My Exchange at McGill University
When I first arrived in Canada, I was shocked by how different the winters were compared to New Zealand. Obviously, I knew that it would be colder and snow a lot more, but I didn’t expect not to see the sun properly for two weeks. Plus, the sun sets around 4 PM during the start of the year, which was a big change for me.
I couldn’t get into student accommodation because all the spots were taken, but I found a great off-campus place through listings on the McGill website. My rent was cheaper than what I paid in Auckland, and I even had my own bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Finding a place close to McGill is pretty easy, especially with Facebook groups advertising rentals. Just a heads-up: you might need a Canadian bank account or a landlord who accepts PayPal since Canadians mainly use e-transfer for payments and don’t usually share their bank account numbers.
The courses at McGill were awesome, especially the business ones. We had lots of guest speakers and networking opportunities. The smaller class sizes made it easier to get to know my classmates and lecturers, which was a nice change from the big classes at UoA.
Montreal is such a cool city with great shopping and food. There are lots of thrift stores, boutique shops, and bakeries to explore. The coffee culture isn’t as big as in Auckland, but there are still plenty of cozy cafés to enjoy.
The cost of living in Montreal was pretty similar to Auckland for food prices, but rent was much cheaper and water and electricity were included.
I joined knitting and crocheting clubs, and took trips to Quebec City with a club called MustBus, which organizes cheap travel to different parts of Canada and the US. I also joined the McGill gym, which only costs $50 for the whole semester. If you sign up early, the rec center has great classes for learning how to ice skate or play other sports.
The best part of my exchange was making friends from all over the world. I met so many amazing exchange students and made great friends who I still talk to all the time. We traveled all over Canada and the US together.
One challenge I faced was with my French. I didn’t expect Montreal to be SO French, and I was unprepared. All the street names and supermarket labels are in French, and most people have the ability speak French in Montreal. So I wish I had learnt a few more french phrases before I came but it didn’t end up being too much of an issue.
My advice to future students is to be really outgoing in the first few weeks. In exchange student classes, there are lots of other exchange students who are just as eager to make friends, so reach out and talk to people!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
Unlike the larger lecture halls at the University of Auckland, my classes at McGill were much smaller and more tight-knit. This setting allowed me to get to know my classmates and professors on a more personal level, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
The smaller class sizes made it easier to participate in discussions and collaborate on projects. I found that McGill really encourages open debating and focuses lectures around student experiences in relation to the course topics. This approach not only made the classes more interesting but also helped me see how the theoretical concepts we were learning applied in real-world situations.
Another major highlight was the wealth of networking opportunities available. McGill regularly hosted guest speakers who were industry leaders, providing us with valuable insights into the business world. These sessions were incredibly informative and gave me a chance to learn directly from professionals who had vast experience in their fields.
The guest speakers and networking events were also great for making connections that extended beyond the classroom. We often had opportunities to interact with these professionals after their talks, which helped me build a network that could be beneficial for my future career.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
- Get involved with MustBus at McGill! They organize affordable trips all over Canada and the US. It’s a great way to travel, meet new people, and see more of North America without spending too much.
- Canada has some of the most beautiful nature spots. Go hiking, skiing, or just explore the national parks. Places like Mont-Tremblant and Banff are must-sees.
- Montreal has fantastic shopping, from thrift stores to boutique shops. The food scene is amazing, and there’s always something to do with all the museums, galleries, and live performances.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. Be Prepared for the Weather
Canada’s winters are no joke, especially if you’re coming from a warmer place like New Zealand. Make sure to pack plenty of warm clothes, including a good quality winter coat, gloves, and boots. The cold and snow can be intense, and the sun sets really early in the winter months, around 4 PM. It’s also a good idea to get a good pair of waterproof boots and thermal layers to stay comfortable.
2. Take Advantage of Extracurricular Activities and Explore
McGill and Montreal offer a ton of extracurricular activities, so get involved! Whether it’s joining a club or signing up for classes to learn new sports, there’s always something to do. Also, take the opportunity to travel. Clubs like MustBus organize affordable trips to different parts of Canada and the US. Exploring the city and beyond will make your exchange experience even more memorable.
3. Keep an Open Mind and Say Yes to New Experiences
One of the best parts of going on exchange is the chance to try new things and meet new people. Keep an open mind and say yes to as many opportunities as you can. Whether it’s joining a club, trying a new sport, or exploring a new part of the city, embracing these experiences will make your time at McGill unforgettable. You’ll make great friends and create lasting memories by stepping out of your comfort zone.
How much did you budget for your exchange? Was this enough? Were there any lessons learned that would help future students budget for their own exchange?
I had a budget of $13,000, which was enough for me and I still had money left over for traveling for two weeks in Canada and the US. However, I didn’t go out to eat or shop often. If you plan to do more of that, I’d recommend bringing extra money.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
One of the most significant takeaways from my exchange in Canada was how easy it was to adapt to a new environment. Despite being thousands of miles away from home and only being there for one semester, I was surprised at how quickly I was able to create a routine and build a life for myself in Montreal.
I found myself settling in and feeling comfortable in a new culture much faster than I expected. I made friends, got involved in activities, and established a daily routine that made Montreal feel like home. This experience made me appreciate my adaptability and resilience.
