Diverse Capital Experience

Carleton University is located in Ottawa, Canada’s national capital. The Ottawa region is the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinabeg Algonquin, who have stewarded, travelled and inhabited these lands for millennia. The City of Ottawa honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land. Living in the city gives you various opportunities to celebrate and learn more about Indigenous culture.

Since the Ottawa Metropolitan Region stretches from Ottawa, Ontario, to Gatineau, Quebec, as a student in an English-speaking environment at Carleton University, you can also experience French-Canadian cuisine and lifestyle! All it takes is to walk, bike or ride across one of the numerous bridges connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, take a boat across the river, or even ride the world’s first interprovincial zipline (if you are here around the summertime).

Headshot photo of Jiayi showing peace sign with his hand and posing in front of canal.

Jiayi
Shanghai International Studies University
China

“During this 4-month exchange experience, I have more understanding of Canadian culture and I’m touched by how friendly and tolerant the Canadians are. I clearly recalled my first day here, when I was lost and a couple helped me find my way patiently, and at last, they said, “We just want to make sure you are not lost”. This sentence is marked in my memory, for it’s so heartwarming. However, I also encountered some challenges like cultural shock, especially when I found it hard to cooperate with students from different cultural backgrounds. Luckily, I managed to cope with this problem with the help of my instructor. As for my biggest success, it should be enhancing my independence ability, and this is what I would like to say to anyone who is going to Carleton to exchange: You’ll be forced by the environment to depend on yourselves, and you’ll find you become a stronger person when you finish this exchange trip.”

Accessible Outdoors and Rich History

Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, characterized by its numerous neighbourhood parks, tranquil green spaces, and winding waterways. The city is also home to many historical and architectural landmarks. Just across the river in Quebec lies the magnificent Gatineau Park, which boasts 165 kilometres of hiking trails and seemingly endless bike paths!

Headshot photo of Theresa outside in the snow.

Theresa
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Germany

“My winter term at Carleton has been absolutely fantastic! For the first time ever I got to try out cross-country skiing in Gatineau Park. I adored my winter walks through the arboretum and enjoyed building all kinds of snowmen. I took part in the exciting infamous Hockey game against UOttawa and even got to take part in the half-time show. This was such a fun experience and I am truly sad to not get to experience the spring here in Ottawa too. I have made many international friends whom I hope to meet again in the future. I would completely recommend Carleton, with its Residence style life, because it was the perfect place to spend winter.”

Unrivalled Student Life and Support Services

When joining Carleton, you become part of our smart and caring community. Here, you will find your people and your purpose with our diverse programs, various research opportunities and award-winning student support services.

student standing in front of a background that reads SPIE Carleton University.

Margot
Burgundy School of Business
France

“My fall term in Carleton was amazing and it is going to miss me, I am sure!

I liked the courses and the kind professors but what I liked the most was discovering a lot of new people from different countries. I had already visited Canada but living here is really different. I learned a lot of things about Canadians, and I enjoyed sharing viewpoints and cultural distinctions. I tried to attend several famous activities here in Ottawa but the more memorable event I can remember is for sure the Panda Game. The ambiance was amazing, and I had never seen something like that! If you hesitate to come to Carleton, do not anymore! ”

Ready for the big step? Learn about the process!