Saskatchewan Polytechnic is committed to global engagement, which includes providing opportunities for Sask Polytech students to participate in global study abroad opportunities. In addition to technical skills, employers are increasingly looking for graduates with global skills. Studying abroad can provide you with improved intercultural communication, greater flexibility and increased global knowledge. These are all things that employers are seeking and will continue to seek in the future.

International study abroad opportunities

China

Experience the Silicon Valley of Asia. Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Shenzhen Polytechnic are providing a short-term study abroad opportunity to Sask Polytech students. 

Shenzhen Polytechnic is the number one ranked technical college in China. Shenzhen is considered the Silicon Valley of Asia, and is home to many prominent Chinese industries. Shenzhen Polytechnic develops students with applied professional talents, high standards and qualifications to support the growing manufacturing and technology industries in China. 

The program visit includes, but is not limited to the following: 
  • Chinese language course for beginners 
  • Local crafts, kung fu, Chinese cuisine and traditional culture 
  • Training in engineering and computer science 
  • Joint activities with Chinese students
  • Participate and engage with Chinese businesses (Huawei and Xiaomi)
  • Shenzhen Polytechnic will provide the participant with a certificate of achievement 
Eligible students:
  • Open to students of any engineering or computer technology-related programs, registered as full-time students and completed at least one semester of study. 
Date:
  • To be determined.
Location:
  • Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen, China 
Cost:
Learn more about the programs eligible for this opportunity:

India

Experience cultural diversity in differing health practices and health care delivery systems. This clinical practicum provides students with a cultural immersion experience aimed toward the integration of visiting students into the normal academic and cultural milieu of the host country. Students have the opportunity to study and visit a variety of health care settings increasing their knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity in differing health practices and health care delivery systems.

Eligible students:
  • Open to six students entering SCBScN Year 4 who want to study CNUR 401 (six weeks) in Herbertpur, India. Selection is based on an academic standing of at least 70% and a completed application form, including references and a successful interview.
Date:
  • To be determined.
Location:
  • Herbertpur Christian Hospital (HCH) is situated in the Doon Valley in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
Cost:
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program.

Mexico

A one week cultural and culinary tour of Mexico, including museums, restaurants, and classes together with the Mexican students in the culinary program at Universidad Cuauhtemoc.

Eligible students:
  • Open to Culinary Arts program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
Date:
  • To be determined.
Location:
  • Aguascalientes, Mexico
Cost:
Learn more about the Culinary Arts program.

Unlock endless potential with new global skills and experiences. Participate in a two week study abroad opportunity at the Autonomous University of Yucatan. You will learn and experience both Mexican and Mayan culture, through intercultural activities such as language and history classes, experiencing local traditions and customs, cuisine, interacting with students and surrounding communities and the beautiful beaches in Mayan Riviera.

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the Justice Studies program. 
Date:
  •  Spring 2023
Location:
  •  Yucatan, Mexico  Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán
Cost: Learn more about the Justice Studies program and the 2022 study tour experience. 
Experience cultural diversity in differing health practices and health care delivery systems.

Students who are accepted for this experience are required to take a conversational Spanish course. Several levels are encouraged to increase language fluency.

This clinical practicum provides students with a cultural immersion experience aimed toward integration of visiting students into the normal academic and cultural milieu of the host country. Students have the opportunity to study and visit a variety of health care settings increasing their knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity in differing health practices and health care delivery systems.

Eligible students:
  • Open to six students entering SCBScN Year 3 who want to study CNUR 302 (six weeks) in Colima, Mexico. Selection is based on academic standing of at least 70% and a completed application form, including references and a successful interview.
Date:
  • To be determined.
Location:
  • Colima, Mexico
Cost:
Learn more about the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing(SCBScN) program.

United Kingdom

This is a ten-day program designed to introduce Sask Polytech students to European architecture. You will study colonial influence in Canadian architecture while exercising your intercultural skills. The program includes a two-day workshop to cover the basics of UK’s architecture through excursions to local sites and visits to some of the most iconic architecture within the London metropolitan area. The School of Arts, Architecture & Design at London Metropolitan University (London Met) is based in one of the world's most exciting capital cities, London. London Met is home to a welcoming community of inspiring and determined learners, teachers and innovative thinkers.

Eligible students:
  • Open to Architectural Technologies program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
Date:
  • July 24 - August 3, 2023
Location:
  • London, United Kingdom
Cost:
  • Approximate cost $5,000 - $7,000 CAD. Travel awards are available through Sask Polytech.
Learn more about the Architectural Technologies program.
A one week cultural and technical tour. This is a one week program designed to introduce you to a range of practical skills from across the beauty trade while providing you with the opportunity to develop your own personal, social and intercultural skills. The program includes excursions to local sites and workshops offered by highly trained instructors in the Hair and Beauty program at Cardiff and Vale College.

Eligible students:
  • Open to Hairstylist program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
Date:
  • April 2024
Location:
  • Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cost:
Learn more about the Hairstylist program. 

Learn more about the 2023 study tour experience that was funded by the Global Skills Opportunity and the Sask Polytech International Mobility Award.
A one-week cultural and educational tour. This is a one-week program designed to provide you with the opportunity to develop intercultural skills. The program includes excursions to local sites and workshops offered by highly trained instructors at Cardiff and Vale College.

Eligible students:
  • Open to Justice Studies program students. Students are selected based on academic and practical progress in the program.
Date:
  • To be determined.
Location:
  • Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cost:
Learn more about the Justice Studies program. 

Students in this program experienced a 2023 study tour funded by the Global Skills Opportunity and the Sask Polytech International Mobility Award and a 2022 study tour.

Funding

Global Skills Opportunity is the Government of Canada’s national outbound student mobility pilot program. It aims to empower post-secondary institutions to increase the participation of Canadians in international learning opportunities, especially underrepresented students such as indigenous students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds who have traditionally faced barriers to participation.

Global Skills Opportunity is an integral component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy. It is administered jointly by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada. Projects are designed, implemented, and managed by participating universities, colleges and institutes across the country. This decentralized approach allows post-secondary institutions to create projects that best serve the needs of their students and their communities.

The award is designed to defray the travel-related costs of an international experience.

Application deadline:

  • Three to six months prior to travel.

Eligibility criteria

  • The award is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic students in good standing, enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic or collaborative partner’s certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate program.
  • The student must be a Canadian citizen or holding permanent resident status.
  • Be an Indigenous student, or 
  • Be a low-income student (for the purpose of this application, your annual income must be less than $32,102; and less than $45,399 in case you have one or more children)

Note: Students who do not identify as Indigenous or low-income students may apply for partial coverage of their international mobility-related expenses

  • The student must have completed at least one semester of their program and have a minimum grade point average of 65% in the previous term of study, and be in good academic standing at the time of application.
  • Students can receive only one time the Global Skills Opportunity Award for the whole duration of their academic program.

Selection criteria:

  • Global Skills Opportunity International Mobility Award is given to students who have demonstrated the potential benefit of the travel experience and are in good academic standing.
  • The selection committee will consider only complete application packages from those applicants that have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
    • Essay of 250 - 500 words describing the purpose of travel and how it will benefit the student’s social, academic, and professional development.
    • Program endorsement via completed International Mobility Participant Confirmation form.
    • Engaging in credit-bearing courses in another country, participating in a student exchange, or participating in an international student competition.
    • Student must agree to provide a report upon return which may be used for Sask Polytech promotional purposes, internally or to the public.
    • Two recommendation letters from past or current instructors or from student advisors.
    • The applicant must hold valid travel documents at the application submission and must be valid throughout the exchange period. (e.g., Passport and visa or study permit if required).
    • Hold international health insurance that covers illness, accidents, repatriation, hospitalization, quarantine, prescriptions, etc. (proof required).
    • Interview with the selection committee.
    • Have submitted a complete application package.
  • Note: Students must meet pre-departure training and clearance (e.g., passport) before final approval.

 

gso logo      Government of Canada logo

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award provides financial assistance to students participating in an international study and/or work experience as part of their studies. The award is intended to encourage and facilitate international experiences for Saskatchewan Polytechnic students to gain international exposure, enrich their learning, broaden their cultural understanding, and see the global reach of their field of study. The award is designed to defray the travel-related costs of an international experience.

Application deadlines:

  • Three to six months prior to travel.

Eligibility criteria:

  • The award is open to the following Saskatchewan Polytechnic students:
    • The award is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic students in good standing, enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic or collaborative partner’s certificate, diploma, degree or post-graduate certificate program.
    • The student must be a Canadian citizen or holding permanent resident status.
    • The student must have completed at least one semester of their program and have a minimum grade point average of 65% in the previous term of study and be in good academic standing at time of application.
  • Students can receive only one Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award per academic year of their program.

Selection criteria:

  • The International Mobility Award is given to students who have demonstrated the potential benefit of the travel experience and are in good academic standing.
  • The selection committee will consider only complete application packages from those applicants that have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
    • Essay of 250 - 500 words describing the purpose of travel and how it will benefit both the student’s academic program and professional development.
    • Program endorsement via completed International Mobility Participant Confirmation form (included in the application form).
    • Engaging in credit-bearing courses in another country, participating in a student exchange, or participating in an international student competition.
    • Student must agree to provide a report upon return which may be used for Sask Polytech promotional purposes, internally or to the public.
    • The applicant must hold valid travel documents at the application submission and must be valid throughout the exchange period. (e.g., Passport and visa or study permit if required).
    • Hold international health insurance that covers illness, accidents, repatriation, hospitalization, quarantine, prescriptions, etc. (proof required).
    • Have submitted a complete application package.
  • Note: Students must meet pre-departure training and clearance (e.g., passport) before final approval.

Apply now

Submit application and funding form

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact internationalmobility@saskpolytech.ca.