A Dream Come True

Getting out of your comfort zone is definitely what you need to grow! – it may sound like a cliché but actually, it’s a fact you can’t deny.

Canada… maple syrup, moose or the CN tower in Toronto…aren’t these some of the most common “trademarks” coming to your mind thinking of the country? I bet for most of you they are! What I experienced there was so much more, let alone a few cultural surprises! Ok then, let me start from the very beginning.

A study exchange was an unfulfilled dream of mine going back to me studying European studies at the University of Warsaw back in 2000s. I applied, got a place in Holland but … chickened out. Yes! Finally, I didn’t go. I guess, I didn’t feel ready enough. And imagine my awe having heard I can be a full-time exchange student, even doing my Master’s programme online here at Lapland UAS! That was the only thought lingering in my mind after the introductory zoom meeting with our programme supervisors. Decided then! I will go!

But where to? That was a hard nut to crack: choosing an exchange destination. For a few weeks I hesitated between Switzerland, Sweden and Canada, places quite different from one another in terms of geography, culture and lifestyles, maybe excluding only most of their locals’ love for nature – a thing they all have in common. It was time to narrow down the selection: Switzerland – being from Europe myself, I can go see these idyllic mountainous landscapes later. Sweden – University of Stockholm sounds tempting but I know the country, I lived there for a while. So I started browsing through the options for Canada.

My criteria were: interesting courses, convenient location and English spoken as the main language (Mind Quebec!). Sitting by my computer, choosing the courses at the University of Saskatchewan (USASK), I had this gut feeling – I sensed deep down that my picks are the ones! And I wasn’t wrong!

During my classes in social computing, environmental problem-solving and water policy management I was so happy to prepare project papers or presentations, most of it done as group work where you can experience other people’s mindsets, “friendly-bicker” on your task content and get to know your fellow students from other continents! Plus imagine Bachelor’s students’ astonishment, mixed with envy: “How come you don’t have any written exams? So much stress less!” Actually, it’s very common for Master’s programmes at USASK to apply a hands-on, practical approach – learning best through analyzing, brainstorming or doing field trips.

As for filling out the N2N programme documents, visa application and arranging accommodation at the dorm, they all turned out to run quite smoothly. No wonder it was so when you’re supported with clear instructions and super-helpful staff from both universities. Believe me: I had so many questions emailed to them that their patience did amaze me.

I suppose, at the end of the day they are used to all this since going on a study exchange is not something you do every day and queries or feelings of doubt are common. Yes, I won’t be beating about the bush here: they also accompanied me, being a blend of an introvert and extrovert, I felt a bit insecure, especially during my first weeks in Saskatoon: you don’t know anyone, don’t know what to expect, coming to your fist class seems like deep-diving in the ocean. However, what I can tell you is that teachers I had classes with and students I met, be it Canadian or international, most of them welcomed me with a smile and understanding. And yes! My positively biased stereotype (!) about Canadians has been confirmed: they are most often easy-going, approachable and respectful!

I still smile to myself at the thought of some of them wearing crocs outside in late chilly autumn. A thing I’d have never experienced staying at home! Or enjoying a real Canadian-style Thanksgiving Dinner with other USASK students! Or having nice chats at an on-campus cafe on everyday living in Saskatchewan! Or friendly hiking trips with dorm friends along the Meewasin Valley! Or the exciting Banff trip in the Rockies with other exchange students! So many more “or’s”.

Thinking now about a nice punchline to finish with so that you’re left with something to reflect on: Getting out of your comfort zone is definitely what you need to grow! – it may sound like a cliché but actually, it’s a fact you can’t deny. In my Canadian adventure I did meet people I didn’t feel vibe with, I did see an unfriendly gaze sometimes, I did get stressed while navigating myself through Saskatoon, Vancouver or Toronto, I did feel stuck once or twice thinking about my next presentation design for a class!

What made me move on were the like-minded people I’ve come across, my eagerness to learn, a phone call with a friend cheering me on from Poland or all the facts about Canadians I’d have never ever discovered otherwise – their genuine being laid-back, crazy about Halloween, enthusiastic about street art or caring of the Prairie conservation on the one hand and everyday reliance on cars or struggling with food waste on the other. So why not give it a go, eventually?!?

Anna Kania
Master’s student
Programme in Managing Sustainability and Systems Change