Study abroad

There are many exchange opportunities at Mount Allison.

» Find out more about international exchange programs

Student study abroad experiences

Carly Pullin
Université de Strasbourg, France

I had the best year of my life on exchange in Strasbourg, France!

Read more about Carly's experience

Not only did I get to improve my French fluency, dive into the culture, and meet amazing people from around the world, but I also did lots of traveling and visited a total of 19 European countries, thanks to cheap buses and hostels.

The city itself is painfully beautiful and easy to get around. In some of my classes we studied prominent European international institutions like the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights and even went to see them in person, receiving an insider look at the operations of large intergovernmental organizations.

This exchange is an experience I would recommend to anyone! My advice: be open to new ideas and activities and don't take yourself too seriously.

Keith Nicholson
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

One of my favorite things about the study abroad opportunities that Mount A offers is the ability to customize your experience.

Read more about Keith's experience

Mount A has a lot of wonderful study abroad and exchanges opportunities, but what if where you “really want to go” is not on the list? Not a problem! If you're willing to put in a little bit of extra legwork, you can go practically anywhere!

One summer, I studied abroad at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. From staying with a host family and speaking Spanish to travelling around the islands and seeing giant tortoises, my experience was unforgettable!

Even though it wasn't an official Mount A study abroad program, I worked with the International Centre and registrar to get the credits I needed transferred back.

I had the time of my life! I've always wanted to go the Galápagos but with Mount A's help, I was able to make my dream come true!


Clubs and societies

Politics and international relations students are involved in many student clubs, activities, and organziations, which allow them to combine the study of politics and international relations with citizen activism and engagement and a chance to apply classroom knowledge. 

Many of these groups are student-driven, which has given students the opportunity to develop leadership as well as other practical skills.

Find out more about specific clubs and societies below.

The Politics & International Relations (POLS-IR) Society

The POLS-IR Society was created to give students an opportunity to meet outside of class to discuss political issues and raise awareness around campus.

The society has become a tool to bring together students and members of the department. While many of the events incorporate academic elements, such as the Speakers Series and Apply to Graduate School sessions, other events are focused around fostering long-term friendships among the students of the Department, like getting together to watch movies, election viewing nights, trivia nights and the annual wine and cheese. The Society also manages a student-to-student mentorship program.

The POLS-IR Society is a great way for students to combine their academic interests with social activities.

For more information, visit the Society's Instagram or Facebook pages or e-mail polisciirsoc@mta.ca

Atlantic International Studies Organization (ATLIS)

The Atlantic International Studies Organization (ATLIS) was created in the winter of 2003 with the purpose of fostering informed undergraduate participation in international issues through scholarship and social and political involvement. ATLIS is a partnered with the Rights and Democracy Youth Network, and aims to promote human rights, democracy, and a concept of responsible global citizenship.

The ATLIS Organization is committed to finding new and innovative ways to engage students in the world around them. Our peer-reviewed journal is one of the first of its kind in the region, and provides a much-needed venue for high- quality undergraduate essays. The annual ATLIS conference is another exciting opportunity for undergraduate interaction, and scholarship and participations in international issues.

The Atlantic International Studies Organization is a dedicated group of students from many disciplines. We are united in the common goal of promoting undergraduate involvement and scholarship in international issues. ATLIS actively seeks partnerships with other organizations, other universities, and faculty and experts in the diverse fields of international studies. The ATLIS Organization has ambassadors in every Atlantic university, and is working every day to draw students closer in the spirit of learning and participation.

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) Society

The PPE Society was created to provide students a forum to discuss their studies as well as examine pressing issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. The Society does so through events such as "PPE Chats," "Meet and Greets," and information sessions about various opportunities, like the Wilson Internships. It is open to all students, whether in PPE or not, and is a great opportunity to connect with your peers and professors!

For more information, visit the Society's Instagram or Facebook pages or e-mail ppesociety@mta.ca.

Centre for International Studies (CIS)

The Centre for International Studies (CIS) is an organization designed to engage Mount Allison students, faculty, and the wider community across disciplines in critical learning, dialogue, and innovative, collaborative action on pressing global issues. CIS is a joint student-faulty meant to help you integrate your passions and interests into your studies on international topics, and facilitate connections across disciplines and student/faculty lines to produce concrete action on global issues.

Free the Children

Mount Allison's chapter of Free The Children is an affiliate of the international organization kids can Free The Children founded by Craig Kielburger in 1995. Free the Children MtA is a group of Mount Allison students drawn together by their desire to take action in issues of social justice.

Their goal is to create and maintain a powerful force dedicated to freeing children around the world from poverty and exploitation, and to help other youth realize that they are not powerless to bring about positive social change; they can be leaders in the creation of a more just and equitable world.

Free The Children has started a clothing line called Me to We Responsible Style. All products are made fair trade, 100% organic and 50% of the profits go towards charity such as Free The Children school building projects in Sierre Leone, Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka. To find out more information contact: info@metowestyle.com

» To contact the MtA Free The Children group please e-mail ftc@mta.ca
» Visit Free the Children's website

MOSAIC

MOSAIC (Multicultural Organization and Social Arena for International Cooperation) is the club that concerns itself with bridging the gap between students from different cultures, as well as promoting multiculturalism and cross-cultural awareness at Mount Allison University.

The annual banquet, which brings the Sackville and campus communities together features international performances and food. This banquet is one of the biggest events at Mount Allison after homecoming.

» Visit

MOSAIC on Facebook

Other campus clubs

  • Model United Nations
  • Breaking the silence
  • Amnesty International
  • Rights and democracy

» See a full list of current campus clubs and societies on the Mount Allison Students' Union site.