Exchanges add international flavour to education

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/scully.jpg” caption=”Lauren Scully paragliding in Switzerland. Scully went on exchange to Lille, France in 2007/2008 as a business student with the IESEG School of Management.”]Most students choose to put on the traveler's backpack upon the completion of their post-secondary studies, but they don't have to wait.

With so many opportunities available at the International Students Office, there is little between students and the beaches of Australia, the vineyards of France or the Tower of London.

“There's always that initial hesitation every student feels when making the ultimate decision to go on exchange,” said Brittany Ricciardi, whose exchange took her to Germany. “I know I had doubts before going, but since returning from my exchange, I've forgotten what they were.”

With 74 active exchange agreements with over 100 universities worldwide, McMaster students in good academic standing can spend their third or fourth year studying abroad. Students have the opportunity to act as McMaster ambassadors, learning the importance of diplomacy and international understanding while corresponding with foreign partners.

“My exchange to France was beyond all expectations,” said Lauren Scully. “While my friends were studying international business from a textbook, I was learning about economies and international business strategies from a global panel of professors and other students. The experience was like no other.”

While earning credits towards a university degree, students are able to pick up where they left off and successfully complete their final year upon their return. By paying tuition and supplementary fees to McMaster, students are able to bypass fees associated with international education.

Year after year students return after completing their semester or year abroad and share how much of an impact exchange has made on their lives. Students gain independence, international friendships, and the freedom to travel and explore different cultures while living as local citizens within their host countries.

For more information on McMaster's exchange programs, contact the Office of International Student Services.