It’s been five months since I came to Canada on exchange and so far, I haven’t really missed Japan except for Japanese food! That, I miss it a lot! Beyond that, just about every day on exchange has been fulfilling and fun.
Why I chose Bishop’s University for my exchange
Bishop’s is an English-speaking university. But in addition to English, French, the official language of Quebec, can also be studied here. Another thing that caught my interest was its smaller size compared to other universities. Smaller classes allow for consistency in tense more interaction between students and professors, which makes talking things over a lot simpler and more engaging. This university has some really cool facilities. The library is great and has a café on the ground floor, with spaces for both solo study and group work. The gym is free for students and offers everything from strength training to swimming. Overall, the campus has everything you need in a comfortable, fun environment. On top of that, I was excited about exploring the historic cities of Montreal and Quebec City., and Not to mention, the university is also close to the U.S. border, making it easy to visit.
Life’s little moments: Sweet, sour, and everything in between
One thing that stood out to me after coming to Canada on exchange is how unique and outspoken people are. Some love discussing politics and religion, while others are into anime, classic movies, or K-pop. Of course, people in Japan have these interests too, but I feel like students here are much more open about expressing their passions, because a lot of Japanese people are shy and don’t really open up about themselves right away. It’s been refreshing, and it has helped me embrace my own personality while discovering new interests.
Of course, things haven’t always gone smoothly. About a month after I arrived here, I sprained my ankle and had to use crutches for the first time in my life. The healthcare system here is different from Japan’s, so I was a bit confused at first, but the school nurse was really kind and took great care of me. Thanks to that, I’ve recovered now, and it’s actually a memory I look back on positively.
Making the most of breaks during your exchange in Canada
There are week-long breaks before final exams at the end of each semester, as well as long summer and winter vacations, so I highly recommend using that time to travel. I went to Montreal, Quebec City, and New York with my friends. If you have time, I highly recommend taking a trip to Montreal and Quebec City for an overnight stay. This coming March, my friends and I will be traveling by bus to Toronto and Ottawa for about a week.
If you’re looking for a nice place to explore nearby, I recommend Sherbrooke. It’s about 40 minutes away by bus. The University bus stop is located near McGreer Hall byover The Quad. Sherbrooke has cozy cafés, Japanese grocery stores, cute boutiques, and bookstores. There’s also a big park, Jacques Cartier Park, perfect for a relaxing day out.
Why studying abroad at Bishop’s University offers the best of both worlds
The location of this university is actually a great balance of nature and city life. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community. Also, sound learning strengthens the spirit. For me, this place has been full of charm and new experiences. Coming to Canada on exchange has given me the opportunity to grow, explore, and enjoy a completely new way of living. University life is what you make it!
