Re: My experience of studying abroad (Nottingham to Toronto)

[katiebaneth]

In applying to Nottingham University to study politics I was excited at the possiblity of experiencing part of my degree abroad. It appealed to me because it offered the opportunity to broaden my education, visit a new city, appreciate a different cultural environment and to take courses that varied from those offered at Nottingham. When I arrived it was overwhelming and busy but it was extremely exciting. The university of Toronto is aesthetically impressive: its traditional buildings and open green areas make it a beautiful environment to study in. The teachers are all leading experts in their field and in many of my lectures we have had famous guest speakers such as Will Kmlyika and Ignatieff. The work load is challenging and instead of having two assignments a term I have five. Moreover, I am taking five modules rather than three. I have been able to take classes in Israeli politics, Globalization post 9/11, social movements worldwide, sexual diversity and on Ethnicity and politics in Canada. Learning through a new lens has been really fascinating and I feel that I have gained a more worldly perspective on many contemporary issues. As someone interested in journalism and news reporting it has been exciting to watch and learn about the media institutions here. I have managed to arrange a placement with George Stropolopolos who presents a political news show set for a young audience shown on CBC TV called 'The Hour.' Moreover, the exchange abroad has helped me become more independent and mature: discovering a new setting so far from home has been a fun challenge. I have met alot of laid back, warm people and socially it differs to Nottingham. Rather than typical night clubs there are fraternity parties, beer keggars and they make big celebrations of holidays such as Halloween. Travelling abroad, studying in a new place with many interesting people at a well respected university with top academics has been a great experience and I would definately encourage more people to do it.

[dblack]

Hey Katie,

As a Canadian who left home to study abroad in the UK, I'm particularly glad to see that people are going the other way to study in Canada. I completely agree that it's an excellent experience that I would recommend to absolutely anyone.

My own experience was remarkably similar in terms of the outcome and experience, although I think the scenery was slightly different. I went to Aberdeen to do my Master of Letters in Strategic Studies, and had a fantastic time during the year. In contrast to you, I was coming from the Canadian University system, so having only 2 modules and 2 assignments per semester was a little bit of a shock. The pleasant consequence of that was that I was able to experience much more of hte area and culture than I think I would have been able to had I spent 20-30 hours a week in class.

The programme involved a number of modules on war, strategy, global politics as well as some international theory. The other students on the course were from all over the world, providing me with a fantastic opportunity to discuss and learn about other cultures besides my own.

Some of the friends I met there have been become great friends, and I have gone so far as to miss the oil capital of the UK, including its sombre granite structures and the warmth of the Scots that live there.

As I've already mentioned, I can't stress enough that studying abroad is an experience that, if possible, you don't want to miss.

[fuenteselaine]

Hi Katie,
I had completed my B.Com from California University. Now I want to do Master Course(MBA) in UK. Can you tell me Best University in UK which is offering MBA course.
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adenoma

[verhaaf]

Hiya,

the following are some good websites for you to have a look at, it really depends what kind of MBA you are looking for and what they offer.

Do they have corporate links, established and renowned lecturers, etc.

www.prospects.ac.uk

www.ucas.com

I've heard great things about the Lancaster, Manchester and Edinburgh business schools. If you want to get a little more of an insider look at what different MBA programs are thought of within the academic community I'm sure a few of the Agora staff would be more than happy to help if you have some specific courses in mind.

Let us know,

Roland