Kristina: Studying in Canada

Studying abroad was an experience I always wanted to have, but I was initially hesitant to apply as I had some doubts whether this was a good decision or not.

I found that I was already well adapted to my life in Glasgow, but as I listened to past experiences from previous students, it became clear to me how enthusiastic I was for the opportunity to experience a new university, a new city - and a new home.

I knew that one semester wouldn’t be enough for me, especially because I was applying to study at a university half the world away!

Indeed, studying for a year at the University of British Colombia Okanagan (UBCO) in Kelowna, Canada, was the best experience I could’ve ever imagined.

I appreciated the opportunity to study in another international and world-leading learning environment, where I formed long-lasting friendships from all over the world.Studying abroad in Canada was an experience I will never forget, and one I would highly recommend to anyone considering it."

It didn’t take long to get used to living in the stunning city of Kelowna, situated in the Okanagan valley and surrounded by the Okanagan Lake in the province of Beautiful British Columbia.

I was welcomed by friendly home and exchange students, and living in student accommodation proved to be a great way to meet new people.

Whilst keeping organised with my academic studies, I joined a several societies, attended events organised by the University and explored the city in which I lived.

This gave me the chance to try something new, whether it was skiing for the first time at the Great White Ski Resort, rock-climbing, camping, mountain hiking, watching ice-hockey matches, ice-skating, exploring wineries … the list goes on.

Unforgettable moments included spending Thanksgiving at the summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, hiking the Athabasca Glacier in the Canadian Rockies of Jaspar National Park, ice-skating on the frozen Lake Louise, and cross-country skiing in the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, BC.

Studying abroad in Canada was an experience I will never forget, and one I would highly recommend to anyone considering it.

I am now looking forward to the next exciting academic adventure - without any hesitation this time!

- Kristina Zhelcheska (2020)

Student stood in front of majestic mountains at Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Gallery

A view of Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

A high angled image looking down on Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Snow covered trees and path View from student accommodation in Upper Cascades in UBCO in January

View from student accommodation, Upper Cascades in UBCO in January

Student stood in front of majestic mountains at Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

Kristina at Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.