Student Exchange Program
1. The purpose of this site
MIE encourages student exchange both for inbound and outbound students. This site is intended to provide MIE students wishing to spend time abroad in a partner university with the information necessary to facilitate their study abroad in an efficient manner. In this site, we outline the pathway required to satisfy MIE's and UofT requirements.
2. Studying Abroad
The major challenge of studying in a new culture is not about achieving high grades but being surrounded by a new culture. Students abroad could encounter language difficulties, unusual social customs, difficulties in making new friends, and fitting in their new environment. Students intending to go abroad for studies must embrace the diversity experienced in their newly adopted society, respect its values and traditions, do as much networking and be proactive in creating new friendships to alleviate some of these challenges. Here are some tips to lessen the culture shock and avoid being lonely:
- Be positive, civil and treat your classmates with respect
- Be proactive and socialise with your classmates after classes
- Join clubs with other students who share your interests
- Participate in sports events and social gatherings
- Take part in festivities and enjoy the new culture, the sites and the cuisine
- Make use of international student services for additional help and advice
3. MIE’s Student Exchange Pathway
In the following, we outline the pathway to follow to complete MIE's and the University's requirements for studying abroad. Interested students should:
- Examine the provided list of partner universities with which MIE and U of T have exchange agreements.
- Download, carefully examine and complete Course Authorisation Form and Study Plan for Degree Completion upon return from exchange.
- Complete (a) their cover letter outlining the program of interest, timing and stating their first three choices in order of preference, together with (b) Statement of Purpose, (c) Study Plan, (d) Transcript, and (e) Statement outlining their financial commitment and viability, including travel, accommodation abroad and health insurance.
- Submit Forms (Course Authorisation and Study Plan stated in 2 above) together with documents (a)-(e) stated above to Centre for International Experience (CIE) . CIE will carry out its first filtering process by interviewing the student(s) and outlining the possible destination for the exchange as a result of a ranking system, availability and suitability for the prospective student.
- The Associate Chair for Undergraduate studies will (a) register the student as a possible exchange student, (b) identify the appropriate semester(s) for the exchange, (c) identify the impact on the degree in terms of any possible short falls and how they can be overcome, (d) equivalent courses and possible limitations, and (e) will send the complete dossier and input to MIE's International Student Exchange Advisor (Advisor) for the final screening, as a representative of the Chair of MIE.
- Upon the recommendations of the Advisor, the student may now apply directly to his/her program of interest in the host University to seek their approval.
- Once the approval from the host University is received, the student may approach the Exchange Advisor for further clarifications and the possible challenges facing his/her stay abroad.
- The papers are to be returned to the CIE with the recommendations of the Advisor with a copy to the Undergraduate Coordinator.
- The CIE contacts the representative in the host university and provides details of the student, his/her study plan, and seeking help for the student from the partner university and attend to all necessary paper work.
- The student begins planning for the move by seeking accommodation, travel arrangement, insurance, approach their prospective supervisor.
- Prior to departure, an orientation by CIE could be arranged.
 |
4. Partner Universities
Some of the Partner Universities stated below are applicable for third year MIE students wishing to study abroad:
| Austria |
University of Vienna |
ArtSci, UTM, UTSc |
2.25 |
| China |
Chinese University of Hong Kong |
all |
2.25 |
| China |
Fudan University |
all |
2.25 |
| China |
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Engineering |
2.25 |
| China |
Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
ArtSci, UTM, UTSc |
2.25 |
| China |
Tsinghua University |
all |
3.00 |
| Japan |
Keio University |
all |
3.00 |
| Japan |
Kyoto University |
all |
3.00 |
| Japan |
Nagoya University |
all |
3.00 |
| Japan |
University of Tokyo |
ArtSci, UTM, UTSc |
3.00 |
| Korea (South) |
Korean Advanced Institute of Science & Technology |
Engineering |
2.25 |
| Sweden |
Lund University |
all |
2.25 |
| Switzerland |
ETH-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich |
all |
2.25 |
| Singapore |
National University of Singapore |
MIE |
2.25 |
| Singapore |
Nanyang Technological University |
MIE |
2.25 |
| Turkey |
Bogazici University |
MIE |
2.25 |
5. Student Responsibilities
- Read the exchange website carefully
- Prepare all documents in a timely fashion
- Understand your rights and obligations to UofT, MIE and the host University
- Read and get acquainted with the host culture
- Clear understanding of the effect of the study abroad on the degree requirements
- Understand that he/she is our ambassador abroad
- Plan the trip well in advance (accommodation, insurance, travel, courses, etc.)
- Ensure financial viability
6. MIE International Student Exchange Scholarship Award
The MIE International Student Exchange Scholarship is open for undergraduate students enrolled in the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering at U of T. The applicants must have a minimum cGPA of 3.0 and enjoy good academic standing. The scholarship is for $2,000 (maximum), and is one-time only irrespective of the duration of stay at the partner (host) university.
7. Centre for International Experience
Cumberland House, Room 204
33 St. George Street
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2E3
Tel: (416) 946-3138
Email: student.exchange@utoronto.ca
It is responsible for facilitating students exchange both outbound and inbound and helps with non-academic matters relating to study abroad, such as guidance on visa requirements, accommodation, tax office, medical care, among many other important issues.
8. MIE’s International Student Exchange Advisor
Student Exchange Advisor
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
5 King's College Road
Toronto, ON. M5S 3G8
Tel: (416) 978-6420
Email: exchange@mie.utoronto.ca
9. Residence Permits for Study Abroad
If you are not a citizen of the country you are visiting for exchange, you need a residence permit to be registered in that country. For most countries, you need to apply for a residence/study visa well in advance of your entry to that country.
Forms:
