Study Abroad

This unique self-led exchange opportunity at EUF  is currently offered to students in the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programs for a full semester between March and July. 

Discover and learn more about EUF through their website.  

Eligibility 

• Student in the

  • Bachelor of Education

    • Recommended to participate during your third year, contact your Program Chair for details

  • Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies or

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program.

• Minimum 18 years old

• In good academic standing and must maintain it during the exchange

Academic Semester at EUF 

• Fall Term: September - February 

• Spring Term: March - August 

• Mandatory orientation week at the beginning of the semester 

• Lecture period: Mid-March – Beginning of July 

• Exam Period: End of June – Mid-July 

• After exam: research period/semester break – no lecture 

RDP students will be participating in the exchange with EUF during their spring term between March to August. Students can return as soon as all exams are completed. Explore course offerings for exchange students at EUF. 

Check with the Student Connect Centre to ensure you have room for open electives in your study. Your Program Chair or Associate Dean can also help with EUF course selection.

Cost to Participate 

The overall 5-month exchange cost is estimated at CAD $9,000, which includes:  

• Airfare 

• Ground Transportation 

• Travel Insurance 

• Accommodations 

• Meals 

• Tuition Costs  

• Study Visa 

Since this is a self-directed endeavour, students will be accountable for organizing and covering the expenses required for their participation. The RDP Abroad Office and the Incoming Exchange Students team at EUF will be available to offer assistance and guidance throughout the process.

Timeline and Process 

Application Open: April 25, 2024

Application Closes: June 7, 2024

Shortlisting and Interviews: June 10 - 25, 2024

Notification of Result: June 28, 2024

RDP Nomination to EUF: September to October 

Student Notified by EUF to submit Application: By November 1 

Prep Work by Student: November – February 

Arrive at EUF: By March 1 

About Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) 

Discover RDP and explore our virtual tours to experience our campuses.

Academic Program Information

Semester Dates 

• Fall Term: September to December 

  • Reading Week - 2nd week in October (no classes) 

• Winter Term: January to April 

  • Reading Week - 3rd week in February (no classes) 

• Spring Term: May to June 

• Summer Term: July to August 

Learning Experience 

You can expect to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences at RDP, including lectures, interactive discussions, individual and group projects, student-led presentations, experiential activities, labs, and more. Connect with our Academic Advisors in the Student Connect Centre, virtually or in person, for help with course selection.

Bachelor of Education Program Information 

The Bachelor of Education degree is a four-year program that prepares future teachers to design high-quality, socially responsible and authentic learning opportunities that meet learner needs.

Academic Planning Guides provide an overview of the program and specializations in Early Years (grades Kindergarten to 4), Middle Years (grades 5 to 9) and Secondary (grades 10 to 12).

Education Courses 

Students from EUF are welcome to join any of the following EDUC courses 

• EDUC 1301 - Interpersonal Relationships 

• EDUC 1302 - Educational Technology 

• EDUC 1304 - Inclusive Learning Environments 

• EDUC 1305 - Child Development 

• EDUC 1500 - The Teaching Profession (includes field experience) 

• EDUC 2500 - Social Equity & Inclusion 

• EDUC 2803 - Language Learning and Literacy 

• EDUC 2804 – Numeracy 

• EDUC 2805 - Foundational Knowledge 

• EDUC 2312 - Designing Learning 

• EDUC 4311 - Indigenous Ways 

• EDUC 4342 - Designing Integrated Learning 

Courses in Other Disciplines 
There are also a wide variety of courses offered at RDP you can choose from. The following table provides an overview of the different disciplines and can guide specific course selection.

Search the timetable for specific courses within each of the areas.

You can also access the full list of courses available at RDP in our Academic Calendar.

The Bachelor of Education Program Chair will help you select courses that are of interest to you and are available during your semester of study at RDP.

Before taking any courses, it is important to consult with your home institution to ensure courses taken at RDP are transferable to EUF. 

Living and Learning in Red Deer 

• Residence 

• Campus Amenities and Services 

• City of Red Deer 

• Alberta Attractions 

Estimated Cost: 

Entrance into Canada for Academic Studies 

“Foreign nationals may enter Canada or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of study of 6 months’ duration or less [R188(1)(c)].” Government of Canada website

Find out if you need a study permit - Canada.ca 

For study in Canada 6 months or less: 

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, also called a Visitor Visa) is required to travel to Canada 

• A study permit is not required unless you want to work while in Canada

• A study permit is strongly recommended, even if you are studying in Canada for less than 6 months 

For study in Canada lasting longer than 6 months: 

• eTA or TRV is required to travel to Canada 

• Study permit is required - Study permit: About the process - Canada.ca 

For general information about international student study, review the  Government of Canada website. 
 
Red Deer Polytechnic International Division also has information specific to permits and visas. 

Application to Red Deer Polytechnic 

Interested students will be nominated by EUF to the RDP Abroad Office. Once the nomination is accepted, students will complete their application to RDP and submit it directly International Admissions with your EUF nomination.

COVID-19 
Canada ended entry requirements related to COVID-19 in October 2022. For the most current COVID-19 information, see COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders - Travel.gc.ca 

Contact Information 
Visit International to learn about studying at Red Deer Polytechnic. For questions and inquiries, email RDP Abroad. 

The EUF Exchange Award, provided jointly by the International Division and the School of Arts and Education, aims to reduce the financial burden on students participating in the exchange with EUF. This award is a testament to our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible international education opportunities.  

Successful candidates participating in the EUF Exchange will automatically receive this exchange award. 

 In partnership with CREMA and Turtle Trax, Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to offer a three week volunteer experience for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biological Sciences to apply their learning at a turtle sanctuary in Costa Rica. 

Timing is coordinated around the regular turtle nesting season in Costa Rica, which occurs between July and December.

Volunteer Experience 

• Immerse in a full-contact experience with nature and coastal communities of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula.  

• Protection and conservation activities including direct work with the sea turtle conservation program, and community connections.  

Schedule 

• Participants will be divided into groups to join either a Summer or Fall cohort 

  • Summer cohort will travel in July and August 

  • Fall cohort will travel in October 

• The project site location is assigned by CREMA and Turtle Trax 

• 2024 Experience Dates:  

  • Cohort Jul 13 – Aug 3, 2024 

  • Cohort Aug 4 – Aug 25, 2024 

  • Cohort Oct 4 – Oct 25, 2024 

Eligibility Requirements 

Students must complete the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at Red Deer Polytechnic by June of the experience year to be eligible to apply.

For example, if you would like to apply for the 2025 abroad experience, you must finish your 2nd year of study by June 2025. You will submit your application when it opens in 2024.

Course Information 

Students who complete the volunteer experience will be eligible for credits in SCIE 4901 Applied Study Credit (3 Credits). Course credit is determined by program requirements and required completion of all necessary deliverables.  

Housing 

Accommodations and meals will be arranged for students who undertake the volunteer experience. Accommodations and meals are provided by Turtle Trax, covering three basic meals each day and basic accommodations for the experience.  

Accommodations for this experience will be in shared-style layouts, typically with bunk beds as the primary bed setup. In most cases, these accommodations will be roomed by the host organization in a co-ed manner.

Funding Opportunities and Providers 

This project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program aiming to cover the majority of necessary expenses for students to participate in a study abroad experience. Funding application is includedin the experience application.

Experience Cost 

The GSO grant will cover the majority of the cost and up to 100% if available.

Experience costs are estimated between $6,500 - $7,500 CAD that includes:  

• Airfare, to and from Costa Rica 

• Travel Insurance 

• Travel Immunizations 

• Transportation Assistance Plan (Airport Drop-off/Pick-up in Costa Rica and transport to research site) 

• Meals and Accommodations provided by CREMA and Turtle Trax 

• Supplies and first-aid lesson 

Application 

Application opens a year before the experience. For example, you will be applying in 2026 for 2027’s experience. 

2025 Application Opens: To be announced          

2025 Application Closes: To be announced  

Shortlisting/Interviews:  To be announced 

Applicant Selection and Notification: To be announced 

Contact Us 

Email RDP Abroad. 

Make a world of difference with an opportunity to develop your skills abroad by supporting communities and organizations on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.  

Through collaboration with local partners, students will develop general health promotion and educational material for local communities that meet localized individual needs.  

This abroad experience is scheduled to be two weeks in May, exact date may vary year to year. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Students must have completed the Practical Nurse Program including the final practicum.

• Students must be successful and in good academic standing with the program.

Course Information for Practical Nurse Abroad 2024

This abroad experience will count towards part of PN 271 Health Promotion IV Course. 

Students will complete PN 271 in the winter term however, students will receive an "incomplete" until they complete PN 271 in St. Lucia and return back.

Course credit is determined by program requirements and required completion of all necessary deliverables. Please contact the School of Health and Wellness if you have any questions about course credit. 

Travel and Accommodations 

Flights, accommodations and meals will be pre-arranged for this experience. As this is a faculty-led group study tour, all students will stay at the same hotel and travel together during the time in St. Lucia. 

Funding Opportunities  

This project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program aiming to cover the majority of necessary expenses for students to participate in a study abroad experience. 

Experience Cost 

The GSO grant will cover the majority of the cost and up to 100% if available.  

Cost is estimated at $5000- $6000 CAD per participant that includes:

• Airfare 

• Travel Insurance 

• Accommodations and Meals 

• Transportation to and from the airport at the destination 

• Local ground transport at the destination for experience-related activities 

Application 

Application for Practical Nurse Abroad is currently closed 

Contact Us 

Email RDP Abroad. 

Global Skills Opportunity Fund 

Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students from across the country to acquire the global skills employers want and the Canadian economy needs. A key component of the Government of Canada’s International Education Strategy, Global Skills Opportunity is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.  

While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students pursue international learning. 

Students interested in participating in RDP Abroad’s Global Skills Opportunity Experiences can apply for GSO funding.  

For eligibility and GSO funding questions, email RDP Abroad or visit us in person at the Gathering Place (Room 1009, Main Campus). 

Courses successfully completed through ISEP Summer Abroad will be awarded open elective credits.

Students must meet with the Student Connect Centre, before applying with ISEPs, to ensure there is room for open elective(s) in their program.

Students can request that their ISEP program credit be directly transferred to an equivalent course of their program. These direct transfers can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Students will contact the Office of the Registrar and follow the credit transfer process to receive a letter of permission to take the course at an institution abroad.

Contact the Student Connect Centre to confirm the availability of open electives remaining in your program, or contact the Office of Registrar – Prior Learning and Transfer Credits to inquire about course equivalency transfer.

*Students interested in applying to popular programs are encouraged to submit their application by the priority deadline.

Meet with the RDP Abroad Office to discuss program options and eligibility.

Create an ISEP account and await approval to start the application process.

Gather application documents and apply for your ISEP program. 

Once the acceptance package is received, select courses from current availability.

Once your application is approved, a member of the ISEP team will send a confirmation email containing your next steps.