Reflection
I highly recommend exchange. Going out of your comfort zone and exploring the world opens up so many new doors and perspectives that you would not expect. I made many European friends from Ireland, England, Scotland, France, and more. Being in such an international environment gave me a whole new perspective of the world. Furthermore, going abroad was a good reason to escape Vancouver because the city just lacked any form of excitement. I was able to experience the world, travel around Asia during the major breaks, and form new friendships with people around the world.
Connection to Academic Studies or Career Goals
Picking a top 25 global university also ensured that my education expectations were met and the comprehensive amount of courses offered allowed me to stay on track for graduation. When picking courses, I generally picked courses that would transfer back as core classes that are specific to my BBA degree.
Advice for Future Students
What I wish I knew before going on exchange was how to better prepare for the overall experience. For example, bringing more cash to a cash-based society, packing less clothes in order to save up more space to bring gifts home, and doing more course research to see which courses were available (for example, some courses were offered in the fall semester, but not in the spring semester).
My advice and tips for other students are as follows:
1. Pick a good country and a good university. Going abroad is indeed very fun, but choose wisely in where you want to go. If you can only speak English, it might be better to go to an English speaking country or at least a country where it’s a duo language. Furthermore, pick a good university. It’s a “flex” to be able to attend a top 25 university in the world and because of that, you’ll be surrounded with more individuals that actually care about their academic and professional careers. If you are surrounded by other like minded, intelligent people, you will only have a better experience overall.
2. Opt for dorming. You will make so many new friends and will live with people from around the world. You will go out with each other, eat together, and pretty much be around each other for the entirety of your exchange period. You will never feel alone. Just remember to choose your accommodations wisely!
3. Do everything! Do everything and anything that even remotely piques your interests. You will probably never have another experience like this, so travel, eat, and party as much as you can. Furthermore, do not worry about your finances! If you have financial troubles to begin with, you should probably not be going abroad. Do not worry about the money aspect, just be willing to spend to experience new things.
4. Be extroverted. Make new friends and just enjoy the new people you meet. Everyone brings something to the table in terms of beliefs, values, and experiences. You will meet lifelong friends during this experience.