International Office

Student Exchange & Study Abroad

The UWI Student Exchange programme will allow you to study at one of our many international partners around the world, including another UWI campus. Options include North America, Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

This type of international immersion has many educational and personal benefits. Students who have participated in the past have all spoken about the tremendous experiences and learnings not only in the classroom but also from the people and places that they were able to interact with. They have become more independent in their thinking, self-sufficient and confident. They have also been able to make new friends, learn new languages and experience the world firsthand as true global citizens.

Please take a few moments to read The Important Information for Outgoing Students below which is helpful as you begin to explore your options.

 

Documents Centre

• Information booklet
• Exchange application form 

 

Important Information for Outgoing Students

Question	Answer
What is a 'Student Exchange'?	When a student spends one or two semesters at a university/college with which the UWI has a partnership agreement. Students will be enrolled full-time at the UWI whilst abroad and will pay UWI tuition (tuition at the international partner will be waived). Grades obtained at the international partner will be transferred to the UWI transcript upon the student's return.
What is a 'Study Abroad'?	When a student spends one or two semesters at a university/college with which the UWI DOES NOT have a partnership agreement. Students will NOT be enrolled at the UWI and will pay tuition and fees at the international partner. Grades obtained at the international partner will be transferred to the UWI transcript upon the student's return.
What is the 'Home Institution'?	That is the institution you are enrolled in presently (e.g. UWI).
What is the 'Host Institution'?	That is the institution in which you will be enrolled whilst on our exchange/study abroad experience.
What are the requirements of Study Abroad/Student Exchange?	Completion of at least one (1) year at UWI. A 3.0 GPA or good B average. No existing or pending disciplinary matters. Must be an enrolled full-time/ evening student. Not in the final semester of your final year. Postgraduate students will be required to submit a summary of their research proposal with an explanation of why they wish to visit the particular university requested. *Postgraduate students are also required to submit a letter of invitation for research only exchanges.
How long can I be away?	For either one (1) semester or one (1) academic year at one of our partner institutions. The undergraduate student exchange is usually done in the second year of study.
What can I study?	Undergraduate UWI students are expected to study the equivalent of their second or third-year courses at a host university. The key is finding a host university offering UWI-equivalent courses. Graduate UWI students are expected to complete courses or research approved by their faculty.
Where can I study?	The UWI has approximately 150 institutional agreements and Memoranda of Understanding with leading institutions around the world. This number will increase as new strategic links are forged by the various faculties. Exchange agreements have been established with institutions in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Canada, USA, Brazil, and Japan among others. For the list of our partner institutions around the world click here.
Will I get credit for the courses that I pursue at the host institution?	Yes, the courses you pursue will be credited and will contribute to your overall GPA. Preapproval of courses by faculty is mandatory and you must complete UWI registration before proceeding on exchange.