Olivia C. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Have an open mind about opportunities and experiences."
OLIVIA C.
Exchange student at University of Exeter, UK
Winter semester
Studying Psychology
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
The best thing that happened to me was meeting new people from around the world, and making friendships that will last a life-time.
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The biggest cultural adaptation that I had to make was the lack of reliance on transportation and vehicles, as everyone in the city of Exeter preferred to walk no matter how far the distance.
- 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?
Culturally, I believe England and Canada share many similarities. But one thing that I noticed that was different is the level of friendliness and hospitality. Canadians are much more open to conversation and interactions than the British.
- 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?
One example of when I felt my actions were culturally inappropriate was when I would go out to eat at restaurants and continue to tip the staff on top of the tip that was included in the bill. This is a cultural tipping habit learned from home, and unfortunately, I made the mistake of carrying it over to England for a while before learning that everything is already included.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
The coolest place I traveled to was Bergamo, Italy
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
To have an open mind about opportunities and experiences. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try new things or see new places. There will be unforgettable memories that will be made.
- What was your best learning moment?
The best learning moment was related to my time management and financial management. You have to be organized with your time, because you are balancing school, social and travel! And lastly, organized with your money, as you want to experience as much as you can for as long as you can while considering the different currency exchanges for each country.
- 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 went on a flat trip to Portugal and for one of our dinners, my flatmate got their food served on a silver plate. Due to cultural differences, my flatmate was disappointed by the choice of dishware used by this restaurant, as in her culture eating on a silver plate is disrespectful, but in the Portuguese culture, a silver plate is considered premium service.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
The hardest person to leave from home was my parents. I learned to communicate with them with the time change and set specific calling hours where I can share stories and events that happened during that day/week.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
The hardest person to leave that I met on exchange was my significant other. I dealt with this by continuing to stay connected through calling and messaging, as well as planning future travel opportunities.
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
I would tell my best friend that exchange was the best six months of my life. It was an eye-opening experience that taught me lessons of independence and self-growth. I became more aware of cultural identities, and am inspired to see more of the world.
- What are your packing recommendations?
I would recommend to do research on the weather conditions before you go away and plan for the different seasons that you will be encountering. I tried to pack neutral colours in my wardrobe so I could pack less clothing that could be easily mixed and matched.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
I believe learning or knowing another language for exchange is extremely helpful. You can communicate with community members and with other students who speak the same language in the exchange group.
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Language and communication played a big role in fostering appreciation for a different perspective, as staying on top of communication is very important for learning new things and getting a sense of cultural awareness.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on campus, and was extremely happy with my choice. It was convenient/central to everything and felt very safe. The process was very straightforward and did not have any sketchy lease agreements attached to it.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I saved up money from working during my summers as well as applied to as many travel grants and scholarships as I could. My grant and scholarship was very helpful, as it covered the cost for most of my living. Before leaving, I made a budget spreadsheet which was also very helpful.
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
One interesting course that I took was called British Cultures. This course was only offered to international students and aimed to teach newcomers all about the British cultures and customs.
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
My exchange experience will benefit my future career, by discovering education in other countries and not being afraid to study across the world. I also think that it inspired me to do research cross-culturally on specific topics that can help Canada adopt new policies and actions.
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
Best 6 months of my life!
