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Starting up in the ‘6ix’

By Hannah-Safiyya Awan, York University, Toronto, Canada.

Confession: I had never been to Canada until two weeks ago when I moved to Toronto to study abroad, so I wanted to share a few things that helped me get started.

There are two main things to consider: 1: Moving into a new city, and 2: Starting at a new university.

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Aussie Adventures: Prepping You for Down Under!

By Honor Cessford, Australian National University

Things I wish I knew before moving to Australia

If you are considering studying down under, here are several things I wish I had known before I moved to Australia:

Australia is Vast and Diverse: Covering over three million square miles, Australia’s size rivals that of the entire European continent. This significant size has implications for travel and transportation so is necessary to keep it in mind when planning trips & transportation.

Australia’s Varied Climate: Contrary to the assumption that Australia is always warm, there are distinct seasons. Winters can be quite cold, especially in places like Canberra where temperatures can drop significantly – when I landed in July it was -5 degrees! If you are after a warmer climate, Brisbane enjoys a tropical climate, while Melbourne is infamous for its “four seasons in one day.”

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My First Australian Road Trip

By Laura Docherty, University of New South Wales, Australia

Having been in Sydney for over a month now, I have really started to settle in and get to grips with life down under! I wanted to make sure I use my free time as wisely as possible whilst I’m here and go on as many trips as I can; the first of which was a road trip down the coast to Jervis Bay. 

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My experience of housing in Melbourne

By Ezmee Wyatt, University of Melbourne, Australia

This is a view of the Yarra River, which was right next to my hostel.

This is my first blog post after being in Melbourne for just over 2 months. I arrived on the 8th of July after a 24-hour flight, and felt ready to embark on this adventure. It has been such a whirlwind of experiences; I have only now found time to sit down and begin to reflect.

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How does UVA differ from UOM?

by Molly Hayward, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Having done a year studying Social and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Amsterdam, and two years studying Geography at University of Manchester these are just five overall differences I noticed in university teaching style. 

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Nice places to eat in Amsterdam

by Molly Hayward, the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to the gastronomic wonderland that is Amsterdam. Nestled along picturesque canals and charming cobblestone streets, this city is not only a feast for the eyes but also a paradise for food enthusiasts. From quaint cafes serving buttery stroopwafels to trendy eateries offering innovative fusion cuisine, Amsterdam has something to tantalize every palate. In this blog, I will guide you to the hidden gems and well-known favourites that make Amsterdam a true food lover’s haven.

Join us as we meander through the city’s historic neighbourhoods, discovering the stories and flavours that make each dining spot unique. From traditional Dutch dishes like bitterballen and poffertjes to international delights from every corner of the globe, Amsterdam’s dining scene is as diverse as its residents. Get ready to indulge your senses and ignite your taste buds as we uncover the best places to eat in Amsterdam, one delectable bite at a time.

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Day-to-Day at NUS

by Sofia Roche, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Going to a new university is a big change. It’s kind of like starting as a Yr. 1 and having to get used to a new campus, learning styles, applications and much more. The positive side is NUS is extremely organized and everything you need will be communicated to your through you NUS email.

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Moving to Milan

By Txell Borràs, University of Bocconi, Milan.

It has only been 10 days since I moved to Milan, and it already feels like a new home. To be honest, I did not have the best of welcomes, since the day I arrived we were on a government alert for heavy rain and the flight was delayed several times. However, the amazing experiences I have lived so far overweigh the chaos of the first days.

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New Beginnings in Ottawa!

By Rhiann Singh, University of Ottawa, Canada

The week before moving to Ottawa was such a hectic, overwhelming and emotional week filled with saying goodbyes and celebrating my 21st birthday early with my family and friends. If you don’t like celebrating your birthday like me, I definitely recommend doing a fake one. It’s all the fun of a birthday but without the actual ageing! Like always, I left all my packing and shopping till the last minute – definitely don’t recommend! – but I managed to be completely done the day before I left. I was so lucky that my Dad was able to come out with me to Ottawa, and I am forever grateful that I got to share the start of this new experience with him.

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Prepping

By Olivia Bucherer-Ezer, University of Toronto, Canada

It’s been just over a year since I packed up my life and set across the pond to start my year abroad in Toronto and it got me thinking about all the thoughts, fears and anxieties I had that, in retrospect, I truly didn’t need to worry about. So I thought it was suitable to whack them in a blog in case they provide any reassurance for those heading out this coming September. 

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The Biggest Must-do of Southeast Asia

By Emma Phillips, Singapore Management University, Singapore.

If you are ever studying, working, or travelling in Southeast Asia, then one trip you absolutely must do is the Ha Giang Loop. It consists of four days riding through Northern Vietnam witnessing beautiful panoramic views and the opportunity to spend time with many of the locals. What more could you want?

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My experience as a Summer School student in Denmark 

By Catherine Bird, University of Aarhus, Denmark

Having previously visited Denmark before, I was delighted to have received an offer from the University of Aarhus to attend their Summer School. When most people think of Denmark, the first place that comes to mind is Copenhagen, so I was excited to embark on my journey in Aarhus to see how it compared to my previous experience in the capital. It’s safe to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, with a population of just over 300,000 people. Aarhus offers a cozy and vibrant atmosphere with an array of creative as well as green spaces to explore. I felt at ease almost immediately because of how warm and approachable everyone was. One thing that you’ll observe about Denmark is that you’ll rarely find any grumpy individuals on the streets, which I found quite refreshing. As a result, it’s no surprise that Denmark is the world’s second happiest country, making it an ideal environment for individuals seeking to develop their confidence.  

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