Budgeting for Exchange

So you’ve heard about the exchange program and you’ve already listed all the cities you want to visit. You’re daydreaming about the incredible sights you’ll see, flavorful foods you’ll try and inspirational people you’ll meet until the thought of the associated expenses tramples you back into the reality of a student budget.

As exciting as going on exchange is, you still have to be a responsible adult (sigh) and plan your expenses, but you shouldn’t let financial fears stop you from studying abroad. Managing and budgeting your expenses (especially in a different currency) is a valuable skill that might give you a new outlook on your spending habits, even upon returning to Canada.

Don’t know where to start?

Continue reading Budgeting for Exchange

RIEOS: the Ryerson International Exchange Opportunity Scholarship!

Are you a student applying for the 2018/19 academic exchange program? Don’t forget to apply for RIEOS: the Ryerson International Exchange Opportunity Scholarship!

RIEOS  supports student participation in an academic exchange with one of Ryerson’s 75+ partners.

In the 2018/19 academic year, RIEOS will provide 40 students with financial support for their exchange experience.

The deadline to apply is January 31st, 2018

RIEOS Eligibility and Application Guidelines

Per-term Cost Estimates for Ryerson Exchange Destinations

Ryerson International Interns Tackle Common Questions About the International Exchange Program

Sophia Chea (right), a Ryerson International (RI) intern and future exchange student interviews Saura Haggart-Smith (left), another RI intern and  former exchange participant.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Sophia: Before I applied to go on an exchange, I attended an information session hosted by my faculty specific exchange coordinator. Attending the session made my application process so much easier. As the deadline for the application is near the end of January, I was able to take some time after my exams to complete it.

Next Steps:

Continue reading Ryerson International Interns Tackle Common Questions About the International Exchange Program

Planning for Exchange at Ryerson? Read This Post for Tips on Finding Short-Term Housing in Toronto

Photo Credit: Vilja Keskimaki, 2016/2017 Ryerson Inbound Exchange Student

When planning for exchange at Ryerson University, finding appropriate living arrangements can often be a challenge. As you start your search, there are many factors to consider such as cost of living, location, rental agreements, etc.

Below are some search avenues that may be helpful: Continue reading Planning for Exchange at Ryerson? Read This Post for Tips on Finding Short-Term Housing in Toronto

International Conferencing as an International Student

By Desislava Stefanova, Masters Student in the Environmental Applied Science and Management Program

Last April, Ryerson International awarded me with the International Conference and Research Support Fund (ICRSF) to represent the university at the AAG International Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.

As an international student here at Ryerson, I was thrilled not only to present my research, but also to explore a new city on this side of the pond. Continue reading International Conferencing as an International Student

The Finals Days in Lyon: Reflections from a Broad Abroad

By Julie Germansky, Undergraduate student in the School of Journalism, Faculty of Communication and Design

Note from the Editor: Julie received a scholarship from the Ontario-Rhone-Alpes Student Exchange Program.

It’s around 5 o’clock and I am sitting on the steps along the quai du rhône, sipping a sample size bottle of côte du rhône red wine while observing the French after-five indulgence in full swing. Clusters of friends gathering for apéro, runners trace the border of the quai, the pastel palette of Lyon’s historic facade reflects off of the water, couples show heaps of PDA and baguettes and cheese are being eaten in the masses— this is the French culture thriving as I will remember. The first time I sat on those stairs, the french chatter was white noise, but now I’ve grown to understand and participate in the French lingo myself. Continue reading The Finals Days in Lyon: Reflections from a Broad Abroad

Shedding Skin at Talking Bodies 2017

By Emma Dunn, PhD Student in the Graduate Program in Communication and Culture

As a PhD student, international conferencing can be intimidating. If you’re like me, when surrounded by brilliant minds in your field, you can often feel stuck somewhere between shameless optimism and crippling self-doubt. However, the recent conference I attended with the support of Ryerson’s International Conference and Research Support Fund (ICRSF) – Talking Bodies 2017 at the University of Chester, UK – helped assuage my uncertainties and increase my confidence as an emerging scholar. Continue reading Shedding Skin at Talking Bodies 2017

Conferencing in Thailand and Beyond

By Adel Alhalawani, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

 In March 2017, I received the International Conference and Research Support Fund (ICRSF) to travel to Thailand for an unforgettable global learning experience. My wife, Rania, came with me as well!

For the first week of our trip, we explored Bangkok, getting a taste of its people, food and culture. Soon after, I presented my research on new silicate-based bioglasses for orthopedic applications at the 3rd World Congress of Smart Materials hosted by BIT Global Inc. The conference was an extremely rewarding experience. I took advantage of various opportunities. For instance, sharing knowledge from the other side of the world, discussing possible advances in the field and making plans for future collaborations with leading innovators in the sector.

Continue reading Conferencing in Thailand and Beyond

Hello from New York City!

By Olivia Wong, Master’s student in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management

Hello from New York City! I am currently completing a six-month internship at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, as a residency requirement for my Master’s degree at Ryerson. This hands-on experience and international training on how to archive and manage a circulating audio-visual collection has been extremely valuable to support my career as a professional film archivist. This international placement required a lot of planning, but with the support of Ryerson International and the RIWEF Award, I felt confident that I could undertake this exceptional internship.

Continue reading Hello from New York City!

RU Debt Free? Tips on Saving and Budgeting for Exchange

Studying abroad at one of Ryerson’s exchange partner universities is a great opportunity to gain international experience, learn a new language, meet new friends, and immerse yourself in a different culture. One of the most important aspects of going abroad is to start planning and saving money well before your journey begins. Not sure where to begin? This post will get you started!

Doug Furchner, Program Coordinator of Ryerson’s free financial literacy course, RU Debt Free, explains that all the lessons covered in the course syllabus are applicable well beyond the borders of Canada. The course covers the basics: budgeting, banking, bank accounts and saving, credit basics, paying for school, and life after school. In preparing to study abroad, using simple financial planning tools can make a huge difference. Doug recommends that if possible, take this FREE course before going on exchange.


Doug Furchner (right) and the RU Debt Free Team

Continue reading RU Debt Free? Tips on Saving and Budgeting for Exchange