Brock University’s Student Exchange Program opens up a world of unique travel experiences and international connections that can shape the lives of participants for years to come.

Students interested in global exchange opportunities will be able to learn from past participants and find out more about available programs and funding opportunities during two International Education Week events.

Fourth-year Political Science student Mark Chrabalowski, who spent a semester abroad at Yonsei University in South Korea and another at Toyo University in Japan last year, will be sharing his experience during an Experience Adventure: Stories from International Education panel discussion.

While language barriers and culture shock can be daunting at first, Chrabalowski says he looks forward to experiencing diverse cultures and experiences.

Without the ability to speak much Korean or Japanese, he relied on technology such as Google Translate to help him communicate, but it wasn’t always necessary.

“There were a fair number of people who could speak English in the city and on the Yonsei University Campus in Seoul,” he says. “Though there are lots of small differences culturally, you are still able to find things in common and use them to make a connection.”

According to Jayne Crawley, Manager, International Learning Programs, those connections shape the study abroad experience and create lasting bonds students treasure long after they’ve returned.

Crawley and her team at Brock International provide information and support for students going on academic exchange before, during and after their time abroad.

“One of our goals is to make international learning as accessible as possible for students. We want to prepare them for any scenario they can encounter abroad and give them the tools and support they need to adapt to their new surroundings,” she says. “Engaging with the students from day one helps them to travel confidently so they can focus on their studies and build those lasting relationships.”

Iain Covington, a fourth-year Sport Management student, was proactive in making friends during his semester at the University of Portsmouth in England.

“I put a big emphasis on participation,” he said. “I started up a breakfast club with my roommates, joined the boxing society and just put myself out there meeting new people.”

He immersed himself in the academic culture at Portsmouth and received the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science Innovation and Enterprise Award during his brief time there.

Covington will be participating in the panel discussion with Chrabalowski and will also share his experience with other students at the Brock Abroad Fair.

With what he describes as a very fulfilling experience behind him, Covington is looking forward to his second exchange at Swansea University in Wales beginning in January.

“It may feel a bit intimidating, but the Brock International team was so helpful with practical things like obtaining my student visa, learning about accessing health care and putting me in touch with the right contacts,” says Covington.

Chrabalowski has enjoyed his experience so much that he is also participating in another exchange next year, spending a third term abroad at the University of Ghana.

Eyeing a possible career in international politics, Chrabalowski believes his exchange experiences will benefit him in the future and that travelling to other countries has helped him to develop “a much broader worldview.”

The Experience Adventure panel discussion takes place Wednesday, Nov. 22. from 11 a.m. to noon in RFP 214/215. Those interested in attending can register in advance on ExperienceBU.

The Brock Abroad Fair takes place Thursday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rankin Family Pavilion. Those interested in attending can register in advance on ExperienceBU.