Emma S. Exchange Ambassador
What is one word to describe your study abroad experience:
"Exchange will push you like nothing ever has before. If you think you are independent and confident enough now, just wait. You will have to learn to trust yourself in ways you never thought possible. You will have amazing experiences and grow so much as a person." - Emma S.
EMMA S. 
Exchange student at the University of Adelaide, Australia
Winter semester
Studying English
- What is the best thing that happened while you were studying abroad?
I was able to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef!
- What was the biggest cultural adaptation you had to make?
I had to get used to the Australian slang! It is really different and I found I was easily confused by some terms.
- Where was the coolest place you traveled to during your study abroad experience?
I would say either Cairns, Queensland or Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Both were such unique places with gorgeous wildlife.
- What is something that you know now, that you wish you knew before you studied abroad?
I wish I had known that while you are going on exchange and it is temporary, you are going to make a life there. I found that I had settled in so well that I felt a bit uprooted going back to Canada!
- What was your best learning moment?
I felt like I learned a lot when I took my first solo trip to Cairns, Queensland. It was a huge learning opportunity! I learned to put myself out there, be comfortable by myself, be independent, and to have more confidence and trust in myself.
- Would it be helpful to learn another language for this exchange?
No, you’re just fine with English!
- Did you live on-campus or off-campus? Would you recommend it, and why?
I lived on campus at Urbanest. I would recommend it because it allowed me to meet a lot of other people who were on exchange or were international students.
- How did you finance your study abroad experience?
I financed by study abroad experience by saving money from years of work. My Mom was kind enough to help, as well. Finally, I received some funds through OSAP and scholarships.
- How are you including exchange on your resume?
I'm listing my time at the University of Adelaide as a part of my education. As well, I was lucky enough to get a job while on exchange, so I made sure to add that to my job experience!
- What interesting courses did you get to take while studying abroad? What was the title of the course(s)?
I took such a unique history course during my exchange! "New York City in Revolution: Reacting to the Past" is a course that runs more like a roleplaying game! Everyone is given a character, you must act like them, and you have spirited debates in class surrounding important topics of the time period. It was such an interactive way of learning.
