Akito Horita and Jakob Ramseyer loved being in the exchange program at the University of Regina International, other than the shingles and cold weather.

“(Some) bright sides were making new friends, being apart of new communities in a new place that made my perspective more flexible, and improving my English skills,” said Horita.

Another student who took part in the inbound exchange program said how his experience was unforgettable.

“My time studying in Canada was definitely the best part of bachelor’s experience. There were so many opportunities for foreign students to actively take part in university activities,” said Jakob Ramseyer.

“I met some of the best people in Canada, people I’ll talk to for the rest of my life.”

Both these lads had positive experiences in Canada and said they would recommend travelling abroad to anyone. However, both mentioned how being away from their families and acclimatizing to the weather. Ramseyer said the weather was cold, he had never experienced having his ears and fingers go numb before.

For Horita, he said how difficult it was to sort himself out whilst trying to juggle classes.

“I actually got shingles, (probably) because of the stresses of a new environment,” said Akito.

Jennifer Matheson – who is the study abroad and global mobility manager – talks about why studying abroad is an opportunity to good to pass up.

Matheson said how meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and getting outside your comfort zone are some of the benefits of studying overseas.

“Having access to different ways of teaching in different modes of education (is a great opportunity),” said Matheson.

She said how thinking of all the risks shouldn’t put students off from travelling and experiencing new lifestyles.

Matheson said the center makes sure to fully prepare their students by having regular meetings with them beforehand.

“We put them, in institutions that have support systems similar to ours,” said Matheson.

In terms of accommodations for while students are abroad, Matheson said how even though not all partnering institutions have on-campus accommodations, they will still be taken care of. The institution will have some sort of homestay accommodations or some arrangement with an apartment close to where the student will be studying, she said.

Matheson said how U of R international offers both full semester and full year opportunities, so students have a choice and don’t feel as though they have to commit to one or the other.

On the study abroad section on the University of Regina’s website, they offer three programs. The outbound exchange, which is a four-month trip to gain exposure in another country. The inbound exchange which allows students from other institutions to come to Regina for a semester. Lastly there is the global exchange (global mobility) exchange program whereby students have the opportunity to study in various countries.

She said for any student is interested in applying for the upcoming exchanges programs to contact the U of R International as opposed to looking at website as it is not up to date.

Information about the center is available at Study.Abroad@uregina.ca or (306)-337-2446.