What is the difference between Exchange and Study Abroad

For students considering attending another university to earn credits towards their Western degree, there are two options. Students can apply to go on an exchange or they may choose to study abroad by attaining a Letter of Permission. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, they are in fact two very different things.

An exchange involves students applying to the International Exchange Program to study at one of the universities with whom Western currently has an exchange agreement. A list of our partners is available on this website. Students apply to the Exchange Office and if accepted into the program, they pay regular Western tuition fees to participate, thus not being subjected to international student fees. Full details about the Exchange Program can be viewed on this website.

Study abroad is a process where students independently request to attend another university by attaining a Letter of Permission.

One of the primary differences is that study abroad is not limited to certain universities. Students must attain a Letter of Permission from their Faculty’s academic counselling office to study elsewhere and have it count toward your Western degree. Students studying abroad via Letter of Permission are subject to paying international student fees. Click here for full details on the Letter of Permission Process.

Web portal for International Opportunities and Experiences at The University of Western Ontario
This site has been designed to direct you to information on international activity here at the university, whether you are a current Western student, faculty, staff, alumni, a prospective international student, or someone outside of the university who wishes to know more about internationalization on our campus. http://international.uwo.ca

Are you interested in studying, working or volunteering abroad? The Student Success Centre has a wonderful online resource for students interested in international opportunities. Please click here for details.

Last updated: November 7, 2011

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Confidentiality

All information disclosed by students to IESC will be kept confidential. It will not be shared with family, university staff, course instructors, or others without written permission and will not become part of academic records.

The International and Exchange Student Centre is experienced in working with diverse populations.