Summer Abroad is an ideal experience for students who want to travel and study at a partner university for a short duration. If you're unable to go abroad during Terms 1 or 2 at UBC, Summer Abroad offers a fantastic opportunity for you.
Use our partner universities search tool to discover Summer Abroad programs
Summer Abroad Pathways
Summer Abroad encompasses two pathways (see FAQ below for further details). When students are matched to a Summer Abroad program, they will be nominated for:
- SUMMER EXCHANGE: You will pay tuition for the number of credits you are completing directly to UBC. Spaces for exchange are limited.
or - STUDY ABROAD: you will pay tuition directly to the partner university as per the partner
Note: some summer abroad programs will have both options, while others will have only one. Look for who 'Tuition is payable to' on each partner university page to determine which pathways are offered.
How to apply
First, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, then follow the simple application process.
You've been matched
Once you are nominated by Go Global, apply to your host university, plan your travel, review finances, register for courses and attend a pre-departure session.
While you're away
Start transferring your course credits, register for your UBC return term, confirm your eligibility for scholarships. Scan these resources for students on exchange.
After you return
Help other students by writing a review of your experience. Or become a Global Ambassador to share your advice and insights, and inspire others!
Summer Abroad FAQFAQ
What courses can I take to transfer credits back to UBC?
Courses that are credited, contain academic coursework and meet the academic standard of UBC are eligible for credit transfer.
You can use our Course Search Tool to see a list a previously evaluated courses. Note: the tool is not exhaustive and not all courses mentioned are offered during the summer session because some might be from the winter term. Check the university partner’s website to see the full list of courses available.
New courses not already evaluated can be submitted as new course requests (only after you are registered in the course) for transfer credit. Find out more about the transfer credit process.
What’s the difference between summer exchange and summer study abroad?
Summer exchange and summer study abroad are both part of the Summer Abroad programming.
Summer exchange is the term used when students pay the tuition portion of their Summer Abroad program to UBC at the tuition rate they normally pay. Depending on whether you pay UBC tuition at domestic or international rates, the costs can vary widely. After acceptance to Go Global, students report the number of UBC credits they plan on transferring back from the Summer Abroad program. Then an exchange code gets added to the student’s summer registration, which charges the corresponding tuition fees. Summer exchange spaces are limited and can be more competitive, so including a second choice on your Summer Abroad application is strongly recommended.
Study abroad (sometimes also called “fee-paying”) refers to when students pay tuition to the partner university at the rates listed on their website. When selecting this option, be sure to research costs carefully and take note of the currency used to list prices.
Some experiences have both summer exchange and study abroad options. Research the options to see which makes the most sense for you.
Under both options, the partner may charge other fees for housing, activities, excursions, and more, payable directly to the partner. Transfer credit and awards eligibility are the same regardless of whether you do summer exchange or summer study abroad.
What’s the maximum number of credits I can take during the summer?
For most faculties, students can take a maximum of 12-14 UBC credits during the summer session. This includes any coursework taken at UBC and through Go Global programs. Contact an Academic Advisor in your faculty if you have questions about this.
Can I apply directly to the partner’s summer program without going through Go Global?
You are welcome to apply for summer programs independently, but it’s not likely you’ll be able to transfer credit for coursework you complete. As part of the application review process, Go Global secures faculty approvals that will allow you to transfer credit back. Independents are also ineligible for student services and funding opportunities related to Go Global programs.
Can I apply for more than one Summer Abroad program?
Yes, you are welcome to do more than one summer program or even multiple Go Global experiences (e.g. Summer Abroad + Winter Term Exchange), provided that you are approved by your faculty to do so. Make sure the study dates don’t conflict, and take into account any exam periods, early arrival for housing move-in, or orientations. Remember to submit a separate application for each experience you plan to participate in.
Can I take a summer session term at UBC before (or after) my Summer Abroad program?
Yes, as long as the study dates don’t conflict, such as within any exam periods, early arrival for housing move-in, or orientations. Also, transfer credit from Go Global Summer Abroad programs count within your summer session credit load limit (usually 12-14 credits maximum) for your faculty.
For guidance on schedule conflicts and credit load limits, please contact your faculty advising office or your faculty designate for transfer credit.
What’s the deadline to apply for Summer Abroad?
The deadline to apply for 2025 Summer Abroad programs is December 11, 2024, at 11:59 pm
What is the Go Global Fee Adjustment Policy?
See adjustment policy here
How can I find out more?
We have drop-in advising at the Go Global office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm. You can also request an appointment with a Go Global Advisor by completing this online form, or by emailing go.global@ubc.ca