Reuben's Exchange to Simon Fraser University | Canada
I’ll be honest, the idea never really crossed my mind. From that first moment when the people from the exchange program came into my morning lecture and told the class about the amazing opportunity abroad, I was hooked like a kid on cordial. Where to go? It had to be Canada! A country famous for friendliness, strong beer and maple syrup, this sounded like my country. Months after the initial application process it was all happening, my flight was booked, bags packed and I was getting on a plane to the hip city of Vancouver.
The first couple of days in Vancouver were a bit rocky (mountain joke) it took 4 hours to clear customs which was not the biggest joy after being in transit for 30 hours. There was a lot of boring adult stuff that needed to be organised from accommodation to supplies, phone coverage and attending information seminars (riveting). However, once all of that was said and done and I had caught up on much needed sleep, it was time to do what I went there for, study………nah jokes, to form new friendships and explore the city of Vancouver!
After a couple of weeks went by I got to know so many people past the point of small talk, forming true friendships that I will carry with me forever. I became extremely close with my housemates Charles (Canadian), Jess (Australian) and Laure (French). I considered myself one of the luckiest people on campus managing to live with 3 other people that were always keen to hang out or just go for a midnight McFlurry run. Laure and I would take any opportunity to get away from the mountain (Simon Fraser) to explore the breathtaking province of British Columbia, swear I needed a puffer at times.
There was always so much enthusiasm from all the students on campus eager to get out and see the sights at any opportunity. This enthusiasm led 13 of us to travel to Banff in Alberta. Hand on my heart it is the best place I’ve ever been, a quiet town surrounded by mountains with good food, nice people and several skiing resorts. It turned into a proper lads trip, going from skiing resorts to bars, playing darts, bowling and then few more bars, it was a hell of a time!
There are so many more amazing stories from the Christmas dinner with all of the people I met on Campus to how my housemates and I all got tattoos to celebrate the amazing country and all of the great people who live there. Unfortunately, it would turn this little reflection of my time away into a 10,000-word essay so I’m going to let some pictures say those thousands of words.
Visiting other countries have been some of the greatest times in my life but living in a place of unfamiliarity so it becomes like a second home is the next step. I honestly believe everyone and not just students need to take a leap outside what is the norm to them and experience how much good there is out there (and yes, I realise that sounds cliché). My time away contained some of the most incredible moments in my life and I would not hesitate to do it all over again. I hope anyone reading this can take inspiration and make the leap because I know it will be the best decision you will ever make!
- Reuben studied abroad at Simon Fraser University in Canada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Murdoch University Study Abroad & Exchange - Outbound
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTACT US!
EMAIL: studyabroad@murdoch.edu.au
PHONE: +61 8 93607836
VISIT: Murdoch University, Student Centre, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA, 6150
FIND US!
WEBSITE: http://our.murdoch.edu.au/Student-life/Join-in/Overseas-study-opportunities/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/murdochoutbound
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/murdochoutbound
