Vareen (Sem 2, 2024)

My Exchange at McGill University

I discovered the 360 International exchange programme through a friend who had applied and embarked on an exchange abroad last semester. Their positive experience and excitement motivated me to explore the opportunity and eventually apply for the programme myself. The application process was straightforward, with the 360 International team providing all the necessary information and support to get started.

Upon arriving at McGill University in Montreal, my initial feelings were a mix of excitement and anticipation. I was eager to immerse myself in a new environment, meet new people, and experience a different culture. However, these feelings soon shifted as I encountered some unexpected challenges, particularly with my accommodation. The housing provided was quite old and had not been occupied for a long time. There were missing furnishings and poor facilities, and the communication from the university was lacking. At the last minute, all exchange students were transferred to this accommodation, which was far from ideal.

The orientation at McGill University was also a bit confusing. We were brought to a venue to mingle with other students, but there were no structured ice-breaker games or activities to help us get to know each other. This made it difficult to form connections initially, and I felt somewhat lost in the crowd.

The courses and teaching methods at McGill University were quite traditional. They still used blackboards, and some lectures were not recorded, which forced students to attend in person. This was a significant adjustment for me, as I was accustomed to having recorded lectures at my home university. Additionally, the Teaching Assistants (TAs) were not as helpful as I had hoped. Their office hours were very limited, and they did not provide sufficient explanations or support outside of these hours.

Montreal, as a city, has a rich history and many historical buildings compared to other cities in Canada. However, I found the people to be colder and less willing to help voluntarily. While the public buses were often delayed, the metro system was very convenient, on time, and fast. The cost of living in Montreal was relatively cheaper compared to Auckland, especially when it came to groceries and rent. However, dining out was quite expensive due to high taxes and a minimum 15% tip requirement.

Despite these challenges, there were several highlights of my exchange experience. I enjoyed exploring the diverse food options, particularly the Asian cuisines in Toronto and Vancouver. Meeting people from different countries, backgrounds, and cultures was incredibly enriching and added immense value to my experience. Living in accommodation with other exchange students was very beneficial, as it allowed me to form lasting friendships and create memorable experiences.

Adapting to the new environment was one of the biggest challenges. The people were not as friendly and caring as those in Auckland, and the traditional teaching methods and unhelpful TAs made academic life more difficult. However, these challenges also provided valuable learning experiences and helped me grow personally and academically.

For future students considering the exchange programme, I would advise keeping an open mind and being prepared for unexpected challenges. Despite not having a great impression of the city and the education at the host university, I would still recommend the programme. The people you meet and the experiences you gain will make your exchange experience enjoyable and memorable.

In conclusion, while my exchange at McGill University had its ups and downs, it was an enriching and valuable experience. The cultural exchange, diverse food options, and friendships formed made the journey worthwhile. The challenges I faced helped me grow and adapt, making me more resilient and appreciative of different perspectives. I believe that the exchange programme is a unique opportunity that can significantly enhance one’s academic and personal development.

Q&A

What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?

Some of the highlights of my academic experience at McGill University included the opportunity to travel around Canada, exploring the beautiful country and its wide market, which greatly benefited my International Business major. Additionally, I valued the chance to make new connections and network with people from around the world, learning about their diverse cultures and languages. These experiences enriched my understanding and broadened my global perspective.

Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?

I would definitely recommend trying skiing! Canada is renowned for its excellent skiing opportunities, with many cities offering fantastic ski resorts and beautiful snowy landscapes. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, there are plenty of options to enjoy this activity and make the most of Canada’s winter wonderland.

What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?

Research Public Transport: Instead of taking an Uber from the airport, consider using public transport, especially if you don’t have a lot of luggage. It’s often more cost-effective and can give you an early taste of local life.

Apply for an OPUS Card: There is a special OPUS card for students that offers discounted transport fares. Make sure to apply for it to save money on your daily commute.

Accommodation Choices: Before confirming university-provided accommodation, check Facebook Marketplace for sublet options, which can be cheaper. However, staying in university accommodation increases the chances of meeting fellow exchange students, which can enhance your social experience and make travel planning easier.

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 budgeted at least CAD 10,000 for my exchange, which was sufficient as long as I limited my travel expenses and focused on covering accommodation rent, food, and shopping. I also minimized dining out to stay within budget.

A key lesson I learned for future students is to prioritise your spending and be mindful of additional costs like travel, dining out, and shopping. It’s also helpful to have some extra funds set aside for unexpected expenses or opportunities that may arise during your exchange.

What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?

My most significant takeaways from my experience abroad include gaining a greater sense of independence, especially navigating my way through big cities. Academically, I learned a lot from a course on the world market, taxes, and tariffs related to exporting and importing. Additionally, living in Quebec, a French-speaking city, gave me the opportunity to learn a bit of French, which was both challenging and rewarding. This experience has broadened my perspective and equipped me with valuable skills that will benefit me in the future.

Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?

During my time in Canada, I had the opportunity to travel outside my host city and explore other incredible locations.

In Toronto, I indulged in a variety of Asian cuisines and visited popular tourist spots like Casa Loma, the CN Tower, and the iconic Niagara Falls. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, I highly recommend getting the CityPASS, which allows entry to up to three attractions at a reduced price compared to buying individual tickets.

In Vancouver, we mainly explored the city and visited the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus. I would recommend staying near the city center if you’re there for a limited number of days, as Vancouver is quite spread out. I spent around 1.5 hours on the bus just to get to the city, which wasted a bit of travel time despite the cheaper accommodation.

These travels were a great way to experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures within Canada, adding to the richness of my exchange experience.

Is there any advice you could share about accommodation options at your host university and/or in the local area?

When I applied for housing at McGill University, I went through their housing services. There isn’t a specific portal for applications, so you need to email the housing office directly, indicating your preferred student accommodation. McGill has a website where you can find a list of the different student housing options available.

Once you receive a housing offer, the process to secure your spot, including making the deposit, is managed through Minerva. Minerva is the student portal used for various administrative tasks, such as paying rent, ordering transcripts, and updating personal details.

Do you have any advice on what mobile phone apps and/or phone plans that were useful in your host country?

Apps in host country* What type of apps did you use while in the host country? (E.g for public transport, payment methods, etc) HIghly recommend wise as it has a very low conversion fee as well as exchange rates. Chrono for public transport

During my time in Canada, I found a few apps particularly useful:

1. Wise: This app is excellent for making international payments, as it offers very low conversion fees and favorable exchange rates. It was incredibly helpful for managing my finances while abroad.
2. Chrono: For public transport, I used the Chrono app. It provided real-time updates and schedules for buses, metro, and trains, making it easy to navigate the city efficiently.

These apps made my exchange experience smoother and more manageable. I highly recommend them to future students going on exchange in Montreal, Canada.

Airalo is an eSIM app offering very competitive prices for data. It’s a great option for staying connected without incurring high costs. However, I also set up a physical SIM card, as having a Canadian phone number can be convenient in case of any emergencies or for local communication needs.

A key lesson I learned is to avoid getting an eSIM at the airport, as the service costs can be significantly higher. It’s better to arrange your eSIM or SIM card in advance or at a local provider once you arrive.

Final Comments

One of the most important pieces of advice I can offer is to put in the effort and manage your time well for your studies. Academic life at McGill University can be demanding, with traditional teaching methods and limited support from Teaching Assistants. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between your academic responsibilities and the opportunity to travel and explore the cities around you. Canada is a beautiful country with so much to offer, from the vibrant cultural scenes to the stunning natural landscapes.

In addition, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and be open to meeting new people. During my exchange, I had the chance to network with individuals from around the world, learning about their cultures and languages. These connections not only enriched my understanding but also proved to be valuable for my future. Living in accommodation with other exchange students was a significant highlight, as it allowed me to form lasting friendships and share memorable experiences.

In conclusion, while my exchange at McGill University had its ups and downs, it was an invaluable experience. The cultural exchange, diverse food options, and friendships formed made the journey worthwhile. The challenges I faced helped me grow and adapt, making me more resilient and appreciative of different perspectives. This exchange programme is a unique opportunity that can significantly enhance one’s academic and personal development. Embrace it fully, and you will come away with memories and skills that will last a lifetime.