I will be leaving for Scotland as part of a student exchange program to the University of Strathclyde. A question many have asked and you probably are wondering as well is why? As someone who has had the opportunity to travel internationally, I find travelling internationally either on travel, work or academics to be a valuable experience in shaping one’s worldview. We now live in a world of heightened global awareness. Therefore, I find that it is important to gain knowledge and understanding of different cultures and how they operate in the world.  

As I am participating in the Exchange Program through my university, there was a process that I had to go through that consisted of short interviews, obtaining academic reference letters and writing up letters of interest to the university abroad. It was a little tedious, but I got through it and received my acceptance letter a few weeks later.

I often get people saying, “I couldn’t possibly afford that!” Well, it turns out that aside from travelling, I really wouldn’t be paying a whole lot more than I currently do attending university at home. Fortunately for me, I received an exchange grant from the university, which covers the cost of my flight. Phew! Since I am registered as a student at McMaster University in Canada, there is no change in my tuition fees—I pay the same fees as I would at home, which is brilliant.  

My budget so far has been allocated to obtaining health insurance, accommodation and the day-to-day costs of living (accommodation, food, etc) I will also be living in one of the student accommodations on campus, Birkbeck Court, which is the largest and arguably most diverse of all the accommodation buildings. It is a small flat that I’ll be sharing with five other housemates—quite likely other international students.

I will be flying to Scotland a few days prior to my move-in date to familiarize myself with some ins and outs of Glasgow and of course, essentials such as opening a bank account and purchasing a phone plan. For this interim period, I will be residing at a very reasonably priced hostel, of which I have had no difficulty booking.

I have less than a month to go now and will be packing soon! Woohoo! Next stop: Glasgow!