How To Make Friends While Studying Abroad

By Valentina PrANJIC, Third year student in professional communication, fcad

Going on exchange has been a dream of mine since I was in high school. I always saw the world as being full of new places to see and experiences to live. So when a friend once suggested that I complete an exchange in Utrecht, Holland I found myself on a seven-hour flight to Amsterdam a year later. 

The weeks prior to my flight, I was ecstatic and ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime.  However when I landed, the reality that I was alone in a foreign country with no friends sank in. Continue reading How To Make Friends While Studying Abroad

How-to Guide to Having the Best Time Abroad

By Jackie Jabson, 4th year Student in Creative Industries, FCAD

6 months. That sounds like a lot of time, but it goes by faster than you’d think. Time is of the essence. It sneaks up on without you noticing. One day you’ll wake up and it will all be over. The reality of it is that exchange is only a small fragment of your life. That’s why soaking in every bit of the experience will ensure you won’t be left feeling dissatisfied with it.

I traveled to Denmark for my student exchange and  stayed in Copenhagen for 6 months. I discovered that there is always a shortage in time. It is up to you to make the most of it in this foreign and magical place. How long is your stay abroad? 6 months? That is 26 weeks or 4,380 hours. Take note on some of these tips to help make the most out of your exchange.

Continue reading How-to Guide to Having the Best Time Abroad

The Key to Overcoming Challenges Abroad

By: Hana Glaser, Undergraduate Student in Creative Industries

Going to study for a semester abroad has always been one of my dreams. I had pictured myself going to school in a city, making friends with the locals, and learning all about the local culture. Although this was a small part of my experience, I lived a completely different reality that surpassed my expectations.

Continue reading The Key to Overcoming Challenges Abroad

Top 10 Must-See Places in HK

By Sierra Sun, Undergraduate student the Media Production Program at the RTA School of Media, Faculty of Communication and Design

*Sierra also won the 2017 RI Photo Contest with her photo “Temple Street Market”

Continue reading Top 10 Must-See Places in HK

Seeing Life in a New Light: Looking Back on My Exchange at Ryerson University

By Jade du Preez, Inbound Exchange Student from the Journalism program at Edinburgh Napier University

“Yeah, but why Canada?” This was probably the most commonly asked question from local Torontonians. They couldn’t understand why someone as well travelled as myself would spend four months in Canada, of all the countries I could have picked. And here’s why; Canada is the most beautiful and polite country I’ve ever visited. Never have I encountered nicer people in such a big city, and I’ve lived in a few cities!

Continue reading Seeing Life in a New Light: Looking Back on My Exchange at Ryerson University

Getting Involved in the Exchange Community: Join RISExC!

RISExC is a student-run group that helps new Ryerson exchange students settle into life in Toronto. The committee is mostly made up of current Ryerson students who have previously participated in the exchange program. The group plans social events and sightseeing trips in Toronto.

Joining RISExC is not only a great way to become involved in exchange community, it is also an opportunity to draw on your lived experiences to help others feel more comfortable here in Toronto.

Join the RISExC Fall ’17 – Student Group Facebook page.

Interested in taking a leadership role on the committee?
Email us at rihelp@ryerson.ca with the subject line: RISExC Committee Fall’17  and join the RISExC Fall’17 – Organizer Facebook Page.

Continue reading Getting Involved in the Exchange Community: Join RISExC!

Living the European Dream: Life Abroad

By Serena Lalani, Undergraduate student in the School of Journalism, Faculty of Communication and Design

I’m not sure what day of the week it is as I’ve started to lose track, but what I can tell you is that I’m currently sipping rosé on the coast of Greece and life feels nothing short of a dream come true. Continue reading Living the European Dream: Life Abroad

The Finals Days in Lyon: Reflections from a Broad Abroad

By Julie Germansky, Undergraduate student in the School of Journalism, Faculty of Communication and Design

Note from the Editor: Julie received a scholarship from the Ontario-Rhone-Alpes Student Exchange Program.

It’s around 5 o’clock and I am sitting on the steps along the quai du rhône, sipping a sample size bottle of côte du rhône red wine while observing the French after-five indulgence in full swing. Clusters of friends gathering for apéro, runners trace the border of the quai, the pastel palette of Lyon’s historic facade reflects off of the water, couples show heaps of PDA and baguettes and cheese are being eaten in the masses— this is the French culture thriving as I will remember. The first time I sat on those stairs, the french chatter was white noise, but now I’ve grown to understand and participate in the French lingo myself. Continue reading The Finals Days in Lyon: Reflections from a Broad Abroad

My Adventure Abroad: Life Down Under

New Zealand Trip: Franz Josef, Milford Sound & Queenstown.

By Julia Amodeo, Undergraduate student in the Creative Industries Program, Faculty of Communication and Design

3 months ago I left Canada for my semester abroad in Brisbane: the largest city on Australia’s east coast! It was my first time travelling alone and I was excited and terrified. Once I landed, met my roommates and learned more about Brisbane, I was thrilled to spend the semester here. So far my journey in Australia has been the most amazing experience of my life and I am only half way through! I have learned so much about myself and met so many amazing people from all over the world! Continue reading My Adventure Abroad: Life Down Under

London Exchange Profile

By Perry Newsome, Undergraduate student in the RTA Production program, Faculty of Communication and Design

Last Sunday evening, I was travelling back to my residence at the University of Westminster in Harrow on the westbound Metropolitan Line train. It was nearing dusk, and the sky was lit up with a fiery, pink-streaked sunset, bringing the perfect spring weekend to a close.

Continue reading London Exchange Profile