Melanie P. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"I would recommend it 1,000,000 times over!"
MELANIE P.
Exchange student at the Ca'Foscari University of Venice, Italy
Fall semester
Studying Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Marketing Management
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing was getting to explore so many parts of the world that I had wanted to see. I loved having weekends and holidays to look forward to so that I could jump on a plane or train to somewhere new and exciting. I feel like I learned so much from so many cultures, people and places, and I'm so thankful for the experience.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
I didn't struggle much with cultural adaptations in Italy, but one thing that always got me was how early shops and restaurants would close in the day! I was so used to being able to go anywhere late in Canada, but in Italy so many places are closed by 7 or 8pm, and closed all day on weekends!
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
It's hard to pick just one place! I would say the Greek island of Crete was one of the most beautiful and inviting places ever. There was nowhere you could turn that didn't leave your jaw on the floor. The food was also incredible; I miss it every day.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I wish I knew just how different university courses are structured in Italy. It was a completely different experience than what I was used to, especially when it came to exams. Things like oral exams, where you sit down with the professor and they ask questions were so foreign to me. Classes in Venice were also split into semester or "period" classes, which were like half a semester, so it was important to choose the correct one when signing up for classes.
- What was your best learning moment?
I would say learning how to shop and cook for myself. It was great because I got to experiment with ingredients I had never used before, and try new things that I wouldn't have previously. Italy was a great place for this because there were so many delicious things to try!
- Is there an issue that you can articulate whereby you had the opportunity to view the perspective from a different worldview or cultural lens?
Before studying in Venice, I just thought of it as a touristic city. However, after living there, it felt like so much more than that. I felt I got to understand how much every day life is impacted by it being such a touristic destination. Sometimes, it was really difficult to get to class on time because there were so many people roaming the streets and your path would be blocked. I felt like I had to adapt to know how to live there like a local rather than a tourist.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
It was hard to leave my family and my boyfriend, but I knew that I'd only be gone a relatively short time which made it a lot easier. I think I was so busy with school, meeting new friends and travelling that time flew by. I tried to make the most of my time there, rather than focusing on what I was leaving behind for the time being.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
To keep up with a hobby I did in Canada, I signed up for a taekwondo team in Venice. Leaving my teammates was really difficult because I felt we had grown so close in such a short time. They were all so welcoming to me and incredibly accommodating when I didn't know something in Italian. I loved hanging out with them outside of classes too, and I will miss them all very much.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Get ready to have the best experience and NEVER want to stop talking about it. Make sure to save up a lot because you will want to take part in everything you can. If you get the chance to travel, don't hesitate to do so.
- What are your packing recommendations?
You honestly don't need to pack that many clothing options because there are opportunities to shop everywhere for quite cheap. You'll also appreciate any extra space in your suitcase to bring things BACK rather than take things there.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
I would say learning Italian is a huge plus, but you don't need to know it in such a touristic city like Venice. It makes it much easier to know at least a few basic phrases while you're living there though.
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
I loved learning new words in Italian from friends. You could tell that people are appreciative when you make an effort to speak their language, and it makes the whole experience much more rewarding.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I technically lived off-campus in a mixed student residence, but basically the whole island serves as a campus since there are different faculty buildings everywhere. I would recommend it 1,000,000 times over; you meet such great people and get to see a less touristic side of the island as well.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I was fortunate enough to be in a coop program at the UofG, so I saved up my earnings from each term to fund my trip. If you can, save up as much as possible in case of unplanned outings or things being more expensive than you thought initially.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I took an Introduction to Coding (ET4018) course that I really enjoyed. It was very different from my program back at Guelph, but I found the challenge really rewarding. The final project was very interesting and not something I would have ever thought I could have created.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I want to go to medical school in the future, and I think my exchange experience will really set me apart from some other applicants. When I become a doctor, I will be much more culturally aware and knowledgeable than I would have been had I not done the exchange as well.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
If you are considering exchange and are able to go, there's no better time than right now. Not only will wherever you go surprise you, you'll end up surprising yourself with how much you take away from the experience.
