Single Semester Exchange in Canterbury, UK
Partner Institution: Canterbury Christ Church University

Introducing Shamsa, a law and justice student eager to gain insights into how her program operates in a different country. Shamsa embarked on a transformative journey to Canterbury Christ Church University in England, where she immersed herself in a new academic environment and culture.

During her time abroad, Shamsa seized the opportunity to explore various European destinations, often spending weekends visiting friends in Belgium. This exposure ignited their curiosity about different European cultures and lifestyles, prompting them to further expand their travels across the continent.

Despite considering herself to be introverted, Shamsa confronted her fear of putting herself out there and meeting new people during their study abroad experience. She embraced the challenge and made a conscious effort to step out of their comfort zone, ultimately discovering a newfound confidence in themselves.

Reflecting on her experience, Shamsa offers valuable advice for future study abroad students: “I would assure students that it would be a fantastic experience that will change their perspective on many things. I would tell them they have nothing to lose and much to gain from the experience.”

Shamsa’s study abroad journey exemplifies the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and gaining invaluable insights into different academic and cultural contexts.

My name is Abi Higham. Studying abroad at Canterbury Christ Church University in England was a life changing experience for me. As part of the study abroad program with Algoma University, I decided to take this leap for a change and to see the world from a fresh perspective.

This journey not only broadened my horizons but also left me with memories and lessons I will cherish forever. One of the highlights of my time abroad was the opportunity to travel to multiple countries and immerse myself in new cultures. Playing on the university’s football (soccer) team added another layer of connection and excitement to my experience. However, it wasn’t without its challenges—being so far from home and dealing with homesickness tested my resilience.

Through this, I discovered my independence and the strength to embrace life’s uncertainties. Academically, studying in the United Kingdom inspired me to go beyond the boundaries of my degree and seek more advanced knowledge. This motivation has been transformative for both my academic and personal growth.

My passion for travel blossomed during this time, leading me to achieve my Travel Industry Council of Ontario certification and kickstart my side career as a part time travel agent with Expedia Cruises. To anyone considering studying abroad, I cannot recommend it enough. It may feel daunting, and there will be moments of doubt, but the rewards are immeasurable. You will gain independence, new perspectives, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. If you have the chance to go, take it, you won’t regret it. When you feel like you want to go home, don’t. You can do this!

Single Semester Exchange in Canterbury, UK
Partner Institution: Canterbury Christ Church University

Introducing Tea, a third-year Bachelor of Business student at Algoma University, whose dream of studying abroad finally became a reality. Tea took the leap and embarked on an unforgettable journey to Canterbury, UK, fulfilling a long-held aspiration.

During her time in the UK, Tea embraced the opportunity to explore many different cities in Europe, including Mykonos, Athens, and Rome. Reflecting on her travels, Tea describes the experience as nothing short of amazing, with each day bringing forth new adventures and unforgettable memories. She fondly reminisces about the places she visited and the diverse people she encountered along the way.

The study abroad experience not only enriched Tea’s life with new experiences but also enhanced her confidence in her ability to travel and make decisions independently. While she felt supported during her time abroad, Tea also learned valuable lessons in independence and navigating day-to-day experiences.

Despite the enriching experiences, Tea encountered adversity during her time abroad. She recalls a challenging moment when she faced bullying from her flatmates and had to advocate for herself to be relocated. Fortunately, Tea found solace in the support system around her and successfully transitioned to new and comfortable living arrangements.

To those considering studying abroad, Tea offers words of encouragement: “take the leap and have fun. I kind of live by the mindset of “you only live once” so I would say to them that all things considered it’s not that much time out of your life and for all the useful and fun experiences you could have while you’re there it’s worth it. Yes, there are going to be days you wish you were back home but there’s also going to be a lot of days where all you’re feeling is grateful for the experience.”  

Tea’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of studying abroad, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences.

My name is Avery Marsh, and I am a fourth-year environmental science student at Algoma University. I have always wanted to go on exchange, so last year I packed my bags and headed off to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland!

The first friends I met in Scotland were my roommates. Since they were all exchange students as well – two from Germany, one from China – there was a sense of kinship and we had a lot of fun asking each other questions about our respective upbringings in different countries (‘Who Am I’ was surprisingly difficult to play; got the shock of a lifetime when none of them knew who Bugs Bunny was). Since it was our first time in Scotland, we felt an equal hunger to explore and went all over the country (which was super easy considering the vast bus and train system). Flights within Europe were relatively cheap using certain companies, so I also took advantage of that opportunity to visit England, France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Experiencing university as a foreign student felt exciting. The school had lots of fun fresher week events and campus activities that helped us meet other exchange students. They had a fair meant to recruit people into societies (clubs) as well, and I found myself wanting to join as many as I could. In the end, I tried rugby (with both regrets and not regrets) but ended up joining the football club.

Aberdeen and its surrounding villages were quintessential Scotland: cobblestone streets, stone hedges, castles, and fluffy cows. There was a saying I heard often when I was there: “In Scotland, you’ll experience all four seasons in one day” and boy was this true. I have never encountered such odd patterns of rain in my life, but that was just one of the things you got used to living there. ]

This description doesn’t even touch a quarter of what I experienced when I was there, but I want to leave off by saying that the experience was amazing. I miss my friends who I hope to see soon, and I miss the constant sense of adventure. If you want to come away with a higher sense of confidence, independence, and a newfound travel addiction (brace yourself) exchange will be the best decision of your life.

Single Semester Exchange in Warwick, UK
Followed by Single Semester Exchange in Oulu, Finland
Partner Institutions: Warwick University and UArctic

Introducing Nicole, a fourth-year music student at Algoma University who embarked on an exchange program to the UK. Inspired by her mother’s participation in an international exchange program, Nicole eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore a different education system and gain fresh perspectives to bring back to Canada as she pursues a career in teaching.

Before setting off on her journey, Nicole admits to feeling nervous about various aspects of the experience: leaving home for the first time, making new friends, cooking, and navigating a new environment. Transitioning from a smaller university like Algoma to the massive campus of Warwick was initially daunting. Nicole also had concerns about mastering cooking different meals. However, she found unexpected support among her flatmates, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking and quickly became lifelong friends.

Despite her initial apprehensions, Nicole’s exchange experience proved to be transformative. She embraced new challenges, pushed herself outside of her comfort zone, and discovered a newfound sense of confidence and resilience. From rock climbing adventures to cozy pub outings, jam sessions with fellow musicians, and gym sessions, Nicole fully immersed herself in the vibrant culture of her host country.

When asked to share her advice for future exchange students, Nicole offered these words of encouragement: “I would tell students to take the jump and go on the experience. It is a great opportunity to see the world and make new friends. It will always be scary to leave what you know behind, but this is an amazing opportunity. I am excited to explore the new country, learn the culture, and try new foods. I think that going on exchange is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and about what is going on in the world.”

Nicole’s exchange journey exemplifies the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and seizing opportunities for personal and academic growth. Her experience serves as an inspiration for future students to embark on their own international adventures and expand their horizons.

Single Semester Exchange in Ghent, Belgium
Partner Institution: University of Artevelde

Introducing Matti, a third-year social work student from Algoma University who embarked on a life-changing study abroad journey in Ghent, Belgium. Matti’s decision to choose Belgium was influenced by various factors, including the recently launched partnership with Algoma U offering programs fully in English, tailored specifically for international students.

Belgium’s reputation as a melting pot of diverse cultures intrigued Matti. During their time abroad, they explored the enchanting cities of Bruges and Brussels, immersing themselves in rich culture and inspiring architecture. The experience left an indelible mark on Matti, inspiring them to return one day and explore more of what Belgium has to offer.

Among Matti’s epic adventures abroad was attending a Fall Out Boy concert in Brussels with friends. Despite encountering some mishaps, such as taking the wrong train not once, but twice, they managed to make it to the concert and shared many laughs along the way. These experiences have shaped Matti’s ability to navigate new surroundings and cultivate a newfound sense of independence, although they admit they’re still learning to figure out those European trains.

Reflecting on their time abroad, Matti fondly recalls the friendships she forged. They emphasize the transformative power of travel, stating, “Wherever you go, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a lot of new friends and connections on your journey! I think in the two months I’ve been here I’ve met some lifelong friends that I’ll definitely keep in touch with.”

Matti’s Belgian adventure highlights the enriching experiences and enduring connections that await those who embark on study abroad opportunities.