Where have you been on exchange?
My exchange was at the ESG university – UQÀM, in Montreal (Canada).
How long have you been or will you be abroad?
I was there from the end of August to the end of December 2023. A total of 3 and a half months.
What is your assessment of the experience?
Honestly, my experience has been very positive.
Living an exchange in another country, immersing yourself in a new culture and practicing languages, can be a transformative experience. Montreal is a vibrant and multicultural city, known for its rich history, arts scene and diverse cultural activities. In addition to its impressive landscapes.
It is true that Canada is a country where winter can be very cold, but you learn to resist and adapt to this climate. The key is to dress appropriately. I have thoroughly enjoyed what the city and the exchange had to offer. I have gained unforgettable memories, new friendships and intercultural skills that will serve me for a lifetime.
Can you explain what your experience was like? What have you learned from the country you have gone to?
As I mentioned previously, my experience was unbeatable. I left with a great desire to get to know Canada, practice French and English, and meet people from all over the world. So it was.
I was very lucky to be able to meet wonderful people (both Spanish and people from other countries), and to be able to tour Canada with all of them. This country is visually stunning, as it perfectly combines urban life with natural beauty.
I am a very independent person who enjoys getting to know the world and once I arrived in Montreal, I felt at home. The people are very welcoming, and the level of security there is very high compared to here. Being a country with so much cultural diversity and a policy of inclusion, the environment is more peaceful and safe, as it promotes acceptance and mutual respect between different social groups.
I have learned a variety of things about the country, its culture, its people and its lifestyle. They have a great respect for nature, they have a quality education that is different from that here, since their teaching method is based more on practice. And they also offer thousands of opportunities for immigrants. One thing that I would highlight about Canadians, and especially the “Québécois”, is their kindness and their spirit of openness towards others.
Without a doubt, I would return to this country.
What has this experience brought you on a personal and professional level?
On a personal level, living in Canada has exposed me to new cultures and perspectives, broadening my horizons and strengthening my interpersonal skills, independence and resilience in the face of challenges. It has also made me learn more about myself. I am a person who likes to have everything planned, and the exchange has taught me how to improvise and know how to adapt to all types of situations, even when you yourself do not see yourself capable of facing these situations.
An example of having autonomy and resilience in the face of challenges was when I had a skin allergy due to some natural factor and I had to go to the hospital on my own, be patient to be treated (I was waiting 9 hours), fill out forms, contact the doctors, and fill out the health insurance document so that they could reimburse me for the medical service and medications. It was a very challenging situation but it made me grow a lot.
On the other hand, on a professional level, this experience has given me valuable intercultural skills, an improved command of the English and French languages, a network of international contacts and greater adaptability and flexibility.
What advice would you give to a student who would like to go on an exchange or is thinking about it?
I would tell him that, even if it is a big step since you are leaving your comfort zone, do it. You will not regret.
You learn to manage many situations on your own and know how to manage your emotions in the face of them. You grow a lot on a personal level, and the most important thing is that you take away friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.
