Frequently Asked Questions

General

Application & Forms

Finances

Scheduling Conflicts

Preparing For Travel

 

General

When can I apply?

Application periods vary from program to program, so look at the Apply Now page for application deadlines for the experience you are interested in, you can also subscribe to the UTM Abroad Newsletter to receive updates when new programs open and deadlines are approaching.

 

What is the difference between the UTM Abroad Academic Experiences and UTM Abroad Co-Curricular Experiences?

The UTM Abroad Academic Experiences are tied to a specific course offered at UTM. For these experiences, you must be enrolled in the associated course. Alternatively, UTM Abroad Co-Curricular experiences are based on a specific theme and location.

 

Is this a one-week course?

No. UTM Abroad Academic Experience over a one-week travel experience embedded within a regular UTM course.

 

You can contact us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca or drop by the IEC (DV2091A) Monday to Friday 10:30am-12:30pm or 1:00-3:00pm to chat with us. If you are participating in an experience, you will receive trip-specific contact information in your pre-departure sessions and information packages. 

For questions about course pre-requisites, please contact the relevant department's undergraduate advisor. 

 

Application & Forms

I'm having trouble submitting a form through the UTM Abroad Portal. What do I do?

Ensure you are doing all of the following things and try again:

  • Use Firefox or Google Chrome
  • Use a desktop computer rather than your mobile device
  • You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to print the application form. Adobe Acrobat Reader should be installed before beginning the application process and can be downloaded here
  • For the application process, your browser must enable cookies and JavaScript. For security reasons, your log-in session will automatically be timed-out if you have not entered data during this time
  • Save your progress as you go by clicking "save" at the end of each section to avoid losing the information you have already entered in the form.

If the error persists, take a screenshot and email it to utmabroad@utoronto.ca with a brief explanation.

 

I don't meet the pre-requisites or I'm not sure if I meet the pre-requisites for the course associated with the UTM Abroad experience I'm interested in. What do I do?

Please reach out directly to the relevant department's undergraduate advisor. Their contact can typically be found on the departmental website, under People or Administrative Staff. If you are unsure who to contact, email utmabroad@utoronto.ca and we can send you in the right direction.

 

In your application, select yes when asked about your dietary restriction or allergy, and explain the details in the box provided. We can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions and allergies. Your application assessment will not be impacted by disclosing your dietary restriction/allergy will be used to initiate a plan to support your participation in the international experience.

 

I have a  medical condition and/or disability need that may impact my ability to participate fully in the activities related to the international experience. What do I do?

In your application, select yes when asked about your medical conditions and/or disability needs. We will follow up with a Health Clearance Form (which you can access here) that will help us initiate a plan to support your participation in the international experience. You will be asked to return the completed and signed form within two weeks of submitting your application to UTM Abroad. Your application assessment will not be impacted.

Please note: a staff member will travel with each group to support your health and well-being as well as trip logistics. At any point in the process, you are welcome to approach your staff member to ask for support.

 

I'm a PSEP student. How do I alert UTM Abroad?

Send an email to utmabroad@utoronto.ca and let us know what program you're applying for so that we can add an annotation to your application. Learn more about PSEP here.

 

Finances

YES! We are striving to make these programs as accessible as possible, so we have multiple funding options. Check out the available bursaries here.

 

I am concerned about committing the first installment without knowing how much funding I will receive, what should I do?

If you have concerns about your funding application, we recommend you book a Global Learning Advising appointment. In this appointment, one of our Global Mobility Coordinators can offer guidance about the funding process and answer any questions you may have.

 

When will I hear back about my funding application?

You will be notified about the funding shortly after you receive your acceptance to the program and always prior to the second instalment due date for your experience.

Flights, transportation, accommodation, meals, in-country activities associated with the course, and trip-cancellation insurance. For most experiences on the ground support from a UTM staff member and/or program leaders from our partner organizations are also included in this fee.

 

Course fees, fees associated with travel insurance, additional optional tours/activities while abroad, visa applications, medical exams, vaccinations, and any other additional costs.

 

Scheduling Conflicts

If the course it conflicts with is a program requirement, then you can withdraw from the UTM Abroad Academic Experience and will receive the first installment back. If the course it conflicts with is not a program requirement, and you choose to take it, you will have to withdraw from the UTM Abroad program at your own expense. You can learn more about refunds here.

 

What happens if I can't attend a pre- or post-trip session due to a class conflict?

Email utmabroad@utoronto.ca as soon as possible to set up alternate arrangements. Please note, not all sessions can be re-scheduled. Further Follow up may be required.

 

Preparing For Travel

What does a typical day on a UTM Abroad Experience look like?

This will vary depending on location and even day to day on each trip, but here's a snapshot of what you might expect on a typical day. Most mornings you will start with breakfast at your accommodation and then go to your first activity in the morning. Lunch is usually student-choice of various restaurants, or a group meal depending on the location. In the afternoon you will participate in another activity. You will end the day with dinner & free time in the evening. These are typically quite fast-paced immersive experiences, so you will be on your feet and exploring every day. 

 

Will I have free time?

This will vary depending on location, but many trips will have from a half-day to a day and a half of free time embedded into the experience. You may also have free time in the evenings, but due to the fast-paced nature of the experience, most students use this time to recharge. Please contact us at utmabroad@utoronto.ca to find out if the experience you are interested in has planned free time.

 

Do I have to apply for any travel documents (ex. Visa) myself?

If you need any travel documents, you would need to apply personally. We are available to work with you to help identify what travel documents you might need depending on your country of citizenship and country of travel. We will be able to support you with any letters you require to apply for those documents.