International Exchanges
The Faculty of Science strongly supports international competence and encourages participation in mobility programs (e.g., co-op and academic exchanges abroad). Science students pursuing international exchanges can study in a foreign country while working toward their degree at the University of Waterloo. Students can study for up to one year abroad at universities where exchange agreements exist.
The majority of students who participate in exchanges have a keen interest in other countries and cultures, enjoy a change of routine, and adapt easily to different circumstances. Students on an exchange meet people from other countries and are exposed to different cultures. Such contacts improve interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with a variety of different people. The exchange program is an excellent opportunity to improve on language and budgeting skills, while learning to adapt to different environments and situations. Normally exchanges are for students who have completed 2B in Science at Waterloo.
To be eligible for an exchange students must have a minimum cumulative overall average of 70% and be proficient in the language of instruction at the host university. Because of the limited number of places available each year, a selection process – primarily based on grades – is involved. For more information, see the Science International Exchange page of the Faculty of Science website.
International Joint Education Programs
The Faculty of Science has partnered with several universities in China to offer a joint undergraduate program, whereby, students spend the first two years at their Chinese university and the final two years at the University of Waterloo. Students who complete the '2+2' program are awarded bachelor's degrees by both the University of Waterloo and their university in China. Current '2+2' programs in Science include Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Materials and Nanosciences, Mathematical Physics, Physics, and Psychology. The '2+2' program is currently available only to international students at our Chinese partner universities.
The Faculty of Science has also developed two '2+1+1' programs with Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU) and with the China University of Geosciences Wuhan (CUGW). Students participating in the BJTU '2+1+1' program are enrolled in a Nanomaterials and Technology program at BJTU and in the Materials and Nanosciences program at Waterloo. Students participating in the CUGW '2+1+1' program are enrolled in the Groundwater Science and Engineering program at CUGW and in the Environmental Science, Water Science Specialization program at Waterloo. Students in the '2+1+1' programs complete year three at Waterloo and years one, two and four at BJTU or CUGW. Upon completion, bachelor's degrees are awarded by both the University of Waterloo and our Chinese partner universities.