Concluding Your Exchange

Before Returning

Request an official exchange transcript from host university:

• As soon as students finish their exchange term, they need to contact their host institution to request their official exchange transcript be sent to the ICS Exchange Team at goglobal@uvic.ca
• Once the exchange transcript is received, the ICS Exchange Team will forward it to the Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Management (OREM), who will conduct the final exchange credit evaluation and apply the results to the students' UVic transcript.

Gather course materials:

• While on exchange, students will need to collect the following materials for each course they complete:
  • detailed course description in English
  • contact hours for each course (e.g., total number of hours in class, tutorials and labs)
  • course syllabus/description
  • reading lists, essay topics, test questions and project assignments
• These course materials may be requested by OREM to assist with the final exchange credit assessment. 

Register for courses:

• If students participate in a Fall exchange term, and return to UVic to study in January/February, it will be important that they register for their Spring courses in June (before departing on exchange).
• Spring term, or two-term exchanges may require students to complete their UVic registration while they are away on exchange.
  • For example, if a student is on exchange during the Spring term, they will need to register in June for their Fall courses at UVic.
• Students who are late in returning to their studies at UVic (such as mid-late January) due to an exchange will need to contact their UVic instructors to ensure absences are permitted, and to catch up on missed classes and content. 

After Returning

When returning home, some students are surprised to find they experience as much, or more, culture shock as when they first began their exchange. You may find that your interests and values have changed, while your friends and family have new and different interests that are unfamiliar to you.

Culture shock is normal, and in time you'll cultivate a deep appreciation of both your exchange culture and your home environment. You can prepare for this experience by:

• connecting with international activities on campus, including events and programs organized by the UVic Global Community and the International Student Association
• talking to other people who have studied abroad about their experiences returning to Canada
• understanding that your friendships and relationships may have changed as a result of your new experiences
• exploring new opportunities and meeting people with whom you can share your international experiences, such as international clubs and courses where you can apply what you learned from your travel and academic experiences abroad

If you need further information or support to readjust to life in Canada, contact the Student Wellness Centre.