You’ve arrived! During your time abroad, there are many things to consider – including academics, budgeting, travel, and cultural integration. The following information is here to help you stay safe and make the most of your exchange experience.
Get Involved
On-campus
- Take advantage of clubs and activities that may not be on offer at Queen's
Off-campus
- Get involved beyond the university community
- Volunteer! Discover local NGOs and learn about important issues
- Have a truly integrated exchange experience: develop a community beyond academic circles
If you travel, make sure you follow our safety tips and stick to your OCASP plan. Try also to be an ethical traveller.
Be aware of any restrictions or requirements you may have to fulfill to be able to work or volunteer abroad.
Academics
- Give yourself time to adapt to a new learning environment
- Be patient when dealing with stress during adjustment periods
- Get to know your professors
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Work with your peers
- Seize opportunities to meet local students and experience new ways of learning and collaborating
- Keep in mind future considerations: Research interests? References?
Queen's Email
Continue to monitor your Queen's account for important updates.
Exchange Timeline
The timings listed below are approximate, and may be different for some students. Please remember, these timings are specific to the Queen's part of your exchange. Your host university will contribute to your overall timeline.
Fall Exchange
- September: Pay Queen’s tuition
- Throughout: Keep all course material
- Throughout: Check Queen’s email
- December: Follow host university transcript procedure
Winter Exchange
- January: Pay Queen’s tuition
- Throughout: Keep all course material
- Throughout: Check Queen’s email
- December: Follow host university transcript procedure
- July: Register for Queen’s fourth year courses
Safety
Keep safe when you are travelling. Make sure you know what Queen's resources there are, and in your host country, and how to access them.
See safety information and tipsBudget
Revisit the budgeting you did before you landed in your host country and update if necessary. Try and budget and plan your finances so that you don’t run out of funds while on the road.
See our budgeting information