A trip to remember!



By Marvin Janessen - exchange student from Fontys University, Netherlands

 

Halloween in Victoria

Studying at Camosun College has been a tremendous experience for me. I remember the first days well: the international student orientation was very welcoming and I fit right in from the very start. Even though there were a great many international students, I found myself to be the only one in most of the courses I attended. The local students were very kind and interested in my story, and I befriended quite a few of them. The way Camosun College worked was different than my school, but similar enough to just ease into it. I enjoyed how classes were divided into lectures and seminars, it was very refreshing after working in project groups exclusively for a few years.

I opted to stay with a host family because I wanted to experience Canadian culture firsthand. My host family was really nice and they made an effort to include me into their family. They showed me around and helped me when I needed it. We did a lot of things together and we remain friends to this day. Canadian culture, to me, was very similar and quite different at the same time. From the houses to the food, it was all different in subtle ways. I tried out many different Canadian foods, like poutine, maple syrup, and local microbrews, and went to do things like going on a whale tour, seeing an ice-hockey game, and a lot of other things. I just could not get enough of it. 

 

I have been back for some time now, but I like to reminisce about all the things I have done and experienced in Canada. Surely this was one of the greatest experiences I have had in my life so far, and I will always cherish it. It was truly one of the best choices I have ever made, and I would not trade it in for anything in the world. Camosun College is a great school, and they are very good at taking care of international students. I am sure to make it back there one day.

Looking for adventure?

Create it here. Study Abroad.

 

 

So you want to travel, but not delay graduation? Or are you looking to travel, but not as a tourist, but a "local"? Whatever your reason for studying abroad, make sure you have one!

 

Thinking about WHY you are going abroad will help you achieve goals, manage expectations (your own and those of others around you), and adjust to life abroad.

 

We get a lot of students wanting to just "get out of town!", and that's great, no, that's awesome! But in order to find the program that suits you, the country that you're looking to be that "local" in, or the school that will give you the opportunity to meet your academic goals, you need to do some deeper thinking than that. And start thinking about it right away!

 

Academic Goals:

 

What are you studying right now? Do you want to study the same thing abroad? Is your focus going to the academic courses, the experience, the language, or a combination of all?'

 

Researching the programs at the different partner institutions is the first step. Which ones offer what you're looking for? Once you narrow it down to general programs, book an appointment with the Study Abroad Assistant for further details, course descriptions, and advice as to which school matches your academic goals.

 

The big question will come down to: do you want the courses you take abroad to transfer to your home institution? If you need credits to transfer back, then your courses will be more limited than if you are going for an experiential study abroad experience, and this may require a bit more work at choosing your courses ahead of time.

 

Remember, be creative. Online/distance courses are always a good way to add in a few extra credits here and there, and so is summer school before or after a semester.

 

Language Acquisition:

 

This is where you can really take advantage of being immersed in a language, so plan for that! If you don't speak the language, look into whether or not the school offers introductory courses. Are the academic courses taught in English or the native language?

 

If you're planning well in advance, taking an introductory language course at your home institution will give you a good foundation for your time abroad. Then you will just spring-board into the immersion of a new language!

 

Choose your location:

This can be the most obvious decision for some, and the most difficult for others. Depending on your language acquisition and academic goals, this may limit where you can go. Family history, research, and media may all influence where you want to study abroad. Consider all your options, and think about WHY you're leaning towards one country or another. This may help you prioritize the bigger questions around WHY you're studying abroad.

 

Some things to consider when choosing your location are: cost of living, language, culture, the academic calendar, and schools available to you.

 

Plan your timeline and budget:

 

Make sure you have an idea of what your time abroad is going to cost you. With more time to prepare, this is easier to manage. Think about your summer employment, part-time employment before you go, scholarships (apply for them ALL - you just never know!), and student loans.

If you have any questions around how to finance your time abroad, or what the expenses will be, don't hesitate in contacting the Study Abroad Assistant!

 

Remember, be creative, optimistic, and ask for advice. This will help make your planning and even your trip a lot smoother!