How I chose my exchange institution

By: Aleksandra Wozniak, University of Calgary

After deciding to go on an academic exchange, it’s vital to think hard about the type of institution you’d like to be at. It’s easy to get swept up in the photos of famous cities, or a university’s ranking, but living in a country is vastly different to visiting it as a tourist. Just because you’re interested in a place doesn’t mean it’ll be perfect for an exchange.

Here’s how I chose to study at the University of Calgary.

Read more: How I chose my exchange institution

1. Identify the non-negotiables:

When first considering where to go for the exchange I highlighted the key traits that place had to have.

Firstly, I looked at my degree to see if I needed to earn credits. Luckily, I didn’t, which gave me more scope for considering various institutions.

I then considered whether I was comfortable living in a foreign-speaking country, or if I would prefer an English-speaking one. Knowing that my degree is strenuous and requires a lot of time and effort, I decided I needed an English-speaking placement to permit me to really devote myself to my studies.

Secondly, I knew that if I had a placement close to home, I’d likely leave for various trips back. I wanted to really foster my independence and therefore decided I had to be far away, where coming back home was an infrequent occurrence.

Lastly, I considered exactly what I wanted to get out of my course. Since I am interested in tech, it became necessary for my exchange institution to offer teaching about the field. Calgary was highly specialised in this area, coming up as a clear contender against my other options.

2. Think about the culture:

Each university is different. The size, location, language and people will differ across institutions. Consider what type of place you will thrive in.

I wish I had done more of this before deciding on Calgary. Even though I loved the feel of the school, especially the fact that it was “stereotypically American without being in America” with its cheer squad, football games and frats, I did not consider the weather and the remote location compared to more populated cities.

I now understand I would have preferred to have my exchange in a bigger city, but the experience was invaluable nonetheless!

When considering where you want to go, ask if the university has societies you love or if there are certain sports you want to try. Look for institutions that you connect with and that will allow you to grow as a person!

For example, if skiing is your thing, any university in Canada would be perfect! If, instead, you love cycling and tulips, Copenhagen or Amsterdam offer just that!

3. Consider the cost

Although all placements during the exchange can be costly, working out your exact budget is crucial. If you stay regional, you’ll likely spend less on essentials like bedding or cooking appliances. Different cities also have different rates of inflation and prices for food or housing. Canada, for example, is incredibly expensive. Although I knew about this before coming to the country, I did not recognise just how drastic the difference in prices was.

Working out how much you are willing to pay, and analysing the prices of student housing, commuting and food before deciding is vital. Still, keep in mind that there will always be some affordable options available! Don’t strike an institution you love out just because of price! You can also always reach out to the finance team, who are likely to offer you help throughout the exchange, or look into whether you’d be able to get a job while studying. I have known of many students doing this, and they found it added a new layer of cultural immersion!

Alongside this, consider if you want to travel after your exchange. If you do, doing so will be much cheaper in certain places, like Europe.

4. Consider the climate

The weather is more important than many people realise. You want to live somewhere where you thrive. Are you someone who would thrive in the indoor hygge culture of a Scandinavian winter, or would four months of grey skies make you miserable? Conversely, would you find energy in the relentless sunshine of Australia? Don’t underestimate this; it affects your daily happiness and energy. Trust me, I found out the hard way!

So, what do I do?

Make two lists:

1. The necessities: “Must-have courses,” “Maximum budget,” “Credit transfer approval.”
2. The Personal: “I want to live in a walkable city,” “I want to improve my Spanish,” “I want to hike every weekend.”

Where these two lists overlap is your perfect exchange destination. Look beyond the rankings and find the place that offers the unique academic and personal growth that you’re looking for.