Ryerson International

Study Abroad

• What is study abroad?
• What is the difference between exchange and study abroad?
• Letter of Permission
• Choosing a host university
• Organized study abroad programs
• Financial considerations
• Other important things to consider

1. What are "study abroad" students?

This includes anyone who wants to attend a university that does not have an official exchange with Ryerson, as well as anyone who wants to apply to one of our partner universities directly instead of going through the exchange program. This option allows you to attend almost any university. Credit for your overseas studies will be granted on your Ryerson transcript only if you meet the LOP requirements, explained below.

2. What is the difference between exchange and study abroad?

Study abroad students can study at almost any university in th eworld, provided it is approved by Ryerson.

• Exchange students are selected by their home department's exchange coordinator. Study abroad students need to apply directly to the partner university for acceptance
• Exchange students pay tuition to Ryerson. Study abroad students pay international student fees to their partner university (which can sometimes be quite high)
• Exchange students get their overseas courses transferred by their Ryerson exchange contact. Study abroad students must get Letter of Permission forms signed before they leave. Study abroad students may not get full credit for courses completed overseas.
• All students who study overseas should take an active role in planning their experience. However, when it comes to seeking help (with applications, selecting courses, etc...) exchange students get help through their Ryerson exchange contact. Study abroad students contact the study abroad coordinator at their host university. Ryerson International also provides support for both groups - contact RI for details.
• While any overseas experience will take a lot of planning and work, study abroad students should expect to devote more time to organizing their trip.

3. Letter of Permission

One of the most important aspects of study abroad is completing your Letter of Permission (LOP) paperwork. Course equivalencies must be determined before you leave Ryerson. You must take LOP forms to your Ryerson advisor to get approval for any course credit you hope to receive while studying overseas. The process is similar to taking a course at another Canadian university; you have to prove that your course is a good substitution for a course in your Ryerson curriculum. (Faculty of Arts students, please note that you will have to meet with the Community Liaison (POD 344J) prior to approaching your Ryerson advisor).

You take responsibility for all arrangements and departmental approvals which must take place before leaving Ryerson. When you return to Ryerson you are again responsible for following up to finalize your grade transfers, which includes making sure that your overseas transcript is sent to Ryerson and submitting the transfer credit application form. Once complete, your transfer credits will show up as 'CRT' (pass credit) on your Ryerson transcript.

Ensure that the host institution provides official transcripts: without a transcript Ryerson has no official record of the courses you took and the grades you received. You may also need to get transcripts in the future if you apply for graduate school or employment. The institution you wish to attend must be a recognized degree granting institution. This will ensure your courses will not be discounted by another institution, should you apply to graduate school.

For a good source of information on European universities, be sure to see www.study-in-europe.org.

Many Canadian universities arrange study abroad programs for their students.

The University of Toronto organizes several study abroad programs (http://www.summerabroad.utoronto.ca) which are open to Ryerson students.

EuroScholars is a study abroad program for advanced undergraduates whereby students can conduct research at a high caliber institution while taking a language and culture class.

• When you go abroad as a study abroad student you are no longer registered as a Ryerson student. If you receive student loans, this may affect your loan amount and/or may require you to start repaying your loan. Be sure to check with the Financial Aid and Awards Office before pursuing this option.
• Likewise, if you receive a scholarship or bursary, check with the Financial Aid and Awards Office before applying for exchange to make sure that your payment amount will not be affected.
• You will pay tuition to the host institution not to Ryerson. Check to see if the host institution charges higher fees for students from other countries; these fees can be 2-5 times higher than those domestic students. You may not have to pay international fees if you are a resident of that country.
• Some awards and bursaries are available for students who study abroad. However, none of these will finance your trip. Ensure that you have proper financing in place before seriously pursing an international experience

• Most Ryerson programs are very structured. Make sure that your overseas program will give all the credits you need to progress to the next academic term and continue with your program.
• Courses taken on a LOP will be recorded on your academic record as CRT/NSC and will not be included in your GPA calculations.
• No more than a total of 50 percent of your program requirements may consist of transfer /advanced standing credits (transfer credit, challenge credit or credits granted on a Letter of Permission).
• Transfer Credit is granted based upon a minimum grade of:
  • University: 'C' equal 60% or higher
  • College: 'B' equal to 70% or higher
• An LOP is used for transfer credit, which is different from exchange credit. Accordingly, links and information related to exchange programs are not applicable to LOP situations. Also see the Legal Disclaimer link below.