Students gathered in the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Student Union Building (SUB) ballroom on Oct. 29 for the Student Abroad Fair, where they explored their options for studying beyond Canada's borders.
The fair the first of its kind at UNB featured information tables organized by country, and a chance to speak with current exchange students and students who have previously participated in the program. Attendees also heard from Kira Johnson, Dave Andrews and Skylar Soh of UNB's Global Learning and Engagement office.
Johnson and Andrews coordinate UNB's student exchange and short-term international programs, offering students a range of global learning opportunities.
Johnson oversees exchanges and summer programs in Asia, while Andrews manages programs across Europe and the Americas.
Options include semester or year-long exchanges, typically for third-year students, and one-to-four-week Learning Experience Abroad Programs in Summer (LEAPS).
Students remain enrolled at UNB during exchanges, pay the same tuition and continue receiving scholarships. While students must cover additional costs, they can apply for a UNB Student Abroad Bursary to help with expenses, including mandatory insurance. Bursary amounts vary according to need.
Courses completed abroad contribute to UNB degree requirements and enrich students' academic choices. While grades earned abroad don't impact UNB GPAs, they may appear on transcripts when applying to graduate programs.
Andrews highlighted the personal growth and new perspectives students gain while studying abroad.
"You are going to grow personally and professionally. You may also take a course relevant to your degree that UNB doesn't offer.
"It opens new academic doors."
Taven Stevenson, a UNB psychology student, went to Anglo-American University (AAU) in Prague. A varsity volleyball athlete, she went through LEAPS so that her season would not be interrupted.
"It was incredible," Stevenson said. "I studied the Czech language, history and culture. It was amazing to be so immersed in learning. We did a lot of hands-on learning, such as field trips. It was a great experience.
"The city was a lot bigger and busier than Fredericton, with beautiful architecture like churches and castles.
"There is so much history, and everywhere you look, there is a great story waiting to be discovered.
Stevenson said she would recommend UNB's LEAPS exchange option to any of her peers.
"I want everybody to know that UNB offers opportunities to study abroad. They have a lot of financial support and will help you through the process."
Lison Segui is an exchange student from Sciences Po Toulouse in France, currently studying politics at UNB for one semester.
"I feel that classes here are shorter, but there is much more reading and personal work. It's a better environment to study."
"I like the charm of Fredericton," she added.
Segui said any UNB student considering Toulouse would enjoy "La Ville Rose" as it's known for its vibrant culture, rich heritage and pink-hued terracotta buildings.
"It is the number one student city in France. There are a lot of cultures, and it is a great city to live in."
Mahiro Takagi is an exchange student from Japan who attends Rikkyo University. He is studying economics at UNB for a year.
"My home university is in Tokyo, so there are many people. There is a high population. It is quiet and cozy here, so I like it," he said.
He said not knowing the language shouldn't stop students from going on an exchange to Japan.
"Japanese people are kind. Not many people speak English, but if you need help, there are those who can help."
Elaine Garcia is a one-semester fall exchange student from Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM) in the Dominican Republic. She studies business.
"I had never been to Canada, so this is exciting. I like the quietness of Fredericton, and it is so beautiful."
She said that like UNB, her home university has two campuses, and any UNB student travelling for an exchange to PUCMM would love it.
Gabi Morfitt is a UNB student majoring in English and creative writing. She attended the fair because she is considering studying in the UK or Ireland.
"I hope to get exposure to different cultures and quench my thirst for cultural knowledge. I have never been to Europe. I saw Swansea University and University of Essex at the UK table. They both look like great options," she said.
One UNB student who has her mind made up is Annabelle Daigle, who studies arts, political science and criminology. She plans to spend a summer semester at the University of Graz in Austria next year with her friend, Alexandria McKenna, also a UNB student. Daigle, too, has never been to Europe.
"I've always wanted to study abroad," she said.
"I hope to find myself and my independence. I can't wait to be around new people with different languages and cultures. Now is the perfect time to do it when I am young and have nothing stopping me."
John Kershaw, associate vice president academic partnerships, said UNB has 140 university partners globally.
"We sent out about 50 to 60 students on a semester or year-long exchange and another 60 on short-term. I would like to up that to 300, and this fair is one way we're trying to promote exchange programs," Kershaw said.
Students considering studying abroad are encouraged to reach out to global@unb.ca to learn about the many options available to them.
