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Attending my first-ever Hockey Game!
By Essence Aikman, Queen’s University, Canada Hello everyone! I hope you’re all doing well. This time around I’m going down memory lane to share my experience attending my first hockey game in Kingston, Canada.
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Canadian Transportation Tips
First thing to say is that Canada is massive. Any distance between things you would actually want to see is likely to be the equivalent of going from London to Newcastle – and that’s just within Ontario. Therefore, I would advise against getting the bus between big cities as it just takes too long, and you end up spending half your time away sitting next to fat men on stuffy coaches. In Ontario, Go Trains would be the ‘go to’ solution (although they are stupidly slow in North America) but travelling inter-province would require VIA Rail. However, whilst the rail-route between Vancouver and Halifax (the whole breadth of Canada) has…
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Second Semester Experiences at Queen’s
By Ros Harwood (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada) Having just finished classes at Queen’s forever, I cannot believe that second semester and the year has finished. I have one week of exams and then I am completely finished and will be off on my travels to the west coast of Canada and the States. This semester has been as busy and fun as the last one. Mont-Tremblant This semester I have made two weekend visits to Mont Tremblant, Quebec – best described as a skiing ‘hill’, but the best skiing in Eastern Canada. It is a kind of place where families have chalets and come up for the weekend from the…
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Academic Differences between Canada and Manchester
By Ros Harwood (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada) Having done a semester and a bit at Queen’s now, academic differences have become clear to me between the Canadian and UK university systems. However, by all means, it is nothing to worry about, especially once you are used to it and the basics are still in place that you would find at any university; readings, tests, assignments, tutorials etc. 1. The first difference that became pretty apparent early on was the differences in the assessments here. The assessment is cumalative throughout the semester and the final mark for a course will be based on the various components, such as online quizzes, small…
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The summit of Lake Louise ski area, Banff
by Rosalind Harwood (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada) I spent 10 days in Banff, Alberta skiing in the Canadian Rockies with my family over the Christmas holidays (featuring the Manchester beanie).
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Impressions on Returning to Manchester
By Lisa Scott (Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada) It is hard to reflect on my study abroad year without spending the next few hours wishing I was still there. The whole experience was amazing! I have used the positive experience I gained from studying abroad to encourage others to do the same, by volunteering at study abroad fairs and meetings through the Global Ambassadors programme. Studying abroad also encouraged me to socialise with students from other cultures, therefore, once I returned to Manchester I participated in the Global Friends programme throughout semester one and worked at the international students’ Orientation in September which enabled me to interact with students from all…
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The Halfway Point
By Ros Harwood, (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada) Semester 1 and exams are all finished! Such a relief, but also a scary thought that I am halfway through my exchange year. It is going so fast! Seems a good time to reflect on my academic experiences here at Queen’s. On my first impression, I did not think that the academic side was that different to Manchester’s, but as time went on, I realised that actually the academic life was very different, but not necessarily for the worst. Lectures in general are the same, slightly dependent on the actual course I was taking. I get the impression that lectures are just used…
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There is no fresher’s week, instead its Frosh week
By Ros Harwood (Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada). It is 2 weeks since I arrived in Kingston for my exchange and it has been very hectic with a lot going on, a lot to do and sort out but I am already loving it. The first week I spent sorting out a lot of basic needs such as a phone, bank account, supplies for my room and the house, my student card, meeting other international students, buying a bed! Unfortunately Canadian students do not have the luxury of having furnished rooms in student houses without paying ridiculously high rent, so they all provide it for themselves. For an exchange student like…
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It’s nearly time to leave
By Lisa Scott (Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada). After a Jam packed second semester at Queen’s University, I am writing this blog to procrastinate from the horrifying experience known as Packing. My year abroad has not only resulted in me buying more belongings than I can fit in my rucksack but it has also been an invaluable experience which I will never forget. Being a student at Queen’s University is like being part of a wider community which thrives on good will and team spirit. Just earlier this week I was sat in the library doing some last minute revision for an exam, when the Principal of the University delivered fresh…
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Vacation in the States
By Lisa Scott (Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada). As my first semester at Queens University had ended and my second semester would be starting in two weeks, I decided to make the most of my Christmas Vacation and visit the states. My first stop was Chicago where I eagerly awaited at the airport for my brother to arrive from London, England. It was lovely to see a member of my family after four months away from home and we certainly had lots to catch up on whilst we traveled to our hotel. Chicago was a little warmer than Canada so it was nice to put the snow boots aside and wear…
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Top Ten
By Lisa Scott (Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada). Four days ago I completed my final exam of the fall semester at Queen’s University and now it is time for me to embrace on a four week vacation in North America, which I am extremely looking forward to. As the semester is over and a lot of my new friends are leaving (they were only on exchange for a semester). I decided now would be a perfect time for me to reflect on my favourite and most memorable moments of the semester. So here is my top ten (not in any particular order); 1 – Celebrating my 21st Birthday in one of…
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Thanksgiving in Montreal
By Lisa Scott (Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada). Thanksgiving weekend in Canada is an opportunity for people to gather with their families and celebrate their good fortune. Traditionally most of the students from Queens University will head back to their home town, visit family and eat a thanksgiving dinner which must involve turkey. As an exchange student at Queens University ready to encounter my first Thanksgiving weekend (England doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving), I opted for a long weekend away in Montreal. I started the weekend along with thirteen of my friends by walking up Mount Royal to reach a viewing platform which over looked the entire of Montreal. The view was amazing…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
