My experience studying abroad
BSc Neuroscience and Psychology student, Harleen, spent a year studying abroad at the University of Windsor in Canada. From embracing a new academic culture to travelling across North America and forming lifelong friendships, she shares what she learned from her unforgettable experience abroad.
For 255 days, I lived across the North Atlantic Ocean, from ordering a cappuccino in Chapters’ café, to a ‘Double-Double’ at Timmy’s. My whole life packed in two suitcases and a backpack, it quickly became a year that remains unforgettable in my academic and personal journey.
Luckily, I had family in Canada to meet me at the airport, which made those moments less daunting. I was lucky enough to get settled into the culture before university (college) started, which meant I had time to get used to seeing milk in bags, roads thrice the size of the UKs, and the inevitable question: “Are you British?” Before long, it felt like home.
Academic Life
Note: you do not call lecturers here by their first name. I wish I had known this before the first day of class, greeted by a room full of shocked faces. Beyond this, I was struck by how welcoming and kind everyone was.
They created an environment where working hard was natural, and in-class discussions made me challenge my own assumptions: motivation became contagious. The ease of striking up conversations meant connections came effortlessly, sharing interests beyond exchange ended in forming some of my closest friendships. I enjoyed the freedom of picking my own classes, pushing me out of my comfort zone, which led me to take an economics module and gave me an interesting perspective on life. Whilst the workload was challenging, I found I genuinely enjoyed the structure of in-person tests; students here strive for greatness.
Social Life
Beyond academics, I became involved in student life by joining societies, which I found to have niche prospects, notably, Science-Meets-Art (SMART) club. It reignited my passion for art and helped me perceive science more creatively.
Also, PEP rallies and sports games are just like the movies, think High School Musical but amplify it by ten. The energy is vivid, the atmosphere contagious, and the community spirit electric. Clearly, I must have shown my enthusiasm when I walked away from a basketball game with a free shirt given to (the best) crowd members.
The highlight of my Study Abroad was meeting fellow exchange students hailing from all parts of the globe, friends I remain in touch with even now. We navigated midterms, dorm life, and creating spontaneous adventures, all of which added a lasting social dimension to my exchange. A full-circle moment was meeting a Windsor student who did their exchange at Keele, now running a literary magazine, who encouraged me to share my artwork and grow beyond my scope.
Exploring the Continent
Managing a work-life balance involved venturing out into the city. Weekend trips to Toronto (the “6ix”), Montréal, Pennsylvania, spending winter break in New York, and spring break in Puerto Rico allowed us to reset and experience a different pace of life. Enriched with new foods and good laughs, these breaks were meaningful, even if we were studying from airport lounges and beaches.
The Environment
“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” - Aristotle
And to that end, after experiencing the -45ºC of Canadian winters, maybe we do complain about the weather too much. I once woke up in the middle of the night to my friend’s phone call: I looked outside to a metre of snowfall and a suggestion that we go sledging. One of my fondest memories was ice-skating on Point Pelee (when the beach had frozen over), and spontaneous trips across the river to Detroit for food or day trips with friends.
I recall my Study Abroad experience as a fond experience, but upon this blog, I am reminded of its mosaic of little experiences into the bigger picture. Opportunities are not just found, they are made, no matter where you find yourself.
