Brandon H. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and learn at the same time. You get to see things from a perspective you do not get when just travelling!"
BRANDON H.
Exchange student at the University of Canberra, Australia
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
Getting to travel to unique and beautiful places with my new club and residence friends.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Australia's more relaxed work environment was a challenge to get used to. I had to keep myself in check to get my work done while balancing the increased amount of free time which I had.
- In terms of your own cultural self-awareness, were there any instances where you realized that your own behaviours, perspectives, or attitudes were different. Where did those differences stem from?
I felt that Canadian and Australian cultures were extremely similar. Any differences which I felt on arrival went away as I meshed very quickly into their culture.
- Was there a situation where you felt your actions were culturally inappropriate? How did you adapt? How did you know these were the appropriate actions to take?
I never truly felt like I did something culturally inappropriate. No one ever seemed to take offence to what I did and I purposely went into this trip with research on how to fit in.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Either the Outback in the North Territory, or the rainforests and reefs of Northern Queensland!
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
Cost of food and rent was higher than expected.
- What was your best learning moment?
A healthy work life balance is essential to productivity and mental wellbeing. They still do the same work there as we do here, but everyone seems much happier to do their jobs.
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
Getting to see the political climate of north America and hear opinions of non North American people opened my eyes to issues which I had not considered before.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
My family. I have never been that far away from them for that long. I dealt with it by regularly video calling them and checking in.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
My friends from the ski and snowboarding club. They were the exact people i wished to be friends with. I would have loved for them to meet my friends here. I still keep in touch by texting and calling.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore and learn at the same time. You get to see things from a perspective you do not get when just travelling.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Do pack necessities like clothes and your computer, do not worry about sheets or kitchenware as its easier to buy them there. Try to limit bigger items as you want to travel as light as possible.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Australia is an English speaking country so speaking another language is not necessary at all.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
On campus. It makes it so easy to meet new friends and get to class on time!
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
Saved up by working ahead of time. Received partial funding from other areas such as grants.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
Industrial design fundamentals and Intro to 3D media design.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I can see myself applying for a visa to work in Australia as it I made connections there. It also was an incredible innovation hotspot for my career path.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Research where you want to go most. Make sure you apply to places you will enjoy and feel comfortable.
