Did you know that Western offers courses where you can travel to different countries for weeks, months or semesters? Visit UWO’s Atlas to see the different opportunities: https://uwo-horizons.symplicity.com/index.php?s=home.
There is a difference between studying abroad and doing an exchange. In an exchange a certain number of students ‘swap’ schools. Whereas studying abroad refers to applying to certain programs and courses that will take you to different places. The rest of this blog will talk about the process of studying abroad. Once you have found a program that interests you from the Atlas you can submit an online application, which will cost $50.00 through career central. Deadlines for these global experiences range from October to December, so it’s best to start thinking about applying now. Each program is different in many ways so it is important to find the one that suits you. Some require lectures at Western before travelling, where some just have general meetings before departure. It is important to not only think of the place you will be going, but what you will be learning.
You can expect travelling abroad, especially for the first time, to be challenging and scary. You may even feel like you are all alone and miss the familiarity of home, but by the end of the program you won’t want to leave. Having the confidence to stretch your comfort zone, to explore new places, and meet new people will give you a new found sense of confidence that will travel all the way home with you. Diversity is such an important factor in today’s world and what better way to experience it than to travel. By travelling abroad you get to immerse yourself into a brand new culture and way of life. You will get to see new things, meet new people, and expand your horizons. Not to mention it sounds pretty impressive. You will take much more than what is taught in class from this program. You will find yourself seeking new experiences, gaining confidence, becoming independent, and seeing things from a new perspective.
How often do you get the opportunity to travel to a new place, and receive a school credit for it? This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and it is up to you to take a chance and explore what the world has to offer.
Interested in a Study Abroad or Exchange Opportunity during your time at Brescia? Learn more at http://brescia.uwo.ca/life/international-experiences/ . Be aware that Brescia has opportunities just for Brescia students, so check them out if you are interested in this unique opportunity!