My Exchange at McGill University
I had always planned to study overseas, so an exchange was a no-brainer. I had planned my whole degree around it, and after a few delays (Covid-19), I finally got the green light, and I was ecstatic.
I learned about the 360 International Exchange Program by researching Auckland University’s overseas opportunities. Having started my degree in Wellington, I researched the program before moving to Auckland.
When I arrived, my first impressions and feelings were overwhelming excitement and wonder over the city’s beauty. Having arrived in a heatwave, I was also incredibly hot and knew I would need some time to adjust to the extreme climates of Quebec. The European influence and overall culture were captivating, and I immediately fell in love with the new city I would call home for the next year.
My accommodation was even better than I could have dreamed. After weighing up all my options, I rented my own apartment. And somehow I managed to get the best location and the best flat. My neighbours were incredibly welcoming and friendly, and they soon became my friends, having dinner and drinks in our backyard in the warmer months. In the heart of the Plateau, I was close to the best cafes, restaurants, thrift stores, bookstores and the metro, which became my new mode of transport. I even had half a dozen supermarkets and local grocery shops, all within a 5-minute walk or less. I couldn’t believe my luck. With an empty apartment with just two beds and a couch to my name, my mum and I sat in the sun on my balcony in my garden oasis and popped open the bottle of champagne that my landlords had gifted me.
Orientation at McGill was the most fun I had ever had at a University Orientation. The North American reputation of college life was living up to my expectations; with endless events, sporting games and concerts, it was impossible not to get involved. And even better, is that everyone loves getting involved no matter the year group.
I loved my courses/teaching at McGill, which excited me about studying again. With smaller classes and more of a discussional vibe, each class seemed like a conversation of relevant and exciting topics. My professors were so engaging and constantly wanted to help me get jobs and internships with their connections. Over the year, I had so many guest speakers of Executives, CEOs, Politicians, content creators and fashion experts that I would never have thought I would get the privilege to hear speak in class. These speakers were also quick to offer to help with our careers, and because of this, I now have some exciting new connections on Linkedin. Campus life, in particular, was heavily involved, everyone loved coming to class and getting amongst it, which made for a great atmosphere, but there also wasn’t the pressure of having to be in class all the time as the University was accommodating to work and other commitments. Throughout the year, many campus activities and events kept the campus alive even through winter, and in the colder months, everything was heated. While travelling to University in snow storms and below-freezing days it soon became the normal.
My host city Montreal as mentioned earlier, was a dream; it is an inspiring place that constantly has something going on. It was impossible to get bored. The winter months, where we experienced a few -40 degree days, did have me questioning my decision slightly, but the snow and white Christmas made it all worth it. Montreal is so close to the USA border that a few trips to New York were without question; I also fell in love with New York and can see myself living there at some stage. Toronto, Vermont and Ottowa were some of the other road trips me and my new friends embarked on, and each place was so unique and made for unforgettable memories. Montreal is known for its food, and I completely understand why. They have everything you could think of and the best cafes and restaurants I have ever been to; it is an excellent place for a foodie.
The cost of living compared to Auckland was quite different, I found rent around the same, if not cheaper, and while food was expensive, I did find groceries overall cheaper than at home. Cafes and restaurants were what I expected, but it depended on where you went. There were plenty of on-campus options, but they all tended to be slightly overpriced, like at home. The cost of living in New Zealand is currently at an all-time high, so overall, I found Montreal more livable, especially considering the pay is higher.
The main highlight of my exchange was the new friends I made; I made friends with many exchange students, so I now have friends worldwide and am planning to see them again soon. The experience is definitely made by the people you surround yourself with, and I am lucky to meet the most amazing people.
The second highlight of my exchange experience was how transformative it was. People told me an exchange changes you, but I only realised how much until I went. Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new environment allowed me to develop resilience, adaptability, and open-mindedness. Navigating the complexities of daily life in a different place has made me more independent, confident, and self-assured with myself. The exchange program provided me with invaluable experiences and lifelong friendships, and I am immensely grateful for the personal growth it has brought into my life.
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
The highlight of the academic experience was the chosen exciting, relevant topics and the freedom for students to choose what they are passionate about within their classes. Within all of my classes, I was allowed to focus on issues, brands, people and countries that I am passionate about, which made the course a lot more exciting and relevant to today’s society. All topics were up to date with current business, and it was very applied.
The smaller classes and commitment of the teachers helped with the overall teachings. Each professor was committed to helping us build connections and get jobs and used their connections to help students professionally. The guest speakers were a wide range of inspiring people relevant to the class and student interests. Building connections with these speakers has been beneficial and exciting as someone passionate about fashion and social media.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Overall, I recommend getting involved in as much as you can because it’s just what everyone does, the level of involvement is high at McGill, and while it can be intense, it builds so many connections. My closest friends were made through firstly International student events and my classes. Go to every sports game, concert, cafe, and occasion you can because it makes the experience enjoyable.
Weekend trips to New York, Vermont or Toronto are a must if you can. They are so close by and easy to get to and are an excellent opportunity to get outside of the campus bubble. Since you’ll be living in Canada, attending a hockey game is practically a rite of passage. It quickly became my favourite sport and a fun activity to enjoy with friends, especially on student nights. Montreal is known for its various festivals over the year; whether it’s fashion, comedy, or music, there is a different festival for everything. I was also fortunate to go skiing at both Mt Tremblant and Mt Orford, both I would highly recommend; being smaller skiing resort towns meant there was such a great vibe and Mt Tremblant at Christmas time was magical, even through a snowstorm.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
First and foremost, it may sound cliche, but one of the most important tips is to put yourself out there as much as possible during the initial weeks. While it can be a busy and chaotic time, it’s crucial for making connections and meeting new friends.
Secondly, embrace the exchange experience! McGill University is known for its intense academic environment, but don’t forget that you’re on an exchange program. Make sure to have fun, participate in trips, and engage in various activities. It’s easy to get caught up in the workload, but remember to balance your studies with enjoyable experiences.
Thirdly, establishing strong relationships with your professors is highly beneficial. The professors at McGill are well-connected individuals who possess extensive networks in various career fields. These connections have been invaluable to me, as they have introduced me to industry professionals, assisted with job applications, and opened doors to desired career opportunities. Take advantage of their expertise and connections to pursue your desired career path.
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?
The budget for the exchange is entirely dependent on your experience. Choosing my apartment was slightly more expensive than my friends who were in the student dorms, and it meant I could self-cater have more space and was a lot better for having friends and family around. A lot of the friends I made said that if they could do it again, they would have done what I did with an apartment, as the student dorms can be tricky.
My general advice is to budget more than you need; trips and uni fees all add up, and unexpected costs make it more expensive. Phone plans in Canada are also costly. I also recommend that you have a stream of income while there, especially if it is a year-long exchange. It makes it a lot more stress-free and less of a financial burden.
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
The main highlight of my exchange was the new friends I made; I made friends with many exchange students, so I now have friends worldwide and am planning to see them again soon. The experience is definitely made by the people you surround yourself with, and I am lucky to meet the most amazing people.
The second highlight of my exchange experience was how transformative it was. People told me an exchange changes you, but I only realised how much until I went. Stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new environment allowed me to develop resilience, adaptability, and open-mindedness. Navigating the complexities of daily life in a different place has made me more independent, confident, and self-assured with myself. The exchange program provided me with invaluable experiences and lifelong friendships, and I am immensely grateful for the personal growth it has brought into my life.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I was fortunate to travel to New York, Vermont, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and a few other small towns outside of Montreal over the year. While this seems like a lot, they are accessible to Montreal and can be inexpensive, depending on how and when you go about it. Quebec City is the oldest city in Quebec and is also the Capital, I was lucky to go over New Year’s Eve, and massive celebrations were going on with festivals in the streets and an overall great vibe.
I went to New York twice, and I would have gone more if I could because it was just that amazing; I highly recommend flying from Auckland to there and then staying there a few days if you can, as it is worth it. Vermont and Ottawa, on the other hand, were delightful weekend road trip destinations, offering a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling energy of New York City. Both places left lasting impressions. One of my most memorable adventures was a train journey to Toronto during a long weekend with my friends. This excursion was filled with laughter and unforgettable moments.
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