Amsterdam Canals, Netherlands: CSEP F24 Jane Szollosy
The one thing I wished I would have known before going on exchange is…
First off, underpacking will be your best friend. Trust me, no matter what, you'll end up bringing back souvenirs and little treasures, so pack light and expect to do some shopping while you're abroad. Also, take a bit of time before you leave to think about some places you'd like to visit while you're abroad. Once you're in Europe, it’s so much easier (and cheaper!) to hop between countries. Save up a bit and plan ahead (you’ll thank yourself later when those adventure opportunities pop up with your new friends).
My favourite part of going on exchange was…
My time in Ireland truly helped me foster a new sense of independence. It gave me the chance to travel around Europe and meet other exchange students from all over the world. One of my best memories was hiking the cliffs in the seaside town of Howth, then wandering through the local market and sharing some amazing fried scampi with my new friends. I also loved getting to explore places like Paris and Amsterdam.
A tip I would give to students applying for exchange is…
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Moving to another country for a longer period of time is a big life change, so it's totally okay to bring up any questions or concerns you have before you leave. Once you arrive, remember that universities have many support services available to you. When it comes to coursework, ask your professors or teaching assistants for help.
