Business - outgoing exchange students
On exchange in Italy
International exchange — a life-changing four months
What is exchange?
- On exchange, the world is your classroom! As part of your business program, you spend four months on an academic term studying at one of our partner universities. You take approved business courses (taught in English, with some exceptions) as well as one language course.
Who can go?
- BCom students in fourth year with a minimum GPA of 4.0 who have successfully completed all 300-level core courses
- MBA students with a minimum GPA of 6.0 who have successfully completed core courses with any remedial work completed by April 30th of the year of their exchange
When can you go?
- BCom students can go on exchange in the elective term of their fourth year, usually in the Fall term but sometimes in the Spring term as well
- MBA students can go on exchange in their second year, during the Specialization Module
Going on exchange?
- All the information you'll need on application process, important dates, partner info, forms and support can be found on B-Link. You may also contact our Outgoing Exchange Adviser at exchange@uvic.ca.
Where can I go?
Why go?
Global mindset
and skill-set
Andrea Di Lucca
My exchange semester in Spain gave me an opportunity to really consider, discuss, and understand the idea of culture. I have always been fascinated by both the unique qualities that differentiate, and common characteristics that link, people and countries.
When arriving in Spain, I don’t think I realized how much of a cultural difference I would begin to notice between my Canadian roots and my new Spanish life. While certain adjustments were difficult initially (such as dealing with Spanish university bureaucracy), it didn’t take long to develop an appreciation (and even at times, an attachment) for the charm of the country and the “Spanish way” of doing things.
Even though it took some time for me to accept, for example, that everything in Spain takes at least three times longer than expected and that sometimes you just have to accept that certain procedures don’t (and won’t ever!) make sense, this adjustment also allowed me to really start to feel like I was a part of Spain. Looking back, I miss so many things…and adjusting to “la vida española” was one of those experiences that I will look back on with fond memories.
Global educational
experience
Derek Juno
Many people think that an education can only be acquired if you're in a classroom. Well, I think the experience of an international exchange completely disproves this belief. While on exchange I grew as a person, a student, and as a global citizen.
I got a lot out of my exchange. I have made friends from all over the world that will last me a lifetime, I was taught new strategies and ideas that have helped me in my current job and classes, and I have some memories and stories that will remind me to always work hard and play harder.
Career benefits
and opportunities
Adam Lewis
While in the Czech Republic I tried to go about my work with an open mind, this was not Canada, and it was my duty to be respectful to their culture and immerse myself as best as I could within it. I believe that this ability to adapt to a new working culture will be extremely beneficial in my business future, be it domestic or international. It taught me respect, patience, and gave me a strong ability to understand the viewpoints of my international coworkers. This is possibly the strongest skill I think I have taken from this entire experience.
I would recommend an international work term to anyone who would like to be challenged in a foreign market while also experiencing the richness of culture offered in another country. It is not a decision for everyone but I know from my experience that this was the best possible choice for my academic and personal growth.
There is only so much you can learn in a classroom, but working hands-on in a foreign country will expand your knowledge beyond any amount you can imagine.
