Student Blog

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

Study Abroad Destination: India

After months of travelling, it feels amazing to be back home in Vancouver, BC. My time abroad in Kerala, India was nothing short of amazing. Most importantly, my outlook on life, my career as a nurse and my appreciation for my country were positively heightened. As I settle back into my reality and day-to-day life I have begun to reflect on my experiences as a student nurse in India, incorporating the lessons I’ve learnt into my work as a nurse in Canada. The biggest lesson I took away from my travels abroad was the importa...

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

Study Abroad Destination: Singapore

I applied to exchange by myself with no friends from home. I thought this would be a way to push myself out from my current circle of friends, so I go out and meet others. This decision contributed to a significant part of my exchange and growth.

In the beginning, it was difficult to approach people I didn’t know, but one friend after another, my curiosity for people’s background grew and it became more natural to say hi. I now have so many friends around the world where it gives me an ex...

By: Bob Emmanuel Mulamba​, Simon Fraser University, winner of the BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Tokyo, Japan

Apart from the initial disconnect from everyday life that I felt in my early time spent back home, parts of me wish and long for those feelings I once had abroad in Japan. My experience has served to grow me as an individual and to this day I still find myself learning from the experiences I had abroad.

No one really warns you about the initial shock of coming back home. The shock of realizing just how different things are. When you decide to fully immerse yourself in a new culture, speak another language on a daily basis, hang...

By: Razma Hazarat, Simon Fraser University, winner of the spring 2019 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Accra, Ghana

There were various means to prepare for and adapt to a new and challenging situation. I have never travelled on my own before, and if I ever did travel it was just a 2-hour flight California. Moving across the globe to a different continent was personally challenging and, initially, very lonely. However, having a supportive network who encouraged me to stay positive and optimistic was important.

“Protect your peace, cultivate love.” After living in ghana for 5 months, I can finally say those words and feel it. I’ve made f...