VIU is pleased to have over 20 Exchange partner institutions around the world. Through our agreements, we provide opportunities for students to expand their perspectives by studying abroad on exchange for 1 to 2 semesters, and for students from our partners to join us at VIU's Nanaimo campus.
Explore the opportunities by region, or download the Exchange Program Flyer.
Australia
University of CanberraCity: Canberra |
About: The University of Canberra has been ranked in the world’s top 100 young universities by Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings. Location: Located in the capital city of Australia, Canberra is ranked the most livable city in the world. Only a 3 hour bus to Sydney, 2.5 bus to the Coast or Mountains for snowboarding or skiing in the winter. The University is where city meets park, surrounded by natural landscape and wildlife. There are even resident kangaroos living on the campus grounds. Programs:
For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information Length: 1 semester Semesters: February–June, July–November For more information about The University of Canberra, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Deakin UniversityCity: Melbourne
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About: Deakin University has received a 5-Star rating for excellence in innovation, teaching, facilities, internationalization, research and employability. Location: Located in the South-Eastern part of Australia with a population of 4.3 million, Melbourne is ranked one of the world’s most livable cities and second-most student friendly city. The cosmopolitan city is characterized as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Programs:
For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: (Trimester study schedule) February–June, July–October, November - March For more information about Deakin University, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Victoria UniversityCity: Melbourne |
About: The University of Victoria has been recognized in the top 4% of Universities by QS World University Rankings. Location: Located in the South-Eastern part of Australia with a population of 4.3 million, Melbourne is ranked one of the world’s most livable cities and second-most student friendly city. The cosmopolitan city is characterized as the cultural and sporting capital of Australia. Programs:
For further course (unit) information, explore the Course and Unit Information Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: February–June, July–November For more information about Victoria University, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page
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Barbados
University of the West IndiesCity: Barbados (Cave Hill Campus) |
About: The university promises to deliver “The Best Student Experience,” a learning experience that engages the best and the brightest, challenging them to meet higher standards in the classroom and beyond. Encourages all aspects of development; intellectual, physical, social and cultural. Location: Located on the Caribbean Island of Barbados, where there is an opportunity to experience the beaches, underground caves and colourful flora. A highlight of living on the island is the friendliness of the locals and learning their culture. Programs:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: September-December, January-April For more information about University of the West Indies, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
China
Zhejiang Ocean UniversityCity: Zhoushan |
About: An Oceanic institution of higher learning with important influence on both home and abroad marine life. They have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize of National Science and Technology Progress and National Science Congress. Location: Located in the urban area of Zhoushan Archipelago New Area which is the first state-level new area featuring marine economy. This is China's largest archipelago, having 1339 islands and many being inhabited. The city itself has a population of one million and is located 135 sea-miles south of Shanghai City. Program: Chinese language and culture courses Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: September through to June For more information about Zhejiang Ocean University, explore the University Website Additional Information:
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Japan
J.F. Oberlin UniversityCity: Machida |
About: Highly integrative programs to ensure incoming international students are immersed with Japanese culture. An opportunity to learn and experience Japan in a supportive environment. Many opportunities provided to get more involved with clubs on campus and meet local students. Location: The main campus is located in Machida, a suburb of Tokyo. Approximately 50km from the city center of Tokyo, which is only a train trip away. Also within travel distance by train is various mountains and beaches. Machida is a youthful area with an economy geared towards university students. Program: The Reconnaissance Japan Program offers Japanese language and other academic courses (offered in English) Length: 1 or 2 semesters (Fall semester goes until the end of January) Semesters: August–January, March-August For more information about J.F Oberlin University, explore the Reconnaissance Japan Program Website or the online brochure |
Korea | |
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Chung Ang UniversityCity: Seoul |
About: A leading national institute for higher education for nearly 100 years for high quality college education and research activities. Acclaimed as the hub for “Korean Cultural Wave” through its arts programs. Location: Seoul is the 10th largest city in the world and the center for political, economic and cultural activities in Korea. The city is built around the Han River and is surrounded by mountains. Programs:
Courses offerings can change up to classes starting, so this exchange is best for students looking for a great place to study, but who are flexible in what they take. For further course information, explore Courses Available Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: March–June, September–December For more information about Chung Ang University, explore the Incoming Exchange Student Page |
England
University of HertfordshireCity: Hatfield |
About: The University of Hertfordshire is ranked in the Top 150 under 50 in the world by Times Higher Education. The University has also received recognition for being in the top 20% of the world’s most international universities. Location: Located in the town of Hatfield, only twenty minutes away by train to London. Surrounded by English countryside, The University of Hertfordshire is one of the safest campuses in the East of England. Program:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: Late-September–January, February–June For more information about the University of Hertfordshire, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
France
Burgundy School of BusinessCity: Dijon |
About: The University prides itself by offering an international experience, with a community that is 30% international students and 35% of faculty are international professors. Courses are offered in English but attending this University offers the chance to improve your French language skills. BSB prides itself with small class sizes, theory put into practice, follow-up with your progress and international student support to provide an enjoyable academic experience. Location: Dijon is one of the most preserved historic centers with beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Europe, only two hours by train to Paris. Surrounded by Burgundy vineyards and famous for gastronomy and wine, Dijon is one of the most desirable cities in France for quality of life. Program: Business* *Introduction year is open to students without prior business knowledge For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: September–December, January- May For more information about the Burgundy School of Business, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Germany | |
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Cologne Business SchoolCity: Cologne |
About: A campus community that is made up of students and professors from around the world creating a diverse cultural experience. The University focuses towards providing experience and developing skills to help in a career in the future. Location: Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany but one of the largest student cities, with a student population of 100,000. Located in the West of Germany, Cologne is situated on both sides of the Rhine River and is well known as the home to Dom Cathedral. Programs:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: August-December, January- May For more information about the Cologne Business School, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Frankfurt School of Finance & ManagementCity: Frankfurt |
About: Home to one of Germany’s largest Finance faculties. All courses offered have three aspects to them; high standards, diversity and practice orientation to help prepare for a career in the future. Language initiatives are taken to help incoming students learn German. Location: Frankfurt is Germany’s most international city, with the largest financial center in Europe and transportation center. Being centrally located in Germany, with ample transportation options, Frankfurt allows for easy access to travel. With one of the lowest average population ages in Germany, Frankfurt is a student’s city. Program:
Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: September – January, March – June For more information about the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Munich University of Applied SciencesCity: Munich |
About: Ranked the second largest Applied Science University in Germany, located in a leading European business center providing fantastic opportunities. Large corporations such BMW and Apple choose Munich for their home base. Offers cultural programs to incoming students to learn the language, tour the city and meet the local students. Location: The capital of Bavaria, Munich is the third largest city in Germany. Situated on the banks of the Isar River and North of the Bavarian Alps. Munich ranks one of the top 10 cities in the world to live by Mercer Quality of Living Survey. It is a historic city that is growing with innovation, science, culture and tourist attractions. Programs:
Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: September-February (Exams Mid-January to Mid-February), March – July (Exams Beginning to End of July) For more information about the Munich's University of Applied Sciences, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Netherlands
Hogeschool UtrechtCity: Utrecht |
About: Offers a variety of opportunities to enrich student’s experiences such as social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English along with small class sizes and an emphasis on practical learning experiences. Location: Utrecht is located in the heart of the Netherlands. With a small medieval city center, to a city that is transforming and growing, the Dutch canals weave throughout the city. A real student city, with students from all around the world studying in one place making it a very vibrant place to live. Programs:
Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: February–June, September–January, Summer Semester* June-August For more information about Hogeschool Utrecht, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page *Want to study during the summer? Consider courses offered at UH's Summer School (cost of tuition will be deducted off the program fee since these can be taken as part of an exchange program) |
Breda University of Applied Sciences (NHTV Breda)City: Breda |
About: Founded in 1966 as an institution for management in tourism and leisure, and to date is the largest and leading institution in this field. Offering courses in English for the hundreds incoming exchange students that study there each year. Location: Breda is located in the south of the Netherlands, a short distance from Amsterdam and Brussels. It is a historical city but also a youthful city with many cultural and social activities for students. Programs:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: August -December, February-July For more information about NHTV Breda, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
North2North - Norway, Sweden, Iceland & more | |
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UArctic North2NorthSweden, Norway, Iceland |
About: By participating on exchange to the North there are opportunities to make a meaningful impact to human capacity in Northern regions. Participating on exchange in the North aims to provide you with competencies and experience that can benefit your professional and/or academic plans. Choose a partner institution from one of ten countries in the program. Most VIU students select from institutions in Sweden, Norway or Iceland. For more information about partner institutions and the programs available explore the Where Can I Go Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: Aug-Dec/Jan & Jan/Feb-June Scholarships: Additional scholarships are available through the North2North Program, explore the Grants and Waivers Page for more information. In 2018-2019, there will be up to 5 scholarships awarded to North American students studying in Northern Norway (Nord University, University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), UIT The Arctic University of Norway, Sami University of Applied Sciences) Additional Information: Some destinations on this list do not have a local (Vancouver) consulate and travel to the nearest Canadian consulate to obtain a visa/residence permit may be required. Travel expenses to acquire a visa are the responsibility of the student. For more information about the UArctic North2North Program, explore the About North2North Page
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Norway | |
Nord UniversityCity: Bodø |
About: A University that emphasizes connecting in the community with businesses, professionals and leaders in various industries, to further the education of its students. With locations in Central and Northern Norway, and advanced teaching and research facilities, Nord University provides many opportunities for its diverse student population. Location: Bodø is located on a peninsula in Northern Norway, just above the Polar Circle. In the winter, you can view the northern lights from the pier or from the mountain just outside the city center. The backdrop to the city is vast skies and mountain ranges, which provide opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Programs:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: February- June, August- December For more information about Nord University, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page |
Scotland |
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University of Highlands and IslandsCity: Inverness and 12 other campuses around Scotland |
About: With campuses across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, UHI offers you a natural, supportive environment for studying at undergraduate level and achieving your ambitions. Location: Study in a country of outstanding natural beauty, friendly communities, and cities buzzing with social life and activities! Programs:
For further course information, explore the Course Information Page Length: 1 or 2 semesters Semesters: January/February - April, August/September - December For more information, see the University of Highlands and Islands website. |
Spain | |
Universidad de HuelvaCity: Huelva |
About: A University that offers experiential learning in academics, social, cultural and sporting activities. Courses are available in English with additional opportunities to take Spanish classes in order to learn the language. Location: Huelva is located in the South-West part of Spain, with Portugal located to the West. Only a short distance away is 120km of beach coastline. Programs:
Length: 1 semester Semesters: February-May, September-January Funding: ERASMUS + Scholarship Opportunity. Contact educationabroad@viu.ca for more information For more information about Universidad de Huelva, explore the Incoming Exchange Students Page and the Online Brochure |
Two application deadlines per year:
October 6 & February 6