So you think you want to study abroad?

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I’ve often heard that travelling, studying, and working abroad is easily one of the most rewarding experiences in a person’s life. If you choose to seize the opportunity to go overseas, you’re in for a life changing experience! That being said, it’s not easy to step outside of your comfort zone. It’s okay to feel frightened – what you’re feeling is perfectly normal! Everyone feels a little scared to try something new. If you’re willing to go the distance (figuratively and sometimes literally), you will be presented with opportunities you never thought possible. It’s a lot to take in the span of a term or a year, but by the end of your journey, you will have broadened your horizons, made long-lasting friendships, formed new connections, experienced another culture, perhaps learned a new language, and grown as an individual.

Currently, I’m in my fourth year at Carleton studying a Bachelor of Arts, Combined Honours in Music and Political Science with a concentration in North American Politics, and a minor in French. Through the consideration of Carleton’s International Students Services Office (ISSO), I will be studying music, political science, humanities, and French at Macquarie University. That is, I’ve decided to take my typical walk on the wild side and exchange it for a plane going down under. You’ve guessed it, this Canadian city girl from Toronto, Ontario, Canada is off to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia!

Here are some tips for those who would also like to do an exchange while at Carleton. Once you receive your acceptance letter to study at the host university of your choice, ensure that your passport is renewed, you have your student VISA (if applicable), and that your flight, accommodations, and courses have been confirmed at your host university. Be sure that your courses abroad will transfer to your undergraduate degree. That is, keep in touch with your registrar specialist and department undergraduate supervisors on a bi-weekly basis to ensure that the courses you’re taking will be counted towards your degree.

Once you’ve established where you’re headed – it is important to do your research! Make sure to write down the numbers of emergency contacts. If you’re Canadian, be sure to register with the Government of Canada and check out: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/index-eng.asp. After you’ve dealt with all the administration work, it’s time to read up on the fun stuff! Whether in the public library or at home on your computer – it is important that you take note of what you want to see and do when you’re on exchange. For example, I would like to travel to New Zealand while I’m on exchange in Sydney, Australia. I’d like to see the Parliament, the Canadian Embassy, go to the Sydney Observatory, the Australian Museum, see the beaches, go to the state library of New South Wales, etc.

Why did I choose to study abroad in Australia? Australia was the right fit for me for several reasons:

Location: I wanted to travel to a place that I had never been before. Throughout my life, I’ve often relied on friends and family to guide me when travelling. Therefore, I specifically chose Australia to push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Education: The academic semester for Australian universities is different than for those in Canada. Australian universities begin in February and end in November (Feb-June, July-Nov). Conversely, Canadian universities are split into fall semester (Sept-Dec), winter semester (Jan-Apr), and an optional summer semester (May-August). The summer course I intended to take was not offered this year, so the decision to go abroad with different academic terms was a good choice for me. This way, I will pursue studies abroad and return home in time for Christmas.
Climate/weather: Given the fact that my allergies act up in the Canadian summers, Australia was the perfect fit for me because winter is my favourite time of year. Accordingly, Australia’s winter season will be in effect in the month of July (hopefully the season will last until December!).
Culture: I wanted a place where I could speak the same language effortlessly and where the standard and/or quality of living was similar to that of home (i.e. drinking water is safe, etc.).
Personal: Australia is the right fit for me because it encompasses my passion for music, my adventurous spirit, and my love for the sand and sun. It is my hope that Australia will give me a place where I can run free and discover more about myself, and the world around me.

For more information regarding study abroad and exchange opportunities at Carleton, visit the ISSO website.

Posted on November 21, 2011 | Category: Paroma Ray