Everything I Learned From My Study Abroad Semester

Going on exchange was hands down the most influential experience from University. I still draw so much inspiration from that time period and its helped carve the path that I’m on today. I’m a huge advocate of a study abroad semester (or year) and here’s why:

I learned that the best things take time

It can be up to a year from making the decision to study abroad to when you leave for your exchange. An email popped into my inbox talking about exchange. This hadn’t been an opportunity I was looking into but as soon as I got the email I just got that gut feeling that it was something I had to do. I went through the application process immediately to make the deadline. A study abroad is a classic exchange meaning you go to a partner school and someone from their school comes to your University for a semester. I was immediately drawn to Australia. It’s so far away and I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to properly experience the country. I worked for months saving up money for my study abroad semester. I worked through all of University but knew I wouldn’t to take that semester off to truly made the most of my time. In a world where everything is so instantaneous, it was a good lesson in putting in the work for something you want. I had my eye on the prize and was so dedicated to making it happen. Not all your goals are going to pay off right away but it was a good lesson on working towards something you want.

I learned about myself and grew so much

It was my first time living on my own, my first time flying on my own, and my first time leaving North America. I already had two huge growth opportunities before I even landed in Australia! I remember being on the first plane (of 4) to the journey to the land down under and already missing my family. So many questions were going through my head. It was a scary but exciting leap into the unknown. What if I didn’t like it? Is 6 months going to be too long or too short? I was so excited and thought the worst case if it didn’t work out it was only 6 months. Everything is temporary and it’s better to try something and know that think what if? However, it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. When you put yourself out there and think positively, good things will come!

I learned to get out of my comfort zone

I didn’t know anyone, had to learn my way through a new city, school system and more. When you’re on your own you have to push yourself to put yourself out there and make friends. It’s something I’ve continued to carry with me and how important it is to network etc. No matter how awkward it may feel at times, you just need to push through. When you’re outside of your comfort zone is where you grow the most. There have been so many times since where I continue to get outside of my comfort zone.

Since the journey there was my first time flying alone, one of my best friends had written me notes of encouragement for each plane that helped a ton! With each plane, I grew more excited and determined to get there. Once I arrived at the airport in Melbourne, a girl from New York overhead me mention Monash and said she was going there too (she became one of my best friends during the whole journey and one of my travel buddies).

I learned the importance of community

Another benefit of an exchange is that you’re instantly a part of a new school community. Through residence (which I highly recommend staying at while you study abroad), I met so many locals and internationals. You’re instantly paired with people going through the exact same experience with you, which is pretty special. You navigate the new waters together and it grows your friendship rapidly. I met so many people that are still some of my best friends today. With the power of the internet, it’s easy to stay in touch. Those friends you meet abroad will become friends for life because you all went through the same thing together.

I learned about a new city in a way I wouldn’t have otherwise

You’re able to intimately get to know your way around a city, where the cool spots are, where the locals like to go. Even though I was there for 6 months I could have explored so much. When you get to live in a new city you feel so comfortable and really feel like you know it. You’re able to really take the time and delve deeper and find out what the city’s all about. Melbourne will always have a special place in my heart. I loved the culture, all the hidden alleyway restaurants, beaches, neighbourhoods, history, coffee culture (intense), locals and more.

I learned how to make travel a part of my life and make the most of my time

When you’re in a new destination you want to do and see as much as you can. My friends and I would plan trips over weekends, school vacations and at the end of exchange. I had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Perth, travel through Queensland and visit Thailand while I was there. This has made a huge impact on how I am now. The first was the creation of Little Miss Ottawa. If I’m seeing and doing as much as I can while I’m away, why aren’t I doing this at home too? That’s the whole reason I created Little Miss Ottawa and it’s now something I live by every day. Second, I still use long weekends and breaks to travel, whenever I can! There is so much of the world to see and I’ve been crossing things off my bucket list.

I learned how people learn in another part of the world

There were plenty of differences in learning styles from Canadian and Australian Universities. At Carleton, the emphasis was on lectures and tutorials were for practice. At Monash the teaching style was reverse. I was doing a Bachelor of Commerce with a concentration in marketing so I got to take classes like brand management and a fun elective on Australian culture and history.  Classes are pass or fail while you’re away to take some of the pressure off while adjusting to a new country.

You can learn or improve your skills in a new language

There was no language barrier for me in Australia but maybe there’s a language you want to improve your skills in? Choose a country where you’ll have to put your speaking skills to the test. There’s no better way to improve your language skills than immersing yourself in a new culture and practicing. It will challenge you but your speaking after will be A+.

I learned how to further my career 

Future employers are impressed when they see you’ve went on exchange or worked in another country. It shows so many positive attributes like you’re able to adapt to new cultures/experiences, you’re able to get out of your comfort zone, you showed commitment in making your exchange happen, you have experiences in another country, you might have practice a new language,

Maybe your experiences on exchange will lead to a new job. The traveller mindset took over and inspired me to create Little Miss Ottawa.

I learned where to find inspiration

Travel is my favourite source of inspiration. I love learning from new cultures and adapting things I’ve learned and brought them home. Every country you visit has something new to offer and it always gives me a lot of food for thought when I come home. Maybe there’s something cool happening in another country that I would love to bring here or one of my new experiences sparked a new idea!

I learned how to travel

I had to go through so many processes to make my exchange happen, including applying for a visa. Booking flights, accommodation, best routes, saving money, saving time, travel shots…all the routine tasks. I did so much travelling in those 6 months that I’m pretty comfortable getting myself around new places now and know what I need to do in advance.

I learned how to build confidence

Networking events are always awkward at the beginning when you’re first trying to make that connection. I always think if I was able to move to a new country and meet people then making friends in Ottawa should be a breeze.  Little mindset shifts like this help a ton. If the right opportunity arose, I would have no problem living abroad again and I know I could do it. The best thing you can do is throw yourself into those new situations, even if they’re uncomfortable at first. The best thing about study abroad is there are so many people going through the exact same situation so everyone can relate. When I went on trips I would always meet new people because travellers are open to new experiences and the people that come along. When I was in Sydney my friend wasn’t feeling well so I ended up exploring the first night on my own. I met a group from the UK at our hostel and they welcomed me into their group with open arms. We all spent the rest of the weekend together while they showed us their favourite parts of Sydney.

I learned how to overcome obstacles

Not everything about my study abroad was a breeze. I missed a flight in Sydney, I missed a boat in Thailand, I got sick and had to go to the doctor in Melbourne and Thailand, and our huge sailboat in the Whitsundays hit a storm and almost tipped (scariest moment of my life)! Although experiences like this are not pleasant, overcoming obstacles is a part of life and it’s a reminder that everything is going to work out. I can now look back at all those situations and laugh!

How to choose a city/school?

Start by asking around. Maybe someone you know is already on exchange at your preferred school. Maybe someone from that school is on exchange at your school. Narrow it down to your top countries that you want to visit and then go from there. When I returned I would meet people from Monash and instantly connect. When I returned from exchange I joined Carleton’s international student club where you’re matched with current exchange students to help them out on their journey. Of all my choices in Australia, I went with Melbourne because of a recommendation from a friend who had previously travelled there. Best decision ever!

If you’re out of University there are still plenty of opportunities like working abroad, language exchanges, remote working long-term travel and more!

I hope this blog post inspired you to go on an adventure of your own. If you ever have questions about my exchange don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂 Where will you go? If you’ve been on exchange, where did you go?