Jackie T. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"I would say that to go on exchange in your undergrad is the best decision anyone can make. Right now there is no pressure to find a long term career or have huge responsibilities. Go now while you do not have anything really holding you back except yourself!"
JACKIE T.
Exchange student at the University of Malta, Malta
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Science, majoring in Social Science & Computer Science
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing that happened to me while I was abroad was the perspective I gained and have been able to bring back with me. My study abroad was the first time I travelled somewhere fully on my own and by pushing myself to do this I was able see what I was capable of. Simple things like doing groceries on my own and having to think about how to solve issues without someone with me. Things like this were intimidating at first but I feel more confident in taking on anything unpredictable!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest cultural adaptation I had to make was mainly just accepting the fact that you have to buy water! Malta was not a huge shift in itself but little things like buses not showing up or people not being as nice are just a few minor shocks.
- 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 was told by the friends I made there that I was not what they expected. Many of them associated Canadians with Americans and with that they thought the stereotype of what an American is, to be the same as a Canadian. Essentially they were shocked by how "nice" I was and that I wanted to adventure and go everywhere. I believe these differences stem from what is taught in schools and in general media.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
During my time in Malta I also had the opportunity to travel to Sicily with a friend from home and a friend I met while abroad. We rented a car and essentially drove around the whole island in 4 days. It was so fun and probably one of the most chaotic but great times of my life.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I wish I had known that I could've have stayed longer then my studies and travelled a bit more. I would have planned a bit further ahead and not booked a flight back immediately! This was mainly because visa stuff in Malta was a little bit confusing/complicated at first.
- What was your best learning moment?
The best learning moment I had would have to be when I got bad news from home while abroad and had to go through that without people who knew the context. This showed me that even if I am alone I can get through things. Also! Stuff that happens at home while your abroad are not things that you can control. The way to mitigate things like this would be to tell yourself you can only control what you can and remember there are people around you that care about you. You will be ok!
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
The hardest person I had to leave from home had to be my partner. Doing long distance was hard at first but as long as you leave with a plan or ideas on how to remain connected it will be ok! The way I kind of dealt with the distance was to give my partner something to open (a gift of sorts) once a week and he got to choose when we would open it. In general though, he knew that I was going abroad as a an adventure for myself and supported me.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
While on exchange I made a group of 4 friends that I got really close with. It was very difficult to leave them but the way we left things was not a goodbye but a see you soon. We planned ways to keep in contact and have a group chat going that we use to this day.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I would say that to go on exchange in your undergrad is the best decision anyone can make. Right now there is no pressure to find a long term career or have huge responsibilities. Go now while you do not have anything really holding you back except yourself!
- What are your packing recommendations?
DO PACK: - Warm clothes (the first few months are actually cold...don't make the mistake I did assuming it would always be warm because it is a Mediterranean island). -Bathing suit + if you like rock climbing bring your gear because it is popular down there! - Hiking shoes -If you plan to live in Campus Hub (on campus residence) I would say bring another pot/pan as well as another pillow. *Things are expensive there because it is an island so if you can fit things and want to save money bring it! DONT: - Pack ALOT: Leave some room for buying new clothes if that is something you are budgeting for. I really planned the number of clothes I took with me so that I would have enough but also not too much.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
No, the university is English instructing. Locals will speak Maltese though!
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
It was interesting to see how different cultures collided in Malta. There is both Arabic and Italian influences and it is really showcased in the language. The role it played was mainly unifying the locals because Malta has seen a rise in immigration but most people do not speak the language so it is slowly being spoken less and less.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on campus and I really do recommend it!! You will meet people that live off campus but it is nice to be within a community especially while on exchange because it is really easy to bump into people and or meet up to make meals together.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I saved up a lot of money as well as applied for grants through the University.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I took a Sociology of Money course and an Art History course on Malta (I did this because Malta has a lot of churches and old ruins so I thought it would be cool to learn about their famous painters and artists)
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
It showcases my ability to be independent, problem solve in situations and most importantly to me it lets me share knowledge about a place that not a lot people know about/visit.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
If you are nervous, that is completely ok. I was too (terrified actually), but you will be ok! Push yourself to meet new people, no matter how spontaneous it may be and embrace new experiences. The way I hyped myself up was I internally told myself "think of the memories!" If you are not nervous, that is ok too! It can be a really exciting adventure and you will learn a lot about yourself. I also found that I felt more like myself when abroad then I did here because of how much I embraced the experience. I came back more confident in myself and with a new interest in travelling more.
