UCalgary Global Online: UGo Exchange!
Virtual exchange opportunities for UCalgary students
UCalgary Global Online Exchange
What is a virtual exchange?
The UGo Exchange program allows UCalgary students to study online at partner universities around the world. As a virtual exchange student, you will be able to choose from your host university's selection of online courses, participate in virtual events, and remotely interact with the local community.
You will also become a member of UCalgary's Global Online cohort, engaging not only with other UCalgary students participating in UGo programs but also international students from partner universities "attending" UCalgary on their own virtual programs.
How is it different from a standard exchange program?
The main difference is that virtual exchanges do not include physical travel to another country. There will still be opportunities for you to connect with local students at your host university, however this will be done through online platforms.
You will not have to pay for travel insurance, student visas, or any other travel-related expenses. As a virtual exchange student, the only cost is your tuition, which will be paid to UCalgary at your normal tuition rate. You also remain eligible for all of your usual awards & scholarships.
Can I do a virtual exchange at any university?
Virtual exchanges are only available through select UCalgary partner universities who offer this unique opportunity. These universities are listed below. The UCalgary Study Abroad advisors will add more universities to this list if any others become available for virtual exchanges.
If you are a student who was previously nominated to a standard exchange program for Fall 2020, and your host university is not on this list, we encourage you to reach out to your exchange advisor to check whether you can complete your exchange virtually.
How do I apply?
Please check the program page before applying and ensure that you meet all eligibility and application requirements. You can then fill out the online application for your desired program.
In the "Course List" section of the online application, please indicate that you are applying for a virtual exchange, and whether you are seeking individual courses or a full semester courseload. Please also email the Study Abroad advisors so that we know to expect your application!
*Regarding courses: Some universities are already advertising their offered online courses, while others may not announce exactly which courses are being taught online until closer to the start of the semester. We encourage flexibility in your course list.
UGo Exchange Programs for Fall 2020
Universidad de San Francisco de Quito
Virtual exchange students at UFSQ can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available both in Spanish and English. Fall 1/ semester long deadline is passed. For Fall 2, apply by October 1.
University of Leeds
Virtual exchange students at Leeds may take between 20-60 UK credits. Flexibility is important as online course availability is checked with each instructor. (Apply ASAP.)
Deadline Passed
Newcastle University
Virtual exchange students at Newcastle will complete the full semester online. Course details are noted on the program page under "Academic information". (Apply by Aug 5.)
Deadline Passed
University of Cologne - Haskayne only
Virtual exchange students at Cologne must take a full semester courseload. (Note: The semester at Cologne runs from November to January, so this program is best suited to students who do not plan to attend UCalgary Winter 2021. Apply ASAP.)
Deadline Passed
University of Manchester
Virtual exchange students at Manchester must take a full semester course load. There may still be synchronous teaching elements in some courses. (Deadline extended! Apply by July 29.)
Deadline Passed
University of East Anglia
Virtual exchange students at East Anglia may be able to take individual courses or a full semester courseload.
Deadline Passed
Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú
Virtual exchange students at PUCP can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is primarily in Spanish. (Apply by July 14.)
Deadline Passed
Université François-Rabelais Tours
Virtual exchange students at Tours can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is primarily in French. (Apply by July 8.)
Deadline Passed
University of Adelaide
Virtual exchange students at Adelaide can take individual courses or a full semester courseload. (Note: The semester at Adelaide runs from mid-July to late November. Apply by July 8.)
Deadline Passed
Universidad del Salvador
Virtual exchange students at USAL may be able to take individual courses or a full semester courseload. Course instruction is available both in Spanish and English. (Apply by June 30.)
Deadline Passed
University of Wollongong
Virtual exchange students at Wollongong must take a full semester courseload. (Note: The semester at Wollongong runs from mid-July to mid-November. Apply by July 1.)
Deadline Passed
Massey University
Virtual exchange students at Massey must take a full semester courseload. (Note: The semester at Massey runs from early July to mid-November. Apply by July 1.)
Deadline Passed
Kansai Gaidai University
Virtual exchange students at Kansai Gaidai can take one or two courses only. Course details are noted on the program page under "Academic information". (Apply by July 14.)
More coming soon!
Check back for updates on participating partner universities.
Other UGo options
Internship, research, and more opportunities are available for you!
Are you interested in doing a virtual exchange program?
View program page
The program page provides more details about your prospective host university, including important information such as available course subjects, language of instruction, and eligibility criteria.
Contact the Study Abroad advisor
Please contact study.abroad@ucalgary.ca (or the specific advisor, which you can find listed on each program page) to let us know that you are interested in applying. Space may be limited on some programs, so it is best to reach out early!
Submit your online application
When filling out your online application, please write in the "Course List" section that you are applying for a virtual exchange, and whether you are seeking individual courses or a full semester courseload. This will help us properly evaluate your application.