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:

Cuba

This program is designed to offer hands-on experience in the field of ecological restoration. It will take place on ‘La Isla de la Juventud,’ located south of mainland Cuba. During the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in various ecological activities, including monitoring the sea turtles nesting on the beaches, helping to clear the surrounding tropical forest of invasive species, and playing an active role in the restoration of a coral reef. Participants will also have the chance to connect with the local community and improve their Spanish and intercultural skills. They will get to experience the beauty of the Cuban lifestyle, which is renowned for being one of the most ecologically sustainable in the world.is reported to be one of the most ecologically sustainable in the world. Hosted by CELEI Regenerative Education.

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability 
  • Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
Date:
  • April 26 - May 11, 2024
Location:
  • La Havana, Cuba 
Cost:  
  • Approximately $6,000 CAD
Learn more about the School of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sustainability programs.

Mexico

You will learn about the global business environment, better your understanding of cross-cultural management and increase your skills in intercultural communication competence. Through a combination of coursework, site visits, cultural immersion activities and research you will gain insight into the culture and business landscape of the Mayan Riviera. Upon completion of the tour, you will be better prepared to compete and succeed in a diverse and global environment. Hosted by the Autonomous University of Yucatan

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the Business diploma program (all specialities, any campus)
  • Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
Date:
  • May 10-20, 2024
Location:
  • Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 
Cost:
  • Approximately $4,700 CAD

Learn more about the Business diploma program.
This program is specifically designed to provide participating students with a practical and immersive experience that explores the unique charm of eight significant libraries in the cosmopolitan city of Mexico City. By participating in this program, students will gain valuable insights into the services, workflows, and working conditions of these libraries. Through a combination of library visits, archeological site visits, and cultural immersion activities participating students will gain insight into the Mexican culture. Hosted by Nicholas Cop Consulting.

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the Library and Information Technology diploma.
  • Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
Date:
  • May 17-25, 2024
Location:
  • Mexico City, Mexico 
Cost:  
  • Approximately $4,000 CAD
Learn more about the Library and Information Technology diploma.

United Kingdom

The ten-day program is expertly crafted to offer Sask Polytech students in Architectural Technologies a unique opportunity to explore the nuances of European architecture. Delve into the colonial influence on Canadian architecture while honing your intercultural skills. Immerse yourself in the basics of UK architecture through visits to local sites and some of London's most iconic structures. Hosted by Cardiff and Vale College.

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the Architectural Technologies diploma.
  • Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See the Funding section for more information.
Date:
  • September 2024
Location:
  • London, United Kingdom. 
Cost:  
  • Approximately $6,000 CAD

Learn more about the Architectural Technologies diploma.
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.
Join a 10-day study abroad program at one of the most stunning cities in the United Kingdom - Cardiff, Wales. This program is hosted by the Cardiff and Vale College and offers technical workshops, spa experiences facilitated by highly trained instructors in the Hair and Beauty program at Cardiff and Vale College. You can also enjoy an intercultural learning experience by immersing yourself in local traditions, cuisine, and language through excursions to museums and local sites.

Eligible students:
  • Open to full-time students in the Hairstyling diploma. Selection process will run during Summer and Fall 2024.
  • Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria for both Global Skills Opportunity and the Saskatchewan Polytechnic International Mobility Award. See Funding section for more information.
Date:
  • February 2025
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.

Pre-departure support

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the challenges? Sask Polytech offers pre-departure support to ensure you're prepared for cultural and linguistic differences, as well as travel and safety tips and document preparation. Our comprehensive training before you travel equips you with the skills to succeed and thrive in a new environment. Discover the world with confidence. This training was developed with support from Global Skills Opportunity Innovation Fund.

Apply now

Submit application and funding form

Contact us

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