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Ana from Concordia’s B.A. Psychology program- University of the Basque Country in Spain

Studying abroad was quite easily the best thing I have ever done for myself so far. People aren’t lying when they say it has changed their lives permanently. I am an example of that. When you study overseas your horizon opens up to reveal things you cannot see at home. You meet incredible people, see beautiful things, and become a more compatible person with the world around you. I spent a total of 8 months in Spain: San Sebastián campus (University of Basque Country) for 5 months of studying and 3 months more because I fell in love with the city and its people.

When you go to the host institution and begin learning from people who have completely different histories than a typical Canadian, you begin to learn better. My professors in Spain were unlike any teacher I’ve had in Canada. My classmates were welcoming and eager to learn about Canadian life. I came back  with more self awareness, empathy for other cultures, and understanding of other people. You will come back to your home university a more well rounded student and individual.

But don’t take my word for it. My story is not your story. Take a chance and do something that you will never regret. Was I scared? Yes. Did I do it anyway? Yes. I’ve learned boldness pays off. University life is enriched by studying abroad like nothing else. What are you waiting for? Go for it.

Jessy from Concordia’s B.A. History program – Coventry University in the United Kingdom

To study abroad had been a goal of mine since junior high; I didn’t know where I wanted to go, but I knew that it was something that I needed to pursue when I entered university. In high school when I began looking into universities around the province, one of my main criteria was that whichever school I chose needed to have an excellent international program that would allow me to achieve my study abroad goal, hence my decision to attend Concordia. For my second year of university, I lived in Coventry, England for nine months and attended Coventry University.

Trying to narrow down the list of highlights of my year abroad is definitely not an easy task. Not only was I able to attend an excellent university and meet professors and fellow students who had a true impact on my academic and personal lives, but I got to do it in a country that has always been of special interest to me as a history student.

When I decided to study abroad, I of course had an idea in my head of a year spent travelling, meeting new and interesting people, trying new things, and learning about another culture by immersing myself in it; and my time in Coventry definitely fulfilled every hope and goal I had for my year abroad. I was able to travel all around England and some of Scotland, as well as to a few cities in mainland Europe that have always been on my ‘to visit’ list. Through classes and university social events I met people from all over the world that had different stories to tell and new perspectives that I never would have thought of not having met them. And I was able to do all of this while living in a beautiful little city that I absolutely adored, and definitely plan on returning to one day. All in all, my year abroad was an amazing experience, and I encourage other Concordia students to take advantage of this wonderful program. It is truly a life-changing experience.

Gabriel from CUE’s B.A.’s English Studies – University of Basque Country in Spain

I lived in a town called Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Basque Country in Spain for 5 months, and in that time I learned more, grew more as a person, and had so many more incredible experiences than I would have in years in Canada. It was the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done: it has fundamentally altered my world view, and truly changed my life. I met some lifelong friends,  ate until I couldn’t move, had my heart broken, traveled to different parts of Spain and Italy, spent way too much money, and had an amazing time. It was undeniably difficult and a roller coaster of a ride, but it was all worth it.

I implore you to seriously consider this opportunity, because I definitely want to share this with others and encourage people to take a risk and take the leap. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself that you did.”