Student Leadership in Education Abroad
Exchange Agents are student leaders at VIU and ambassadors of the VIU Exchange Program.
Learning from an international experience doesn't stop when you return home! The experience of studying abroad on exchange is often described as transformative - a period of so much learning and growth, full of intercultural skill development, resilience Building, and learning beyond the classroom. Students gain valuable graduate attributes through their experience.
Returning home is an important time to reflect on the experience, continue to apply learning and share stories from this journey, perhaps inspiring others. That's what being an Exchange Agent is all about!
Join the Team
Participation in the Exchange Agent program provides an opportunity to connect as a team, revisit these experiences and focus on skill development and translation, while also sharing the valuable insights gained with future prospective exchange students.
Participation in the program includes:
- Training, team meetings and professional development sessions (attendance is required)
- A place to share experiences and adventures from abroad with like-minded, globally engaged students
- The opportunity to enrich intercultural skills gained from studying abroad
- Recognition on the Co-Curricular Record (CCR) - The Exchange Agent Program is a CCR recognized activity
- A flexible list of engagement activities and the opportunity to contribute creative ideas
- An Education Abroad Stipend upon successful completion of activities and submission of the activity log
Eligibility Requirements
Students must have successfully completed a semester exchange at one of VIU international Exchange Partners, be in good academic standing and be enrolled as a full-time VIU student.
When and How to Apply
We are always looking for additions to our team and recruit new agents every Fall and Spring semester. Contact EducationAbroad@viu.ca to receive a link to the application form. Returning exchange students will receive an invite to join the program.
Expectations and Restrictions
This program is not available to visiting international exchange students.
The Exchange Agent activities are separate from the Global Citizen Network Stipend Program and cannot be counted toward both programs.
Exchange Agents are not responsible for providing academic or financial advice to other students interested in studying abroad on exchange. Please refer all academic and financial questions to the Education Abroad office.
All volunteer promotional/engagement activities must be approved by the Education Abroad office and completed within the time provided (typically 1 semester).
Contact us for more information
Education Abroad
Faculty of International Education
Email: EducationAbroad@viu.ca
Many Exchange Agent stories and tips can be found online. Check out our social media pages to see more: