Why Study Abroad
Benefits of International Experience
There are so many reasons to include international experience in your education plans. You can develop a better understanding of the world within a safe, secure program with ties to your home university. Whether you’re interested in studying abroad as an exchange student, participating in research overseas, or looking for international internships, there’s plenty to be gained from venturing beyond Canada’s borders.
Discovery
Enrich your academic studies
Develop new attributes and skills
Learn about yourself
Opportunity
Earn Saint Mary’s credits
Build your resume
Invest in your future
Develop fluency in another language
Adventure
See the world from a new perspective
Immerse yourself in a new culture
Make lifelong friends
Enjoy new cultural experiences
Access to International Experience
The Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office is committed to ensuring an equitable opportunity in our study abroad programs and providing high-quality international learning experiences for students of all abilities and backgrounds. We encourage all students to apply. We work closely with each student, their SMU campus advisors, and our colleagues at partner universities to help remove barriers and provide accommodation whenever possible. Saint Mary’s students with a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds, cultural affiliations and physical/learning disabilities have successfully studied abroad, and we want all students to reap the benefits of international programs! Interested in studying abroad but worried about your personal circumstances? Contact us today to learn more.
What our Students are Saying
How to Make the Most of your Study-Abroad Term
In this article published in the SMU Journal, Patrick Brown gives some advice to students interested in or getting ready for their semester abroad.
“I learned so much and saw so many new things. I got to experience so many different cultures.”
“I went places I never thought I'd go and it reminded me that the world is so big and vast and there's so many exciting places and people that are out there for you to interact with. It has made me a happier, more curious and well rounded person.”
- Sam
Click the button to read about Emily’s experience as a QES scholar.
Click the image to read Bethany’s Travel Blog, “Both Paths” as she studies in China, Finland, and beyond.
Click the image to listen to the Global Learning Ambassador speak about their experience in the role and the benefits of studying abroad!
Watch the video to hear Katie, from Saint Mary's University, present her experience of the Summer Program at ESSCA.
“I was also nervous about going to Seoul at first. I can now say it was one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of my life.”
“If you’re on the fence about going on an exchange, I think you should do it!”
“The people you meet and the experiences you have, will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
- Spencer
“I feel that I gained more self-confidence through this exchange experience.”
“Now I have studied in Canada and Norway, and I feel like I can go anywhere in the world and succeed in any place. A few years ago, I was just a nervous international student from Japan who was reluctant to speak to people and make friends. Now I am confident and always ready for a new adventure.”
-Hiro
Contact us:
Email: global@smu.ca
Phone: 902-496-8725
Fax: 902-420-5530
Office: Atrium 106
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SMUStudio
The Global Learning and Intercultural Learning Office staff are working on campus and virtually. Meetings times are available both online and in-person by request.
