University: Brock University
City: St Catherines
Country: Canada
Continent: North America
Field of study: Early Childhood Education
Study type: semester abroad
My semester at Brock University in St. Catharines was a really good experience. On the one hand I got a good, clear impression of studying in Canada, on the other hand I got to know many nice people from all over the world who made a significant contribution to the success of these 4 months. Check anycountyprivateschools.com to see Croatia higher education.
At the beginning of the semester, the International Office has scheduled a compulsory course for all new international students. There you could not only make initial contacts with other new “internationals”, but also get detailed information about life in a country that is foreign to most people. Other activities planned by the Office, some of which were even free of charge, were also presented at this event. From the very beginning you felt like you were in good hands and well looked after. The two organized excursions (Niagara Falls, Niagara on the lakes and Toronto) were really good. You were almost “forced” to get in touch with new people. This is particularly beneficial for people who are initially a bit shy of contact.
Before you even came to Canada, you could sign up for a so-called Brock Guide program, where each participant received the email address of a Canadian Brock student who also spent 1-2 semesters abroad and with whom you could ask a few questions in advance could clarify. You then got to know these Brock Guides at an International Picnic.
Studying at Brock University is far more labor intensive compared to studying at a state university in Germany. Various term papers, presentations, semi-annual exams and presentations keep you working throughout the semester. However, it must also be said that the level of the material is much simpler and less complex, so that with a little commitment you can master it very well. Furthermore, this gives you a clear advantage when it comes to the exams at the end of the semester, since you have already worked through most of the material. The exams are always written at the end of the semester, in two large gyms together with many other courses. Personally, I only had 3 courses at Brock, which were not as work-intensive as, for example, business courses.
The range of sports on the Brock is very varied. There are diverse sports (soccer, volleyball, softball, rugby, cheerleading, dancing, fencing, rowing, etc.) both as competitive teams and for recreational athletes. For example, I was part of a football team made up of internationals. So we had training once a week and a game against other recreational teams once a week. There is also a very well equipped fitness center which costs $75 per semester. The swimming pool (50m pool) can be used free of charge at any time.
Unlike many other internationals, I lived off-campus, ie in the town of St. Catharines itself. My neighborhood was called West St. Catharines. I found my room in a house through the internet. I placed an ad for this on Brock University’s “Off-Campus Housing” website, which various landlords responded to. I have to say that my decision for my room was a bad one. However, this was primarily due to a roommate who made life in the house a great test of patience. So, based on my experience, I would advise you to go to St. Catharines a few days before uni starts and look for a room from there. Many of my friends did this there and were definitely more successful and happier than I was. However, there are also “white sheep” among the landlords who really offer what they advertise. So don’t let me discourage you. Oh yes, if you rent a room, you should expect an average monthly rent of 400 dollars (290 euros) a month. I can only give limited information about living on campus. I know that many dormitories are not in good condition and often do not even have their own kitchen, which forces you to eat out several times a day in the overpriced canteens. However, there are also small houses on campus where everyone has their own room and a shared kitchen. These cottages are far more recommendable than a dorm room. that many dormitories are not in good condition and often do not even have their own kitchen, which forces you to eat out several times a day in the overpriced canteens. However, there are also small houses on campus where everyone has their own room and a shared kitchen. These cottages are far more recommendable than a dorm room. that many dormitories are not in good condition and often do not even have their own kitchen, which forces you to eat out several times a day in the overpriced canteens. However, there are also small houses on campus where everyone has their own room and a shared kitchen. These cottages are far more recommendable than a dorm room.
By Canadian standards, St. Catharines has a well-developed public transport network. Buses run very regularly in all directions, which you can use because you have included a bus ticket in your tuition fees. The social meeting point is often the Pen Center, a larger mall with many shops, restaurants, a large cinema, bars and a supermarket. There are many good restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs in downtown St. Catharines. However, the audience is often a little younger than you are used to as a German student.
Due to its good location in Canada, the region of St. Catharines is very conducive to travel. The proximity to the American border not only invites you to inexpensive shopping, but also to travel within the USA, since flights from Buffalo to Chicago or New York, for example, are much cheaper than from Toronto. There are also cheap bus tickets to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa or Quebec City.
In conclusion, I can only say once again that my time in Canada was characterized by many good experiences, which mostly outweighed the sometimes unfortunately bad experiences. I’ve met a lot of nice people from all over the world, who I hope to see again someday.
