Global Learning Opportunities

Are you passionate about both learning and travel? Looking to combine them into an enriching global experience? Do you thrive on discovering new and diverse perspectives? 

Whether you're passionate about experiencing new cultures, expanding your global perspective, or enhancing your career prospects, U of GH offers dynamic ways to combine learning and travel. Explore our Semester Elsewhere program to study abroad and earn academic credits in destinations like the Netherlands, Austria, and Ireland. From international experiences to collaborative learning, discover how you can build your future while exploring the world.

We believe in preparing students for a global future, which is why our international partnerships are such a key part of what we offer. Through these collaborations, students have the chance to engage with different cultures, participate in exchange programs, and work on global projects. This not only enhances their academic experience, but it also helps students build critical skills like communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness. 

The following global learning opportunities are available to all current U of GH students:

U of GH Study Abroad

Join the University of Guelph-Humber’s Study Abroad program this spring and summer and step out of the classroom to explore diverse cultures! You can choose from various countries, allowing you to customize your experience to your interests. Earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience and making meaningful connections. Don’t miss this chance for an unforgettable journey with us!

UofGH Study Abroad are 0.5 credit General Elective courses offered during the summer semester. All current UofGH students can apply for ONE study tour.

BALI: A JOURNEY INTO NATURE, WELLNESS, AND SPIRITUALITY

The study abroad course offers students an interdisciplinary exploration of the rich cultural, spiritual, and natural landscapes of Bali. Through an immersive experience, students will engage with Bali’s sustainable living practices, holistic wellness traditions, and deep spiritual connections that permeate every aspect of life on the island. The course is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of how nature, mental health, child development, and spirituality are intricately linked. Students will participate in activities such as visits to an eco-school, Indigenous community engagement, yoga, mindfulness mediation and snorkeling, all of which will deepen their appreciation of the interconnectedness between people, nature, and the environment. This course invites students from all disciplines to reflect on their personal growth and apply the insights gained to their respective fields. The academic objective is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to integrate these practices into their professional and personal lives, enhancing their ability to contribute to global well-being.

*0.5 General Elective Credit 
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Nikki Martyn, Chair, Early Childhood Studies

ECUADOR & GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS: CLIMATE CHANGE

Participating in a study tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands,  students will learn about what the environmental and psychological sciences can tell us about human responses to the climate crisis. Partnering with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, students will experience Cumbayá in Quito and San Cristobal Island in the Galápagos Archipelago, engaging with scientists, conservationists, and local communities actively seeking climate solutions. Students receive an experiential learning experience, combining lectures from USFQ professors, expert-guided tours, insights from Parque Nacional Galápagos Island rangers, and community-engaged activities. These experiences will enable students to better understand the impact of human behaviors and institutions on Earth's resource preservation. Ultimately, the course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to navigate an uncertain future and contribute to sustainability.

*0.5 General Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Adam Sandford, Associate Head of Psychology

ENGLAND AND WALES: THE SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING OF SOCCER

This course offers an exploration of social media marketing and branded content, using the TV series "Welcome to Wrexham" and Manchester City F.C.’s innovative social media, as primary case studies. Through a study tour in the United Kingdom, students will immerse themselves in the culture of soccer and gain insight into how video and social media are used to engage audiences and create global brands. The study tour will start in London, where students will take in the city’s unique culture and sights, and visit professional organizations to learn about social media strategies. Afterwards, students will travel to Manchester where they will visit the Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club, to learn about the team and its unique approach to branded content. The study tour culminates in a visit to the town of Wrexham in Wales, in which students will learn about the real-life impact of “Welcome to Wrexham”, learning how a TV series can transform a team and the community that supports it. By the end of the course, students from all disciplines will have developed key insights into how content creation and a well-planned strategy can engage an audience and increase brand recognition.  No prior experience in digital marketing or content creation is needed to succeed in the course. 

*0.5 General Elective Credit 
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Marc Tavares, Associate Head, Media Studies

GREECE AND ITALY: EXCAVATING THE ORIGINS OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

This course invites students to explore the archaeological, historical, social, cultural, and political origins of Western Civilization by exploring two key cities: Athens in Greece and Rome in Italy. Students will explore ancient Western philosophic, political, and aesthetic notions of democracy, government, justice, truth, and beauty that support the idea of Western civilization. This will be combined with observing the archaeology, engineering, and construction of ancient societies. Sites explored will include the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Aristotle’s Lyceum, and Plato’s Academy in Athens as well as the Colosseum, Forum, and Vatican in Rome. Students will learn about the interconnectedness of the ancient civilizations and gain a broader historical lens through which to think about contemporary notions of democracy, governance, justice, beauty, social inequality, and city life. The course is interdisciplinary in spirit, drawing from the classics, archaeology, architecture, art history, urban planning and political philosophy.

*0.5 General Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Nitin Deckha, Interim Associate Head of Liberal Studies

HAWAI’I: SPORT, CULTURE, AND NUTRITION IN POLYNESIA

In this course, students will participate in a study tour of the Big Island of Hawai’i (USA), exploring the interplay between sport, fitness, health, Indigenous Hawaiian culture, and sustainable farming practices in Hawaiian society. Students will explore the Big Island and become immersed in sports science, outdoor physical activity and exercise, sport and culture, and sustainable nutrition (fishing and farming). This course will consist of assigned readings and group discussions, through which students will be expected to acquire an understanding of the subject matter associated with the study tour. The study tour will consist of an intensive applied academic curriculum and experiential learning opportunities that will inform a research paper completed upon completion of the course. Key outcomes of the course and study tour will include outdoor physical activity and exercise, Indigenous cultural experiences, as well as insights on sustainable nutrition.

*0.5 General Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Robert Gumieniak, Interim Associate Head of Kinesiology

JAPAN: HISTORY, ECONOMY, AND CULTURAL DYNAMICS

This course offers students a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted tapestry of Japan’s society and economy. Students will participate in a study tour involving visits to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Nara.  Through a combination of classroom instruction, field trips, and cultural experiences, students will gain a deep understanding of Japan's rich history, its dynamic economy, and unique culture.  Engaging with leading Japanese corporations and interacting with academic and industry professionals, students gain invaluable firsthand insights into distinct management styles, business practices and consumer behavior.  By exploring Japan's rich history and traditions, the course will help students gain a deeper understanding of the country’s core values that have enabled it to succeed on the global economic stage.  The course and study tour will broaden students' global perspectives, enhance their intercultural competence, and equip them with the skills essential for success in today's interconnected world.

*0.5 General Elective Credit or 0.5 Business Restricted Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Directors: Farkhanda Shamim, Interim Associate Head, Business & Adam Sandford, Associate Head, Psychology

MOROCCO: THE CULTURE OF MOROCCAN NORTH AFRICA

This course explores the history and rich culture of Morocco, the westernmost country of the Maghreb in North Africa. Students will learn about the evolution of Indigenous, religious, and governmental relations in Morocco and compare these to the Canadian situation.  Students will visit Casablanca, Fes, Merzouga, and Marrakech, where they will have the opportunity to visit the Hassan II Mosque, enjoy traditional Moroccan meals, visit a Berber family encamped in the Sahara Desert, ride a camel, and explore high-walled kasbahs. Students will also explore the labyrinthine alleys of Morocco’s world heritage sites and take in the breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains. The course and study tour aims to provide a holistic educational experience, blending academic learning with personal development, intercultural competence, and community engagement.

*0.5 General Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA 
Course Director: Gary Galbraith, (Incoming) Chair, Justice Studies

PORTUGAL AND SPAIN: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE OF LISBON AND THE BASQUE COUNTRY

This course features a study tour of the two countries that make up the Iberian peninsula, Portugal and Spain, where students will visit Lisbon and the Basque country. The tour will enable students to explore, compare, and critically analyze the economic models prevalent in the Greater Lisbon Area of Portugal and the Basque Country of Spain. In Lisbon, participants will engage with the Nova School of Business and Economics, where students will learn about entrepreneurship and innovation. In the Basque Country, the tour includes visits to Mondragon University’s Business Administration and Management program and the Mondragon Corporation, a globally recognized federation of worker cooperatives. Beyond academic and industry interactions, participants will have the opportunity to visit historical landmarks and cultural attractions, making for an immersive experience shaped by the regions' rich histories, geographic contexts, and societal influences.
 
*0.5 General Elective Credit or 0.5 Business Restricted Elective Credit
 Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Beverley Fretz, Interim Associate Head, Business

SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND: HAUNTING VISITORS

In this study abroad course, students visit several old cities in the United Kingdom, famous for their connections to stories about ghosts, legends, and gruesome events. Students will have an opportunity to witness settings of “haunted heritage” up close and first-hand. This course explores the connections between local history, narrative, and commercial tourism in regions of Scotland and England known for their rich supernatural ancestry. Through visits to London, Edinburgh, and York, students will experience the touristic performance of the paranormal. Key concepts from various disciplines will come to life, including tourist and consumer studies, folklore, media studies, performance and theatre, and narratology.

*0.5 General Elective Credit
Projected Dates: TBA
Course Director: Greg Kelley, Instructor, Media Studies

 

*NOTE: all projected travel dates are subject to change by +/- 1 or 2 day.

Apply Now!

Deadline to apply is November 7, 2024!

Standard Eligibility and Admission Criteria

Admission to UofGH Abroad course is competitive. Applicants will be assessed on the strength of their overall application including:

  • Academic suitability
    • Applicants must meet the admission requirements and be in good academic standing
  • Completed application
  • The online application will collect your personal information and will also ask for a personal statement addressing specific questions First non-refundable deposit of $200
    • Students are required to pay an initial deposit to secure his/her place in the course. Failure to pay the initial deposit by the deadline (November 15) will result in an incomplete application. Those who do not get admitted to a course will receive a refund of the initial deposit.
Course Components and Requirements
  • Mandatory classes, including one pre-departure orientation
  • Study tour (10-12 days, including travel days)
Cost & Deadlines
 All Courses (except for Bali, Ecuador & Galapagos Island, Hawai’i, and Japan)Ecuador & Galapagos Island, Hawai’i, and JapanBaliDue Date
1st Deposit$200$200$200November 15, 2024
2nd Deposit$1,000$1,300$1,500January 30, 2025
3rd Deposit$1,300$1,500$1,500March 30, 2025
TOTAL$2,500$3,000$3,300 

NOTE: Deposits are non-refundable, except where the course is cancelled, or you are not admitted into the course.

Tuition for the course will be due in May. More information on tuition cost can be found here.

How do I pay?

Step 1: Submit online application by deadline (November 7, 2024)
Step 2: Receive an email indicating that a $200 charge has been applied to your WebAdvisor account
Step 3: Pay first deposit by deadline (November 15, 2024)

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites to get into the course?
Course directors decide who is admitted based on the eligibility requirements and space availability. To begin with, students must be in good academic standing. If there are more applicants than available space, the instructor will consider both the previous academic performance and year of the student. If you are not admitted, your deposit will be returned.
Will I receive academic credit?
Yes! Students who successfully complete all the required components of the Study Abroad course will be awarded a 0.5 credit.
Do I have to take the course that is geared towards my program?
No, this is not a requirement. Students have the option to apply for any of the study abroad course of their choice.
Can I apply for more than one study abroad course?
Students can apply for one study tour per academic year. We want to ensure opportunity to for as many students as possible.
Can I apply if I am a 4th year student?
Yes, you can still apply; however, if you plan to apply for June graduation, the Study Tour will not provide you with a credit toward June convocation. Final grades are submitted no earlier than late June.
How long are the trips?
Generally, 10-12 days including travel days.
How many students are in each course?
Up to 12 students are admitted for each Study Tour.
How much free time is allotted within the trip?
This decision is at the discretion of the course director.
Do I have to travel to/from destination with the study abroad group?

Yes, you are required to leave Toronto with your Study Tour group. You can, however, extend your stay and change your return ticket date after the last day of your official Study Tour. Please note that all students are assigned a round-trip ticket and you (the student) are responsible for re-scheduling your return ticket. All change/rescheduling fees as well difference in airfare, etc. will need to be incurred by you.

Should you choose to extend your stay or change your departure city, you will need to inform your course director as soon as possible. You will also be required to submit a student waiver form and return it to either Sonika Arora or Farrah Lutchmansingh.

Semester Elsewhere

Apply for an international exchange and earn academic credit while spending a semester abroad. The University of Guelph-Humber offers partnerships with schools around the globe, including in the Netherlands, Austria, and the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea and Belgium. 

Below you will find all the necessary information relating to the University of Guelph-Humber’s International Exchange program.

Who is eligible to go on exchange?

Any University of Guelph-Humber student in good academic standing can participate in the Semester Elsewhere program.

What are the requirements?
  • Good academic standing
  • Minimum cumulative GPA defined by the host institution
Why is it beneficial to participate in the Semester Elsewhere program?
  • Experience a new culture while studying abroad
  • Gain a new global perspective
  • Opportunity to travel and see the world
  • Learn and grow personally and professionally
  • Build an international network
  • Develop your leadership skills
  • Learn new language skills
  • Discover possible international career opportunities
  • Form new and rewarding relationships
  • Great for resume
When can you go?

Student can participate in the international exchange program in the fall, winter, or summer semester.

Where can you go?
  • Avans University of Applied Sciences – Netherlands
  • University of Cumbria – United Kingdom 
  • Hanze University of Applied Sciences - Groningen
  • Universidad de San Andres – Argentina
  • Haute Ecole Ephec  (Ephec University College) - Belgium
  • Soka University - Japan
  • Institute Quimic De Sarria Cets (IQS), Fundacio Privada - Spain
  • Management Center Innsbruck "MCI" – Austria
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Peru - Peru
  • Leuphana University - Germany
  • University Colleges Leuven-Limburg – Belgium
  • University of Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
  • Solbridge International School of Business - Daejeon, Republic of Korea
  • University of Ulster – Northern Ireland
  • University Center of Anj/Polis (aka UniEVANGELICA) - Brazil
What should you consider when choosing an exchange program/institution?
  • Courses available at host institution and their equivalency to a specific course within your current program
  • Host institutions academic dates and requirements
  • Availability of courses in the semester you intend to study abroad
  • Cost of living
Application Process
  1. Conduct initial research on potential host institution(s), program of interest, and courses offered
  2. Set up an appointment to meet with the Assistant Vice-Provost, Dr. George Bragues to discuss your interest and opportunities available
  3. Request for Letter of Permission (LOP) through your Academic Advisor. Click here for more information on Letter of Permission.
  4. Complete any additional application requirement(s) of the host institution
  5. Be mindful of application deadline and submit early

Deadline to apply for an Exchange program varies. Please check the application deadline date for your host institution. We recommend you submit your applications by mid-to-end April for Fall, and mid-to-late September for Winter.

Cost & expenses

Costs will vary by country and the host institution. Please conduct some research to estimate the costs associated with your trip. Here are some of the major costs and expenses you should consider when deciding on an exchange program.

Tuition

Students participating in an exchange program generally pay tuition fees to the University of Guelph-Humber. In some cases, students currently pay tuition fees directly to the host institution. Please check the tuition fees requirements and deadline with your host institution. Students are responsible for other expenses such as books.

Accommodations

Students may have access to residence at their host institution. In general, the International office at all host institutions assist students in finding accommodations.

Travel

Your provincial health plan will probably not cover you the entirety of your medical expenses while travelling. Check if the host institution offers health coverage to visiting students. If not, we strongly suggest you to purchase a good, comprehensive, private health insurance before you go.

Other Fees

Students are responsible for any other fees such as visas, passport, and vaccinations not covered by your provincial health plan.

Humber's Global Summer School

The University of Guelph-Humber offers students the chance to participate in Humber’s Global Summer School for three weeks in July and August. This intensive program brings together over 700 students from 40+ countries for daily courses on intercultural communication, among other subjects. Students will gain valuable skills for working internationally, make lifelong connections, and experience Canadian culture through both classes and optional activities.

The intensive, three-week Global Summer School courses meet daily (Monday-Friday) and classes are typically held in the morning.

Information regarding 2025 Global Summer school courses will be shared on this page in the Winter 2025 semester.

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) 

The University of Guelph-Humber offers Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programs that connect our students with peers from around the globe. Through these online collaborations, students engage in meaningful projects and discussions, allowing them to gain diverse perspectives and cultural insights without the need for travel. This innovative approach enriches their learning experience, enhances their global competence, and helps them develop essential skills like communication and teamwork in a multicultural context. By participating in COIL programs, students not only broaden their horizons but also build valuable connections that can benefit their future careers in our increasingly interconnected world.