Sharya B. Study Abroad Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"If you're able to, this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity, when else are you going to be able to take a casual weekend trip in May to the Eiffel Tower in France after finishing up a horror film exam? Take a leap and see what the world has to offer."
SHARYA B.
Exchange student at the Aberystwyth University, Wales
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
I made such special memories and visited stunning places all while learning about a different culture in a new country!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
The slang and vocabulary in the United Kingdom is so original and new, I picked up a ton of new terminology for everyday words, for example; having a cheeky chin wag with your mates = having a fun conversation with some friends.
- Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience?
While abroad I traveled around England, to Switzerland, Italy, France and funny enough, California! The coolest place I went might have been Geneva, Switzerland. It was one of those places I never thought of going until being in Europe and was the most impulsive trip I had taken there... Planned and booked this trip 2 days before my flight. The city is beautiful and overall was such an exciting experience, as well as my first trip while on exchange!
- What was your best learning moment?
Getting to learn about myself was something I knew would come with this experience however I was taken aback at how much growth and change came along as well. Being in a new place on your own brings such great opportunity for self reflection and growth.
- Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that?
My family and friends were a difficult goodbye. I've never lived away from home and so not only was being abroad a new experience but simply living alone was new and not having my support system felt scary but regular video calls kept us close even with such distance between us.
- Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that?
A few of my housemates and I had gotten extremely close over the four months I was there and saying goodbye was really hard. We savored our last week together and wrote each other "see you later" letters since goodbyes feel too permanent. We still keep in touch and have planned to see each other again in the next couple of years!
- If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?
It is such a unique experience that will benefit you in so many different ways!
- What are your packing recommendations?
Pack a small variety of clothes - depending on your travel plans and the semester you visit, the weather does change and it can get hot or cold (although in the winter semester, Wales is typically on the colder side) Bring small and light decor or mementos from home (it can get lonely and feel homesick and so I brought photos and a tapestry to make my room feel more recognizable). DON'T Overpack - especially liquids and heavy items (airports are strict on weight limitations and the UK has a ton of the same brands for shampoos, soap etc. and it is typically cheaper to buy there).
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
Definitely not needed but adds to the excitement, I personally learned a few Welsh phrases before arriving but didn't necessarily need or use them.
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on-campus and would definitely recommend it at Aberystwyth! Campus is on top of a hill and the walk up from town is not the most ideal and so I figured I'd make my walk to classes easier and live closer and atop the hill. The entire town is extremely walkable and so getting down the hill into town is so easy, even if you live on-campus.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
There's so many grants to apply for within Guelph and I was lucky enough to be chosen to receive a bursary from the Welsh Government as well!
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
My favourite course I took abroad was 21st Century Self: Critical and Constructionist Approaches to Contemporary Personhood. Very interesting taking a psychology course in a different country as their societal norms are not the same as ours and you bring an outside point of view to the discussions!
- Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants?
If you're able to, this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity, when else are you going to be able to take a casual weekend trip in May to the Eiffel Tower in France after finishing up a horror film exam? Take a leap and see what the world has to offer.
