Exchange Ambassador - Lauren L.

Lauren's ambassador profile - plain text profile to follow

Lauren L.

 

Destination: University of Leicester, England, UK

Duration: 2 semesters

Program: Biochemistry

High School: Bell River District High School

 

What was the best thing that happened to you while on exchange?

I have always dreamed of going to Santorini, Greece and when my mom came for some travelling we planned to visit. One day we did a private tour of the entire island stopping at a variety of beaches, a famous winery and finishing off by watching the infamous Santorini sunset in Oia. That was hands down the most amazing trip I did while away.

 

What was the coolest place you visited while on exchange?

Kotor, Montenegro. I didn’t even feel like it was real life when I was there, it literally felt like something out of a movie. One piece of advice: mentally prepare yourself before hiking up to the castle because I had no idea what I was getting myself into and it felt like it was never ending.

 

Who was the hardest person to leave when you went on exchange? How did you manage that?

My mom was definitely the hardest person to leave, however I feel like I got over that rather quickly. Once I arrived, I checked in with her, but I didn’t feel the need to be in constant contact. I would touch base here and there, but it was important for me to enjoy the experience of being on my own.

 

If you were to recommend exchange to your best friend, what would you say?

My exchange experience genuinely made my entire degree and I would do it all over again in a heart-beat.

 

How have you included exchange on your resume?

As a graduating science student going to Pharmacy School next year, I have found that my exchange experience has set me apart from other applicants to PharmD programs. During my interviews I often find myself using experiences from exchange to display that I have specific qualities they are looking for. It is one thing to say that you have certain qualities, but it is a completely different story when you can talk about specific experiences that prove you do.

 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Here at UWindsor we are so lucky to have the most amazing exchange opportunities and coordinator

available to us. Michelle gives you as much support as she possibly can to ease the entire process for

you. Before exchange she helped ensure I was setting myself up for a successful exchange academically.

During exchange she always made herself available for guidance or any form of support. After

exchange she continues to make herself available and helped me transition back into life in Windsor.

She is always encouraging me to continue to make the most of my exchange experience when it

comes to my resume, grad school applications or on-campus opportunities.

 

A sample of the classes taken and credits received:

- Bioanalytic Chemistry = CHEM 3210 Principles of Instrumental Analysis

- Biochemistry III: Cellular Respiration of Energy and Metabolism = BIO 3100 Metabolism I

- Psychology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience = BIOL 2040 Human Physiology I