Here at Brock, experience is important. It goes beyond having knowledge and technical skills. Experience comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and realizing your potential.
Stepping into the unknown might seem daunting at first. It teaches you to adapt, to be prepared to take on change and adapt.
BSA President Aidian Gilhula studied in Norway for a semester.
Adaptability is one of the most critical skills for the world of business. With the increasing rate of technological change, it is important to be able to adapt with your surroundings. Jobs are constantly evolving and business continue to face new needs and challenges. Rather than being threatened by change, an adaptable person can benefit and capitalize on it.
Taking the opportunity to studying abroad is a great way for students to gain invaluable experiences, but also learn in situations where change is inevitable. It is the opportunity to remove yourself from the comfortable and familiar to experience an entirely new environment. It is the opportunity to reinvent yourself and leave behind the past expectations.
As recently returned exchange student William Maton stated,
“You have to look at it as a way to completely change yourself…starting the first day you land you can essentially become a brand new person”
Though intimidating, taking the leap can be so rewarding. You will walk out of the experience with a new confidence knowing that you faced change and thrived. After spending time in a foreign country on your own, you realize the strength you have as an independent and the opportunities traveling abroad has for you.
“Don’t be afraid the make the decision to go away, it will be one of the best experiences of your life. I learned so much while I was away in terms of being independent and solving any issues I had. I also was forced to go out of my comfort zone and I became a lot better at meeting new people and adjusting to new situations.”
- Alyssa Blanchard, Scotland Fall 2018
Thankfully, students who want to take the jump are not alone. The Goodman International Programs Office would love to help you determine the best place for you to study and will help prepare you for the big jump.
Contact the office by e-mail at goodman.exchange@brocku.ca or stop by drop in hours from Tuesday – Thursday between 2 – 4 p.m. at GSB 475R.
