My Exchange at The University of British Columbia
I would have like to have known that everything gets better! When you get there it can be a little daunting and where the novelty wears off as well. But if there is one thing I learnt, it was that everything gets so much better than you could have possibly imagined!
Q&A
What were some of the highlights of the academic experience at your host university?
The seminars were definitely a highlight. I got to learn from some amazing lecturers and guest speakers about things from Forensic Evidence through to Forest law. Some amazing papers about a legal system so different to the one in NZ. It was refreshing to say the very least.
Would you recommend any particular activity/activities unique to your host country or university?
Join the Ski n’ Board club!!! I had no idea how to ski or snowboard but joined the club because my new friends were. I made so so many friends in this club. I got to go to all the events and themed nights PLUS got to go on a wicked ski strip where I learnt how to snowboard in Whistler! I made some of the best memories at these events. The trip is called Condo Cram, where they book a hotel in Whistler to ourselves, and basically, it’s a weekend of skiing and events held by the club all around Whistler.
What are your top 3 tips for future students attending your host university or going on exchange to your host country?
1. put yourself out there!
2. everyone there is in the same boat, don’t be afraid to talk to someone new or join in to a club because at the end of the day you don’t have to see them again if you don’t want to
3. try not to say No to trips if you want to go on them! there is SO much to see and such little time
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 took about $8-9k over with me and whilst it was good and enough for me to do and see a lot more than I ever expected it was very tight at the end. I wish I had taken a little more over but I still had the time of my life. (This is not including rent)
What are your most significant takeaways from your experience abroad?
The world is actually not that small. You can be whoever you want to be and try new things without fear or judgment when you study abroad. I never thought id learn to snowboard because I was scared I would embarrass myself, and whilst being an extrovert I was scared to meet new people in case I embarrassed myself but at the end of the day this is a chance for you to be truly who you are and make friends that are similar minded to you so take the chance! try new things! you won’t regret it.
Do you want to share anything about travels you did outside your host city/country?
I travelled quite a bit. If you are in Canada (particularly Vancouver) take up any chance to get to Whistler whether winter or summer. its a two hour bus ride from campus and is SO worth it. Try and get to as many hikes as you can! Chances are you will make some friends who can drive there if you are not comfortable which means there are plenty of hikes you can do. Try also to get to Seattle, I went for a weekend and its SO different to Canada but is insanely cool.I also did a road trip to Banff through Jasper and Sun peaks during the start of winter and this was the biggest highlight and those areas and towns are so isnane and have some sick sights to see.
Final Comments
Say yes to trips and hikes and don’t be afraid. You are so much more capable than you think! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you will never be able to go study abroad in the way you are able to now so make the most of it. the time flies so fast and next thing you know you will be back in NZ so put yourself out there, try new things even if you are scared, find the cool study spots on campus or outside (UBC has a Harry Potter study room in IKB) and be kind to yourself. You will miss home but when you realise home will always be there but this time won’t be I promise you, you will be having the most epic time ever.
