Ottawa, a unique place for an academic adventure

In September 2017, I chose Telfer School of Management in Ottawa for my double degree with Kedge Business School. Thanks to my grades, I had the choice of all universities proposed but my first choice was to go to Canada. Today, I can say it was the best decision I have ever made. 

• Meeting people from all over the world 

As soon as I arrived, I told myself that it would be wise to avoid staying with other French exchange students. It was hard at first because my English was not as good as the level of English of people coming from other English speaking countries, but everyone was indulgent. Thanks to this experience, I improved my English a lot during these two years. By opening myself up to other nationalities, I met people from more than 20 countries: Italy, Ireland, Norway, Hong Kong, Hungary, Denmark, Chili, Australia… In the last semester, I even decided to part of Telfer International as a mentor. I wanted to help new exchange students feeling welcome, and so, offer them the best semester of their studies.

• Experimenting new things, which I never believed I would enjoy 

I experienced new activities that I would only do in Canada. I went to Omega park to feed the deer in nature and I enjoyed touching them. I went to some karaoke nights at the bar of the university. I learnt how to ice skate on a real river which is, by the way, the longest in the world. I watched some hockey and basketball games with my friends to support the uOttawa’s team. 

Let’s go Gee gees!!

•  Celebrating new or forgotten traditions 

St Patrick day, Oktoberfest, Halloween, Panda games are all traditions I had the chance to discover and celebrate in Canada. While Halloween is completely outdated in France, I was amused to see all Canadians taking it so seriously and getting real costumes. I could go back to childhood and dress myself up to go party in the city with everyone.  

But my favorite event of the year was the Panda game, an American football game between the University of Ottawa and Carleton university. You start partying in the street at 9 am and finish at 6pm… if you are tough enough!

• Adapting myself to a new culinary culture 

Coming from a country where food is very important and with a lot of flavors, I was not expecting to find the same offer in Canada and was being a bit reluctant. At first, I was shocked by the prices of some products (cheese, meat, fruits) at the supermarket and the lack of healthy restaurants. However, I have tried some Canadian specialties like the poutine and the beavertails, and I am not going to lie, it is very good! 

Try a poutine at La Banquise in Montreal! 

• Traveling in Canada and in America 

By living in North America, I was able to travel and discover more in Canada and America. In Canada, with other exchange students, I went to Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, Quebec City and Mont-Anne for skiing. During my reading weeks (one week in October and one in February), I went to Miami, Austin in Texas and Cuba. 

Cuba was the most amazing trip I have ever done in my life. The charm of old cars, the streets with many colors, and people’s clothes completely got me. Check my gallery for more pictures! 

I am now back to France since last week and I am already missing so much my life there. But I know I will go back soon. Going on exchange there has been a real chance for me to discover a new country and a new culture, to learn about myself and to become more independent.