Michelle Davies, Poschiavo, Switzerland

It’s not better or worse, just different; traveling with an open mind

Posted by BCSAadmin on 06/19/2018

By: Michelle Davies, Thompson Rivers University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Germany​

Before leaving from Canada for Belgium in 2013, as an exchange student, I was offered the sage advice that nothing is “better or worse, just different.” I was encouraged to approach every situation with an open mind. Though I strived to do just that, I found myself comparing my host and home country. From the transportation to the food, Canada, in my mind had it all backwards. Upon returning to Canada after 11 months, I experienced reverse culture shock questioning and comparing everything between the two countries.

When I travelled to Switzerland for my second study abroad experience in 2015, I fe...

Tags: Stories from Abroad Scholarship Scholarship Winner Germany Europe Pre-departure Study Abroad Thompson Rivers University
Category: Student Blog
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Sarah Ganton, Capilano University

First Big Move

Posted by BCSAadmin on 06/12/2018

By: Sarah Ganton, Capilano University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Innsbruck, Austria​

It is one week before my plane departs for Europe and yet the reality of it all has not hit me. I am one of those people that tends to procrastinate everything. I have done some organization for my trip but I have been procrastinating packing. Not only that but I also tend to be the type of person that avoids dealing with their emotions, if it’s possible. So that means that all the emotions of going away haven’t really hit me yet. I only just started to feel anxious, with that tightness in my chest the other day. I know this feeling will only grow in the days leading up to my flight.

This move to...

Tags: Study Abroad Stories from Abroad Pre-departure Scholarship Winner Innsbruck Austria Europe Capilano University
Category: Student Blog
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Liam Grigg, Großer Tiergarten

Nature to Memorials

Posted by BCSAadmin on 06/05/2018

By: Liam Grigg, University of Victoria, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Sophia Antipolis, France

Walking through the wooded Großer Tiergarten in the heart of Berlin, it’s easy to forget where you are and the history of the city. The sounds of spring echo around you drown out the surrounding roadways. Birds chirping, squirrels scurrying, and the occasional dog barking creates an atmosphere of peacefulness.

Originally planted in the 17th century, the area was used as a hunting ground for diplomats and aristocrats; however, it is now a popular summer destination for both locals and tourists. During the Second World War and the subsequent bombing of Berlin by the Allied forces, t...

Tags: University of Victoria Study Abroad Stories from Abroad Scholarship Europe explore Europe Berlin Germany Großer Tiergarten Brandenburg Gate
Category: Student Blog
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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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