. All individual program pages contain information on how to apply to that specific program in the “How to Apply” drop-down.

In the event that your application is successful, you will need to provide full payment, an email photocopy of your passport, and a signed risk form and conduct form prior to the deadline listed for your trip.

Students will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure session

Costs and budgeting

Efforts are made to ensure the trips are financially accessible and pricing may fluctuate based on destination.

These programs are heavily subsidized by the Schulich School of Engineering and its departments. 

  1. Inside North America

    Students eligible for locations within North America contribute between $750 and $1,500, depending on destination. This includes round-trip airfare, field trips, local transportation, emergency medical insurance and accommodations. Some meals will be provided, but students should budget for food and snack purchases.

  2. Outside of North America

    Students eligible for locations not in North America contribute between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on destination. This includes round-trip airfare, field trips, local transportation, emergency medical insurance and accommodations. Some meals will be provided, but students should budget for food and snack purchases.

  • Passport and passport photos (If required)
  • Meals (some will be provided, depending on program)
  • Visa/study permit fees (if required)
  • Departure fee/tax (if required)
  • Immunizations: based on recommendations from travel clinic, cost varies depending on individual circumstances and destination
  • Mandatory insurance(s) (medical and emergency are included)
  • Baggage fees
  • Food/snack purchases
  • Toiletries/laundry
  • Entertainment
  • Cell/mobile phone plan
  • Bank fees
  • Extra personal travel
  • Other equipment

Funding

Due to the significant existing financial contribution by Schulich to subsidize these opportunities, students will not be eligible to receive Schulich Student Activities Funding (SSAF) or UCalgary International Funding for these experiences.

Language of instruction

Yes. All of our programs will be taught in English even if we travel to non-English-speaking countries.

Itinerary

Participants will receive detailed itineraries in the weeks before their departure. These will explain the various activities students will be studying and learning each day.

During times when there are no scheduled activities, students will be free to explore and enjoy local activities in the area.

Health and accessibility

  1. At the time of application:

    Applications do not require disclosure of any medical or accessibility needs in order to protect your right to confidentiality in the selection process. However, we have a supportive team that wants to work with you to find the best program to fit your needs academically, culturally, personally and in terms of supports available/required. At your own discretion, you can speak with an adviser to explore the best program fit and establish a line of communication so we can support your needs abroad. 

  2. Once selected:

    After you've been selected into a program, we ask for further registration information on your physical/mental health needs. This information allows us to support you in the field or could be passed on to a medical professional in an emergency situation. This is also the point at which some students may feel more comfortable talking one-on-one with their specific program adviser. Some countries/regions or universities may have reduced or greater accessibility or supports than at UCalgary/in Canada, and this is something that advisers can assist you with. 

     

  3. Welcoming all:

    The biggest point to remember is that you're likely not alone in your journey. In most cases, you won't be the first individual who has studied abroad with a similar situation and has been able to have incredible, life-changing experiences abroad. We're here to support you and help ensure that you're set up for success.  

    We work with students with everything from mental health issues like depression and anxiety to physical health issues like those recovering from an injury or accident, or require mobility aids. We also support students who need exam or academic accommodations, or those with chronic illnesses or auto-immune diseases including but not limited to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, chronic pain conditions, diabetes, asthma, celiac disease or food allergies, etc.  

Before travelling abroad, you may need specific immunizations depending on your travel destinations, length of stay, and whether or not your routine immunizations are up-to-date. Since it can take several weeks for an immunization to protect you against a disease, you should consult a travel health clinic or your family physician one to two months before your program departure. For tips and recommendations for specific countries visit https://travel.gc.ca/.

Banking abroad

Having a variety of available funds is important if a specific card or payment option doesn’t work, or is lost or stolen. Do not rely exclusively on debit or credit cards. Credit cards are not always honored internationally, fraud is prevalent, and some countries still prefer to work primarily with cash. Check with your bank for the availability of ATM services in other countries. Have a small amount of local money on hand when you first arrive. Do not display wealth or large amounts of money in public. It is advisable to use a money belt and distribute your funds throughout your person and in your secure luggage. Protect yourself by creating copies of your important documents and leaving them with someone in Canada that you trust (passport, credit/bank card numbers and expiry dates, etc.) 

Preparing to leave

  1. Passports

    Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your return to Canada. You should apply for or renew your passport (if required) well in advance of your departure, as your program application may require information from your passport.

  2. Visas

    You may require a visa/study permit prior to travelling. Please refer to https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories (Enter Destination à Entry/Exit requirements) to check if you are eligible. A student visa can take from three days to three months to obtain, depending on the country to which you are travelling and which passport(s) you hold.

The Engineering Student Centre and chaperone(s) will host a mandatory pre-departure session for students. Topics covered will include student rules of conduct, customs/norms of the country, attendance expectations and a full review of the agenda.

This will be covered at the mandatory pre-departure meeting prior to leaving. Please check the local weather forecast prior to departure and be prepared for any weather conditions.