Study Abroad & Academic Exchange

Don’t just learn about the world – experience it! While completing your undergraduate degree, you can travel outside of Canada with an opportunity that involves active immersion in another country. LA&PS  is committed to offering exciting study-abroad experiences to help you grow and discover the world.

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LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program

Spend part of your summer studying abroad with a small group of classmates in one of our exciting faculty-led courses! All faculty-led summer courses are taught by LA&PS professors and are either 3.0 or 6.0 credits.

Go Abroad This Summer

Other York University International Study Opportunities

Academic Exchange

Earn credits toward your degree at one of York’s 120+ international partner institutions in more than 40 countries.

Global Internships

Gain relevant job skills and apply what you’ve learned in your studies in an international, intercultural work environment.

Las Nubes Summer Courses

The Las Nubes Project offers programs that give students an unprecedented opportunity to interact with and learn from the local rural Costa Rican communities through first-hand lessons on tropical ecology, sustainability, indigenous education, arts, health, and conservation.

International Bachelor of Arts (iBA)

Prepare for success in the global workforce. With this unique bachelor’s degree, you’ll get exposure to international points of view and experiences, learn a new language and complete a term abroad.

YU Affiliated External Opportunities

Explore all the opportunities to go abroad – whether you plan to study, volunteer or intern – with an external group that’s affiliated with York University.

Woman sitting at a desk working on laptop

Globally Networked Learning

Bringing together researchers, instructors and students from around the world, this exciting program builds rich cultural connections while creating a platform for shared learning experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Study abroad is a learning activity that’s completed internationally – outside York University – for academic credits or experience. LA&PS students can get involved in a variety of ways: enrolling in a LA&PS Summer Study Abroad course, participating in a summer course at York’s Las Nubes campus, or applying for an academic exchange or internship program. The LA&PS Study Abroad team coordinates the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program, while York International facilitates all other opportunities, such as international exchanges, global internships, and Las Nubes summer courses.

While having the travel experience of a lifetime, you will:

Gain critical thinking skills and independence
Build global networks
Improve your language and linguistic proficiency
Become a globally minded citizen ready to operate in an increasingly globalized society
Learn about yourself in relation to your studies
Get exposure to intercultural learning and an increased understanding of cultures

Every undergraduate LA&PS student (Canadian or international) in good academic standing can participate in LA&PS summer study abroad courses. Students from other faculties are eligible to take LA&PS summer courses if they meet any pre-requisites. International Bachelor of Arts (iBA) students must study abroad on an academic exchange.

For other global learning program eligibility, please consult the York International website.

Students who work and study simultaneously can enroll in LA&PS summer study abroad courses, but may need to take leave from work to do so given that they take place out of the country. Students who are not able to travel abroad may wish to consider a Globally Networked Learning course.

Students may apply to LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses at any time, provided they meet course requirements, be at least 18 years old, and have completed their 1st year of university. For academic exchange, LA&PS students should generally apply during their second year to study abroad during their third year.

Except for language courses, all LA&PS Summer Study Abroad courses are taught in English.

For academic exchanges: English is the language of instruction at many of York’s partner universities; others offer intensive language training before or during the semester to improve your language skills (by planning ahead, you could start language training in your first year and then enhance it through immersion abroad in a later year). Specific language requirements are noted on each university’s program website.

Yes. LA&PS offers a $500 award through the LA&PS International Study Abroad Award.

Additional funding is available via York International.

Check out our Funding page for more information.

All interested students are strongly encouraged to attend one of our upcoming Study Abroad Info Sessions. Please see a schedule of events.

For information about the LA&PS Summer Study Abroad Program, please contact our Study Abroad team at studyabr@yorku.ca.

For information about other global learning programs like academic exchanges, international internships, and Las Nubes courses, please contact York International at goglobal@yorku.ca.

Please refer all academic exchange-related inquiries to York International at goglobal@yorku.ca.

Depending on the type of program you are enrolled in, costs may include:

Program fee (including accommodations, transportation, some meals, and excursions or field activities)
Tuition (paid directly to York University as per other courses)
Professor-related costs
You can see examples of LA&PS Summer Study Abroad course costs.

Hear from our students!

Why Study Abroad at York University?

Get ready for an unforgettable summer abroad! Join York University students from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies as they embark on a month-long adventure to various countries around the world. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, bask in loads of sunshine, and witness their whirlwind journey. Pack your bags and come along for the ride!

group of students on south korea summer abroad course

Studying in Seoul was the best experience of my degree at York! Being able to immerse myself in and explore a new country allowed me to make new friends, connections, and become more independent, all while learning about the culture. This experience is one I will truly cherish forever!

— Mahika Kaushal, GLBL 3581, Seoul, South Korea, Summer 2024

I loved participating in this study abroad course. Not only did I make many close friends, I learned so much about a country I knew nothing about and I was able to fully immerse myself in the culture by learning the language and navigating the city, as well as visiting several historical sites and museums.

— Alexandra Schella, HIST 3357, Greece, Summer 2025