Buildings in Sirmione, a town in Lake Garda.

Travelling while in Europe

Posted by BCSAadmin on 06/04/2018

By Mariam Ali, Simon Fraser University, winner of the 2017 Stories from Abroad Scholarship and a member of the BC Study Abroad Writer in Residence Team

Study Abroad Destination: France

One of the best parts of my exchange in Europe was travelling around the continent. There’s so many countries, regions and cultures to explore, and they’re all very accessible thanks to the short distances and extensive transportation infrastructure. I recommend travelling by train because you get to enjoy the scenery while arriving at your destination in a timely manner. It can also be quite cheap, especially in Southern Europe, and it’s also possible to get discounts and rail passes. Buses are also quite affordable and convenient for short distances (I often travell...

Tags: Study Abroad Paris France IEP de Strasbourg Stories from Abroad Scholarship Explore adventures Simon Fraser University Writer in Residence
Category: Writers In Residence
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Missing the adventure in Sweden already!

Posted by BCSAadmin on 05/29/2018

By: Matthew Rosenthal, Royal Roads University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Lund, Sweden

I have been home for a few days now and it has been hard to get back into the routine of my daily life. I arrived around midnight so I am not being affected by jet leg, but I am experiencing a little bit of culture shock, or maybe it is reverse culture shock. Having to drive everywhere and sitting in traffic after three months of biking, training and walking is taking some time to get used to. I also had a stack of mail that I had to go through and deal with, along with tax papers, appointments and social requirements to attend. I am sure I will adjust, I am very happy to be home with my partner, my gui...

Tags: Study Abroad Scholarship Lund Sweden Stories from Abroad Scholarship Winner Royal Roads University see the world reverse culture shock Life in Sweden
Category: Student Blog
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Malmö Arena

Pastries, Candy and Hockey night in Sweden

Posted by BCSAadmin on 05/22/2018

By: Matthew Rosenthal, Royal Roads University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Lund, Sweden

Even though exams are next week, I still managed to take in a hockey game in Malmö this week. It was a great time and a different experience compared to watching the Canucks or Victoria Royals live. The fans chant, bang drums and sing songs the entire game. Another interesting part is that you cannot drink beer in your seat while watching the game. You can only have a beer on the concourse during the intermissions. I do not know if this is better or worse, but what I do know is that when the period ends, there is a mass exodus towards the concessions on the concourse. Malmö ended up winning 3-1, so the...

Tags: Study Abroad Scholarship Lund Sweden Stories from Abroad Scholarship Winner Royal Roads University Malmo Arena Life in Sweden
Category: Student Blog
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Lund University

Learning and speaking Swedish are two different challenges

Posted by BCSAadmin on 05/15/2018

By: Matthew Rosenthal, Royal Roads University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Lund, Sweden

Life here in Lund, Sweden, has been great. The campus is beautiful and the student body atmosphere is something I have never experienced. If you google Lund University, the first image you will see is of the university library. I have spent a lot of time in the attic of the library doing research and writing papers. It is pretty cool to sit in an environment where some of the books around you are from the 18th and 19th century. I can confidently say that old books have a very distinct smell. I would describe it as old, beaten down wet leather baking in the sun. Although, after a co...

Tags: Study Abroad Scholarship Lund Sweden Stories from Abroad Scholarship Winner Royal Roads University
Category: Student Blog
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