Student Exchanges and Work Abroad Opportunities
Discover a wide range of global learning experiences for Mohawk students and students from partner institutions around the world, including work abroad, co-op placements, internships, and both inbound and outbound exchanges. These programs help you build career-ready skills, intercultural competence, and meaningful international connections. Explore this section to find the opportunity that’s right for you.
Faculty, Staff and Researcher Opportunities
Opportunities for educators to teach, research, and collaborate internationally. These exchanges can enhance professional development, foster cross-cultural understanding, and build academic networks. Participants bring valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences that ultimately benefit the entire college community.
Global Learning Immersion Program – Faculty and Staff (Inbound)
We’re excited to offer short-term programs that help faculty build intercultural competencies and expand their knowledge. Participants study in English with industry experts, gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities, and explore the rich culture and history of our community. With on-campus residence, access to state-of-the-art equipment, and support from a dedicated team, these programs provide a complete learning and cultural experience.
Programs in development
Interested in developing a program with us or learning more contact international@mohawkcollege.ca
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), brings a global experience directly into your course, no passport required. Faculty forge academic connections with colleagues while students gain intercultural skills and global competencies by working online with peers from partner institutions around the world.
Developed by the SUNY COIL Center, this model connects a Mohawk faculty member with an international colleague to design joint projects and activities that cross time zones, languages, and cultures. For students, it’s a chance to apply course concepts in real-world, cross-cultural contexts. For faculty, it’s an opportunity to enrich curriculum, build global networks, and create dynamic learning experiences that prepare students for today’s interconnected world.
Resources, Support, & Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to learn more about Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) or Virtual Exchange? Start here.
Note: Some institutions use the term “Virtual Exchange,” instead of COIL so you may see that in the resources below
Virtual Exchange—also called Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)—connects Mohawk students and faculty with peers around the world for shared, intercultural learning experiences, virtually.
Have a question not covered here? Email beyondborders@mohawkcollege.ca
COIL Resources
Why is Mohawk College offering this to students and what are the benefits?
Virtual Exchange/COIL offers the following benefits to students:
- Provides students with intercultural learning opportunities to become global citizens and graduate with the future ready skill of global competency
- Global competencies allow students to:
- work effectively within diverse teams;
- appreciate and understand diverse perspectives and world views;
- adapt and be flexible in new or unfamiliar environments
- Provides an accessible way for the College to ensure more students can participate in global learning opportunities
- Provides value-add to our curriculum and programs of high interest to globally minded prospects
- Allows Mohawk to compete with other colleges and universities already offering these opportunities
What’s in it for faculty?
Faculty gain professional development, expand their global network, and explore how their field is practiced internationally. Many find it re-energizes their teaching and research.
What’s the purpose?
To provide accessible, experiential, and intercultural learning that prepares students for today’s global workplace—offering meaningful global connections without the cost or barriers of travel.
Who is eligible to participate?
Full-time faculty are eligible for a 4.5-hour/week release. Applications are reviewed by a college selection committee. Faculty must be open to sharing the results of the project with the Beyond Borders program team, other departments and colleagues.
How do I get started?
Begin by reviewing this FAQ for Mohawk Faculty. Connect with your Program Coordinator, Associate Dean, or Dean, about your interest in integrating a virtual Exchange/COIL into your teaching. You can also e-mail beyondborders@Mohawkcollege.ca if you have any questions.
What support is offered to me?
Once you express interest, a member of the Beyond Borders team will meet with you to discuss how you would like to develop a COIL (timing, partners, activities, etc.) If you do not have a partner, we will see if there is a partner suitable for your area of study within our partner network. There are several modules in MyCanvas about intercultural competencies development that can be utilized in the COIL program, if needed.
What has Mohawk College done so far?
Since 2021, Mohawk has supported a wide range of COIL initiatives across our academic programs. Through these collaborations, Mohawk students in Hamilton, Ontario, have gained unique learning opportunities without leaving the classroom.They have engaged with professors and perspectives from various countries including, Colombia, Mexico, India, Brazil, Romania and the United States.
What are the expectations of a Virtual - Exchange/COIL?
Faculty should plan to spend several hours preparing their COIL project, including at least one virtual meeting with their partner before, during, and after the exchange. Using the Virtual Exchange/ COIL Guide for Mohawk Faculty is recommended to outline goals, technology needs, learning outcomes, and activities.
Projects typically involve:
- Setting shared learning goals and addressing challenges (technology, time zones, language).
- Aligning course outcomes and planning synchronous or asynchronous activities.
- Creating a learning plan that supports meaningful intercultural exchange.
During the COIL, some live interaction is encouraged (e.g., joint classes, guest lectures, or team projects), but the format (live, recorded, or fully asynchronous) is flexible to fit both partners’ needs.
What does a COIL project look like in practice?
There are many possibilities for the format of a COIL project and no prescribed parameters other than the objectives of participants from both countries to collaborate, interact and learn from one another. Some possibilities include:
- Joint projects where pairs or teams from both countries work together;
- Synchronous classes where students from both countries interact through video conferencing or chat;
- Asynchronous activities where students participate through collaborative online documents, whiteboards, discussion boards;
- Synchronous/asynchronous activities for a sub-group of students in the class who volunteer to participate in a COIL;
- Comparative projects where students share perspectives from their home countries either synchronously or asynchronously.
Do I need to find my own international partner?
No. The Beyond Borders team maintains a network of ready partners, but you may also propose your own connection.
Global Learning Summer Immersion Program (GLI) - for Students
Mohawk College is proud to welcome students from around the world to our Global Learning Immersion program in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The program is open to youth age 18 and over and provides hands-on learning in world-class facilities. The two-week Global Learning Immersion (GLI) program welcomes international students and partners to Mohawk College for an engaging, on-campus experience.
Participants explore foundational and emerging topics through hands-on classes, campus activities, community engagement, and industry visits. The program also features a full-day field trip connecting weeks one and two, plus free time to discover the local community and culture.
Find the Right GLI Experience for You
eSports Fundamentals
Explore the gaming industry, applying historical context and grassroots aspects of the industry to present day. Distinguish between eSports and gaming, while working with industry experts on development.
Game Design
Explore the fundamental elements that make games a unique medium including rules, incentives and gameplay patterns.
Global Communications
Students will be introduced to acceptable workplace etiquette and practices in Canadian health care settings. Students will study the elements and dimensions of culture in order to appreciate why individuals from various cultures often demonstrate different behaviours and communication practices. Students will be expected to become competent in intercultural communication and apply their
knowledge to a variety of scenarios such as a cross-cultural workplace conflict.
Communication for Business (English)*
Develop professional writing skills appropriate for communication with different audiences focusing on gathering, analyzing, organizing and communicating information in effective and persuasive professional documents.
The Summer 2026 GLI program will not be offered.
If you are interested in learning more about future programs or creating a custom GLI experience, please contact international@mohawkcollege.ca
Program Breakdown
Read more
As you get ready for your journey, here’s some helpful information to help you prepare for your time at Mohawk College and your new experiences in Canada. We can’t wait to meet you!
Application Details
The team will review all submissions and connect with participants about next steps.
Program fee
Program cost: For more details contact international@mohawkcollege.ca
Payment deadline: Coming Soon
Inclusions: Cost includes program registration fee, full calendar of events and programming, accommodation, health insurance, meal allowance, airport transportation, city bus pass, and much more!
Exclusions: round trip airfare, personal expenses
*Cost may differ for specialty or custom programs
This program is open exclusively to students 18 years and older. If you are interested in the program but not 18 email the team at international@mohawkcollege.ca for more information.
Note: To ensure the success of all participants, attendees must have an intermediate to advanced level of English proficiency (equivalent to an IELTS 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5).*Applicants to Communication for Business must have an intermediate level of English proficiency (equivalent to an IELTS 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0).
Programming
Each day a full calendar of academic and non-academic activities is prepared for participants. Activities are scheduled from 9 am to 4 pm daily with additional activities planned for evenings and weekends.
An exciting component of the Global Learning Immersion Program is exploring our community.
Some previous activities have included:
- Canada’s Wonderland
- CN Tower & Ripley’s Aquarium
- Niagara Falls
- Rafting on the Grand River
- Wild Water Works
- Local Museums include Dundurn Castle, Battlefield House and more!
Participation requirements
To receive your Certificate of Completion, you must attend all classes, complete the final assessment, and remain for the entire duration of the program. Students are required to arrive and depart on the dates set by Mohawk College, early departures or absences are not permitted.
Curfew
For your security, the rules regarding curfew will be strictly enforced. Those breaking curfew will be dismissed from the program and returned home at their own expense.
Exemption requests
Parents are not authorized to exempt their child from the classes, the activities or the curfew. Please note that we cannot authorize overnight trips or weekend trips even if they are with friends or family members. All students must respect the curfew at all times.
Free time
Outside of scheduled programming, students will have free time to explore and relax. During these periods, students are responsible for their own safety. Please note that students are not permitted to leave the City of Hamilton without supervision at any time or for any reason.
Health insurance
Your registration fee includes Guard.me health insurance for the duration of the program. For details about your coverage, please visit the GuardMe website. Students may purchase additional insurance at their own discretion if desired.
Program Fees, Payments and Deadlines
Program fees and deadlines are outlined in the Program Invitation Letter provided by Mohawk College. Please review your document carefully to ensure you meet all timelines and are eligible to register once your visa is approved.
How to Pay

Mohawk College is a proud partner of Flywire, offering innovative and streamlined international payment solutions.
Flywire provides:
- Convenient, local payment methods-credit card and direct debit
- 24-hour account access to your payment information
- The ability to set up multiple authorized users to make a payment onyour account.
Foundedby a former international student, Flywire’s mission is to ensure ease of paymentno matter where they are in the world, removing barriers and costly fees. FlywireInternational payments allow students to make payments in their local currency, offeringmultiple payment methods, all with their 24/7 support and best price guarantee.
Payment from outside Canada
Use the student number listed on your Letter of Invitation to make payment Note the payment processing could take 3 to 5 days. Please make the payment a few days prior to the deadline.
Refund Policy
- Visa Denial: If the participant’s visa is denied, a refund will be processed to the original form of payment, less a $100CAD administrative fee. Proof of visa denial will be required.
- Withdraw Before Program Start Date: Participants are eligible to withdraw up until two-weeks before program start date. If the participant wishes to withdraw prior to the program start date, a refund will be processed to the original form of payment, less a$250CAD administrative fee.
- After Program Start Date: No refunds will be granted after the program start date.
Note:
- All fees are subject to change
- All amounts are listed in Canadian dollars
Personal expenses
It is suggested that each student budget sufficient spending money to support their personal expenses through the entirety of the program. Personal spending money may be used for souvenir shopping, purchasing snacks on outings, or other miscellaneous costs.Depending on personal needs, this amount could vary between $75CAD and $100CAD per week. For safety, we recommend bringing a credit or debit card instead of large amounts of cash if possible.
Visa Application
Students visiting Canada for less than six months may require a Temporary Resident Visa to participate in the Global Learning Immersion Program. Visit Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada for more information on visa requirements and the application process. Use your Letter of Invitation, issued by Mohawk College, to support your visa application.
Still have more questions? Email us at international@mohawkcollege.ca with your questions and to learn more.