Meeting people from around the world truly made my exchange complete. I expected to have Australian friends, but I ended up leaving with best friends from Scandinavia. Learning about their culture, language and perspectives was unique. My biggest advice is to put yourself out there, introduce yourself and say yes to opportunities. You can be anywhere beautiful in the world, but what makes it amazing is the people you share it with. These friendships taught me what true friendship and respect are, and I will bring these lessons home to my own relationships.

Despite all the worries and expectations, exchange ended up being nothing like I thought, yet better than I could have imagined. Did I think I would spend so much time alone? No, but it was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Did I think I would leave with Scandinavian friends four years older than me? No, but I learned what respect and friendship should embody and cannot imagine exchange any other way. Did I think I would get stung by jellyfish and also get Dengue Fever? No, but I learned how to navigate hardship, and now I have a good story to tell.

It would not be an exchange reflection without mentioning the amazing travel. I feel privileged to have traveled to places like Bali, New Zealand, Japan, the Great Barrier Reef and more. When in doubt, simply say yes and you only regret the things you don’t do. Once it is over, you will be itching to do it all over again. So say yes to exchange, take the jump, it will forever change your life!

Four years later, I resolved that I was just going to be a shy and introverted person for the rest of my life. Upon arriving in Denmark for my exchange, I realized that it may be more difficult than I thought to make friends due to the fact that I had arrived too late and missed the entirety of Welcome Week. I went to some events and tried to talk to people, but nothing really stuck. The first two weeks of my exchange were incredibly lonely, and I began to regret my decision to go on exchange at all.

I almost gave up on trying to make friends when I remembered how I used to be before 2020. I knew there was an extrovert inside of me, someone who loved to talk to people and could form meaningful connections with others. I started pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, inviting people to hang out and making a concerted effort to spend time with people. I took a leap of faith in doing that, and the fear of rejection begged to creep its way into the back of my mind, but I wasn’t going to let that hold me back on what was supposed to be the most exciting five months of my life.

One fateful day, I randomly chose to sit in the back of class near other students instead of the much quieter and more sparsely populated front of class. During a group discussion, I found myself really enjoying my conversation with a girl in my group, so I mustered up my courage and asked if she wanted to hang out that weekend. She agreed, and that weekend, we went for a night out with some of her other friends. These relationships blossomed into some of the strongest friendships I had formed in years. I spent the next five months traveling and enjoying every minute of my exchange with them.

Now that I’m home, I feel like I’ve finally rediscovered the extrovert that was hiding inside of me for all these years. I feel so ready to take my rebuilt confidence and use it to form new connections and friendships.

During my time in France, I visited 18 cities and nearby villages, immersing myself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the south. Enrolled at a business school situated right across from the airport, I seized the opportunity to explore not only the beautiful region of southern France but also ventured into five other countries during my stay. I had the privilege of visiting Poland, Italy, Vatican City, Monaco and the Netherlands. Budget travel is so much more accessible within Europe, and I learned how much fun it is to stay in hostels and meet new people there! Each new country offered unique experiences, broadened my cultural perspectives and taught me resilience in unfamiliar environments.

One particular moment stands out vividly in my memory. During a solo trip to Italy, I found myself lost in the charming streets of Rome, with a dead phone battery… Instead of feeling overwhelmed and panicked, I embraced the adventure. I bought a map, asked local people for help and put myself in the shoes of my parents, who had visited Rome 30 years ago—also, without Google maps. This experience helped me discover hidden gems off the beaten path, learn to trust myself, take risks and find joy in the unexpected.

Returning to my apartment in Nice after each trip, I felt a growing sense of familiarity and belonging. The bustling streets, the vibrant markets and the stunning coastline of Nice, which initially felt foreign and intimidating, slowly transformed into a second home. The international community I became a part of played a crucial role in my sense of belonging. My favorite memories are of spending the day exploring nearby cities, having picnics on the beach and playing beach volleyball by the water. These connections enriched my experience, offering different perspectives and shared adventures that I will cherish forever.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey was maintaining a daily blog. Uploading photos and writing lengthy descriptions of my experiences helped me process and appreciate each moment. This blog became a digital diary, capturing the essence of my adventures and the lessons I learned along the way.

As I reflect on those four months, I am grateful for the opportunity to have lived, learned and grown in such beautiful and diverse parts of the world. My semester in Nice, France, was more than an academic exchange; it was a journey of growth, self-discovery and cultural immersion. I was able to visit with friends who had moved to Maastricht years ago, spend a week with my grandparents, who I had not seen in a very long time and learn to navigate life’s challenges on my own for the first time.

Though running was a helpful emotional crutch and hobby that I carried with me throughout my time in Amsterdam, I learned that an open mind is truly the most important tool you can have in times of change. Being willing to try new things led to me being able to experience other people’s hobbies, cultures and personalities. Some of my friends and I developed a habit of visiting museums. Over my term abroad, I visited over 12 different museums across the Netherlands and Western Europe. The hobby of visiting museums helped me to learn and appreciate the city I was living in and the places that I was fortunate enough to visit. Plus, I learned that I actually love museums and find them fascinating. I guess visiting all those national museums on field trips growing up in Ottawa paid off!

I also tried many different cafes and restaurants around Amsterdam with my friends, making the most of trying the local cuisine. From my opinion, stamppot is delicious, but a bit of an acquired taste, bitterballen and stroopwafels can’t be beat! I also tried restaurants with international foods. Thanks to this hobby I developed with others, I was able to sample foods I’ve never tried before, and go to places that I may have been otherwise too nervous to go to alone.

Being alone in a new place can be scary, and it can be easy to retreat into what is familiar as a way to self-soothe. While this may be comforting, it can also be very limiting. I think that we as people are at our fullest potential when we are outside of our comfort zone. Being on exchange forced me to reckon with this fact, and learn to balance my tried and true interests with new ones. This has led me to return home with not only stories of fun running adventures amongst new scenery and new friends, but also a ton of incredible memories and anecdotes as a museum explorer and a global eater! Making time for the old and the new was absolutely critical not only for enhancing my exchange experience and my appreciation for Amsterdam and the Netherlands, but for my growth as a person, and I am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to do it all.

If you’re a prospective exchange student and you stumble upon this, I can’t imagine this is terribly helpful at making you any less anxious. And that’s alright. As I’m writing this, I’m on week 12 of my time abroad and it’s still extremely daunting. However, as scary as it may seem, spending a semester or two abroad is an unbelievable opportunity for self-growth and personal discovery. A major part of doing an experience like this is letting yourself be pushed out of your comfort zone. Obviously, this looks different for everyone. For me, I was suddenly required to be more independent and outgoing in a country that isn’t really big on English. Something that was mundane at home, like going out to eat or grocery shopping, was suddenly much more difficult to just go out and do.

On top of that, there was the added intimidating factor of meeting and spending time with an entirely new group of people, as well as navigating the nuances of solo travelling. While some things are easier now than they were 12 weeks ago, a lot of things are still just as scary. However, the thing I try to keep at the forefront of my mind, and what I recommend to any prospective exchange students, is to not let the anxiety of doing something keep you from doing it; allow yourself the flexibility to be uncomfortable.

Obviously, this is corny and sounds like a bad self-help book, yet I feel like a little reminder is helpful in providing a much-needed push. Studying abroad is a unique chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to grow as a person through opportunities you wouldn’t necessarily find or consider doing at home. If you’re considering an exchange, and you’re hung up on some of the more daunting aspects of it, do it anyway. Scared, anxious, or downright terrified if need be. You won’t regret it!

The first few weeks in Marseille were a whirlwind. The language barrier was significant, as the local accent was challenging to understand and English was not widely spoken. Navigating daily life, from ordering food to using public transportation, required a steep learning curve. However, these initial struggles were the first steps towards developing resilience and adaptability.

Building Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Marseille was the friendships I formed. At Aix-Marseille University, I met students from all over the world, each with their own unique stories and perspectives. These connections enriched my experience, providing a support network that made the challenges of living abroad more manageable. We explored the city together, from the historic Vieux Port to the lively nightlife in La Plaine, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Embracing the Local Culture

Marseille’s cultural diversity was both fascinating and overwhelming. I immersed myself in the local lifestyle, attending traditional festivals, trying regional dishes like bouillabaisse and visiting cultural landmarks such as the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica. Each new experience broadened my understanding of the world and deepened my appreciation for different cultures.

Traveling Across Europe

One of the highlights of my exchange was the opportunity to travel across Europe. From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic ruins of Rome, each trip was an adventure that expanded my horizons. Traveling taught me to be resourceful and adaptable, as I navigated different languages, currencies and customs. These journeys were not just about experiencing new places but about learning to embrace the unknown and grow from each experience.

Reflecting on Personal Growth

Looking back, my time in Marseille was a period of profound personal growth. I became more independent, confident and open-minded. The challenges I faced taught me to be adaptable and resilient, skills that will serve me well in all future endeavors. I learned to embrace change and not as a threat but as an opportunity for growth.

The Ongoing Journey

As my exchange came to an end, I realized that this was not the conclusion of my journey but rather the beginning. The lessons I learned and the growth I experienced in Marseille have set the foundation for a lifetime of learning and adapting. My time in France taught me that change, while often uncomfortable, is the catalyst for growth. By embracing new experiences and adapting to unfamiliar situations, we open ourselves up to incredible opportunities for personal development.

Browse all the appointment types to find out how you can access support. Then, apply on OSCARplus under Student Success Centre > Volunteering and Experience Building. Once you’re there, select postings. Application deadline is on April 24, 2023.

Any in-person positions will be located at McMaster University’s main campus.

Student Success Centre units accepting applications

For questions about the SSC Peer Leader program or the individual positions, contact Stephanie Cognigni (volunteer@mcmaster.ca).

Need help navigating OSCARplus?

We recommend attending an OSCARplus how-to workshop. Find the next listing under the Student Success Centre > Events.

Browse all the appointment types to find out how you can access support. Then, book appointments on OSCARplus under Student Success Centre > Appointments. Once you’re there, just select the appointment type you want and find a time that works for you.

Need help booking appointments and navigating OSCARplus?

We recommend attending an OSCARplus how-to workshop. Find the next listing under the Student Success Centre > Events.

McMaster Global (November 1–12, 2021)

From November 1 to 12, Faculties, departments, research centres, student organizations and administrative units are hosting events and activities to celebrate the fourth annual McMaster Global, featuring International Education Week. Organized by the Office of International Affairs in collaboration with the Student Success Centre, McMaster Global highlights cross-campus initiatives and activities that offer diverse perspectives on global issues.

“McMaster Global Virtual Showcase absolutely changed the way I perceived global health and our community,” says Shania Bhopa, Global Health PhD student.

“The McMaster Global Virtual Showcase events illuminate our community, the resources and the up-and-coming plans that various organizations have. It was a great way to connect with like-minded people, and I can’t wait to partake in the activities again this year!”

Sessions include:

• Introduction to Academics Without Borders, Programs, Opportunities and Volunteer Experiences (November 8)
• McMaster and the Age-Friendly University Network: Learning and sharing with global partners to serve our communities locally (November 9)
• McMaster Center for Climate Change Fall Public Lecture: Climate Change – We’re Screwed, It’s Our Fault, It’s Going to Get Worse, and There’s Nothing We Can Do About It? With Dr. Adam Fenech (November 10)

View the full McMaster Global website for more information. Learn about International Education Week on the Student Success Centre website.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 8–14, 2021)

This year, McMaster’s global-themed activities include an entrepreneurial angle through Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). This initiative is a collection of activities, competitions and events aimed at empowering the McMaster community to inspire new ideas and innovation for the benefit of all.

Students don’t have to identify as an entrepreneur to participate. Instead, the partners involved in GEW encourage reframing the concept of entrepreneurship to include innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.

Visit the Global Entrepreneurship Week event page on the Student Success Centre website to learn more and get involved.

Fun fact: GEW inspires roughly 10 million participants each year to explore their potential while fostering connections and increasing collaboration to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen communities.

Global Entrepreneurship Week at McMaster

Our goal for GEW is to help students identify what it means to be an innovator and how to get started. To many, the word “entrepreneur” can be daunting and discouraging. So, let’s rethink and reframe the concept using “innovator” and “entrepreneurial mindset.”

You don’t have to launch a successful, high-tech startup in hubs like Silicon Valley, London or Shanghai to be considered an innovator. Every idea has to start somewhere, and no two journeys are alike. Everyone starts at the bottom on day one, so let’s make your day one a great one!

Get involved

Many Faculties, departments and clubs across campus are coming together to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week in our community. Check out opportunities like these to learn more, get involved and start your innovation journey.

• Workshops
• Seminars
• Networking
• Socials
• Virtual challenges
• And much more!

By getting involved with a GEW event, our goal is to inspire you to pursue your innovative ideas and provide you with the support and resources you need to get started.

Submit an event by October 27, 2021

Are you interested in contributing to GEW at McMaster? Submit your event to get featured in the official GEW schedule. Someone from the Forge will follow up with you after you submit your event.

Note: If you’re submitting an event, you’re required to plan and execute the entire event.

McMaster’s GEW 2021 partners

• Archway
• DeGroote School Business
• Faculty of Engineering
• International Affairs
• McMaster Industry Liaison Office
• MGD Health Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
• Student Affairs
• Student Success Centre
• The Clinic @ Mac
• The Forge