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Second-year Anthropology and History student Nancy spent the autumn semester studying in Canada at the University of Waterloo, an experience that broadened her academic perspective and introduced her to new cultures across the country. Find out more about her experience and why she urges students to apply to study abroad:

“My name is Nancy and I’m in my second year, studying Anthropology and History. Last term I studied in Canada at the University of Waterloo for three months. It was a transformative experience, leaving me full of reflections: I’d always wanted to study abroad. Exploring, leaving my comfort zone and meeting new people was what pushed me to finally apply. Canada sounded perfect: an English-speaking country, incredible nature, and I’ve always wanted to see a moose!

I arrived in Toronto on 26th August and stayed with a family friend. That first morning I went outside and saw black squirrels darting everywhere, houses with porches, and yellow traffic posts. It was bizarre! I enjoyed a few days in Toronto before term started: sightseeing, attending the Labour Day Airforce display, eating mountains of poutine (cheesy chips in gravy) and scanning the streets every evening for raccoons.

Finally, it was time to set out for my new university. As the bus roared along an eight-lane highway, slicing through Canadian forests, I felt excited but apprehensive. Arriving at my accommodation was initially overwhelming. The sun beat down on identical blocks of flats and Canadian students rushed around - I felt totally out of my depth. Luckily, I found a lovely Canadian family who were moving in another student, and they helped me find my room.

I dropped off my things and met my roommate (I’d chosen to share a room, which was cheaper and sounded like an interesting experience). Štépánka was from the Czech Republic and we quickly formed a companionable friendship. Sharing the experience with another person was a big help in adjusting, and I’d recommend it.

It took a while to adjust to the busy timetable, multiple choice exams and navigating a new campus (extra challenging once it snowed) but I settled in quickly. I joined Salsa Society, making friends who I still speak to today. I immersed myself in Canadian culture, especially in the Indigenous projects happening on campus. Most memorable was attending the Truth and Reconciliation Day on campus to remember victims of Residential Schools (the last of which shut in 1996 in Canada). It began with a Sunrise Ceremony which meant waking up before the sun and watching it rise over the grassy campus as an indigenous leader burnt tobacco encased in red ribbons on a bonfire and a circle of indigenous women welcomed the day with song. Everyone wore symbolic orange t-shirts, honouring the victims of a terrible institution.

When I wasn’t studying, I travelled (which, admittedly, at times I prioritised over studying…). I climbed the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, swam in the sea overlooking the red cliffs on the Nova Scotian coast, ate poutine while marvelling at the oldest architecture in Canada in Montreal, and walked along rows of brightly coloured houses (appropriately called ‘Jelly Bean Row’) in Newfoundland. It was spectacular, and I’ll never forget my time spent wandering Canada.

So, what did I learn from my exchange?

I was captivated by the cultural differences. Being welcomed into indigenous ceremonies was an honour. Observing how differently people lived across the country was fascinating and made me reflect on what I’ve always taken for granted as ‘normal’. I saw first-hand how topical indigenous rights are, with laws changing constantly, attempting to revoke the catastrophic effects of colonialism and the subsequent cultural genocide.

Experiencing another culture broadened my mind and gave me a new historical perspective, and a thirst to learn more. Experiencing another university was an enriching experience, with different exam processes and teaching styles, making me a better learner. I must admit that the work was more intensive than I was used to, but I gained from that.

Lastly, and most importantly, I experienced snow like I’ve never seen before! Leaving my accommodation and stepping into knee-deep snow drifts was the last thing I expected but it was magical and I’ll never forget it.

My exchange at the University of Waterloo in Ontario will stay with me, and I urge other students to be brave and apply to study abroad. You won’t regret it.”

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