UK – Global Learning Experiences

The 3 Regrets of Exchange

BY SHANNON TINNING, 4TH YEAR STUDENT IN ENGLISH, FACULTY OF ARTS

I have never been an impulsive, or a decisive person. Deciding between what colour of sweater to purchase, or mustering up the courage to select a unique menu item, instead of chicken fingers, fills me with immense anxiety. Before departing for my exchange to Edinburgh, Scotland, I came to the realization that I would have to escape my finely crafted comfort zone in order to fully capitalize on this once in a lifetime opportunity, and not return to Canada filled with ‘what if’s’ and ‘I wishes’.

And no, getting a tattoo is not on this list (sorry grandma).

Edinburgh to Toronto- Reverse Culture Shock

By Shannon Tinning, 4th Year Student in English, Faculty of Arts

When I was preparing to go on exchange to Edinburgh, Scotland, I was flooded with speeches from relatives and friends, filled with statements such as, “you’re going to have such an amazing time!”, “this will change your life!”, and “you’re literally the luckiest person in the world.” While I was incredibly grateful for the countless words of encouragement to ease my anxiety concerning this massive move across the world, I noticed that no one had discussed how different life would be once I returned home to Canada.

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Haste Ye Back : Toronto to Edinburgh

By: Maria Bendo, Undergraduate Student in English, Faculty of Arts

From the moment I got back to Canada, I’ve had trouble trying finding words to describe what my exchange was like. I spent the first five months of 2018 studying at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland during the second half of my third year. Strangely, I’ve found myself struggling to answer questions about it. I usually reply with “Oh, it was amazing!” or “Honestly, would go back in a heartbeat,” which are both extremely true, but I’ve never really elaborated upon it. So, I’m going to make an attempt.

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My Summer of Science in London, England!

By James Burns, Graduate of the Biology Program, Faculty of Science

My global experience with Ryerson began last summer after my 3rd Year when I travelled to London, England on a research experience with the Global Science Citizen program through the Faculty of Science. My placement at the University College of London (UCL) School of Pharmacy, UK, found me working with Dr. Shozeb Haider in computational modelling.

When I first arrived I was welcomed with open arms by a fantastic group of post-grad and doctoral students from across Asia and Europe. We found common ground in the School of Pharmacy as our home-away-from-home and a constant environment of high energy, passion, and comradery.

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Learning How to be Jolly Good: Living Life the British Way

By Lauren Gellatly, Undergraduate Student in the RTA Production Program, Faculty of Communication and Design

Did you know that, in England, you have to pull the door handle up before you can lock it? My awesome fellow Canadian housemate and I did not. We tried for half an hour to lock our door and, when we gave up, we locked it from the inside and broke out of our own backyard like any intelligent, resourceful, and independent young women would do when faced with this problem.

I didn’t find there was a lot more than this level of culture shock in England. As a people, they’re pretty similar to us – a little more sarcastic and way cooler in terms of accents, but they also say sorry excessively and love talking about the weather.

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