UQ Program: Bachelor of Arts/Law
Well after what felt like months of planning and anticipation and two semesters abroad I'm right back where I started in Brisbane and I couldn't be happier. As another exchange student, and very good friend said, "If you are sad to go, it's that you had an amazing time" and that was certainly true.
I studied an Arts/Law degree but whilst abroad at the University of Toronto (U of T) but only took Arts courses. It was in classes that I found the biggest difference to Australia. Even in lower level undergraduate courses students took their studies very seriously and the expectations for readings and attendance were a lot higher than I was previously used to. My one recommendation would be when choosing courses do so at the earliest point possible, you’ll skip the stress.
I was in the city 8 months and still found something new every time I went for a walk around the city, as keen photographer Toronto mix of urban areas and parkland always offered up something amazing for my camera lens. Whether you wanted a bar, a late night serving of poutine (cheese curds, gravy and fries), an opportunity to ice skate or shopping, all was on offer within 15 mins of the University campus.
I lived in an off campus residence in downtown Toronto with many other exchange students. This combination of a tight-knit community coupled with the cosmopolitan culture of downtown Toronto made day to day living a nonstop stream of new experiences.
Trips to New York, Boston, Montreal, Quebec-City, Ottawa and Algonquin Park (get here in Autumn) were all relatively easy. Finding other exchange students to travel with was amazingly easy so you're always with friends. By joining the Ski and Snowboard club I spent five days at a ski resort in Quebec as well as a few day trips to nearby ski fields.
Of course I can't finish without mentioning the cold. I lived through perhaps the mildest winter on record in Toronto but I still took the heart the words of warning by the locals. Be prepared to rug up; gloves, scarves, beanies and thermals will be your best friends during the colder months and if in doubt add another layer.
If you've read through this long I apologise but its hard to be succinct about something so amazing. Excuse me for slipping into clichés but it’s all true, exchange offered me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and live out experiences that I would never have done had I stayed in Australia and most importantly gain friends from all over the world. If you choose to apply for study abroad you will guarantee to have what will be the best semesters (forget one, go for the two, you won't regret it) of your university life.