Exchange Ambassador - Abigayle D.

Abigayle D.

 

Destination: University of Strasbourg, France 

Duration: 1 Semester 

Program: MBA 

Highschool: L'Essor Secondary School, Tecumseh 

What is one word that you would use to describe your exchange experience?  Empowering 

 

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

The best thing that happened to me on exchange was being able to learn about myself and grow as a person.  

 

How did you finance your exchange?  

I already had an active student loan and OSAP that I used to finance the majority of my exchange. I did receive $500 from the MBA program and applied to other scholarships throughout the semester where I also received some extra money.  

 

What was the coolest place that you traveled to while on exchange?  

I traveled to so many places it's hard to decide which one is the coolest. But, I think that I was the most in awe in Galway, Ireland because of the fun atmosphere and beautifully scenic surroundings including the Cliffs of Moher.  

 

What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you left for exchange?  

I wish I had known that there are no free public washrooms because you have to pay to use them, that would have helped me avoid some uncomfortable situations.  

 

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

My boyfriend was definitely the hardest person for me to leave since I had never spent time away from him before. However, we managed it quite well with letting each other know our expectations for communication beforehand. We spoke through video chat about once every two weeks but we were flexible but it was expected that I at least let him know where I was going if I was traveling and say Good morning and Good night so that he knew I was safe.  

 

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

I would say DO IT! In my eyes, exchange is a once in a lifetime experience to be able to try new things when you don't have as many commitments back home. It's a feeling like no other to be able to meet people from different parts of the world and realize that you're not so different after all. I am so happy I went on exchange, the knowledge I'm walking away from university with is so much more fulfilling and complete because of it, not to mention the person I am now having challenged myself to study abroad.  

 

A sample of the classes taken: 

  • International Business Negotiations 
  • International Marketing 
  • Management of Innovation