Surfers in sunset
Photo: Jeremy Bishop Pexels
  2. Go international
  3. Exchange studies
  4. Where you can go on exchange studies
  5. Exchange studies in North America

Exchange studies in North America

USA and Canada are popular study destinations. You'll find everything here - world capitals, huge national parks, culture and history. Improve your language skills and take advantage of the wide range of courses, almost all of which are in English. Please note that from 2024 it is not possible to go on exchange for more than one semester to Canada due to entry quotas set by the Canadian government.

Higher Education in North America

The United States and Canada have similar higher education systems. In the first year of higher education, students take so-called freshman courses that are designed for beginners in post-secondary education. As an exchange student, in order to receive credits for your studies abroad we recommend you to take courses within your discipline.

It is important to know that in the United States and Canada, students take several courses (usually 4–5) at the same time. Student performance is assessed via papers and written tests throughout the semester, and each course often ends with a comprehensive so-called final exam.

Courses at US and Canadian universities are usually worth 3–4 credits each, and a course load of 15 credits per semester corresponds to 30 Swedish higher education credits. If you are a Master’s student and take courses at this level, a course load of 12 credits corresponds to 30 Swedish higher education credits. If you are a Master’s student but take courses at the Bachelor’s level, a course load of 15 credits corresponds to 30 Swedish higher education credits.

Language Skills

Students need strong English skills to be able to study in North America. Some universities require a passing score on a standardised test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL or IELTS). For more information, see under each respective university below. If you want to apply to a university that requires a TOEFL or IELTS score, we recommend that you register for a test as early as possible as seats are limited and often fill up quickly.

Finances

It's important to be aware that studying abroad in the USA and Canada can be expensive, so you should start looking for scholarships as soon as possible if you're offered a spot.

For exchanges in the USA, the following costs are usually applicable: English language tests such as TOEFL or IELTS (approximately 3,500 SEK), visa (approximately 6,000 SEK), insurance (between 6,000 and 10,000 SEK), as well as any additional minor fees for using services at the partner university. Exchange programs in Canada tend to be slightly less expensive because the visa is not as costly, and it's common for partner universities to accept the insurance you have from the University of Gothenburg. Otherwise, living costs such as accommodation and food are somewhat more expensive than in Sweden.

Financial Statement

For studies in the USA, a Financial Statement is required to demonstrate that you have the financial resources necessary to sustain yourself in the country. Such a statement is often submitted alongside your application for a residence permit. Some universities may also require you to provide a Financial Statement when applying for admission to exchange studies.

A Financial Statement can, for example, be a certificate from CSN (the Swedish Board of Student Finance) if you have applied for financial aid for studies abroad. It can also be a bank statement confirming that you have assets, such as your parents certifying that they are responsible for your support.

Scholarships

Information about scholarships for studies abroad is available here.

GU-wide exchange spots

In the following countries, the University of Gothenburg has agreements at central level, which means that most of the university's students can apply for exchange places there. However, this does not apply to all students, and the possibility of going on central, GU-wide agreements differs between the different faculties. You need to check what applies at your faculty, and that the university offers courses in your subject area.

Contact

For questions about GU-wide exchange spots, please contact International Centre.

Exchange spots at your faculty and department

Below you can see if there are exchange agreements between your department/faculty and other universities in North America. If the tab is empty, there are no agreements in your subject area.

 

Contact

For questions about exchange spots within your study field, please contact the international coordinator at your faculty or department.

Last modified