What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Do it!!!! You will meet life-long friends, grow in ways you didn’t know you could, and have a new appreciation for life in general."
ELISE S.
Exchange student at the Curtin University, Australia
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing Management
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
Meeting new people from all over the world - we are all still in touch now. I made life-long friendships for sure. And the opportunity to travel around Australia (with these very friends).
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
I had to learn how to live in a much slower paced environment which I grew to fall in love with!
- 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 learned quickly that Australia even though is on the other side of the world, is very similar to Canada in those cultural instances.
- 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?
Again, the culture is similar so I didn’t feel this!
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
Probably the Great Barrier Reef, amazing to get to experience one of the wonders of the world! And I got to spend a day out in the reef on a big boat with people from all over the world, snorkel it, and fly over in a helicopter! It was one of the best days of my life.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
Don’t stress your first week. You’ll feel alone before orientation and before you meet your people, you realize it’s so far and isolated from your friends and family at home, but again, don’t stress this! Be hopeful and positive that you will meet your people - because you will!
- What was your best learning moment?
Similar to something I wish I knew before is that I learned not to stress the little things. There is so much amazing opportunity that comes with this study abroad to learn about yourself and grow. I learned to take advantage of this!
- 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 took an Australian Studies course where I learned a lot about their culture and perspectives. I can say now I’m confident in understanding their world view as I had to write a few essays about it!
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
My mom! I remembered that it was a relatively short period when you think about it - it flies by too! I kept in contact with the people I missed from home, always sending them pictures and prioritizing FaceTimes when we could!
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
My friends! We had hugs and cries. We remain close and talk often on social media. I know we will be reunited! The mindset is everything. Think positively that you met amazing people you’re lucky enough to miss!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
Do it!!!! You will meet life-long friends, grow in ways you didn’t know you could, and have a new appreciation for life in general. I truly believe experiencing a different culture and travelling on your own (especially at this age) is the best thing you can do for yourself.
- What are your packing recommendations?
Pack a sweater (or two) for Australia! In Perth, it surprisingly gets chilly come April/May! Pack light and buy your big items there or you’ll just be paying for heavy baggage when you go over.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
I was in Australia so I’m not sure!
- What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective?
Luckily I was in an English-speaking country!
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on-campus, which I would recommend. It’s easier to meet people and you’re closer to your friends when you want to meet up.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
OSAP and a housing scholarship from Curtin University. I also worked a lot before going away and saved as much as I could!
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
Journalism, style hunting, fashion merchandising, and Australian studies!
- How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?
I am super independent and well-traveled which helps me understand different cultures and people all around the world. This will be helpful to my career in ample ways!
