Ever dreamed of studying in Canada? As a French student, I dreamed of stunning landscapes and the famous Canadian winter (yes, I was excited for it). When my university offered an exchange with Bishop’s, I knew it was my chance to make that dream real.
Why Bishop’s then? Honestly, so many reasons set Bishop’s apart from other universities.
The International Community at Bishop’s
The first thing that drew me to Bishop’s was its international atmosphere. The campus is a melting pot of students from all provinces of Canada, the United States, and all around the world. I truly enjoyed thriving in this diverse and culturally rich community.
From Strangers to Family: The Friendships I Built at Bishop’s
I really appreciated how Bishop’s makes all students feel included, especially those of us here on exchange. The warm welcome we received, probably thanks to the university’s small size, is a big reason why so many international students choose it—making it one of the best in Canada for studying abroad.
At Bishop’s, the incredibly inclusive atmosphere allowed me to meet many students who became very close friends, even though I was far from my home in France.
A Hidden Gem: Studying in Nature at Bishop’s University
Additionally, the location of the university was deeply appealing to me: Nestled in the heart of the Quebec forest, Bishop’s offers the perfect mix of peaceful natural surroundings and accessibility— just 90 minutes from Montreal and even closer to American ski resorts. I would describe Bishop’s as a serene place with a small warming student body and deer families casually roaming the campus. Studying at Bishop’s feels like being into a unique bubble that you don’t want to pop.
After a long journey from France, I arrived at Bishop’s Campus in the middle of the night, exhausted but excited. The next morning, I opened my window to a surreal sight : a small deer grazing peacefully outside. In that moment I knew I was about to embark on something truly special.
Convincing My Parents for an Exchange Year at Bishop’s
The international atmosphere of the school, alongside its unique location, had already convinced me for my exchange year. But it took more than that to convince my parents to let their daughter go 6,000 kilometers away from them. I couldn’t justify such a move simply by saying that the vibe was great, that I could live among deer, and go skiing on weekends.
How Bishop’s Academic Flexibility Helped My Career
Then, I did deeper research. Academically, Bishop’s impressed me with its flexibility. The university offers students the opportunity to take courses outside their main field of study. For instance, although I study political sciences in France, I was able to enroll in business and environmental studies courses here. This multidisciplinary approach strengthened my academic profile. For instance, the decision-making committees for the master’s programs I applied to in France deeply appreciated that I took courses in different fields.
The Exceptional Support System for International Students
One of the aspects I appreciated at Bishop’s University was the exceptional support from the International Office and my professors. From visa applications to course selection and adapting to the Canadian system, faculty and staff were always approachable, responsive, and supportive. As an international student, I faced unique challenges, but the personalized guidance I received made my transition much smoother. At Bishop’s I felt listened to and helped.
No regrets AT ALL
Finally, for the past year, I’ve been thriving in an environment that’s fun, that sparks my curiosity, that soothes me with its beautiful scenery, and—let’s be honest— freezes me a little too. It’s a place where I’ve made incredible connections and truly come into my own. I know I’ll miss Bishop’s a lot after I leave.
