Brianna A. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"The walk to and from the grocery store was also very enjoyable because it went under tunnels, over bridges, and beside the canals. Also there's nothing better than walking home with fresh pasta and knowing how good your dinner is about to be!"
BRIANNA A.
Exchange student at Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy
Fall semester
Studying Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
It's hard to narrow it down because there were so many amazing experiences but if I had to pick one highlight I would say grocery shopping! We lived in venice which is supposed to be one of the most expensive places to buy groceries in Italy, but it was actually very affordable. I loved picking new things to try every day as well as getting old favorites that I knew I wouldn't be able to have in Canada. The walk to and from the grocery store was also very enjoyable because it went under tunnels, over bridges, and beside the canals. Also there's nothing better than walking home with fresh pasta and knowing how good your dinner is about to be!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest cultural adaptation I had to make was a dietary one. In canada, I find that a lot of the food is sugary and artificial, so its more important to watch what youre eating. In Italy, it's not like that. In fact, it is acceptable (I would maybe go as far as to say expected) to have a big bowl of pasta everyday. Also, sweet treats or sweet coffees are not as common in Europe, so my palate changed a lot while abroad.
- 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?
One thing that was really common in Venice was to spend time with people outside of school, home, or work every single day. This could be as simple as going to grab an afternoon coffee at a cafe, going on a walk, going out to eat food, or grabbing a drink at the end of the evening. The one commonality of this event was that it was always unplugged; ie. everyone would leave their phone and fully focus on the good company around them! I felt like this really helped me make friends and connect with people. I think this might not be as common in Canada because of how expensive it is to go to restaurants or cafes. Even still, I loved this part of European culture, and tried to integrate it into my daily life in Canada when I came home.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
The coolest place I traveled to was Crete, Greece. Me and a travel partner decided to go there on a whim when trying to find a beach in October. It ended up surprising us by being such a quaint place with exceptionally kind people. It has many of its own food staples as well as diverse landscapes to explore. One of our favorite things to do in Crete was to visit different local restaurants, try whatever the owners recommended, and then leave reviews. Honestly, everywhere we ate at was so delicious, and it had some of the best food of the whole exchange! We spent every day at the beach or exploring the streets of Chania.
- What was your best learning moment?
While living in Venice, me and a friend decided to join Team Venezia Taekwondo. My first practice with the team was extremely difficult because it was only in Italian. For context, I spoke no Italian before going on the exchange. My instructor was unrelenting in teaching me in English and actually forced me to learn Italian by making everybody hold exercises until I could count to 10 in Italian. The rest of the team helped me with this, and it was a really big learning experience to lean on people who I didn't even know yet. We ended up making great friends with the team and they showed us lots of local places to eat! (Also they helped me translate when I was lost at practice!)
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
I have a partner at home who I didn't want to leave. We combatted this by making a plan to communicate really often before I left the country. I also had a Google Photos album that I shared with all of my friends and family so they could stay updated on what I was doing without me having to contact everyone sperately. I was also told about an app called "Locket" that surprises linked users with a photo of the other person on their home screen, and me and my partner enjoyed using this to stay in touch in a fun way.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
I met another English speaker who was Australian while on the exchange. We ended up playing cards or board games every single night. This made the time in Venice super interesting and fun! It was really hard to adjust back to life in Canada without having lots of friends around me to play card games with every night. The time difference between Australia and Canada makes it hard to stay in touch but we try to text every so often. I think that leaving friends that you meet is not an easy part of the exchange but it is part of the experience. You are able to impact so many different people's lives and change them for the better, and they do the same for you!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Do it, do it, do it!
- What are your packing recommendations?
I packed way too many clothes. I'm not a shopper so I figured I wouldn't be shopping in Europe either, but I was wrong! Shopping culture in Europe is great so if you are traveling there, you should save some space. I would also recommend bringing different Canadian goodies (ie. Reese's, Coffee Crisp, Mr.Big, KD, maple syrup) for all the people that you're going to meet. It's a great icebreaker!
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
It would be helpful, but I don't think it's necessary. It can be useful to learn some words so you're able to go to grocery store or order food without being labeled as a "tourist".
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived off campus during the exchange. The residence was unaffiliated with the university, which meant that there were people there from all over the world. The commute was very long but it ended up being a highlight of every day. This is because I knew my time and Venice was coming to an end at some point so I wanted to make as much as I could of the amazing spaces surrounding me.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I worked three jobs during the school year and the summer before the exchange. This was really tiring and hard, but I didn't want myself to have to spare a penny while in Europe. Because. I was so dedicated to saving, I was able to visit nineteen different countries and have amazing experiences in all of them! I think you could make the exchange cheaper by traveling less than I did.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Make sure you prepare and read everything you have to do thoroughly. Getting a visa and finding a place to live was a long and harrowing process, so you have to be prepared well in advance. Also, make sure your familiar with everything you have to do once you arrive in the country. For instance, in Italy we had to get a residence permit within six days of being on Italian soil (check if this applies to you if you are going to Venice). This was NOT a fun or easy process in the slightest. Make sure you read everything thoroughly. And have lots of fun! And don't take anything too seriously!
