How Becoming an International Learner Changed My Life: My Experience Studying Abroad in Canada and France

On Sunday I will be celebrating an important milestone of my life. Exactly 10 years ago, on August 31, 2004, I landed in Vancouver to embark on a life-changing journey in this beautiful and welcoming country. Ever since, every day of my life has been eventful and memorable.

Shortly after finishing middle school in Kazakhstan, my parents realized that graduating from a high school overseas would better transition and prepare me for post-secondary success. As a safe, multicultural and accepting English-speaking country, Canada had no competition. In 2004, I entered Bodwell High School, a co-ed boarding school for international students in North Vancouver. I also had the opportunity to learn more about Canadian culture through studying French in Montreal while living in a Quebec homestay.

I will always remember the four unforgettable years pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree among the brightest and best from the University of British Columbia. There is no better avenue for character development than facing the real challenges of rigorous academic work and volunteering for student-run organizations.

In my third year, I had a unique opportunity to spend a semester on the undergraduate exchange program at the Sciences Po in Paris, France and shortly after took French Civilization Studies at Université Paris?Sorbonne (IV). I would highly encourage everyone to fully immerse themselves into a new culture at least once during undergraduate studies while your "life-backpack" is light. In this rapidly developing and highly globalized world it is essential to be mobile and easily adaptable to new environments quickly. Once experienced, it becomes addictive and contagious to continuously learn and immerse into other cultures.

I believe that studying abroad has become an essential part of who I am today. It influenced my life and career choices. Studying abroad might not be for everyone as it forces you outside your comfort zone, and pushes you to be tolerant, courageous and open-minded. Anyone who accepts this challenge and goes through this experience will be rewarded.

Giving back has always been an important part of my life, and as an avid traveler, I would like to provide a round-trip ticket to a study abroad program destination for a qualified student through Remes Family Study Abroad Scholarship. This is my opportunity to recognize and thank my generous parents for sending me overseas; my dedicated wife for being alongside and supporting me; and all Canadian friends, colleagues and acquaintances for making Canada my new home. This is a wonderful place that has played a remarkable role in my life.

Boris Remes

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