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Make The
World Your
Classroom!

Explore the World through Education

The British Columbia Study Abroad (BCSA) Consortium is a group of BC post-secondary institutions that work together to encourage students to gain international academic experience by offering short-term study abroad programs across disciplines and countries around the world.

Go ahead; Make the World Your Classroom!

Megan Graham, Thompson Rivers University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

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BCSA Scholarships Now Open for Fall 2024

Are you currently studying or planning to study abroad in-person or virtually this spring? Apply now for a chance to receive a $500 (virtual study abroad program) and $1000 (in-person study abroad...

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How Studying Abroad Encouraged Me to Adopt an “Exploratory” Mindset

By: Victoria San Martin, Simon Fraser University, winner of the Spring 2023 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Scotland...

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Finding a Study Life Balance While Abroad

By: Victoria San Martin, Simon Fraser University, winner of the Spring 2023 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Scotland...

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The Blog

Posted by BCSAadmin on 09/12/2024

How Studying Abroad Encouraged Me to Adopt an “Exploratory” Mindset

By: Victoria San Martin, Simon Fraser University, winner of the Spring 2023 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Scotland

Recently arriving home from studying abroad for a semester in Glasgow, Scotland makes me think of the multitude of feelings I experienced while there. I went from feeling like a stranger in Glasgow to building a life with new friends, professors, flatmates, and activities. Being back home in Burnaby, I’ve returned to friends and family, but have also realized how much has changed and will continue to do so. Studying abroad has given me practice in embracing change as something exciting, rather than scary, and adopting an “exploratory” mindset which is something I will continue to grow at home...

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Testimonials

“The world is my home.” I realized that no matter where I am, I don’t need to miss home because I am home. Home is where one chooses to make it. Two months ago, home was in Abbotsford. Last month, home was in Arlon. Today, home is here in Rotterdam. I don’t know where my home will be next year, but I don’t feel worried about it anymore.

Oana Salcescu, BCSA Writer in Residence

Take the chance, get out of your comfort zone and ensure you put your all into whichever culture you’re exploring. The memories, experiences and insight you will gain will be priceless moments no one can teach you,

Porsche Campbell, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Winner of the spring 2019 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

The desire for independence and a sense of adventure were some of the driving forces behind my choices.

Melinda Ng, Winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship, BCSA Writer in Residence

Learning solely through books has its place, but actually getting out and experiencing the world is a whole different level. When you physically see the vast skies over the river, when you smell the dirt, flowers and trees after a downpour, when you taste the local food and see the smiles of its people; that’s absorbing knowledge.

Lisa King, Winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship, BCSA Writer in Residence

I think throughout this exchange, it has helped me understand a larger picture and window of possibilities that the world has to offer. Although the comfort of my home is cozy, it doesn’t help me accelerate my career to lengths I can imagine. It all starts with you taking that initial step and who knows where it might take you.

Brian Lau, Simon Fraser University, winner of the fall 2019 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

What are you going to do there? Listen. Reflect. Transform. We will stop asking what 'we'can do for 'them' and start asking how we can listen to each other and develop a truly sustainable global system together, remembering that sustainability is a three-pronged pursuit: Environmental, Social, and Economic.

Betsy Agar, Capilano University
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