Every year, University of Guelph-Humber students broaden their horizons and embark on unforgettable educational adventures as part of UofGH’s Study Abroad program.
With applications for the 2019 Study Abroad course due on Nov. 13, UofGH students and alumni shared the ways in which participating in Study Abroad opened their eyes and gave them a new perspective on the world.
Azmiveth Duran, 4th year Psychology
Trip: Singapore
Why did you decide to participate in Study Abroad?
I participated in Study Abroad because I wanted to go beyond my boundaries of learning and exploration. Study Abroad was a good opportunity for me to see the world in a new perspective through the eyes of someone who lives in a different part of the world.
What was the highlight of your trip?
The highlight was that there were so many different sites to see that I wouldn't have ever seen back home. In Singapore, the level of creativity and modern use of technology used in the building's architectural design was phenomenal and extraordinary. It's those moments of looking at something beautiful and different that makes the moment unforgettable.
What did you take away from the experience?
Being able to visit one of the cleanest, safest and economically successful (plus second-smallest country and most Southern part of Asia) countries in the world has allowed me to learn that there is so much more to know about our world than we think. Especially with the advancement of technology, other countries have come a long way with using it to its advantage to really improve the way people run their lives and operate their communities. In all, it keeps me questioning myself: what's the next idea that the future generations will invent?
Tiffany McLean, Media Studies alumna
Trips: Ireland, Germany, Italy
Why did you decide to participate in Study Abroad?
Prior to university I had very little travel experience. Studying abroad seemed like the perfect opportunity to take my learning outside of the classroom while making once in a lifetime memories. I really wanted to make the most of my undergrad experience and studying abroad allowed me to see some of the most beautiful places in the world while gaining an academic credit. Among many things, my Study Abroad trips definitely were a highlight of my experience at UofGH.
What were the highlights of your trips?
Ireland
- Seeing some of the spots where Game of Thrones was filmed
- Visiting the Titanic museum in Belfast
- Touring the Guinness brewery
- Going to Giant’s Causeway
Germany
- Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle, which famously inspired the Walt Disney castle
- Hiking through the Black Forest, famously associated with the Brothers Grimm fairytales
Italy
- Taking a gondola ride in Venice
- Visiting the Vatican
- Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Visiting ancient ruins in Ostia
What did you take away from the experience?
One thing I took away from my Study Abroad experience was the importance of making the most of your time at university, whether it’s participating in Study Abroad or joining a club on campus, getting involved makes the experience unforgettable and you end up learning a lot.
Radhika Sharma, 4th year Family & Community Social Services
Trip: Ecuador & Galapagos Island
Why did you decide to participate in Study Abroad?
I decided to take part in the Study Abroad program because I wanted a experience like no other and Guelph-Humber was able to provide that for me. I think it is a great opportunity for a learning environment while traveling to different cities. I am very passionate about learning how different styles of education involving histories, societies, and cultures come together.
What was the highlight of your trip?
It was a good experience in making new friends, having an open mind, and developing exponentially in my social skills, organizational skills and self- confidence skills. Achieving personal growth from learning a new perspectives on culture, language skills, educational styles, and having the ability to adapt to diverse situations, really helped me professionally and personally. Study abroad has really allowed for me to explore and discover different concepts and excitements while traveling.
What did you take away from the experience?
Learning about different perspectives helped my personal goals of being mindful and open minded when coming across any challenges in my everyday life. I really benefited from a local education because I have the skills to observe theories and contribute to diverse wildlife. I returned with a new perspective on culture, language skills, and a willingness to learn that can help in my future or career aspirations.
Mikayla Smith, 4th year Media Business
Trips: France, Switzerland
Why did you decide to participate in Study Abroad?
I decided to participate in the Study Abroad program at the University of Guelph-Humber because I wanted to experience different cultures and learn outside a classroom setting. Before this, I had never left North America and I wanted to see what places such as Europe had to offer.
What were the highlights of your trip?
My first Study Abroad took me to France to learn about economics and culture. I wanted to take a more business-focused class, as I am in the Media Studies program specializing in the media business stream. Some of the highlights of that trip were the Eiffel Tower (of course), the Catacombs, and trying different cuisines such as escargot.
My second Study Abroad trip was to Switzerland. Again, I participated in a business related course that focused on the countries neutrality and economics. Switzerland was an incredibly gorgeous country and some of my highlights included the Matterhorn, exploring Longano, and trying Swiss cheese and chocolate.
What did you take away from the experiences?
I have three main takeaways from both experiences. Number one: our professors have a lot of knowledge to offer about the country. Shoutout to Charlie Janthur for sharing his knowledge about the country but also adding in personal anecdotes about the places we went. Number two: Study Abroad allows you to interact and make friends with people who might not be in your program. Finally, number three: you get to experience what a country is actually like by witnessing first hand the culture, the people, the architecture, and other elements that you might take for granted in your home country.
