If you go to Canada for an exchange semester that lasts less than 6 months, you will not need any visa, provided that you are European. Anyway, bring you’re the letter of invitation given by your university to pass the Canadian border.

After you had your visa stamped, you will be given the term of your residence permit, as the office to set it as late as possible, so that you could travel at the end of the semester. If you want to travel to USA, make sure your passport is valid before leaving your country. For further information, visit the site of the Canada and the USA embassy in your country.

If you have a Visa Premier or a Gold credit card, you do not need to take any additional insurance since they normally offer insurance for your staying abroad. Ask your bank for further information.
If you have none of these cards, you need to take out an international insurance at any insurance company or at your bank. If you take out an insurance before taking the plane, do not take out the insurance offered by the airline when you buy your ticket, it is useless. Allow about 230CA$ to get insured for 6 months.

European driver’s licenses are valid in Canada but it is better to get an International Driving License. The International Driving License is written in English so police checks are easier. It is also easier to rent a car for students if they have an International Driving License.

It better to only buy a one way plane ticket to Canada since students often decide to visit Canada or USA after the end of the school semester, since air plane tickets are generally expensive and since airplane tickets are usually non-exchangeable and non-refundable. It is also better to confirm your ticket 3 days before leaving Canada since airlines sometimes modify their flights without informing passengers. If you want a flexible ticket, buy it from AirCanada. No matter which airline you choose, your luggage maximal weight is to be between 25 or 30kg, but if your trip includes low-cost connexions, your luggage maximal weight could be lower. Try to buy your plane ticket as soon as possible to get a cheap ticket.