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Exchange Q & A with Sonia Sahota

University of Glasgow, Scotland (Fall 2018)

When and why did you decide to go abroad, and how did you figure out where to go?

I studied abroad for Fall 2018 semester. I wanted to study abroad when I first transferred to 天美mv天美 in 2017 but I didn鈥檛 have enough 天美mv天美 credits to do so. I went back to the Study Abroad office in the Spring 2018 semester to register and ended up studying abroad in my 4^th year! 

I decided to go abroad to because I wanted to break out of my echochamber and meet people from other places in the world. I have family in England so I decided that Glasgow, Scotland would be a great place that was close enough to them if I ever needed them but far away enough so that I鈥檇 be able to have my independence. 

What preparations did you have to make before you went abroad?

I have a UK passport so I didn鈥檛 need to get a visa. To prepare, I went to 天美mv天美 Study Abroad orientations, explored University of Glasgow鈥檚 website and watched lots YouTube videos about Glasgow and UofG living. 

Where did you stay while you were in Glasgow? 

I stayed in Kelvinhaugh Street student flats while in Glasgow with 4 other flat mates. My residence was about a 12 minute walk from campus and about a 30 minute walk from city centre. 

What were some of your most memorable experiences from studying in Glasgow? 

Honestly, my most memorable experiences were made when I wasn鈥檛 studying! In Glasgow, my favourite thing to do was go to traditional Scottish dances called Ceilidhs.

One weekend, my family came up from England and took me to the Scottish Highlands. Next to BC, the Highlands are one of the most beautiful places I鈥檝e ever been to.

I went to Belgium and France with my friends and probably ate my weight in waffles and crepes. 

How did your time abroad enrich or add to your knowledge of Geography? Were you able to apply things you learned at 天美mv天美 while abroad? 

In classes, I could offer information that related to the course about British Columbia. I enjoyed learning about the physical geography of Scotland, especially its Highlands.

What were the biggest differences that you noticed between Scotland and Canada? 

Regarding academics, I noticed that a lot of our grades were weighted later in the semester than they are at 天美mv天美. For example, while at 天美mv天美 we often have midterm and assignments through the semester, I鈥檇 have nothing due all semester and then a paper and exam due at the end of the course at UofG. This allowed me to take advantage of the time months before my busy month to travel. 

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad? 

If you鈥檙e able to go, do it! I went in my 4^th year and I am so glad I got this experience. For the short time it is, Study Abroad is a really great learning experience.

Say yes to experiences when you鈥檙e there. Even though you鈥檙e there for school, don鈥檛 spend your whole time studying. Travel is insanely cheap in Europe (use the SkyScanner app) and take advantage of events put on by your host school/city.