Back again with my last blog! So my time studying abroad is quickly coming to an end, and although I’m more than excited to get home and see my friends and family, I’m so upset I have to leave my new home and family (for now, anyway – I’ll be back!). This experience has honestly been the best thing that has happened to me so far! It has challenged me, personally and academically, and the fact that I over came everything in my way to get here has made me a stronger person.
Coming on exchange was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I’d never lived out of home, and never even left the country! So having to experience the first time out of home in another country was scary at first, but I adapted very quickly. Back home, I’m not a very social person. I prefer my own company and am usually too shy to meet new people; which was a big concern before I left for exchange! But over here I was completely fine, I met so many incredible people and had the best times. This experience is a once in a life time chance, and I didn’t want to regret anything by being shy! I took every opportunity as they came with open arms, and have made amazing memories due to this. I feel like a completely different person. This trip has helped me grow so, so much and I couldn’t be happier!
The studying part of my trip (although it may not have been my number 1 priority but it was definitely up there) was fun as well! I picked topics that were new and interesting, and I thoroughly enjoyed everything I learned. Some of the topics I took even made me realise exactly what I want to do once I graduate (apart from travel the world). I did go through some stressful times with deadlines and exams – but tried not to let it get me down! I lived by 3 words that got me through: NON GRADED PASS! All I had to do was pass, although I still did put a lot of time and effort into my study because it’s just a habit, I made sure if an opportunity came up that would make memories for my trip – I would take it! I’d always chose a hockey game over studying.. because I think I found my new favourite sport. I did still have to study on some of my weekend trips away (in Banff, Jasper and even sunny Tucson), but it is called STUDY abroad, so yes kiddies.. you do still have to study. Although, grading in Canada is much nicer than Australia – it’s not hard to get a good grade!
The people I’ve met here have been nothing short of amazing. Every single person impacted my trip and my life in some way, shape or form. Being on exchange and meeting others on exchange is great – every one has the same thoughts as you, wants to experience the same things as you and takes every opportunity as they come! Meeting like-minded people is something amazing, and is very rare for me. I’ve never clicked with people so easily before!
Time to talk about the weather.. Yes, it gets cold here. I’m currently sitting at my desk looking out the window at the snow on the ground, but the sky is blue and the sun is shining. That’s Calgary for ya! Although the past few weeks winter has definitely set in and I’ve some how managed to live in -20 to -30 degrees Celsius weather, it has been amazing! It’s really not as cold as I thought (maybe because I’m covered head to toe in layers of clothes). I’m glad I got to experience the crazy temperatures of a real winter here, though I am very excited to get home to summer! I’ll miss the snow, but i’ll be back soon.
This trip has taught me so much, about myself and where I want to take my life. As I predicted; I’m coming home a completely changed person. My outlook on life is very different, and what I aspire to be and to do with my life has changed as well. I’m now very motivated to get the rest of my life started, like finishing my degree, travelling a bit more and getting into the tourism industry! I can’t wait to see what life has in store for me when I get back to Adelaide.
I 100% encourage anyone and everyone to study abroad! It is the experience of a life time, and I’m so grateful I come from a place where this is so easy to do. You learn things about yourself, you challenge yourself and you meet amazing people and have great experiences on the way. You don’t grow unless you leave your comfort zone! It seems so scary, but it is so worth it.
Anyway, this is where I leave you all. I cannot thank everyone i’ve met here enough; you are all one of a kind and incredible people! I hope my travels around the world bring me back to you all one day. See you soon, Canada! x x x
Amy Hobbs, a Bachelor of International Tourism student, Semester 2 2016 exchange at University of Calgary, Canada
