Tiffany Marr BBA.(Hon)ACCT 2015, on exchange in Winter 2013

“There were many things that struck me while I was overseas…the shock of even being in another country, surrounded by other accents and languages. Being around palm trees everyday was amazing, making lifelong friendships and having the feeling of being on an adventure on a daily basis. It was surprising how many words were used differently even in the English language, the slang terms that aren’t used in Canada and the way that people react to where I’m from was a rewarding feeling. The Aussie’s call McDonalds “Maccas” for example, something I had no idea about until now. I was surprised by every tiny difference that I saw and learned about, even with the British friends I made. I learned many things in class, but many more outside of it. In a group project at Victoria University, I was with people form Africa, Mexico, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia and we had to discuss water issues in each of our countries based on ethical theories. Our professors were astounded with the different views we had, and that we all still agreed that water should be viewed as a human right. Outside of the classroom I learned cultural differences, from music, art, history, morals, and experiences. Living in a different country truly opens up your eyes to all the world has to offer and how small it actually is. An English girl I travelled with ended up meeting another English girl from a different region who was friends with American girls that the other knew from an exchange there. It’s moments like that that are surprising, amazing, and strange all at once.

This overseas experience has benefited me on an entirely mind boggling level. There are certain things in life that cannot be taught in a classroom, and learning how to adapt on your own in a brand new and foreign setting is one of them. Being thrown into making decisions, forming friendships, and learning in a different environment is overwhelming, exciting and has definitely enhanced my degree for the better. Networking has already taken place for my future, doors are opened, the world truly becomes your oyster. I have a strong belief that without knowledge of the world around you, you can’t truly appreciate where you are from and understand the bigger issues that are affecting everyone. In this day and age where globalization is so huge, and talked about in every business class, how could an exchange not benefit our understanding of the world issues, and possibly, solutions.

The time overseas changed me for the better. I have friendships all over the globe, as I was living with other internationals as well as Australians. It’s made me more aware of how Canada is viewed, how other cultures interact and communicate, how to adapt to change easily, how to deal with any issues on my own, and realizing how important it is to have the initiative to try new things and put myself out there. I’ve grown a tremendous amount; I will never be the same and would not change that.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, you will regret it!”