Kirsten Chan, Capilano University, winner of the spring 2020 BC Study Abroad Scholarship
Study Abroad Destination: Scotland
Never would I have thought that during my four years as a University student would I have the opportunity to study abroad across the country. When I found out that I got accepted into the study abroad experience, I was so thrilled to start packing away and figure out my class schedule. However, it was not until another year that I was to start this once in a lifetime journey. Surprisingly, the year went by so fast that before I knew it, I was on a plane and moving across the world for half a year. This was my first time travelling to the UK and travelling around Europe, and I had no idea what to expect. But once I touched down into Aberdeen, Scotland, everything started to come together, and I began to make it my new home.
One of the biggest surprises upon coming to Scotland was how it reminded me so much of Vancouver. I was thoroughly prepared to be set into a completely different environment where the people, atmosphere and overall mood would drastically change right in front of my eye. The people were just as nice, if not nicer, and also so welcoming to their small city. Everyone greeted me with a smile and wanted to assist me as much as possible. I was also surprised by how environmentally conscious Aberdeen was. As I packed my bags before I left, I ensured that I was to bring my reusable bags and containers to reduce single-use products. Here in Aberdeen, they impose charges for bags. The bags that you purchase are recycled paper, and no essential stores sell plastic bags. Also, the public transportation system here is reliable, and I haven’t found myself waiting for more than 10 minutes for a bus to take me to my destination. The advice I would give to students who are planning on studying abroad is to research the town in which you will reside. Perhaps even google the places and do a “street view” so that you have a sense of what everything looks like before you arrive. This will help reduce as many surprises along the way.