Student Blog

By: James Cunningham, University of the Fraser Valley, winner of the Spring 2024 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Austria & Germany

I am currently just over halfway through my study abroad experience in Austria/Germany. I have had the opportunity to spend time in world cities such as Vienna and Munich, as well as smaller Austrian cities such as Linz and Salzburg. I’ve delved into mountains, taken (quite literally) plains, trains, and automobiles around an entirely new continent, and had some life altering experiences up to this point in my study abroad period. While I am feeling confident in myself as a travelling student now, there was a great deal of culture shock that I had been warned about but was s...

By: Kate Slade, University of the Fraser Valley, winner of the Fall 2023 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Australia

It has been almost two months since I started my study abroad semester; wow, it has flown by! I am living in downtown Melbourne, Australia, a sharp contrast to the slow living of Vancouver Island. The first two weeks of my journey were spent in surf towns and definitely eased me into my new life here in Australia. These funky towns are something that feels familiar to me; I spent the two weeks visiting friends who have moved here. I think without that support, I would’ve definitely felt a lot more homesick. After two weeks, it was off to the big city of Melbourne! I typically don’t feel a whole...

By: Amanda Phillips, Capilano University, winner of the Spring 2023 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: Austria

Saying, “I’m studying abroad in Vienna” was one thing. Physically being abroad was another. Now, sitting back home in my childhood bedroom in Vancouver is unbelievable. No amount of planning and dreaming about Vienna would have prepared me for the experience I had. Going home was a strange bittersweet mix of emotions. Of course I was excited to see family and friends, but I was also surprisingly upset at the realization that my European adventures are over. Since returning home, I cannot fathom all that I experienced.

Austria is a country that shares eight land boarders allowing me to visit mul...

By: Alec Weinstein, North Island College, winner of the Fall 2022 BC Study Abroad: Stories from Abroad Scholarship

Study Abroad Destination: France

When one envisions the Alps, the mind often conjures images of towering giants like Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Yet, beyond these awe-inspiring mountains, the region offers a wealth of other treasures to discover, including emerald-coloured lakes, delectable cuisine, and a rich cultural tapestry. This year, I've been fortunate to study and intern in the Alpine town of Annecy, aptly dubbed the 'Venice of the Alps' due to its charming old town and picturesque canals. Situated less than 40 kilometers from Geneva, Switzerland, Annecy remains a hidden gem that boasts one of the highest qualities of life in...