Many students dream of traveling the world after they graduate high school. The problem is most don’t know all their options. TRU gives you the option to travel to your choice of over 40 countries through non-competitive programs.
I had the privilege of studying abroad in for a semester in Plymouth, England.
The two most popular options to travel while still in university are Study Abroad and field schools.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is a program offered by TRU which allows you to live and study in a different country for 1 or 2 semesters. TRU works with 200+ institutions in over 40 countries where students can do these exchanges. Students will take their classes in English and pay the same tuition they pay at TRU while earning credits towards their degree.
At many institutions, exchange placements are highly competitive. However, at TRU this program is non-competitive, meaning if you meet the minimum requirements, you qualify to study abroad.
The requirements to study abroad are also very achievable.
Students must:
- Complete 1 full semester at TRU or 3-4 open learning courses.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 or 2.75 depending on the type of exchange (70-76% average).
- Take at least 3 courses per semester (9 TRU credits)
- Plan to return to TRU to complete your studies.
- Have the support of their Program Advisor.
Countries include:
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belize, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, UK, USA, Vietnam.
Field School
A field school is a group of TRU students who travel abroad together under the leadership of a TRU faculty member. Schools range from 2 -8 weeks, depending on the discipline, and include work prior to departure and upon return.
Field school offerings differ each year and are offered at different times.
Recent examples of field schools include Geography Field School in Tokyo, Japan from May 9-23, 2023, and Respiratory Therapy Field School in Cusco, Peru from May 14-28, 2023.
Program Affordability
Costs can vary depending on the program, duration, and country you travel to. However, TRU makes travel opportunities very affordable in a number of ways.
- You pay tuition to TRU, so you don’t have to pay more expensive international tuition fees
- You can apply for scholarships and awards, such as the Study Abroad Mobility award, which you receive for each semester you study abroad
- You can continue to use your current funding such as student loans, band funding, etc.
Study Abroad and field school opportunities vary each year. If you are interested in a country not listed, or want more information on how to get started, contact studyabroad@tru.ca. For more information about Study Abroad, including additional options such as Co-op abroad and Short-term Summer Programs, visit TRU’s study abroad website.
Student Recruitment Assistant Intern Jenny – Bachelor of Business Administration Graduate. “How to Travel as a University Student”. 12 Jul. 2023
