International Experience Awards (General)

What you will need

• ✓ Completed International Experience Award online application form
• ✓ Confirmation that travel is University approved
• ✓ Agreement to adhere to Waterloo International's Safety Abroad web page measures

About this award

No fixed dollar amount is posted for these numerous international experience award funds — contact University of Waterloo to confirm the value for your specific award before you apply. As these are awards, not loans, you do not have to pay this money back. This is for you if you are a University of Waterloo undergraduate student planning to gain global perspective through an international study, work, or volunteer experience. You must apply before your departure term. For Spring travel, the main deadline is March 15 and the late deadline is April 30. For Fall travel, the main deadline is July 15 and the late deadline is August 31. For Winter travel, the main deadline is November 15 and the late deadline is December 31. Ask University of Waterloo how and when you will hear about a decision. Selection is based on a variety of factors, including your destination, financial need, academic success, extracurricular or volunteer involvement, and your motivation for the trip. Selection criteria aren't published in detail — ask University of Waterloo how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Waterloo during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Waterloo whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an undergraduate student at University of Waterloo participating in University approved international travel. To be eligible, you must also adhere to all safety measures detailed on the Waterloo International's Safety Abroad web page. Late applications are only considered for co-op (co-operative education — a program where you alternate academic terms with full-time work experience) work terms if the position was not finalized until after the main award deadline; otherwise, you must meet the main deadlines.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to undergraduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• MotivationAvoid writing a generic statement about wanting to travel. Instead, explain exactly how this specific destination and experience will help your academic or professional goals. Detail one specific goal you hope to achieve while abroad.
• SafetyAvoid ignoring the safety guidelines until after you apply. Instead, review the Waterloo International's Safety Abroad web page immediately. Note any specific safety requirements for your destination in your application to show you are prepared.
• StrategyAvoid waiting until the late deadline to submit. Instead, aim for the main deadline (March 15, July 15, or November 15) to ensure you are considered for the full range of available funds. Submit your general form early since it covers the majority of awards in the directory.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a late application will be accepted for a study or volunteer trip. Instead, recognize that late consideration is generally reserved for co-op positions that were finalized late. Plan your application around the main term deadlines to maximize your chances.

Questions students ask

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