University: Saint Mary’s University

City: Halifax

Country: Canada

Continent: North America

Field of study: business administration

Study type: Summer Sessions

Saint Mary’s University is a very expensive university by German standards. Check liuxers.com to see how to open a bank account in the Netherlands.

Not all offers can be used at the university during the summer session. Many lecturers have only been hired for this short period of time and do not have the standard of regular lecturers.

The standard of accommodation was okay. There is almost everything you need on campus (e.g. laundromat, coffee shop, bookstore, merchandising, fitness center and sports field). The accommodation facilities are poor. Essential household materials must be procured by yourself. It would be nice to have a kind of “second hand shop” where you can sell things that are in good condition when your stay is over. We had to throw almost everything away. Since the students of the normal semester arrived later.

The unexpected costs were interesting. You had to spend quite a lot on compulsory books, print and copy cards (to print out the work). You have to be careful that it is common practice in Canada not to state the tax. This 14% is added (except for used books) at the university at any price.

The full-time employees of the university were always very helpful in helping us. There is no need to be afraid to go to the employees, even if you have unusual requests. The university has its own security service, which is also very attentive.

The university is well equipped, including computer rooms and the internet connection in the living room was good. You should take an ISDN cable and adapter for the sockets with you.

The fitness center is 100Cdn$ which is not much for almost 4 months but it is free for regular students. Since foreigners pay almost 3 times as much (as Canadians) they could have accommodated us.

Nevertheless, it is a good university in terms of the learning atmosphere in a nice little town with great pubs and a cute harbor.

During the break (between Summer Sessions I & II) you can travel the country for a good 10 days. In large cities (such as Ottawa or Montreal), it is advisable to contact the universities there for accommodation. Since many rent out their empty student apartments for little money.