Avery M. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Making friends was a lot easier, everyone is in the same boat and just wants to have fun and enjoy the experience."
AVERY M.
Exchange student at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland
Winter semester
Studying Biological Science
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The friendships I made. I feel so fortunate to have met the people that I did in Aberdeen. They made my studying abroad experience one thousand times better, and I plan on maintaining those friendships for the rest of my life (even though some of them live across the world!). We are already planning a reunion!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Groceries! Although the food in the UK is relatively similar to food in Canada (excluding haggis and macaroni pies!), all of the brands are different there! It took some adjusting to find the food I was looking for when grocery shopping, sometimes buying the wrong stuff and trying something new! But once I got used to it, grocery shopping became very easy!
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Isle of the Skye, Scotland
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
The first adjustment can be really tough! When I first arrived, I was extremely homesick and scared of being so far away from home. I wish I could have told myself that how I was feeling is normal and that I just needed to give myself the time and space I needed to adjust. Once I got used to my new surroundings, I very quickly loved Aberdeen and my entire semester abroad. I just wish I had been more patient with myself and realized that I didn't need to rush myself into feeling comfortable, as it was going to happen naturally!
- What was your best learning moment?
Gaining more independence and learning how to do new important things! My entire exchange presented me with different ways to be a little bit more independent, from navigating public transit by myself to learning how to book flights and organize accommodations! I believe that all of these things have made me braver and more willing to step outside my comfort zone!
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
It was equally difficult to leave my friends, family and my boyfriend. At first, it was tough being away from them, but I was quickly able to develop a routine where I could call or text them often, working around the time change and our different schedules. I still talked to them almost every day!
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
All of my international friends. Some of my friends were from all over the world (Tasmania, California, British Columbia etc.), so I am unable to see them often and communication can be difficult with time change. I became so close with my exchange friends so quickly, and I can’t believe I had only known them for less than 6 months. They are so special to me! I miss them every day, but I hope to be able to travel and see them soon!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
DO IT. It is going to be the best and most rewarding experience of your life. You will learn so much about yourself and the world. I can not recommend it enough!
- What are your packing recommendations?
Pack layers! Scotland can be windy! You need a good rain jacket/windbreaker that you can layer sweaters underneath. Also, get vacuum seal bags and packing cubes to pack your suitcase! They save so much space in your bag and are a lifesaver for when you are trying to fit stuff in smaller bags, especially on weekend trips!
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
No. Scotland speaks almost entirely English, so I never had a language barrier. There are other languages (Gaelic and Doric) spoken in Scotland (specifically in the North near Aberdeen), but not often. Locals have accents, but for the most part, they were fairly easy to understand!
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived in the on-campus student housing! I would highly recommend it! It was very close to campus (only a 10-minute walk through a cute park!), and they had a bunch of resources for students in the main building, like a small gym, music and games rooms and a community kitchen. The housing staff were extremely helpful. Many other exchange students lived in the on-campus residence, so it was a great way to meet people through events and hang out outside of school since we all lived so close!
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
The previous summer before my exchange, I worked lots and put aside most of my income for my semester abroad. I used that money to finance my day-to-day life, as well as all of the trips I went on. I am very fortunate to have received some support from my parents for tuition as well.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I took Vikings: An Introduction (HI2526) and Ancient Empires: Religion, Power and Politics (DR250A) while I was in Aberdeen. As a science major, these were unlike any course I had ever taken before and it was very cool to learn about history from a local standpoint and having major pieces of history be so close to home!
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I truly believe that my experience during my exchange has made me a different and better person. I have become more open to new experiences and perspectives, I am less afraid to take risks and step outside my comfort zone, and I am more willing to reach out to new people and create new relationships for myself. I am already noticing small positive changes in my academics due to these things, and I know all of these skills will be extremely beneficial in my future, with whatever I choose to pursue.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Try to reach out to fellow Guelph students who are going on exchange to the same place you are! In Aberdeen, I chose to live with 3 girls from Guelph that I didn’t know but had met through CIP when they shared the list of other Guelph students who were also going to Aberdeen. We ended up becoming really close, and I left with 3 new best friends who I didn’t have to say bye to! Before we left for our exchange, it was also really helpful to know other students going through the same steps in organizing and planning. Additionally, when we first arrived in Aberdeen, having even the smallest connection really helped with the settling-in process.
