The University of Regina annually welcomes over 4,793 international students from more than 100 countries, representing 20.5% of its total student population of 17,409 students.
These students bring diverse cultures and traditions, benefiting from personalized support and opportunities that enhance their academic and professional journey.
The University of Regina hosts three types of students: domestic students from various Canadian provinces, international students pursuing full degree programs, and exchange students studying for a single term.
In the Winter Term 2025 , the University of Regina received about 40 Spanish-speaking exchange students, many of whom claim that this new experience has been incredible for them.
“It has been amazing so far,” said Daniela Morales, an exchange student from Mexico. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet multiple people from all over the world, and it’s a unique experience that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”
According to Contact Global a website that explains the effects of cold climates and the effects in students; the winter term is considered particularly challenging and potentially dangerous for them, especially those unaccustomed to harsh cold climates.
The prolonged periods of low temperatures and reduced daylight hours can significantly affect students’ moods, often leading to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This seasonal depression can cause students to lose focus and motivation, ultimately resulting in a decline in their academic performance and marks.
Given these risks, exchange students are advised to prepare well for the cold weather that they’ll encounter during the winter term. This preparation should encompass both physical aspects, like appropriate winter clothing, and mental readiness.
For many students, life abroad is challenging, but thanks to the university’s educational and emotional support, students have felt comfortable in this new experience.
“I owe it to the people I met who became friends,” said Lidia Aguilera, a student from Spain, who is attending the current winter term.
“They make sure to make me feel comfortable and safe, loved and cared at all times.”
However, for many of these students, the process of getting here was complicated, and they have found challenging to adapt to the new environment.
“It was a bit complicated due to all the immigration processes to follow,” said Fernanda Rodriguez, a student from Colombia about the different policies international students encounter when arriving to Canada.
Laila Torres, an exchange student from Mexico, said that one of the mayor challenges is “Being able to cope and adapt well to classes.”
For many students, an exchange program is not easy. However, the experience of getting to live and develop themselves in another country where they can learn about different cultures, traditions and people is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Many of these students coming for the winter term recommend living this experience, which is sometimes unique in life, where they share the adventure of going to study in another part of the world on their own, expanding their social circle and opening up to understand and learn about the culture of everyone around them.
“Being an exchange student is not easy,” said Daniela Morales.
“But it’s something that will stay with you for the rest of your life and will help you tremendously in your personal and even professional development.”
