If you are thinking, even for a second, about going on an Exchange, go. You will not regret it. It will undoubtedly be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Although my first month here in London (itās ridiculous how many places have the same names, like Cornwall and Middlesex!) hasnāt be the smoothest, with the stress of revision for Semester 1 Exams (oh dearā¦) whilst meeting new people, starting new modules AND dealing with the fact that Iām in a completely different country surrounded by a completely different culture, Iāve still managed to have a brilliant time.
Firstly, the university set-up is very different. Everyone refers to University as āschoolā with āclassesā taught by āprofessorsā. Most lecture rooms have wheelie chairs, which have not been good for my concentration. I have also had the misfortune of a 7-9pm Lecture on a Tuesday (evening lectures are NOT fun). But, knowing people worse off than me with 7-10pm lectures kind of makes me feel a little bit better. Then within the modules, the marking system is very different. Everything seems to be out of 10 and in some modules, part of the assessment is made through class participation and debates. At first I thought this quite bizarre, but seeing how engaged the classes are here, it seems like a pretty good idea. There are also midterms which everyone seems to get in a panic about. And the university itself looks like something out of Hogwarts; church-like buildings covered in snow.
Fortunately, the stereotype of Canadians is indisputably true! Everyone really is extremely kind, and no one is boring I swear! Even when I went to the wrong building within my first week, a guy immediately offered to take me to the right one. Arriving in Canada into -17ā°C weather was a bit of a shock, which even Canadianās were surprised by. This continued to drop below -20ā°C (feeling like -35ā°C!) Resultantly, the second day of term was cancelled with warnings that if you went outside for 5 minutes you would freeze, and you would die. Well that may be an over-exaggeration. But still, it was bloody cold. But now itās over 0ā°C (horray), which just means A LOT of snow.
Over here there are two main types of food they seem to be obsessed with: poutine (chips, gravy and cheese) and frozen yoghurt (or FroYo as to cool kids say). I also adore the fact you can buy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from shops. Squirrels over here are black and itās acceptable to go to a lecture wearing a white vest, a baseball cap and have a fully grown beard. University patriotism is also HUGE, with practically everyone wearing a university hoodie or hat, and you can literally buy anything from the university shop with the UWO logo on it, from an engraved parker pen to a mug for your Nan. So, you know, I thought I may as well join inā¦
People seem to be rather excited by the fact Iām British, if I say anything itās immediately, āWait, are you from England? Oh my god that so cool!ā. Which you know, is good to know. But Iām still getting to grips with differences in words, like shrimps (prawns), pants (trousers), and people have so far asked me what a bender is.
Overall, this first month has been incredible. Meeting so many new people has just amazing, and Iāve never been so out-going before and I love it. In fact, this has actually led me to getting a place on an 11-day field trip to the Las Vegas strip and camping out in the Mojave Desert, California! So I really cannot wait for what the next month will bring ā a moose hopefullyā¦
Good blog Ellie rabbit š glad your having a fab time xx
This made me chuckle!! Hope you’ve had a great time, very jealous! Can’t wait to see you soon! X
Studying abroad really is the best! Lots of love Ellie! xxxx
Great blog, Eh!
Can’t wait to see you! Glad you’re having a great time xxxxx
Ellie went to Canada! Read her blog!
http://studyoverseas.soton.ac.uk/2014/02/06/so-youre-british-ey/
Sounds awesome!! š
Brilliantly informative, so great to hear how you’re getting on! If I hadn’t been considering a year abroad before I definitely would be now.
Go Ellie!
Sick of hearing about my year abroad? Hear about someone else’s! Oooh, canadian.
Having done a year abroad myself, there’s so much to relate to here, and I’m so happy to see you’re stepping our if your comfort zone and saying yes to all the weird and wonderful opportunities you’re offered! They will be memories you treasure the most. Absolutely loved reading this – thanks for putting a smile on my face CanadianEllie!
Give this a read to help a fellow Ellie.
Canada! Blog! Prizes? Sharing to help out Ms Ellie Blacklock
Shamelessly plugging a great blog by a great friend. Read all about Ellie on her exchange in Canada! Vegas, beards, gravy with cheese, snow and Hogwarts It’s got everything
Reading a great blog like this makes me madly jealous I won’t get the chance to go on an exchange! However I do know the joy of a wheelie chair when you’re trying to concentrate. Great read definitely worth checking out
I found Ellie’s account of her time abroad to be insightful and inspiring. I really hope first year or second year students get the chance to read it so they can properly weigh up the options when it comes to a semester abroad!
Brilliant stuff Ellie
It was an awesome adventure. I’ll miss the dj Ellie mixes the most. Take care and thanks for your wonderful presence. See you in the future…
One day I will visit Canada myself. Until that day, I’ll have to trust every word of this.
Ellie done a blog!
You go, Ellie. Makes me want to visit Canada.
Ellie’s first month in Canada!
Ahhh I’m so proud of her. š
I’m still expecting you to bring a live animal of sorts back by the way. Preferably a bear, but I guess a moose would be sufficient…
Love it gurl
Take me back to England with you!!! lol
Enjoyed reading your blog, lovely Ellie, or am I to address you as ‘Blacklock’ (sounds like a crime fighter show)? So glad you are enjoying the exchange. Canada is a bit like England . . . lovely June- Sept. So, from -20 degrees below to the Mojave desert . . . 180 degree turn there. I am writing full time now. Had a full length production in October and two one acts coming up this spring. I’ve never felt so free . . . (or so poor). Keep up the blogging and I’ll look in every once in awhile. (Doc’s very nosey) Next blog, mention the differences with the word ‘rubber’. (Tee hee). Much love and good wishes, Doc
Ellie was kidnapped and taken to Canada and this was the ransom note. Or something. Iām not sure Iāve fully understood the situation.
Ellie was kidnapped and taken to Canada and this was the ransom note. Or something. I’m not sure I’ve fully understood the situation.
Ellie is in Canada and therefore not in our house. She wrote a blog about it. Have a look, yo.
Ellie is in Canada and not in our house, so she wrote a blog about it. Have a look, yooo.
Jane would like me to go on an exchange!
the lovely ellie who I miss so much.
Worth a read
Sounds interesting. Means we have had a quieter life! Spraddy
First great month together!! 3 more š
I’m bloomin’ jealous actually. *Waves arms like angry bear* Those jumpers are so on trend.
My friend Ellie is currently in Canada. Read all about it.
My beautiful Ellie is in Canada! Read her blog!
Wow! Makes me wish I did an exchange.
I have a mate, she is in Canada. She writes blogs on being abroad in Canada and that. Have a read!
Sounds like you’re having a great time!
Well done Ellie http://t.co/ipFWe1MRIZ
Well done Ellie
Sounds great! Definitely looking forward to my year abroad even more now! http://t.co/0x0fL5A3uF
Your right! Everyone is way too kind!
I still think there should be a snowman building competition.
http://t.co/bYIHtx3EgU
A pal of mine is in Canada on an exchange! This her blog! A super interesting read!
Sounds great! Definitely looking forward to my year abroad even more now!
By my beautiful Ellie who I miss so much: http://t.co/sDhvzts3ny