Mobility and Study Abroad

Through the exchange program, I have learned how it feels to be a foreign student. I've had exchange students live with my family and had them as friends but I never truly knew how they feel until this trip. This was a wonderful opportunity. Kibi went above and beyond to make this an amazing trip. Interacting with the foreign students in Japan was really great for them and us and it would have been good to do more of that.

• Greg Arnason, Bachelor of Computer Information System, Kelowna Campus

Studying abroad was something I never thought I’d get to do in my life. I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given with OC’s international department and NUFS! Japan’s influence on me has altered my career path and now I’d like to teach English in Japan so I can live in the country that means so much to me! If you are interested in studying abroad, my only advice is to go for it! You will learn so many valuable lessons in a wide range of fields and hopefully you get to connect with your chosen country as I did with Japan. I don’t regret anything about my stay in Japan and I’d give anything to go again to relive my memories.

• Carter Henry, Assosicate of Arts, Kelowna

Swinburne was more than I could have ever expected. The quality of lectures along with its picturesque setting overlooking the city centre of Melbourne, were more than I could have ever asked for. I was able to have the time of my life as it was quite easy to balance my studies along with my travels. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience was the connections I made. I have friends from all around the world who I keep in contact with. I also believe that my study abroad trip was a definite asset when it came to looking for a position in my career. I stood out from the others because I had taken chance in my schooling and my employer saw that in me. It’s not very often an experience of this magnitude arises. In my opinion, embrace it mate, go down under!
 

• Nick Melemenis, Swinburne University of Technology

As a result of the exchange, I have gained a new perspective and an understanding of how other people live their daily lives. It makes you appreciate or notice things that should be changed when you arrive back home. The most rewarding part was being able to learn so much in a very little amount of time and how to work better with people that I barely know from different backgrounds, language and culture.

• Robert Stewart, Sustainable Construction Management, Penticton Campus

The main benefit I think I will get out of this exchange program is the confidence I gained. It was my first time going abroad alone, and it felt very freeing to be away from home and leave my worries behind. The building of relationships with the other people that were also on exchange was rewarding. It felt great to explore another country together with other people who might know less or more than you. The exchange of knowledge and experiences and the ability to share them was amazing.

• Kim Van Zandwijk, Associate of Arts, Kelowna Campus

I never would have been able to go to Japan without the summer exchange and grant. I’ve always wanted to go but never thought I would have the opportunity. I made many new Japanese friends at the partnering school, ate so much Japanese food and loved exploring Japan and its culture. I still keep in touch with a couple of Japanese students and met with them when they were studying in Canada. I feel like the connections I’ve made while on the exchange will last a lifetime! This was a highlight to my degree at Okanagan College.

• Kira Johnson, Bachelor of Business Administration, Kelowna Campus

Going to Japan has been a lifelong dream of mine ... It was such an incredible experience. I learned a lot about the Japanese culture and even a bit of their language. What made it so special to me though, was being able to share my culture with them as well.

Read Dawna's full story here

• Dawna Hearl, Assosicate of Arts, Salmon Arm

Studying abroad has certainly broadened my horizons! Being an international student at Okanagan College has already contributed to many new experiences, but studying in Austria as a Chinese exchange student from Canada was something completely different.

I had the opportunity to meet people from around the world while learning English and most recently, German. The most exciting part during my exchange semester was traveling around Europe where I was able to explore nine European countries including my original destination, Austria. Every time I traveled to a new country I felt a transformation beginning where I opened up to new possibilities. I felt I had free access to many different countries which allowed me to become a citizen of the world.

Traveling gives you a better understanding of humility in which you think less of yourself and more about your surroundings. I have met some amazing people who have helped me appreciate how incredible the world is. I have realized that the more I see and understand, the more I can contribute to this world. That’s how the study abroad program has broadened my experiences, my outlooks, and my visions.

• Enya Ren, FH Wien University of Applied Sciences of WKW, Vienna, Austria

My exchange at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. It was my first time living away from home without family or friends, and although I was nervous at first, the excitement quickly took over.

HZ made the entire process, from securing housing to obtaining a travel visa, so simple with their clear step-by-step instructions and excellent communication. I took International Tourism classes, but both the International Tourism and International Business programs were fantastic and provided great learning opportunities.

Beyond academics, I made lifelong friendships and experienced true cultural exchange firsthand. Traveling was a huge goal of mine, and during my time abroad I visited 10 countries, some more than once. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and would recommend studying abroad with HZ University to anyone looking for adventure, growth, and unforgettable memories.

• Ryan Rubadeau, Bachelor of Business Administration, Kelowna