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International Exchange

McMaster University 1

McMaster University 2

April Ash: McMaster University

Name: April Ash
UOW Degree: B Science (Psychology)
Host University: McMaster University, Canada

Arrival & Orientation

After traveling around Europe for two months it was quite relieving to finally make it to Canada, where I would spend the next four months studying through the Study Abroad Exchange Program. I arrived by bus carrying a backpack and a laptop, to the bewilderment of thousands of people moving their televisions, fridges and the like into the on campus residences. I, in comparison to the other residents, had very little, but the very little I had has quite quickly turned into a lot over the past few weeks. After the move in day, the official welcome week events began. Orientation week at McMaster, and in Canada as a whole, is an especially big event. The welcome week included many different activities, with the main purpose of each being inter-residence competition for the residence welcome week cup. Events consisted of Carnivals, bed racing, karaoke contests, a residence Olympics and much, much more.

McMaster has an awesome program for volunteer work. I participated in an event called Mac Serve, which allows students to volunteer at a local organization for a day. I helped out at a local Eco-House, which was very interesting and a lot of fun. I didn’t only learn about Canadian environmental issues, but we also discussed Australian environmental issues. 

Things to See and Do while studying at McMaster!

• Visit the local chocolate factory
• Make contacts at the orientation week events
• Eat Waffles with the works for breakfast on weekends at the commons food hall
• Visit the local restaurants and immerse yourself in the Canadian ways
• Get a walnut and maple syrup latte from second cup
• Become a member of the university gym
• Rollerblade the university streets at night
• Check out the local university bar
• Spend a day shopping at Lime Ridge Mall
• Make the most of dollar stores when finding “supplies” for your apartment
• Eat at Bridges Café and the Wokery
• Participate in events organized by your residence, especially the dodge ball tournament
• Take advantage of the free dental care plan
• Make good friends with the Canadians in your residence and your floor supervisors
• Eat at the Mandarin
• Join the outdoors club
• Attend the Universities homecoming football game
• Check out the African Lion Safari
• Attend an ice hockey game
• Take a trip to Niagara Falls
• Spend a weekend seeing the sights of Toronto
• Take a road trip to Ottawa and Montreal
• Volunteer for Mac Serve
• Take a night out at Hess Village
• Visit the Bean Bar in Westdale for a good meal or desert

McMaster University

I have found the exchange program at McMaster to be very organized so far. The university organised an information day for the international/exchange students and very much encourages club/society participation. McMaster University is quite a large university, but a majority of this consists of numerous residences. The universities buildings are quite old and beautiful, and there is plenty of nature to enjoy. The University backs onto bush land and is the home to many different native animals. Since I have been here I have seen numerous squirrel, chipmunks, raccoons and deer.

Housing

It was great to experience the residence life of university. I live at home in Australia, so it was awesome to get a different perspective of university life. In residence, there are so many people willing to help you and make your experience a fantastic one. I found Bates to have a great community atmosphere. Everyone is friendly and it is easy to make friends with everyone. The residence mentors organise events for residents throughout the whole semester, ranging from movie and bowling nights to dodge ball tournaments and walking/jogging groups.

There were no negatives to where I lived. I really cherished my experience of living on campus. It can sometimes take a bit of effort to live with room mates, but I was definitely lucky with the room mates I received.

Living on campus is very convenient and relaxing. There are always people around to do interesting activities with and to have fun with. The universities sporting facilities are also very good. They have just opened a new gym facility and membership is extremely cheap. I am really looking forward to getting to know the university a little better and to see some more sights of Canada. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the Canadian winter and to experience Halloween and Thanksgiving. I have already been amazed by Niagara Falls and look forward to seeing more of the countries beautiful scenery.

Highlights of Exchange

Living the residence life was definitely a major highlight for me, as I live at home in Australia. I had a lot of fun making friends with Canadians. They are fantastic people, and very easy to get along with. I had a lot of fun attending residence activities, and joining in the crazy Canadian ways of doing things. Halloween was definitely a highlight for me. You always see the American Halloween movies when you are a kid and I always wished I could dress up and join in the fun.

Thanksgiving was also another American/Canadian celebration that was interesting to partake in. Christmas was the biggest highlight of my time abroad. I spent Christmas with my room mate’s family and was warmly welcomed. They really made my Canadian Christmas a very memorable one. The final highlight of my trip was simply traveling. The thrill and excitement I get from traveling is a large part of who I am.

Advice for Future Exchange Students

It is extremely important to make as many friends as you can. Canadians are amongst some of the friendliest people I have ever met and they will make your exchange a very memorable one. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. In my experience, Canadians seem to go beyond giving you directions; they will most probably walk you to your door. Enjoy your time on exchange, and don’t pass up any opportunities, as the time flies by very quickly.