International Study & Experience

A mountain range in New Zealand

A view of mountains in New Zealand, courtesy of recent SASAH alum Kate Armstrong.

 

"Spending five months in New Zealand was an amazing journey! I learned a lot studying at the University of Otago, and saw so many cool things in my travels. It's been pretty neat to see how my experiences abroad have made me a more well-rounded student and person coming back home to Canada." — Kate Armstrong, Class of '25

International study is not a requirement of the SASAH program, but students are encouraged to pursue an international learning experience during their time at Western.

You can start exploring opportunities on the Western International website, where you'll also find details about scholarships and funding.

Plan ahead! International experiences take time to organize. Connect with Western International at least a year before your desired departure date to discuss options. Many application deadlines are set up to a year in advance and vary by organization—so the earlier you begin, the better.

Curious about what an international experience could look like? Check out stories from other SASAH students who have studied abroad here. 

Exchange Program and Study Abroad

SASAH students who opt to go on an exchange or study abroad typically do so during their third year at Western, and the third-year SASAH courses have been structured to allow students this opportunity.

Students can undertake exchanges or study abroad at Western’s partner universities in destinations around the globe. To find out about exchanges, go to Western International’s International Learning page, and for a list of partner universities, go to Atlas.

For more information on Western's international study opportunities, please visit the Western International site.

International Experiential Learning

Western International offers International Internship opportunities. For a list of internship programs, go to Atlas and search with the keyword “internship.”

Note! Application fees apply. However, students undertaking in-person international opportunities can apply for scholarships and awards which help to offset fees and expenses.

SASAH will work with international organizations to count internships and other eligible work experiences for academic credit. If you want to count an international internship for credit, contact SASAH’s Experiential Learning Specialist well ahead of your departure date.

SASAH Travel Award

SASAH students who plan to go on exchange or attend a conference or who otherwise require funding for a trip directly related to their university education may apply for a SASAH Travel Award.

The awards are based on academic achievement and designed to assist with travel costs for study/research at sites/institutions anywhere in the world. Ten awards valued at $500 each are awarded in one or two rounds throughout the academic year (Sept 1 to August 31) and selected by the Director of SASAH.

To be considered for a SASAH Travel Award, students must submit to the Director of SASAH and the Program Coordinator a one- to two-page summary that outlines the need for the award (what it will be used for) and the benefit to be gained from the travel experience and includes a detailed budget.

Note! This award is not retroactive: you cannot apply for travel that has already occurred.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Jennifer Tramble, SASAH’s Program Coordinator, with any questions you may have.

Global and Intercultural Engagement Honour

The Global and Intercultural Engagement Honour is a special distinction that recognizes students' global and intercultural experiences--both academic and extracurricular, at Western and abroad. Once completed, it appears on your Official Academic Record and complements your degree.

Plan well in advance: to complete the requirements, you'll need to get started early in your academic career. Learn more on the Global & Intercultural Engagement Honour site or email goabroad@uwo.ca.