- Who: Undergraduate Arts and Science students in an Environmental Sciences, Geography, Geology, Global Development Studies, or Politics Honours program
- Where: University of St Andrews, Scotland (one term); National University of Singapore, Singapore (one term)
- When: Fall and Winter
- How long: Full-year
- For academic credit? Yes
- GPA requirement: 3.0 cum GPA
- Application fee: No
- Program fee: $200 (payable at time of acceptance, not application)
- Costs borne by student: Travel documentation, flights, insurance, accommodation
- Tuition: Payable to Queen's University
- Financial assistance: Exchange bursary for eligible students
- OSAP eligible: Yes
Extend your degree across three continents by participating in Tri-SEP a dual placement exchange program for Arts and Science students passionate about global environmental issues.
Tri-SEP is an exchange program that enables Arts and Science students to spend two consecutive terms abroad, one at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and the second at the National University of Singapore in Singapore. While abroad, students engage in courses that focus on one theme: Global Environmental Challenges of the 21st Century. Like other exchange programs, students pay tuition to Queen’s and are eligible to transfer credit towards their degree. Unlike other exchange programs, students have a unique opportunity to live and study in two different learning and cultural environments over eight months.
This exchange program is open to Arts and Science undergraduate students studying one of the following subjects: Global Development Studies, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, and Political Studies. Students should consider course offerings at the University of St Andrews and at the National University of Singapore prior to applying.
This program is not running for the 2023-2024 cycle
Application Deadline: N/A
Eligibility
You must be:
- Enrolled in an Honours (four-year) program at Queen's.
- Enrolled full-time in second year of a degree program in the Faculty of Arts and studying global environmental challenges and issues in one of the following degree programs: Global Development Studies, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, and Political Studies.
- As this is a full-year exchange, applicants in 3rd year or above are not eligible.
- In good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher at the time of the application deadline (January).
- Meet the requirements of the exchange partner university regarding level of entry, GPA, and term(s) of attendance.
Application
Complete the online application form
You do not need to pay the program fee now. You will be asked to pay if your application is successful and you accept your exchange offer.
Submit supporting documents with the online application
You must submit your Essay (max 1000 words, double spaced), Statement of Interest, Resume, and Letter of Reference.
Previous university transcript (not required for all students)
Transfer students must submit a copy of their transcript from their previous school. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
Supporting Documents
Please review the following section for specific information on each supporting document. Here are some important supporting document reminders:
- Submit all supporting documents through the online application by the published deadlines to ensure a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Include your name and student number on all supporting documents.
- Rigorously check all supporting documents for spelling and grammatical errors as they will be read by the selection committee.
You must write an essay that answers the following question: Identify a global environmental challenge in the twenty-first century. What interdisciplinary skills are important to develop among students to effectively address this challenge? The essay must be typed, double spaced and no longer than 1000 words.
A 500-word statement of interest essay, which should include the word count at the top of the document, that answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to study abroad on the Tri-SEP exchange program?
- Why do you think you will succeed on a dual placement exchange program?
The statement should be rigorously checked for spelling and grammatical errors as it will be read by the selection committee and may be viewed by partner institutions.
Résumés should be a maximum of two pages. The selection committee is interested in the experiences that show the student to be someone who is engaged, well-rounded, mature, and capable of taking on a new challenge. Include information about evidenced intercultural experiences, work experience, volunteer experience, training, participating in sports teams, or clubs, etc. all during post-secondary studies at Queen's (or at the BISC for students who were in the BISC First-Year Program). Consult with Career Services if uncertain about how to prepare a résumé or if you want a second pair of eyes to go over it one-on-one with you.
Applicants are not required to obtain an official Queen's transcript from the Registrar's Office as the IPO office is able to access academic records for the application.
Transfer students should submit a copy of their transcript from their previous university. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
Students are required to obtain an academic letter of reference from a faculty member at Queen's University. This letter should be printed on departmental letterhead. Students should select a Faculty member who has had an opportunity to observe their academic strengths through coursework. (Note: Professors are able to submit their letters of reference to the IPO directly at ipo@queensu.ca if they do not wish to release it to the student.)
Selection Process
Applications for the Tri-SEP exchange program are reviewed by a selection committee. Select applicants will be contacted for an interview with the selection committee in the final stage of the application process.
A selection committee composed of university staff and faculty will adjudicate the applications and will select three Tri-SEP participants.
All students will receive a communication from the International Programs Office containing their results prior to Reading Week via Queen's email.
Events
Want to learn more about exchange? While most students will start their research in 2nd year, it's never too early to begin! Come to one of our Fall info sessions such as Exchange 101, Get an A+ in Exchange, Funding Exchange, Meet the Partners, and more!
See upcoming eventsResources
Look at our resources covering safety, funding and budgeting, as well as identity-based resources to help you research and plan your exchange.
Start by looking at our budgeting tipsAdvising
Looking for more individualised advice? Book an exchange advising appointment!
Book an appointment