Frequently Asked Questions

Follow these four simple steps to apply for participation in the CONAHEC Student Exchange Program:

Check CONAHEC’s online database to see if your school participates in the CONAHEC Student Exchange Program.
Select a host institution from CONAHEC’s online database.
Print out and complete a CONAHEC student application form.
Bring the completed applcation form to the official CONAHEC representative at the student exchange or study abroad office at your institution. Contact CONAHEC if you need further assistance with this step.

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October 1 to November 15 To participate in an exchange during the Winter/Spring semester (January-June)

March 15 to May 1 To participate in an exchange during the Fall semester (August-December)

March 15 to May 1 To participate in an exchange during the Summer semester (June-July)

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Where do I find specific information about important dates and admission requirements?

See the "Search for Exchange School" button on left hand side of the web page. You will be transferred to a list of colleges and universities that participate in the CONAHEC Student Exchange Program. When you select a school, left click on the name of the school and you will be automatically linked to the school's homepage. You can browse through the school website for admissions information, class schedules, semester dates, housing and other important information.

Currently, there is no financial aid available through CONAHEC. Financial aid is customarily awarded to students by their home institution. Talk with your financial aid representative at your home institution to find out the eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines. Click here to review additional information about financial aid, employment and internships.

In all countries, your student exchange visa requires you to be enrolled as a fulltime student. Generally, you should plan to enroll in at least 4 or 5 courses during a semester or 2 or 3 courses during a summer session.

Students can participate for one summer session, one semester or an academic year (two semesters). It is possible that a student might participate in one country for the first semester and another country for the second semester. For example, a student could attend a summer session in Mexico and a fall semester in Canada. At the end of the exchange period, the student must return to their home country to complete their studies.

I will be an exchange student for one semester; can I stay for another semester?

It is possible to extend your exchange participation if there is an exchange seat available. Talk to the exchange representative at your host institution as soon as possible. Extending your participation will affect your housing, your student visa and other aspects of your student exchange status. The host institution and your home institution must both grant permission to your request.

Course credit may be transferred to the student’s home institution and credited towards a degree program. Host institutions will provide one official transcript of each participant's academic performance. The student’s home institution will assess the transcript for course equivalency and determine the number of credits that will be accepted towards the student’s degree program requirements.

Note: all courses are offered by every institution and some courses may not be accepted for transfer. For example, a student enrolls in a cultural cuisine course at the host institution; the cultural cuisine course may not be offered or may not have an equivalent at the home institution. In this case, the course may not be acceptable as transfer credit. To receive course approval, students should meet with their academic advisor to discuss and agree to a course plan before departure to participate in the exchange program. Click here for more detailed information

Can I receive a Bachelor's or Master's degree through CONAHEC's Student Exchange Program?

The CONAHEC Student Exchange Program was created to give students the opportunity to study in a foreign country for a short period of time at the lowest possible cost. Tuition or registration costs for international students can be very costly. CONAHEC exchange students do not pay any tuition or registration to the host institution and are considered "visiting" students. Because of the short term nature of the exchange program, visiting students may not obtain a degree from the host institution. Exchange students are expected to return to their home country and complete their studies in order to receive a Bachelor's or Master's degree from their home institution.