Mackenzie Walker, an Environmental Science student from Queen’s University, chose Leiden University in the Netherlands for a six-month semester abroad. Walker took courses not offered at Queen’s, which gave her a new perspective on her program and the world beyond its doors. Learning about other countries’ efforts against climate change, such as her urban economics and planning class, opened her eyes to ways Canada could improve tactics.
Walker emphasized that the people she met were the highlight of her journey. “Meeting people who are like-minded and want to experience something new was the best part” she said.
Walker became so comfortable in Europe, she moved there for her Master’s degree in Science at the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano in Italy. “Having the exchange…allowed me to see how positive an experience like that can be and also made me comfortable enough to take this next step,” Walker said.
Sydney Lyons David, a Media Studies student at Vancouver Island University (VIU), saw a semester abroad as an opportunity to satisfy a life-long interest in travel. She was placed at the University of Hertfordshire in England, which offered courses that aligned with her major.
These school environments are designed to create global connections. Lyons David lived with 11 roommates from 10 different countries.
“We celebrated Lunar New Year together because two of my roommates were from Singapore,” Lyons David said, noting that these shared experiences allowed her to learn about cultures far beyond her UK host country.
Lyons David said she learned more from her travels and cultural experiences than from her academic classes.“The point is you learn a lot more about yourself and about the world and how you function in it,” said Lyons David.
However, the transition into a new country and culture is rarely seamless. Lyons David recalls the difficulty of managing illness and homesickness. “I would miss my family, especially when I was sick and just wanted the comfort of being in a familiar space,” said Lyons David.
Walker also noted the politics of navigating visas and administrative paperwork. “There were moments I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it through the process of applying to go on exchange, trying to hit all the deadlines for paperwork was stressful,” said Walker.
Exchange semesters require students to maintain a B average, have a valid passport as proof of citizenship and be prepared to pay more for a semester when travel, accommodations, and currency exchange rates are factored in.
BC government exchange resources are helpful for those living in the province interested in participating in an exchange semester.
Despite some expected challenges, both Walker and Lyons David recommend the experience to others. “Everyone who can go on exchange should,” said Lyons David.
Reasons to go on exchange will allow students to:
- expand employment opportunities
- experience different styles of education
- ;earn a new language
- make new friends from around the world
- visit nearby countries
While many university students spend four years on a single campus, the chance to learn transformative lessons thousands of miles away is a call many have heeded and is worth considering if you have an adventurous spirit.
