As I look back at the 2018/2019 schoolyear, the two semesters feel like completely different times in my life. After a summer of living where I grew up—but growing up more than I had imaged, as my parents were away…
Meet Me Halfway
From the first day of school on January 28th to today, March 28th marks the halfway point of my exchange. As a check-in with myself (shared with the whole internet), I thought why not evaluate what’s happened. In previous posts…
How to Live Cheaply on Exchange
Although I’ve only been on exchange for a few months, I feel like I (or more so my wallet) have learned a few things about spending money here. For one, I did decide to study in Paris—one of the most…
How To: Meet People on Exchange
With two months abroad under my belt, I started to think about the biggest challenges my classmates and I have faced since moving to France. Among the over-consumption of baguette and pastries, we also agreed that making friends initially can…
Six Strategies for a Splendid Snow Day
As it seems to be the trend this semester, snow days are upon us. While the weather has not been completely in our favour, that doesn’t mean we need to be grey as well! Although I’m not currently in Toronto,…
Work-Life Balance on Exchange?
The term “Work-life balance” is increasingly used to describe a fully employed adult, who drudges through an 8-hour work day, but also is able to come home to spend time with their spouse and children. While I am FAR from…
How I Prepared For Exchange
Coming at you live from Gare de L’est Station in Paris after just missing my train for a weekend trip, I don’t feel as though I’m prepared for exchange—but is readiness really the issue? After a 30-minute phone call rant…
So You Want To Study Abroad?
We’ve all seen pictures and heard stories of friends travelling for a semester of university—but just exactly how attainable is this experience? What is the process? Am I ready to live alone in Europe? All questions I asked myself before…
Moving On and Getting Over
In artist John Mayer’s hit song, “Moving on and getting over, are not the same it seems to me…I’ve got to get over,” Mr. Mayer makes transitions sound romantic and melodious. But his lyrics fail to touch on the difficulties…
If You’re Reading This You’re Overthinking
Overthinking. What’s the weather like today? Four degrees with a chance of snow. So that means I need to wear a long sleeve shirt, a sweater, my heavy coat, no maybe my light coat. But I do have that one…