Like rushing through a busy train station in a foreign country—checking departure boards, adjusting to new time zones, and fumbling with unfamiliar currency—stepping into global education can be thrilling and transformative.
TRU students have various opportunities to broaden their academic and cultural perspectives beyond borders. Additionally, the inbound exchange program engages students from various countries, enhancing discussions, perspectives, and experiences across campus.
“We actually have five different options, and over these five different [study abroad] options, you can go to [more than] 50 different countries,” Manager of Study Abroad Norah van der Haas said.
The bilateral exchange program allows students to study at one of TRU’s partner institutions in 40 countries while paying TRU tuition. Another option is the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a non-profit network with more than 300 partner institutions worldwide. Students can study abroad for one or two semesters, depending on the host country’s academic calendar.
To qualify for the bilateral exchange, students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and one year of completed university studies. “This is to ensure that you can survive university in the domestic context before we send you abroad,” Van der Haas said.
The cost of studying abroad varies based on location. “If you want to go to a country where there is high tourism, it is going to cost more in your living expenses. That’s where your main expenses will be—either your flights or living expenses or rent,” Van der Haas said.
To help cover some costs, financial aid from TRU may be available, including the TRU World International Mobility Award, which provides $500 for short-term field school trips and $1,000 for semester-long exchanges.
Additionally, according to Van der Haas, some destinations offer more affordable options than others. For example, in the host country of Vietnam, students can expect rent below $500, whereas in Colombia, a partner university offers scholarships to cover living expenses.
Studying abroad is more than academics—it’s about personal development.
“You are immersed in the culture,” Van der Haas said. “You have to learn to navigate. It’s a time for personal growth.”
While students don’t need to know the local language, they are encouraged to learn vital phrases through Duolingo or language courses.
Brooke Enders, a study abroad ambassador who has studied in Japan, England, and Australia, said she found the experience “transformative.”
Each destination provided unique insights and learning opportunities, showing Enders the importance of cultural exchange and environmental responsibility.
“In Japan, we had buddies who introduced us to local traditions. In Australia, I worked on a turtle conservation project,” Enders told the Omega.
Beyond the classroom, students face real-world challenges that push them out of their comfort zones. Adapting to a new environment, making friends from different backgrounds, and experiencing daily life in another country all contribute to self-discovery and resilience.
“It was my first time travelling internationally. I met amazing people, explored, and really grew as a person,” Study Abroad Ambassador Brennen Lockwood said. Like Enders, Lockwood has experience in the program, first travelling to study in New Zealand before attending a field school in China.
For students who may be apprehensive about travelling to another country to study, TRU provides extensive pre-departure support, including risk management and intercultural communication sessions. “We cover things like pre-departure vaccinations, travelling with medication, and accessibility needs,” Van der Haas said.
“For Nursing, we have exchanges in Denmark and Norway and field schools in Nepal where students help with things like wound care,” said Van der Haas. For students in the Nursing program, studying abroad isn’t just about taking classes—it’s about hands-on experience in real-world settings.
These experiences allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings while making a meaningful impact on local communities.
“Our electrical program students install solar panels, lighting, and wiring while engaging with the local community through food and shared experiences,” Van der Haas said. “The gratitude and impact are incredible—it gives me goosebumps.”
For trades students, TRU offers hands-on experience in Indigenous communities in Mexico.
While TRU offers ample opportunities for students to study abroad, the TRU inbound exchange program allows students from other countries to visit our campus.
Saki Niioka, an inbound exchange student from Japan said, “Overall my experience has been great. Sometimes l face challenges such as academic difficulties or language barriers. However, spending time with friends helps me relax and recharge, which encourages me to keep going.”
With the inbound program, TRU hosts inbound exchange students from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Denmark, Vietnam, and Japan. Niioka said, “l have met many people from different countries, and it’s really interesting to talk with those from diverse backgrounds. I’ve learned so many new perspectives. The people in Kamloops are very kind, and I feel that TRU is truly welcoming [to] me.”
“Diversity is important for creativity and innovation,” Van der Haas said. “It gives our domestic students the chance to learn from international students and share perspectives.”
Whether studying, researching, or working abroad, TRU students gain invaluable global experience. As Van der Haas said, “The impact that students make is absolutely incredible.”
“Don’t be afraid of the unknown,” Lockwood said. “Take advantage of the resources at TRU and go for it.”
For more information, students can follow @trustudyabroad on Instagram, check out the TRU study abroad blog, visit their Facebook profile, or email studyabroad@tru.ca.