Study abroad program choices

Overview

There are many ways Alberta students can get a post-secondary education or internship experience in another country.

Some programs are offered through partnerships between the Government of Alberta and organizations in other countries. These programs offer professional work and study experiences in exciting places around the world.

Students can also choose to take programs available through their post-secondary institution or plan their own study abroad experiences.

Find out how to choose the study abroad experience that’s right for you.

Chinese government scholarships

About the program

Every year, the Government of China provides scholarships for Alberta students and scholars to study in China:

• 5 full scholarships
• 10 partial scholarships

Applications are closed for 2024.

The program is open to Alberta residents that are:

• high school graduates
• post-secondary students
• scholars

Study programs

Study programs focus on:

• Chinese language studies
• academic study at the undergraduate or graduate level
• research

The language of instruction is primarily Chinese, but a limited number of programs are offered in English.

The program may also sponsor and recommend remedial Chinese language studies for applicants who are not applying for the Chinese language study program.

Find Chinese institutions accepting students.

Scholarship types

Full scholarships cover:

• tuition (or research) fees
• accommodation
• stipend
• comprehensive medical insurance

Partial scholarships cover only tuition fees.

Read the Chinese Government Scholarships Program Overview for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• be a Canadian citizen
• hold a Canadian Passport
• be in good health
• be an Alberta resident

Educational background and age limits include:

Table 2. Chinese Government Scholarship program eligibility

How to apply

The online application asks for a:

• agency number (it’s 1242 for Alberta students)
• guarantor (optional)
• letter of intent (required)

If your application is accepted, you will be asked to complete a medical assessment form for your Chinese visa application.

Summer school in Czech Republic

About the program

The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport offers full scholarships for Alberta post-secondary students to take Slavonic Studies in the Czech Republic during the summer.

Students will have the opportunity to attend the Summer School of Slavonic Studies at one of the following institutions:

• Prague
  Charles University
  July 18 to August 15, 2024
• Brno
  Masaryk University
  July 20 to August 17, 2024
• Poděbrady (2 scholarships)
  Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University
  July 1 to 26, 2024

Students study Czech:

• language
• literature
• culture
• history

Students also visit important landmarks and attend cultural events.

The scholarships includes:

• accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner
• enrollment and tuition
• trips and excursions
• some Summer Schools may provide public transport tickets

The scholarship does not include:

• international transport costs
• insurance costs
• visa processing costs

Eligibility

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and be residents of Alberta.

Recipients are selected based on academic merit, relevance of previous study and letter of intent.

How to apply

Submitted applications must include:

• completed application form which includes full address and wet signature
• curriculum vitae in Czech or English
• letter of intent stating why you are applying for this scholarship, why you should be the successful recipient, how the scholarship will be beneficial to your future studies and/or work and a statement that you can participate in the entire duration of the course
• post-secondary transcript(s)
• copy of passport/ID along with passport-sized photo

Mail completed applications to:

Senior Program Officer
International, Research, and Innovation
Alberta Advanced Education
19th Floor Commerce, 10155 102 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 4G8

Through your institution

Many publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer study abroad opportunities for their students, including:

• Alberta University of the Arts (AUA)
• Ambrose University
• Athabasca University
• Bow Valley College
• Burman University
• Concordia University of Edmonton
• Grande Prairie Regional College
• Keyano College
• King’s University
• Lakeland College
• Lethbridge College
• MacEwan University
• Medicine Hat College
• Mount Royal University
• NorQuest College
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
• Northern Lakes College
• Olds College
• Portage College
• Red Deer Polytechnic
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic)
• St. Mary’s University
• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• University of Lethbridge

Talk to your post-secondary institution about:

• the types of study abroad opportunities they offer
• program requirements
• costs
• any funding support that could be available

Federal study abroad programs

The federal government offers several internship and scholarship programs to Canadian students:

• the International Experience Canada Program offers Canadian citizens between the ages of 18 to 35 with a:
  • chance to work and travel abroad
  • path to a work permit or visa in one of over 30 countries and territories
• the International Youth Internship Program offers Canadian post-secondary graduates the opportunity to gain professional experience through international development work
• the International Aboriginal Youth Internship Program provides opportunities for Aboriginal youth to participate in international internships in developing countries
• international scholarships helps you find possible funding for graduate study and research abroad

Study abroad on your own

Research study abroad opportunities

If you plan to study abroad on your own, you take responsibility for researching all of the information you need to know before, during and after you travel. Many post-secondary institutions in other countries have international student centres that may be able to help. Contact institutions you’re considering for details.

You may also choose to connect with organizations for international students, such as:

• AIESEC – a youth run organization that helps students find entrepreneurial, teaching or volunteer opportunities around the world, and that can be found on these Alberta campuses:
  • AIESEC Edmonton - University of Alberta
  • AIESEC Calgary - University of Calgary
  • AIESEC Calgary - Mount Royal University
• International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) – which provides paid, course-related work experience in more than 80 countries for science and engineering students
• Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) – promotes and advances international education opportunities through scholarships, programs and projects

What to consider

When researching a program offered in another country, find out as much as you can about the:

• post-secondary institution you may be attending or organization you could be working with
• country you’ll be living in
• embassy or other supports available to you while you’re away
• availability of student loans or scholarships for the program you want to take

Contact

Connect with the International and Industry Collaboration Unit:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-644-1785
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Fax: 780-427-4185
Email: [email protected]