“An unforgettable whirlwind.” That’s how fourth-year Accountancy and Finance student Bethan describes her experience studying abroad in Canada.

We caught up with Bethan to hear what inspired her to apply, how she prepared for life at Mount Allison University, the academic differences she noticed, and why she’s so glad she took the opportunity.

Hi Bethan! Tell us, what was it that made you want to study abroad?

The Study Abroad Programme was actually one of the reasons I chose to study at Stirling – not everywhere offers that option. It seemed like a really cool opportunity to go somewhere different and experience a new culture, but with the safety net of doing it through university.

When you applied to the Study Abroad Programme, did you have an idea of where you wanted to go?

New Zealand, Canada, America and Australia were all on my list. I did think about Europe, but I wanted to go somewhere a bit further afield.

Tell us a bit about the application process – what was that like?

It was really easy. The questions were pretty straightforward. It was things like why I wanted to study abroad and what advice I’d give to exchange students coming to the UK. I think it took me about a week to fill in my application and send it off.

Do you remember how you felt when you found out you’d been accepted?

I was so happy!

I didn’t get my first choice, which was in New Zealand, but I was accepted to Mount Allison University in Canada, which was the university I’d done the most research on – so much so that I could actually visualise what my semester would look like. I just remember being so excited. I immediately started looking at flights and accommodation options.

Was there anything in particular that helped you settle in?

The International Student Orientation Programme. They did campus tours and organised group activities like bowling and scavenger hunts – those really helped me meet people and get my bearings before semester started so I didn’t feel overwhelmed once campus got busy.

Did you notice any academic differences?

Definitely. At Stirling (and at the university I was at before), I was used to having a mid-semester test and then an end-of-semester exam. At Mount Allison, it felt like a constant flow of assignments and midterms before my finals. I don’t think the work was necessarily harder, but there was definitely more of it.

What was your most memorable experience while you were away?

One of my favourite memories is a day trip to Halifax with my friends. We went to museums, did some shopping and tried out local food spots. It was just nice being able to go at our own pace and suit ourselves.

Another memory that sticks out was one time when it snowed really heavily. My friend and I had just finished a four/five-hour study session in the library. Because it wasn’t far from our accommodation, we’d gone down in sandals and didn’t think anything of it… until we had to walk back through deep snow when it was -15°C. Campus looked gorgeous, but it was hard to appreciate it while walking through it in sliders!

Did you develop any new habits while you were over there?

My study habits definitely changed. Before Mount Allison, I had a really strict routine and would stop studying at 6pm no matter what. But with the constant flow of deadlines, I had to adapt. It actually helped. When I came back to Stirling for my final semester of third year, I was taking in information differently and felt more confident in my work.

What would you say was your biggest takeaway from studying abroad?

It gave me so much more confidence in myself. Whether it was choosing to study abroad in the first place, going on trips while I was there, or signing up for a class I wouldn’t have taken at Stirling. They all felt like risks at the time, but every one of them paid off.

How would you describe your study abroad experience?

I’d say an unforgettable whirlwind. I learned so much and met some of my closest friends. One of them is getting married, and I’ve been invited to the wedding. I’ve also got a holiday planned with a friend I met who was studying abroad from Kent.I never would have met either of them if I hadn’t gone to Canada.

It really was such an amazing experience – I feel like I blinked and it was over, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What advice would you give to other students thinking about studying abroad?

Take the opportunity while you have it. I think I really, really would have regretted it if I hadn’t applied.

If you have any questions, speak to the Study Abroad Team – they are so helpful. I’d done a lot of research and felt fairly confident in my decision, but I still had a few questions about things like visas and course options. Even if they didn’t know the answer straight away, they’d find out and come back to me really quickly.

Also, speak to students who’ve already done a semester abroad. If you don’t know anyone, ask the Study Abroad Team. They have a list of people you can reach out to. It’s just nice to speak to someone who knows what it’s like and hear about their experience.

Find out more about the University of Stirling’s Study Abroad Programme on our website.