I saw Study Abroad as a chance to broaden my horizons.
What motivated you to study abroad?
I saw Study Abroad as a chance to broaden my horizons. It seemed easier to stay at first as I’d really settled in the Liverpool community and just started to feel at home. But wow am I glad I did it. It’s the most exciting, eye opening experience I have had to date.
Where did you go and why did you choose this University?
I had never been to Canada before, and with it being ranked number one university in Canada and number 16th in the world*, I knew my time at The University of Toronto was going to be a time that I would never forget!
What was the biggest challenge and how did you overcome this?
The learning style is different in Canada and the classes are much smaller; my average class was about 20 people and I have about 3 assignments due each week. This constant study means you are always up to date with reading so there is no such thing as lagging behind. You get class participation marks so the class is enriched with such a diverse array of opinions.
In addition to your studies, what did you do?
I was lucky enough to be invited to stay with my friend’s family by the lake in their lovely Canadian cottage. We canoed, chopped wood, hiked, jumped into the lake from their dock, and ate s’mores around the bonfire. There have been plenty of birthdays to celebrate, including my own, so I have seen Toronto in lights on a number of occasions, but during the weekends I was determined explore downtown more to see every nook and cranny that I had missed!
Would you recommend Study Abroad?
Yes! I have always considered myself a motivated student. Being immersed in this new environment has given me a short glimpse of what I can achieve if I put my mind to it. I am finally realising that these experiences are here for the taking, so why wait!
I have already touched on meeting new people, but what I didn’t expect was to become so close with the other exchange students. What is more exciting is that I can now say I know people from Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Paris, Japan, China, Austria, Lebanon, Finland, Nigeria, The Bahamas, Greece and of course Canada.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about Study Abroad?
University is a whirlwind of emotions but don’t let that dissuade you from taking the road less travelled and trying a new experience!
What have you gained through your Study Abroad experience?
What other time in our lives will we be handed these chances to travel, to explore, to expand our knowledge and skills? We are defined by our experiences, our personalities, our motivations and values.
*U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings 2015