Study Abroad
Study Globally, Thrive Locally!
We offer students the opportunity to engage in intercultural and international experiences through global learning activities
There are many reasons to consider participating in a global experience:
Develop intercultural competencies
Expand your global connections
Gain academic recognition for your participation in Abroad experiences
Get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new culture
Learn a new language
Stand out to employers
Travel and have fun!
Congratulations to our 2024 RDP Abroad Travel Photo Contest winners!
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos. We enjoyed seeing the world through your lens and hope to see even more submissions next year!
Current Experiences Available
Canada - Germany Exchange
Europa-Universitat Flensburg (EUF- Flensburg, Germany) and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP -Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) have established a student exchange agreement for one or two students each year to study at the other higher education institution in a collaborative partnership which supports student success. One student may study for one year, or two students may each study for one semester, annually from each institution.
RDP Students
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 during your third year, contact your Program Chair for details
Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies; or
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
18 years old or older
In good academic standing (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.
Funding Opportunities
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.
For more funding opportunities, click here.
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
For EUF Students
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.
Accounting ACCT | Film FILM |
Anthropology ANTH | French FREN |
Art ART | Genetics GENE |
Astronomy ASTR | History HIST |
Biology BIOL | Interdisciplinary Studies INTD |
Business BUS | Kinesiology KNSS or Kinesiology Physical Education KPED |
Business Administration BADM | Math MATH |
Chemistry CHEM | Microbiology MICR |
Classics CLAS | Music MUSE, MUSI |
Communications COMM (excluding COMM 250) | Philosophy PHIL |
Computing Science CMPT | Physical Activities KPAC |
Dance KDNC | Physics PHYS |
Drama DRAM | Political Science POLI |
Economics ECON | Psychology PSYC |
English ENGL | Sociology SOCI |
Family Studies FAM | Zoology ZOOL |
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
Estimated Cost:
Cost Estimate | Source | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Accommodation on Campus | $820 | RDP Housing - Studio Suite | Single occupancy: Shared occupancy is lower cost |
Groceries | $500.00 | StatsCanada | |
Bus Pass | $62.00 | City of Red Deer | Student discount available through RDP Students’ Association |
Entertainment | $100.00 | e.g. going to a movie once a week | |
Miscellaneous | $150.00 | Clothes, Personal Items, etc. | |
Monthly Total | $1632.00 | ||
Other Fees | $1180.00 | Student Association, Insurance, FST. Includes International Health Insurance | |
Textbooks/Supplies | $800 | ||
Total Per Term (4 Months) | $8,508.00 |
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:
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.
Global Skills Opportunity Experiences
In partnership with Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), RDP is excited to provide our students the opportunity to study and learn from different organizations and institutions abroad to enrich their student journey at RDP. GSO-RDP Abroad programs are funded through the GSO grants.
Biological Sciences in Costa Rica
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.
Practical Nurse in Saint Lucia
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.
Funding Opportunities
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). Click here for information on other funding opportunities, including awards and Alberta Student Aid.
Summer Abroad with ISEP
Discover a world of academic and cultural immersion with ISEP's Summer Abroad program.
Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in Greece, studying language arts in Japan, delving into the vibrant cultures of South Korea or simply spending the summer studying in Barcelona, ISEP's Summer Abroad program is your gateway to an unforgettable summer of learning, discovery and personal growth.
How It Works
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.
Step 1: Check Availability & Deadlines
- 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.
- Please note all program prices are listed in USD.
- Find out more about ISEP's Scholarship opportunities here!
Check Application Deadlines for ISEP Locations (ISEP Summer Deadlines are typically published during the Fall). Submit your application by the priority deadline to secure a seat for your desired program/destination.
Step 2: Choose an ISEP Program
Program | Institution | Location |
---|---|---|
Universitat Pompeu Fabra | Barcelona, Spain | |
Brussels School of Governance (Vesalius College) | Brussels, Belgium | |
Pontificia Universidad Cattolica de Valparaiso | Valparaiso, Chile | |
International Center for Development Studies | San Jose, Costa Rica | |
International Center for Development Studies | San Jose, Costa Rica | |
Philipps Universitat Marburg | Marburg, Germany | |
University of Ghana | Legon, Ghana | |
American College of Thessaloniki | Thessaloniki, Greece | |
The Chinese University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong, China | |
Nanzan University | Nagoya, Japan | |
Summer in London - Computer Science, Psychology, & Humanities | University of Roehampton | London, England |
Summer in Milan - Fashion, Marketing & International Relations | Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Milan, Italy |
Universite de Caen | Caen, France | |
University of New York in Prague | Prague, Czech Republic | |
Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore | Rome, Italy | |
Hanyang University | Seoul, South Korea | |
Hanyang University | Seoul, South Korea | |
Yonsei University | Seoul, South Korea | |
Universidad de Almeria | Almeria, Spain | |
Universite Savoie Mont Blanc | Chambery, France |
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Meet with the RDP Abroad Office to discuss program options and eligibility.
Step 4: Create an ISEP Account
Create an ISEP account and await approval to start the application process.
Step 5: Gather Application Documents
Gather application documents and apply for your ISEP program.
Step 6: Select Courses
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.