Before you can pack your bags, you’ll have to decide what kind of international experience you want to have, and which program is right for you. This guide will help you to ask the important questions and make sure you pick the program that’s best for you.

• Search available programs via Atlas, Western’s International Learning portal
• You can narrow down your search by selecting various filters, such as destination, term, type, subject area, language of instruction
• Under “Type” in the right-hand side of the search box, select “Exchange” then “Apply Search”
• Review details and eligibility requirements for your program of interest
• Application fees* and placement fees* apply (* Fees are non-refundable)

• Come to an information session (held regularly throughout the academic year) to learn more about the application process and your program options
• Visit our office during drop-in hours to speak with our International Learning Coordinators or International Learning Ambassadors (trained student leaders who have participated in a Western international learning experience). 

To begin an application for a program, visit Atlas to select your desired program

Before starting your application, read the entire program page to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you are ready to start an application, click the "Login to Apply" link at the bottom of the program page. Complete and submit your application

An application fee* will be charged to your student account (* Fees are non-refundable)

Please note: do not login unless you are proceeding with an application

Please note that you may apply for only one program per term. Additional destinations or program options can be listed in the Program Selection section of the application under the "Optional Program/Destination" dialogue box. Please do not submit multiple applications.

There are general application questions you should be prepared to respond to when completing your online application in Atlas, such as:

1. Why do you wish to be considered for the program (academic and personal reasons)?
2. List any extra-curricular, volunteer and work activities that you have been involved in over the course of your University career.
3. What have you done to prepare yourself to live in a culture different from your own? How do you think you will cope with the differences?
4. Discuss a stressful experience in your past and how you dealt with it.

Many partner institutions and organizations require a separate application in addition to the one required by Western International. This secondary application may be available at the time of the application in Atlas or may be provided to you at a later date

Some programs may require supporting documents. Submit any supporting document by the application deadline

• Application deadlines vary by program, generally between late Fall and early Winter terms. Check specific program details in Atlas

• Western International will review and evaluate your application and update your application status in Atlas
• Your application status will remain in "Pending" until the program coordinator evaluates your application. You will be notified via email whether your application has been approved or not
• In some cases, you may receive a conditional approval. The program coordinator will contact you to let you know what additional information is required to move your application to "Approved"

• After receiving your program offer via email, you must accept or decline your offer within the specified time indicated in your offer email. Students who do not respond by the deadline are subject to automatic withdrawal
• Once your application is successful and you accept your placement in the exchange program, a placement fee* will be charged to your student account (* Fees are non-refundable)

• A Course Approval Form will need to be completed 6-8 weeks prior to your departure. You will receive further information about the course approval process after you have accepted your offer for the respective program

• Before departing for your international experience, you are required to complete the  pre-departure and safety abroad requirements
• Grades from your exchange will be recorded as "Pass/Fail" on your Western University transcript . Please keep in mind that students who later apply to graduate or professional programs will normally be required to provide a transcript from the host university, and their grades from exchange will be assessed at the discretion of the program that they are applying to.