Shaylyn A. Study Abroad Ambassador

What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:

"You don't know how much an exchange program will change your life until you do it."

SHAYLYN A.

Exchange student at Queensland University of Technology, Australia 
Winter semester
Studying Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biological Science & Commerce

1. What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad? 

I would say the best thing that happened to me was finding a place where I was genuinely happy and felt the most like myself. I know that I belong in a hot climate where there is tons of exploring to do. Another great thing was meeting new people. I felt that because of the large population of international students in Australia, everyone was open to meeting new people and having new experiences, and I met a lot of great people!

2. What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make? 

I am not sure if this is a cultural adaptation, but getting used to walking on different sides of the sidewalk and driving on the opposite side of the road was hard to adjust to. Other than that, I felt right at home, and the culture was easy to adapt to.

3. 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? 

As someone from a North American culture, I did miss something that Australia did not have that is part of a more North American culture. For instance, sports are a huge part of my life, and I did not connect with the sports they play there. They play rugby, but I love watching hockey, and that is a big social aspect of my life that was missing.

4. 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?

I never felt out of place in Australia. Like Canada, it is very multicultural. Although they have some different ways of living and speaking, I never felt culturally inappropriate.

5. Where was the coolest place you travelled to during your study abroad experience? 

This is a tough question. Australia is filled with unique and amazing places. When I really think about it, two places stand out to me. First, the Great Barrier Reef. To this day, I am still amazed that I have snorkelled the Great Barrier Reef. It truly was an amazing experience and is one that I will remember forever. I mean, how many people can say they have been to the Great Barrier Reef? Another place was in Melbourne, called the Great Ocean Road. It is essentially a long road which takes you along the Bass Strait of the Indian Ocean. It is considered one of the best scenic coastal drives which took almost 10 hours there and back from Melbourne. I saw the 12 Apostles and the Lock Ard Gorge and learned about surfing culture and shipwreck history. It was truly amazing!

6. What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad? 

I stayed in Brisbane, and although it was an amazing city that I would recommend everyone visit, it was not close enough to the ocean. Brisbane is located in a spot where a giant island is located just off the shore. This is the reason why Brisbane does not have any nice white sand beaches with crashing waves. The next closest spot is the Gold Coast, where the beaches are incredible. While I was there, I found a new appreciation for going to the beach and being near water. I did not know exactly how far the beach was from Brisbane, and I did not know I would want to spend almost all of my time at the beach. I wish I would have looked into this a bit more. Despite this, I would not change a thing.

7. What was your best learning moment? 

My best learning moment is that there is so much to be thankful for and appreciative of in life. There is so much out there for us to explore. I also grew as a person, and I think that can be attributed to living on my own and leaving my home city.

8. 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 think that being in such a beautiful place and having the opportunity to travel is such a blessing experience in itself. I am so much more appreciative of little things and life itself.

9. Who was the hardest person to leave from home? How did you deal with that? ​

In all honestly, I missed my dog the most. I was able to easily contact my family, but I couldn't hug my dog. I would see dogs going for their morning walks and playing at the beach and I couldn't help but think I wanted to do that with my dog.

10. Who was the hardest person to leave that you met while on exchange? How did you deal with that? ​

I met so many people on exchange, but the hardest people to leave were the ones I spent a lot of time with. Luckily, they live in Canada, and I hope one day we will meet again. I am also grateful for social media because we still stay in touch, and I follow along with their crazy new adventures.

11. If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?​ ​

I would say, DO IT!! You don't know how much an exchange program will change your life until you do it. Travelling is one of the best things you can do for yourself. especially travelling alone, which can teach you some amazing things about yourself. When you explore a new place, you find excitement in life, and you will meet people that might change your life forever. You will also gain a new appreciation for different cultures and the little things in life.

12. What are your packing recommendations?

Definitely do some research to determine the weather you might experience, and you don't need as much as you think you do. You will also buy new things, even if you say you won't, which is what I said.

13. Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange? 

I went to an English-speaking country, but I think it would be fun to learn the language of the country you are in so you can feel more immersed in the culture.

14. What role did language and communication (both verbal and non-verbal) play in fostering appreciation for a different perspective? 

For me, I did not see this as playing a significant role, mainly because Australia is similar to Canada, and they speak English and have many of the same mannerisms.

15. Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why? 

I lived in a city, so I lived off-campus, but my apartment was located very close to the school and I could walk there. Definitely spend a lot of time researching where you will live, because it can make a huge difference.

16. How did you finance your study abroad experience? 

I am lucky enough to receive a lot of support from my parents, but I also had to finance a significant portion of my exchange experience. I saved up from my summer job and went into my exchange knowing that I would need to spend money, especially to have a good time. You are only there for a short amount of time, so be mindful of what you spend your money on. I prioritized experiences and spent my money on plane tickets and excursions rather than going out for dinner etc. I would say the most money was spent on living expenses, so just be mindful of that.

17. What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)? 

I took a corporate social responsibility class, which I have been able to apply to other classes I have taken at Guelph. I liked this class mainly because of the professor. She was very engaging and made the class very interesting. I also took a medical terminology and anatomy course, which was also very interesting. I got to make a video about a disease acting as a health professional, which was very fun to do!

18. How do you see your exchange experiences benefiting your future career?

I think that my exchange experiences will benefit me in my future career because I have gained world experience, talked to and met new people from around the world, and I have gained some valuable skills, including independent skills, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I think travelling in itself can help you develop as a person. Although I do not know what my specific career will be, I have become a more well-rounded individual, and I know that will serve me well.

19. Is there any other helpful information you would like to share with future study abroad participants? ​

I would have to say that the fear of missing home might deter people from taking this opportunity. Although I did not feel homesick, I know people who did. My advice would be to not let this stop you from going. You will get over your feelings of homesickness very fast once you start making friends and experiencing new things. Additionally, to touch on the subject of making friends. Usually, all exchange students are in the same boat, and everyone is looking for new friends and new experiences.

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