Graham A. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Everyone should do an exchange as the life lessons you learn are incredible and ultimately change the way you look at life"
GRAHAM A.
Exchange student at TU Dublin, Ireland
Fall semester
Studying Marketing Management
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing that happened to me while i was studying abroad was the people I met during my time. The many different cultures and languages was a great way to grow and learn.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest cultural adaptation I had to make was the daily routine of Dublin. The flow of the city was very different from what I am used to and definitely took some time to adjust.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
The coolest place I travelled during my study abroad experience was when I went to Poland. The experience was very different from anything I had experienced before and the people there were great.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I wish I had known more about the cultural differences before I studied abroad. It took some time to adjust to the new customs and values, and I would have been better prepared if I had done more research beforehand.
- What was your best learning moment?
The best learning moments for me were the things I learned about myself personally and professionally.
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
I had the opportunity to view life from a different cultural lens. I had the opportunity to experience Irish culture in a much more intimate and personal way than I ever would have been able to if I had stayed in Canada. I was exposed to different customs, languages, and ways of life that I had never seen before. This experience gave me a much greater appreciation for the diversity of humanity and the many different ways of looking at the world.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
The hardest people to leave at home were definitely my close friends and roommates. This was difficult as I am very close to them, but they were extremely supportive and happy for me which made the switch much easier.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
Some of the friends that I met were extremely hard to say bye to, but the connections we made are lifelong and I will always know I have friends all across the world I can visit.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I would recommend everyone should do an exchange as the life lessons you learn are incredible and ultimately change the way you look at life.
- What are your packing recommendations?
DO's: • Pack versatile clothing that can be worn in different combinations. • Bring items that can be layered. • Pack a few pieces of formal attire for special occasions. • Pack lightweight, comfortable shoes. • Bring a power adapter for your electronics. • Pack a few comfort items from home.
DON'Ts: • Don't overpack. • Don't bring items that are illegal in your host country. • Don't bring unnecessary items. • Don't forget to check weight and size restrictions for luggage.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
It was not necessary for me to learn another language for my exchange to Ireland.
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Language and communication play a crucial role in fostering appreciation for a different perspective by allowing people to understand and comprehend different viewpoints. Through verbal and non-verbal communication, people can share their ideas and opinions, as well as their experiences and feelings, in a way that allows for a greater level of understanding and empathy. Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language, may provide additional insight into a person's perspective, while verbal communication can help to explain ideas and concepts in a way that is more comprehensible. Language and communication can also be used to bridge the gap between different cultures and societies, allowing people to learn more about one another and gain a better appreciation for their differences.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived off campus with a family member during my exchange. It was different from what I was used to and it took more effort to connect with people.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I financed my study abroad experience with my jobs during the summer leading up to my departure in September.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
The coolest course I took was Irish Cultural Studies. This class was a great way to learn more about the country I was studying in.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
My exchange experiences have been invaluable in helping me to develop transferable skills that I can apply to any future career. Through living in Ireland for an extended period of time I have been able to develop my communication skills and problem-solving abilities. I have also been able to build my network of contacts, which could be a great asset in the future. My exchanges have also been beneficial in terms of learning how to adapt to different cultures and working environments, which can be a great asset in any future job. Finally, my experiences abroad have also allowed me to build on my cultural knowledge and understanding of the world.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
The best advice I can give to future study abroad participants is remember you are a guest in someone else's Country. Take time to observe and learn how people function and how you can fit in to the culture. Always remember to have fun!
