Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Money Matters

Funding can be a significant barrier to study abroad, and it is an important and responsible consideration to make when researching options. For resources to help you navigate general funding options that are available, please visit the Fund Your Study Abroad page.

If you are eligible to receive the Provincial Tuition Waiver, this program will cover your tuition and fees for your study abroad program, regardless of course load, if SFU is your home institution. Direct Fee-Paying programs, where tuition is paid to the host institution will not be eligible. If you are applying for scholarship, awards, and bursaries, please reach out to Financial Aid and Awards with questions about your eligibility to be considered based on course load.

If you are an Indigenous student who receives sponsorship from your Nation or an organization, please check with them to see if you would be covered for your Study Abroad experience since some students may have funding for tuition and fees, a book allowance, and/or potentially living allowance supports.

The below websites provide more information on funding for Indigenous students:

• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion International Mobility Award
• Global Learning Award
• Canadian Indigenous Students - Financial Aid and Awards
• Financial Aid and Awards - Indigenous Student Centre
• Third Party Sponsorship - Indigenous Student Centre

Questions and Considerations

Access to Indigenous Support and Approaches while abroad

The Indigenous Student Centre provides continued tailored support for SFU Indigenous students studying abroad via Zoom.  This support may include counselling sessions with our Indigenous counsellors, time with one of our Elders, tea & bead sessions with our Coordinators or other students and more. Please reach out to the ISC to customize your support while abroad.  You can also request online one-on-one advising with Financial Aid/Academic Advising/Student Learning Commons through the ISC. 

Indigenous students can request direct support by emailing askisc@sfu.ca or iscadmin@sfu.ca. The ISC will work with you on a tailored approach to the services you need while abroad.

• What kinds of support are available to me in my host destination?
• What resources are available in my host institution? Is there an equivalent to SFU’s Indigenous Student Centre (ISC)?
• Will I have access to Indigenous spaces? Is the host culture sensitive and aware of Indigenous ways of knowing?
• Can I reach out to local Indigenous communities and Elders for support? How comfortable am I with doing so?

Cultural Differences

• What are the cultural norms of my host destination? Are there religious and/or cultural institutions or practices that the norms adhere to?
• How does that differ from the culture in my community and in Canada?
• How will the cultural differences impact the way I live my day-to-day life?

Local Indigenous Identity/Identities

• Who is considered an Indigenous person in my host destination?
• What are some Indigenous communities in my host destination (e.g., Māori (New Zealand), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Australia), Ainu and Okinawans (Japan))?
• Are the local Indigenous communities well-established and recognized (e.g., presence and active participation of Indigenous persons/communities in society, land acknowledgments, incorporation of Indigenous cultures and practices in certain aspects of life)?

Perceptions of Indigenous Identity Abroad

• How are local Indigenous groups perceived in my host destination, and how might these perceptions differ from my experience as an Indigenous person in British Columbia/Canada?
• Are there local stereotypes associated with Indigenous identity?
• Would I be perceived similarly by local Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, or would I simply be ‘Canadian’?

Navigating Indigenous Identity Abroad

• How would I share and talk about my identity abroad? Am I safe to identify as Indigenous abroad?
  • While it is good to think about how you may address the topic of identity, remember that it is not your responsibility to educate everyone about your identity. At the end of the day, you are abroad for your personal growth and education. If you do choose to share, do so when you feel it is safe, and if it suits your needs and goals. 
  • It is important to keep in mind how you identify yourself in Canada may be different from how you choose to identify abroad and may not be how your host culture identifies you.  
  • It may be helpful to conduct research about the social and historical situation in your destination country. This may help you understand how those in your destination region may react to different groups and may help you prepare for any potential incidents. It is important to acknowledge and recognize the discomfort and complexity that you may experience when discussing or reflecting upon your identities and intersections.

Travelling with Sacred or Ceremonial Items and/or Traditional Medicine

• How can I pack and prepare for travel with a sacred or ceremonial item?
  • Travelling with sacred and spiritual items - CATSA (catsa-acsta.gc.ca)        
• Can I bring sacred or ceremonial items into my destination country/region?
  • You and your family may wish to hold a protective ceremony before you go abroad. Some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have very strict biological material restrictions and may require special permits to be brought into the country. Research the information on biosecurity and border controls for information on importing goods and/or if a permit will be required.

Safety Abroad

Check out the Safety and Study Abroad section on the SFU Study Abroad website for detailed information and resources on travel safety abroad including emergency contacts and mental wellness support while abroad. 

Student Experiences

Resources & References

• University of Alberta Vice-Provost of Indigenous Programming & Research, Dr. Florence Glanfield, talks about her perspective on education abroad in this video: Education Abroad Opportunities for FMNI Students - Florence Glanfield (3:59)
• A University of Alberta Indigenous student recounts her study abroad experience in Mexico and how she connected with local Indigenous populations. (3:34)
• Short video interviews of Native American students in Northern Arizona University about their experiences abroad:
  • Courtney in Japan and South Korea (2:51)
  • Jayne in Shantou, China (2:00)