University: Saint Mary’s University
City: Halifax
Country: Canada
Continent: North America
Field of study: literary studies
Study type: semester abroad
All in all, the stay in Halifax was very nice. Halifax is a cozy port city whose roommates are just as comfortably content and “down to earth”. I found the people to be very friendly and helpful. The nightlife is also rather rustic: many pubs, mostly with live music. However, if you are looking for the pulsating metropolis, you are not in good hands here, but that should be clear. Check jibin123.com to see 8 best cities to study in Australia.
People were often irritated because the number of Germans was getting out of hand. The International Orientation consisted of 90% Germans. Not so great if you want to practice English. Maybe you should convince some Germans to do a Toeffel test and spread them out to other universities.
However, I had a few advantages over many:
- I DID NOT STUDY BUSINESS, but English literature, and I was only surrounded by native speakers. I can only recommend going abroad even if it becomes difficult to get credited. I found the courses to be very good. For real! And I’ve learned a lot. Especially the writing. The approach may seem a bit unscientific at first, but you learn to argue well. It’s a good break from German university life and gave me courage to continue my studies. The Writing Center is also recommended. However, one should perhaps look for someone there as a proofreader who is studying something similar. Definitely take advantage of this free service! In general: Quietly claim the service that you pay for after all. Asking is really allowed here!
- I LIVED OFF CAMPUS. If at all possible, I can only recommend looking for a place to stay off campus and outside the YMCA. It’s best to rent a hostel and come to Halifax a week before the start. Of course it takes a bit of courage because you have to call strangers (get a Canadian mobile phone card!), but it’s worth it. You will certainly feel more at home and speak English with any roommates. MicroEdu could set up a forum for this, because the landlords are usually looking for new tenants for the Germans who are moving out again. That would save a lot of stress on both sides.
- I FANGED MY CANADIAN GIRLFRIEND and it wasn’t that easy. Canadians are open, but often not very talkative, especially at the university – not even with each other. You have to be a little persistent. A meeting to learn is a great opportunity! You will certainly not only talk about the learning material. With a lot of patience (a few words more every week) I finally made a really great Canadian friend. I think you should be reserved and persistent at the same time, then it will work.
So, those would be my tips. I hope they are helpful. It was beautiful in Canada and I will live from it for a long time.
