When I started my bachelor Business Economics and heard that in the third year there was a possibility to go on exchange, I knew immediately that I wanted to go. It was a difficult choice to decide where I wanted to go. I wanted to go to a country outside of Europe, but I also wanted to go to country with a similar culture as The Netherlands. It also had to be a country where they speak English, as improving my English was one of the reasons to go on Exchange. Finally, I decided to go to Canada because of the beautiful nature and the great stories of other students. I have looked at all universities in Canada and decided for Queens to be number one.
Kingston
In the city Kingston is not so much to see when you compare it, for example, to Toronto and Vancouver. It is a real student city and it is nicely located at Lake Ontario. The size of the city is comparable to Tilburg. I live here with three other students from Tilburg University and I enjoy the life in Canada. Beer and food are more expensive here than the Netherlands. It is very funny that there are lots of house parties in Kingston. There is a student ghetto in Kingston where only students live. In the introduction week and with Homecoming, the greatest party of Kingston, all the streets, roofs and houses are filled with festive and drunk students. A disadvantage is that all clubs and bars in Downtown Kingston close at 2 a.m. Hence, we start earlier with pre-drinks. You also feel much better the next day, because you go to bed earlier.
Queens University
Queens University is a beautiful and large university with a very good reputation in Canada. Everyone in Canada, wherever you live, knows Queens. The faculty where I study is Smith School of Business. My classes are all in the same building. I want to travel in the weekend, so I only chose courses that don’t have class on Friday. The classes are very interactive at Queens. You are in class with a maximum of 55 students and the participation in class will be graded. I also only chose courses that have no final exam, so I have a lot of assignments. This means that I have to do a lot of things during the week. Luckily, I have a lot of free time in December to travel.
Travel
Canada is such a beautiful country, so I recommend everyone who goes to Canada to travel to see all the beautiful things of this country. In the begin of August, I flew with my family to Vancouver. I spent three weeks traveling with a camper in West-Canada. The Rocky Mountains and Vancouver Island are definitely a must-see. The nature is beautiful and there is a big chance to spot wildlife like bears, moose, orcas and much more. Thereafter, I went to Toronto (east of Canada) and there I met some other exchange students. From Kingston, I have also made wonderful trips: Niagara Falls, Québec City and some national/provincial parks. I also planned trips to Ottawa, the capital city, and Montréal.
I recommend everyone to go on Exchange. The international experience is unforgettable. You make a lot of new friends and you also experience to live in another country. So many things happened in such a short period. A great experience!
