Studying Abroad in Canada

Jean Gufler shares his experiences from his semester abroad in Toronto

Jean Gufler is studying for a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration Online and spent his fifth semester at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto. Here he shares his experiences.

How was your time in Toronto?

My time from September to December 2024 at the University of Guelph-Humber in Toronto was an extremely enriching experience. As a part-time student, this time was particularly exciting because it allowed me to experience the life of a full-time student for the first time. My daily routine was definitely less hectic and gave me plenty of free time, which I used to explore new places, events and cities in Canada.

I also met a lot of new people during this exciting time and formed relationships, some of which will definitely last beyond this time. I was particularly impressed by the campus life on a typical campus with tens of thousands of students, which is exactly as you often see it in movies. By the way: the campus was so big that a special app was programmed for better orientation in the buildings, otherwise, it was very easy to get lost. In general, everything is oversized in Canada and much bigger than in Europe.

Why did you choose to pursue a semester abroad?

Specifically, I decided to take a semester abroad in Toronto because I wanted to take the opportunity to broaden my horizon and develop myself further. In particular, I wanted to improve my English language skills during my semester abroad, which I definitely succeeded in doing. Getting to know new cultures and experiencing life in a city of millions were two other key reasons why I ultimately decided to take the semester abroad.

What were the biggest cultural or academic surprises you encountered during your semester in Toronto?

Culturally, I was impressed by how diverse and multicultural Toronto and Canada in general actually are. I didn't meet anyone who didn't have roots abroad in some way. For me, it was fascinating to get to know so many cultures at once and at the same time to experience how harmoniously they live together. Furthermore, I was amazed by the immense helpfulness and friendliness of the country.

From an academic point of view, I was surprised by how much education in Canada can be compared to a luxury good. In contrast to Europe, where education is taken for granted and is relatively affordable, many Canadian students and their families usually have to go into debt due to the extremely high tuition fees. This made me realize how privileged we are in Europe to have access to affordable education.

Do you plan to incorporate international experiences into your future professional life? If so, how?

My thinking and my attitudes have changed a little as a result of my semester abroad; more than I expected. Because of the international experience and the many unknowns in Toronto, I have found that I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and being confronted with new things. That's why I can imagine that this will certainly be reflected in my professional life because I wouldn't want to miss out on that.

Would you encourage other students to pursue a semester abroad? If so, what advice would you give them to make the most of the opportunity?

As a student who works full-time, I know it can be challenging to complete a semester abroad for various reasons. Nevertheless, I would recommend a semester abroad to anyone, as the experiences I had are invaluable. Moreover, a semester abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that rounds off your studies in a special way. My tip: use every day as if it were your last because even though four months sounds like a relatively long time, it will pass faster than you think.