Study Abroad
Your international experience starts here, let us help you get there!
We offer students the opportunity to engage in intercultural and international experience through global learning activities
There are many reasons to why you should consider participating in a global experience:
Develop intercultural competencies
Expand your global connections
Gain academic recognition for your participation in Abroad experiences
Get out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in a new culture
Learn new language and culture
Stand out to employers
Travel and have fun
Global Skills Opportunity Funding
Global Skills Opportunity is a national outbound student mobility program that is expected to enable more than 16,000 Canadian college and undergraduate-level university students to acquire the global skills employers want and the national economy needs.
This program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is administered jointly by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada.
While open to all Canadian post-secondary students, the national program targets groups for whom international experiences have traditionally been less accessible — specifically Indigenous students, students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. It also aims to diversify destination countries where Canadian students can pursue international learning.
Students have an opportunity through the RDP Abroad Biology and Practical Nursing experiences to apply for Global Skills Opportunity funding. Eligible students based on available funding qualify for $5,000 to cover experience expenses. Students that identify as part of the target groups may be eligible for a maximum of $10,000 to cover experience expenses.
Current Experiences
Canada - Germany Exchange (EUF + RDP)
Europa-Universitat Flensburg (EUF) (Flensburg, Germany) and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) (Red Deer, Alberta, Canada) have established a mutually beneficial student exchange agreement which supports one or two students each year to study at the other higher education institution. One student may study for one year, or two students may each study for one semester, annually from each institution. Both institutions are committed to a collaborative partnership which supports student success.
For RDP Students
This unique exchange opportunity is currently offered to student in programs such as Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. It is a self-led exchange. Students are recommended to plan their study at EUF between March – July for a full semester. If you are interested in participating in the exchange experience, discover and learn more about EUF through their website.
Bachelor of Education students are recommended to participate in this exchange during their third year of the program. For more information, Bachelor of Education students can contact the Julia Rheaume, Program Chair.
Eligibility
Student in the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program
18 years old +
In good academic standing and must maintain it during the exchange
Academic Semester at EUF
Fall Term: September - February
Spring Term: March – August
Mandatory orientation week at the beginning of semester
Lecture period: Mid-March – Beginning of July
Exam Period: End of June – Mid-July
After exam: research period/semester break – no lecture
RDP students will be participating in the exchange with EUF during their spring term between March to August. Students can return as soon as all exams are completed. Click HERE to explore course offerings for exchange students at EUF.
Students should meet with the Student Connect Centre to ensure they have room for open electives in their program. Students may also connect with the Program Chair or Associate Dean to discuss EUF course selection.
Cost to Participate
The overall 5-month exchange cost is estimated at CAD $9,000, which includes:
Airfare
Ground Transportation
Travel Insurance
Accommodations
Meals
EUF Application Fee
Tuition Costs
Study Visa
Since this is a self-directed endeavor, students will be accountable for organizing and covering the expenses required for their participation. However, the RDP Abroad Office and the Incoming Exchange Students team at EUF will be available to offer assistance and guidance throughout the process.
Timeline and Process
Application Opens: April 20 – May 31
Shortlisting and Interviews: June
Notification of Result: By June 30
RDP Nomination to EUF: September to October
Student Notified by EUF to submit Application: By November 1
Prep Work by Student: November – February
Arrive at EUF: By March 1
For EUF Students
About Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP)
Discover RDP through our website and explore our virtual tours to experience our campuses, Residence, facilities and learn about all we have to offer.
Academic Program Information - Semester Dates
Fall Term: September to December
Reading Week - 2nd week in October (no classes)
Winter Term: January to April
Reading Week - 3rd week in February (no classes)
Spring Term: May to June
Summer Term: July to August
Learning Experience
Students can expect to engage in a wide variety of learning experiences at RDP, including lecture, interactive discussion, individual and group projects, student-led presentations, experiential activities, labs, and many others, depending on the courses selected. Connect with our Academic Advisors from Student Connect Centre and they will assist students with their course selection virtually or in person.
Bachelor of Education Program Information
The Bachelor of Education degree program at RDP is a four-year program that prepares future teachers to design high quality, socially responsible and authentic learning opportunities that meet learner needs.
The Academic Planning Guides provide an overview of the Bachelor of Education Degree program at RDP. We offer specializations in Early Years (Grades Kindergarten to 4), Middle Years (grades 5 to 9) and Secondary (grades 10 to 12).
Education Courses
Students from EUF are welcome to join any of the following EDUC courses
EDUC 1301 - Interpersonal Relationships
EDUC 1302 - Educational Technology
EDUC 1304 - Inclusive Learning Environments
EDUC 1305 - Child Development
EDUC 1500 - The Teaching Profession (includes field experience)
EDUC 2500 - Social Equity & Inclusion
EDUC 2803 - Language Learning and Literacy
EDUC 2804 – Numeracy
EDUC 2805 - Foundational Knowledge
EDUC 2312 - Designing Learning
EDUC 4311 - Indigenous Ways
EDUC 4342 - Designing Integrated Learning
Courses in Other Disciplines
There are also a wide variety of courses offered at RDP you can choose from. The following table provides an overview of the different disciplines and can guide specific course selection.
| Accounting ACCT | Film FILM |
| Antrhopology ANTH | French FREN |
| Art ART | Genetics GENE |
| Astronomy ASTR | History HIST |
| Biology BIOL | Interdisciplinary Studies INTD |
| Business BUS | Kinesiology KNSS or Kinesiology Physical Education KPED |
| Business Administration BADM | Math MATH |
| Chemistry CHEM | Microbiology MICR |
| Classics CLAS | Music MUSE, MUSI |
| Communications COMM (excluding COMM 250) | Philosophy PHIL |
| Computing Scicne CMPT | Physical Activities KPAC |
| Dance KDNC | Physics PHYS |
| Drama DRAM | Political Science POLI |
| Economics ECON | Psychology PSYC |
| English ENGL | Sociology SOCI |
| Family Studies FAM | Zoology ZOOL |
Students can search the timetable for specific courses within each of the above areas here.
You can also access the full list of courses available at RDP in our academic calendar here.
You will work with the Julia Rheaume, Program Chair for the Bachelor of Education program, to select courses that are of interest to you and are available during your semester of study at RDP.
Before taking any courses, it is important to consult with your home institution to ensure courses taken at RDP are transferable to EUF.
Living and Learning in Red Deer
View the information below to learn more about Red Deer Polytechnic and the central Alberta region.
Estimated Cost:
| Cost Estimate | Source | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation on Campus | $820 | RDP Housing - Studio Suite | Single occupancy: Shared occupancy is lower cost |
| Groceries | $500.00 | StatsCanada | |
| Bus Pass | $62.00 | City of Red Deer | Student discount available through RDP Students’ Association |
| Entertainment | $100.00 | e.g. going to a movie once a week | |
| Miscellaneous | $150.00 | Clothes, Personal Items, etc. | |
| Monthly Total | $1632.00 | ||
| Other Fees | $1180.00 | Student Association, Insurance, FST. Includes International Health Insurance | |
| Textbooks/Supplies | $800 | ||
| Total Per Term (4 Months) | $8,508.00 |
Entrance into Canada for Academic Studies
Government of Canada website: “Foreign nationals may enter Canada or remain in Canada without a study permit to attend a course or program of study of 6 months’ duration or less [R188(1)(c)].”
For study in Canada 6 months or less:
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV, also called a Visitor Visa) is required to travel to Canada
Study permit is not required, unless you want to work while in Canada
A study permit is strongly recommended, even if you are studying in Canada for less than 6 months
For study in Canada lasting longer than 6 months:
Study permit is required - Study permit: About the process - Canada.ca
For general information about international student study, review the relevant Government of Canada website.
Red Deer Polytechnic International Division also has information specific to permits and visas.
Application to Red Deer Polytechnic
Interested student will be nominated by EUF to RDP Abroad Office (Abroad@rdpolytech.ca). Once the nomination is accepted, complete your application to RDP using the following link: Application.
The completed application can be submitted directly to international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca accompanied by your EUF nomination.
COVID-19
Canada ended COVID-19 related entry requirements in October 2022. For the most current COVID-19 information, see COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders - Travel.gc.ca
Contact Information
Visit our International webpage section to learn about studying at Red Deer Polytechnic. For any questions and inquires, email RDP Abroad.
Global Skills Opportunity Experiences
In partnership with Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), RDP is excited to provide our students the opportunity to study and learn from different organizations and institutions abroad to enrich their student journey at RDP. GSO-RDP Abroad programs are funded through the GSO grants.
Biological Sciences in Costa Rica
In partnership with CREMA and Turtle Trax, Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to offer volunteer experience for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Biological Sciences to apply their learning at a turtle sanctuary in Costa Rica.
Volunteer Experience
Immersed in a full-contact experience with nature and coastal communities of the Southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Protection and conservation activities including direct work with the sea turtle conservation program, and community connections.
Three-week experience.
When Will I Go?
Timing is coordinated around the regular turtle nesting season in Costa Rica, which occurs between July and December each year.
Volunteer (Three Weeks)
Participants will be divided into groups to join either a summer cohort or fall cohort
Summer cohort will travel in July and August
Fall cohort will travel in October
Project site location is assigned by our partner CREMA and Turtle Trax
2024 Experience Dates:
Cohort àJul 13 – Aug 3, 2024
Cohort àAug 4 – Aug 25, 2024
Cohort àOct 4 – Oct 25, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Student must complete the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at Red Deer Polytechnic by June of the experience year to be eligible to apply.
For example, if you would like to apply for the 2025 abroad experience, you will need to finish your 2nd year of study by June 2025. You will still submit your application when it opens in 2024.
Course Information
Students who complete the volunteer experience will be eligible for credits in SCIE 4901 Applied Study Credit (3 Credits). Course credit is determined by program requirements and required completion of all necessary deliverables.
Housing
Accommodations and meals will be arranged for students who undertake the volunteer experience. Accommodations and meals are provided by Turtle Trax, covering three basic meals each day and basic accommodations for the experience.
Accommodations for this experience will be in shared style layouts, typically with bunkbeds as the primary bed setup. In most cases these accommodations will be roomed by the host organization in a co-ed manner.
Funding Opportunities and Providers
This project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program aiming to cover the majority of necessary expenses for students to participate in a study abroad experience. Funding application is together with the experience application. Visit Awards & Scholarships for details.
Experience Cost
Experience costs is estimated between $6,500 - $7,500 CAD that includes:
Airfare, to and from Costa Rica
Travel Insurance
Travel Immunizations
Transportation Assistance Plan (Airport Drop-off/Pick-up in Costa Rica and transport to research site)
Meals and Accommodations provided by CREMA and Turtle Trax
Supplies and first-aid lesson
*The GSO grant will cover majority of the cost and up to 100% if available.
Application
Application opens a year prior to the experience. For example, you will be applying in 2026 for 2027’s experience.
2025 Application Opens: To be announced
2025 Application Closes: To be announced
Shortlisting/Interviews: To be announced
Applicant Selection and Notification: To be announced
Contact Us
Questions? Email RDP Abroad.
Practical Nurse in Saint Lucia
Make a world of difference, join our study abroad experience! The RDP Abroad Practical Nursing (PN) Experience provides students an opportunity to develop their skills abroad by supporting local communities and organizations on the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.
Through collaboration with local partners, students will develop general health promotion and educational material for local communities that meet localized individual needs.
When Will I Go?
This abroad experience is scheduled to be two weeks in May, exact date may vary year to year.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must have completed the PN Program including the final practicum.
Students must be successful and in good academic standing with the program.
Course Information for PN Abroad 2024
If student choose to participate in this abroad experience, it will count towards part of PN 271 Health Promotion IV Course. Student will complete PN 271 in the winter term however, student will receive an "incomplete" until they return from St. Lucia and have successfully completed PN 271 in St. Lucia.
Course credit is determined by program requirements and required completion of all necessary deliverables. Please contact School of Health and Wellness if you have any questions about course credit
Travel and Accommodations
Flights, accommodations and meals will be pre-arranged for this experience. As this is a faculty led group study tour, all students will stay at the same hotel and travel together during the time in St. Lucia.
Funding Opportunities
This project is funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program aiming to cover the majority of necessary expenses for students to participate in a study abroad experience. Visit Awards & Scholarships for details.
Experience Cost
Cost of the experience is estimated at $5,000 - $6000 CAD per participant that includes:
Airfare
Travel Insurance
Accommodations and Meals
Transportation to and from the airport at the destination
Local ground transport at the destination for experience related activities
*The GSO grant will cover majority of the cost and up to 100% if available.
Application
Application for PN Abroad is currently closed
Contact Us
Questions? Email RDP Abroad.