Education Abroad
MHC’s international activity is guided by the philosophy that education and learning is greatly enhanced by an understanding of different cultures, languages and peoples. Education Abroad programs provide students with opportunities to develop the skills and attitudes required to function successfully in an interconnected global society, world and economy.
Benefits of Education Abroad
- Experience life in a different culture, society and education system
- Become a global citizen
- Build job skills, resume and international networks
- Serve as an ambassador for MHC and Canada
- Challenge yourself and grow as a person - step outside your comfort zone
Programs
Take courses related to your program of study at one of our partner institutions. Students remain registered at MHC while on exchange and therefore do not have to apply for re-admission upon return.
Duration: 1 – 2 semesters
Offers a variety of experiences! Learn a new language, experience another culture, and enroll in a variety of classes (non-credit).
Duration: 2 – 6 weeks
Complete program placement requirements in international setting.
Duration: Length varies
Receive transfer credit towards an international degree. This enables MHC diploma graduates to transfer their diploma to participating partner institutions for credit towards a bachelor's degree.
Duration: 3 – 5 semesters
Eligibility
Students must:
- be in good academic standing.
- be enrolled at MHC as a full time student.
- have completed 2 semesters by the time of exchange program.
- meet partner institutions eligibility criteria for program of interest.
Requirements*
- Complete and submit all forms and documentation as required
- Register at Medicine Hat College as an outgoing student and pay any administration fees.
- Pay any required tuition and fees at the Host Institution.
- Abide by all Academic Regulations and Policies within the Medicine Hat College calendar while studying abroad.
- Carry and pay for health care insurance that is provided through the Office of International Education.
- Where applicable, student must have up to date vaccinations.
- Confirm all travel arrangements with the Office of International Education.
*Full list of requirements are found in student checklist, student application, and Education Abroad policy and procedures.
Medicine Hat College is pleased to offer the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) national outbound mobility pilot program from 2022-2025, thanks to funding from the Government of Canada.
Planning
- Review above programs to determine areas of interest
- Contact the International Education & Diversity office
- Email goabroad@mhc.ab.ca or visit the office C226
- Complete and submit MHC application
- Review checklist below for additional and next steps
Accommodations for disabilities can vary widely by destination and institution, and careful planning may be needed for a safe and rewarding education abroad experience for students with disabilities.
We encourage you to connect with our office to explore study abroad opportunities as soon as possible, and far in advance of planned travel. This will allow us to determine which programs may be the best fit for you, connect with our partners with any questions you have, and explore opportunities outside of our partnership network. Many opportunities are available as more and more institutions and organizations are offering programs with accommodations for both visible and invisible disabilities and we’d like to help you identify a program which meets your needs and interests.
The information and resources provided here may help you as you consider and plan for your education abroad experience.
Helpful resources:
International Education is committed to diversity and inclusion in our education abroad programming. Education abroad experiences are a great opportunity to explore identity in a different cultural context.
Destination choice can have a great impact on the overall success and safety of the education abroad experience for SOGIE-diverse students. Since destinations and institutions abroad vary greatly in their awareness, understanding and acceptance of SOGIE-diverse communities and individuals, it is important to understand the prevailing laws and public perceptions of potential education abroad destinations and to reflect on your level of comfort with these as you explore options for education abroad.
Please connect with us through email or appointment to learn more education abroad options available to MHC students. When you’ve identified potential destinations, this resource provides information on LGBTQ+ rights by country and is a useful starting point for your destination research.
https://www.equaldex.com/equality-index
Other helpful resources:
Financial concerns often weigh heavy among students considering education abroad experience.
If you are concerned about the cost of studying abroad, please make an appointment to learn more about education abroad options with minimal cost to students. These include those funded by the Government of Canada Global Skills Opportunity funding, provincial government-funded opportunities, or bursaries or stipends offered by our partner institutions.
Tips:
- Research financial resources that are available to you.
- Research expense and exchange rates for the country you plan to visit.
- Create a budget and plan to stick to it when abroad. Monitor your spending.
- Take advantage of free cultural activities, museum entry, and outdoor recreational activities. Explore coupons or discounts for the area and activities you are interested in.
- Talk to students who’ve studied in your host country before to learn about expenses and money-saving tips.
Resources:
International Education has partnered with MHC’s Indigenous Student Supports and the Government of Canada’s Global Skills Opportunity funding to offer education abroad programming with a focus on learning and sharing of Indigenous cultures and knowledge, and funding priority to Indigenous students. Please see GSO Outbound for more information or make an appointment with us or with the Indigenous Student Support office to learn more.
Helpful resources:
- Indigenous Students | Education Abroad | Vancouver Island University | Canada (viu.ca)
- Indigenous Student Success Abroad | Education Abroad (nau.edu) – Northern Arizona University
- Reasons to Study Abroad for Native American Students
- What About Discrimination for Native American Students
- Race & Ethnicity: Global Learning Office - Northwestern University