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Leonhard studied abroad in Canada

Leonhard studied abroad in Canada

Leonhard from Vienna in Austria spent his exchange on Vancouver Island in Canada.

Why Vancouver Island in Canada?

Because I love doing sports and exploring nature and Vancouver Island is an absolute paradise for nature lovers and people who just want to get out in the wilderness. I lived in Qualicum Beach a small town on the easter coastline of Vancouver Island. It was a huge difference compared to my hometown Vienna, but I quickly fell in love with the beautiful landscapes and nature.

What was school like?

I had the chance to be part of a special program called ROAMS (River, Ocean and Mountain School). So we didn’t spend much time in the classroom doing normal classes like math, English or biology. When my other colleagues sat in class, we summited mountains, went Kayaking or Canoeing on remote lakes, went rock climbing. But it wasn’t only about the activities, we also got to learn so much about the world we live on and how we can preserve it’s beauty for future generations.

What did you do in your spare time?

I spent much time in nature hiking, did a lot of cooking and I met with friends at the mall or in town. It is important to note that public transport in many areas is not comparable to European levels, so it was sometimes a bit hard to get around on my own.

How was it to live with my host family?

I luckily got a very nice and kind family, they were not very strict at all, so I had a lot of freedom. The only problem was that they were a bit unorganized sometimes, but I had my own room where I could keep everything tidy.

What’s your best memory?

Surfing in Tofino was one of the coolest things I’ve done. We stayed three days on a campground right at the shore. It almost felt like being on Hawaii, just a bit colder. Surfing is a wonderful sport, and I really want to do it again when I am back in Europe at some point.

Can you recommend an exchange year in Canada?

Yes, absolutely. Canada is full of nice people and beautiful nature. I experienced so any different things that made me grow as a person. Just consider that Vancouver Island differs a lot from big cities in Europe, so sometimes there is just not going on in small towns.

What did you learn on your exchange year?

I learned so many important things. The most valuable skill I learned is to be way more independent, I made my own breakfast or lunch, made my own laundry or I had to organize all my activities all on my own. Our teacher also taught us cool stuff like how to make bear caches, self-rescue if you flip your Kayak/canoe or what plants we can eat in nature.

My top advice?

Realize that you have the chances to do so many great things in the free time on your exchange year. You will probably never have more time in your life so try not to just sit around in your room at your host family’s house!

Why did you choose STS

I chose STS as my agency because my parents were impressed how they handled my sister’s exchange also on Vancouver Island. So it only made sense that I would also go with STS. We only knew that I could attend my special program, because STS recommended it to me based on my interests. In addition communication is always clear and direct, and STS really takes good care of the organization, if it’s the flight, insurance or picking your host family.

How will your exchange year affect your future?

I really learned to appreciate the beautiful earth that we live on and that we will have to protect it or the stunning nature that I experienced will slowly burn down. So my perspective on everything that we are doing completely changed and I really learned to respect our earth much more.

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Emilia was on an exchange year in Canada

Emilia from Austria went on exchange to Vancouver, Canada.

Why Canada and Vancouver?

Because it is the “bigger version of my hometown in Austria” – seas, lakes, mountains, and city combined. The number of activities offered there is incredible: skiing, swimming, beach volleyball, hiking, and exploring various food and shopping spots. It was the optimal place for me to get out of my comfort zone and improve my English, although that was definitely not the biggest motivation.

How was it to live with a host family?

In the beginning, I had some troubles with my host family, but that got solved in a matter of weeks. I got to live with a wonderful, caring family. At first, it seems hard to incorporate yourself into a new household, but it is definitely worth it. You build lifelong connections there.

What did you do in your spare time? Any new hobbies?

After school, I always went out with friends and explored different districts in Vancouver. I also joined a volleyball club and got to go to many tournaments out of Vancouver. Joining this club and being part of this amazing, motivated team, was one of the best opportunities I got there.

What was a big challenge for you? How did you conquer it?

At first, it is kind of hard to build social relationships, but it develops. You just have to take your time and “trust the process”. My biggest challenge was the host family, but as said, that was solved with the help of my local coordinator.

What’s your best memory?

The absolutely best moments were when I joined a trip to the Rocky Mountains with multiple other Internationals. We got to explore all the touristy beautiful spots and I met people there, who became (in four days!) as close to me as if I had known them for a lifetime.

Can you recommend going?

My life turned upside down for a moment. Stepping out of my comfort zone was required. But if I could do it, you can do it as well! If you have the opportunity and support from your parents, go!

Just a tip, if you go, never forget to appreciate it. It’s an experience not many get the chance to do.

Can you recommend an exchange in Canada?

Yes! Especially if you like nature and skiing. People say the nature of Canada is amazing… they couldn’t be more right. And, with endless forests and mountains, skiing was one of the most amazing activities there.

Your top advice?

Although you learn a lot about new people, a new way of life, and obviously a new language, it is crucial to understand that the most significant learning is your ability to adapt to others. Nothing happens by itself; it is your responsibility to make the exchange an unforgettable part of your life. You cannot expect others to make it that way. Do not let the months pass by, but still, giving yourself time is significant, as it is an immense challenge.

Why did you choose STS?

I chose STS as it is a company that has been around for decades and has therefore much experience. Next, they offered a lot of different countries, which is nice at first, if you have no idea where to go yet. From Costa Rica to the USA and Australia you can find everything.

Were you happy with STS?

As for STS, I can gladly say that choosing this organization was totally worth every euro. From the preparation days in my home country to the welcome camp and the local support in my host country, everything always worked out well.

What are your main learnings?

Although I have been quite an outgoing person before coming here, I can still say that it made me even more extroverted and open to new things. However, it also broadened my horizon as I have experienced the North American way of life which differs immensely from the European one.

How will your exchange affect your future?

I will return with an open mind. With a feeling that the rest of the world is waiting for me to be explored. That this was just the beginning, the grand opening

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Cedric spent a year abroad in Canada

Cedric from Switzerland was on exchange in Canada.

Where did you go and why?

I went to Canada, mostly because my parents deemed it to be a safer alternative to the USA, where I originally wanted to go. I don't regret going to Canada though. It’s very similar to the USA.

Why did you go on exchange?

Mostly because I wanted to experience more of what the world has to offer while still young, and also to improve my English.

How was it to live with a host family?

It was a pretty cool experience! If you're close to your host family, it's like living in a house with your best friends. I did miss my Swiss family though.

How was school?

School was very interesting. It's way easier than in Switzerland since you get to create your own schedule according to your interests. The tests aren't as hard and you have more free time, which allows you to explore the country and its culture.

What did you do in your spare time? Any new hobbies?

Since I lived pretty remote, I took up hiking. I would go on hour-long walks in nature. With friends, I went to the city a lot to go to the mall or to go out to eat.

Was it easy/hard to get friends?

Finding friends was very easy for me since I'm an extroverted person. Canadians are very friendly anyways, so approaching people and starting conversations often formed new friendships.

What was a big challenge for you? How did you conquer it?

A big challenge for me was living so remote. Nothing really was within walking distance. The city was only 30 minutes away by car, but since there was no public transport, I always had to have my friends, or my host family drive me. Since all of my friends were in grade 12, that was no problem because they all drove. But it was a bit of a challenge when I first arrived and hadn’t made many friends yet. Another challenge was the extremely cold weather. Sometimes the weather locked us in for days because the roads were so bad, they had to cancel school.

What was the best thing about your exchange?

The number one thing from my exchange year is all of the friends I made. I'm still in contact with them and am going to visit them this summer.

What’s your best memory?

My best memory is Canada Day, July 1st. It was the last night I spent in Canada, and I was with all of my friends and got to say goodbye to them. It was incredibly sad but also very beautiful since there were fireworks and generally a great atmosphere.

What are your main learnings?

Never say no to new experiences, and goodbyes don't last forever.

Can you recommend going?

Yes absolutely!

Why should anyone go on exchange?

To experience more of what the world has to offer, and to learn foreign languages.

Your top advice?

  1. Don't try to get a girlfriend, since it's going to be over as soon as you leave, which is inevitable.
  2. Spend as much time as possible with your friends and host family.
  3. Get off your phone.

Why did you choose STS?

Because my friends recommended STS and they offered high school exchange in Canada.

Were you happy with STS?

Yes, very. All of my questions were always answered, and everything was handled professionally.

What are you doing now?

I'm still going to school in Switzerland and will graduate in the summer of 2024.

How will your exchange affect your future?

In a couple of ways. I've improved my English, which is really important for what I'd like to do in the future. I've also made some friends that I will probably keep for life. It has also made me a lot more mature since you don’t have your parents around all of the time.

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