The learning that occurs when we go outside of our comfort zone and throw ourselves into something new can be truly transformative. 

Last year, MacEwan students travelled to Ecuador, Germany, Sweden, France, Portugal, Czechia, South Korea and Japan – many had such incredible experiences that they now volunteer for MacEwan’s Education Abroad program to help spread the word about these opportunities.

If graduation is on the horizon, these experiences are a great way to set yourself apart from the competition when it comes to jobs and grad school applications. Learning abroad shows employers you have stellar communication skills, a broad global perspective, cultural sensitivity and the kind of maturity that can really show in an interview.

Here are four ways you can use travel to enhance your academic experience.

1. Summer programs: Short and sweet

Summer programs can be as little as three weeks or as long as two months at universities in South America, Europe and Asia. Check with someone at Education Abroad to learn which programs are available to you and which courses you can take abroad.

2. Exchange programs: Set aside a term or two

MacEwan has exchange agreements with over 20 universities worldwide – from Ecuador and South Korea to Switzerland and Finland. Students spend one or two terms studying full-time while paying regular tuition to MacEwan. Most students can earn transfer credits for the courses they take while they’re on an exchange.  

3. Internships: Travel with a side of work experience

Internships are a great way to put what you’re learning at MacEwan into practice. Different opportunities are tied to your major. Some examples include internships for communication studies, arts and cultural management, commerce, design and computer science. Since the  offerings can change, check the current internship opportunities list to see if there are any available for your program of study.

4. Field schools and study tours

MacEwan offers 10- to 12-day field schools and study tours that give students the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom through hands-on, international or local experiences. These short-term programs typically combine academic learning, cultural exploration and opportunities to connect with local communities or industry professionals. Destinations and program activities vary each year and may be available for academic credit. 

Speak to someone at Education Abroad to find out more about field schools or study tours in your program.

Ready to take the next step?

Explore all education abroad possibilities, then plan to attend an information session to learn about the process and ask questions. Students and volunteers are often on hand at these sessions to share experiences from their time abroad. 

Once you have attended an information session, you can book an appointment with Education Abroad to walk through the process and learn about the documents you’ll need. 

Safe travels!