Emma D.S. Exchange Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"It opened my mind more and made me realize I want to always be aware and curious about other countries and their ways of living."
EMMA D.S.
Exchange student at Linköping University, Sweden
Summer semester
Studying Economics
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
Meeting people from all over the world and making friends for life! My new friends and I already have future travel plans and I’m so happy to have found likeminded people :)
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
Taking the train everywhere! Sweden is similar to Canada but I travelled more via train there than I ever have in my entire life… also the scooters.
- 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 would smile at people I was walking by on quiet streets but I only got a smile back 1/10 times. It was strange to me at first but that’s just not a part of their culture and I learned to accept it.
- 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?
The way they dress in Europe is much more put together than how we do in Canada. If you wear sweatpants in public, you will be judged! Also, don’t tip at restaurants because they think it is weird.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
I travelled to a couple of places but my favourites were the small towns close to Linkoping. Norrkoping, Vadstena and Motala were absolutely gorgeous!
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
You really have to stop and smell the roses. Don’t rush through your youth, take advantage of the cool experiences you can take. I will never turn down a travelling experience ever.
- What was your best learning moment?
I learned a lot about other cultures. One of my good friends I made was from Brazil. It was somewhat saddening to hear some of the realities in the country, which are considered norms. It opened my mind more and made me realize I want to always be aware and curious about other countries and their ways of living.
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
Politics in the eyes of people from other countries was interesting to learn about. Everyone sees Canada as one of the best countries to possibly live in and I think I took living here for granted before. I won’t again :)
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
I grew up in Ottawa and moved to Guelph for university, so I already had been used to leaving people from my family. I did miss my parents greatly but I honestly missed my roommates the most! We facetimed though and texted while I was there.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
I became super close with the girl who lived in the same dorm as me. She lives in Croatia and we still text and facetime as often as possible. We made a promise to always stay in touch and try to see each other again in person soon as well! We also have many travel plans to other places :)
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I would tell them it was life changing and 110% the best experience of my life. Anyone can do it and I think everyone should do it. You meet great people, learn so many new things and live a completely different life. It felt like a real fairytale to me.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Do not pack high heels if you are going to Europe. Sneakers are a must- or comfy shoes. You will be exploring and walking a lot! Also pack a journal to write down cool things that happen.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
It would definitely be helpful but everyone I met who was Swedish knew how to speak English. I feel like it would be more necessary if you were going to a small town. Definitely do some Duolingo though before going, it’s cool to know basic sentences in another language!
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
I think I learned how to speak English more clearly. Everyone who I was friends with was great at English but I did try to speak slower and more precisely. Nonverbal language was not different in my experience.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived in a student building, but it was off campus. I think it was the perfect situation because I was surrounded by others on exchanges as well as Swedish students. I got the best of both worlds.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I was extremely lucky and grateful to receive OSAP and a scholarship for the exchange. That helped pay for my flights, tuition and housing. I also saved a great deal and I’m in the process now of saving for another adventure.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I took a course called “Innovation and Entrepreneurship in a Swedish Context”. Sweden has many companies and innovations and it was really cool to learn about them. The course was very interactive which was also new to me. Group work was highly used and also gave me the opportunity to work with students from other countries.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I have many connections now, from all over the world! I also think I learned unique concepts in my course that I can apply to my skills. It also just made me grow as a person and I feel as though it gave me quite the positive push to succeed and work hard.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Budget properly!! Budget for a fixed amount it will take you to get there but also for what you will be spending once you are there… Spending while you are there will likely be the most costly, unfortunately. Also, don’t waste a day, even if it’s raining. You may only ever be there once.
