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International Exchange Student Testimonials

Hear from students who have taken their learning beyond the classroom and around the world. Through international exchange, they explored new cultures, studied in different countries, built global connections, and gained experiences that shaped both their personal and professional growth, as well as receive academic credit. Read their stories and discover where a Ted Rogers School exchange can take you.

student standing in front of scenic background wth rocks in australia

Mary Joyce Feline, University of South Australia

Studying abroad in Adelaide was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. People always said exchange changes you, but I never believed them until I lived it myself. In this quiet, sunlit city, I discovered more about who I am than I ever did back home. Adelaide, with its rolling hills, golden beaches and slow, easy culture, taught me how to breathe. The hikes through Morialta Falls, the laughter over wine in the vineyard, the strangers who became family, being here, every moment felt like a gift. It wasn’t just a semester; it was a lifetime of growth packed into a few golden months. If I could go back, I would in a heartbeat. This city, and the people who made it home, will stay with me forever.

two students taking a picture with a kangaroo on the ground outside

Luca Orsini, Queensland University of Technology

My international exchange to Brisbane, Australia will forever be one of the best character building experiences of my life. Between the places you’ll go and the people you’ll meet, international exchange really gives the opportunity to take life in directions you would never be able to experience otherwise. Brisbane is an amazing city where the sun shines almost everyday! Just a short train, bus, or boat and you can be on one of tens of coastal remote islands or the world famous gold coast or sunshine coast! There is always an adventure to explore in Australia. QUT was also a great university with easy to navigate campus and friendly faculty members. The world is too big to not explore, so go get out there!

student taking picture of colorful vuildings over canal in denmark

Harkirat Grewal, Copenhagen Business School

Going to Copenhagen Business School was probably one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have wanted to study abroad since high school and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and connections that have enriched my time in Denmark. During my exchange, I was able to travel to 17 countries and explore 41 cities/towns. Each destination offered a unique perspective and broadened my horizons, allowing me to immerse myself in diverse cultures and traditions. Copenhagen Business School has a vibrant student community and engaging academic environment that helped develop deep connections with people from all over the globe. I learned so much about Danish culture, including the language, which gave me an appreciation of the local way of life, plus they have the best pastries! A special highlight of my time in Copenhagen was winning second prize in a photo competition. Capturing the essence of my experiences through photography allowed me to share the beauty and diversity I encountered with others.

student posing in front of the eiffel tower at night

Maria Finkleson, University Paris Dauphine

My exchange experience was nothing short of fantastic. I lived in and explored my favourite city, met the locals, made lots of international friends and travelled around Europe and beyond. Some of my destinations included Greece, England, the French Alps, Morocco, Austria, Italy, Spain and more!

student walking in front of a building at sunset in france

Megan Wong, University Paris Dauphine

Going on exchange was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Living in Paris was a dream come true—every day brought new cultures, amazing friends and unforgettable experiences. This journey helped me grow in ways I never imagined, and I’ll cherish these memories forever.

student looking at the eiffel tower

Asha Khatri, SKEMA Business School

I'm living my best life on exchange in the South of France! From beach days to baguettes, exploring charming villages to sipping espresso in sunlit squares, this place is pure magic. Can I stay forever? #FrenchExchange #SouthofFrance #Wanderlust #StudyAbroadAdventures

student posing for a photo in front of a canal and building and germany

Fatimah Shami, Karlsruhe University of Applied Science

Hallo! Ich bin Fatimah! I got to study for six months in Karlsruhe, Germany. It was the best experience I could ever ask for! I got to meet students and friends from all over the world. My city was in the middle of Europe, so I could easily travel all over the continent quickly and cheaply. I travelled and visited seven countries with my new friends, which was an unforgettable experience. This exchange taught me so much about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, and how I can go beyond my comfort zone and try new things. If you could do one thing while studying, you must go on an international exchange!

student biking in the countryside in the netherlands

Kevin Pulido, University of Groningen

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in the Netherlands at the University of Groningen! It was an amazing experience filled with adventures in multiple countries and meeting amazing people worldwide. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and the memories I've made.

student posing in green mountaineous area in front of building in Portugal

David Krohmalnik, ISCTE Lisbon University Institute

Going on exchange to Lisbon, Portugal was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I studied at ISCTE and had an incredible academic and personal experience. I also met an incredible group of people from around the world—getting to know them, sharing experiences and learning about different cultures was a big part of what made the exchange so rewarding. On top of that, being based in Portugal made it easy to travel, and I was able to visit multiple countries throughout the semester. The mix of studying, meeting new people and exploring Europe made it a truly well-rounded experience. If you’re thinking about going on exchange, I can’t recommend it enough.

castle in scotland

Luciano Ruso, Glasgow Caledonian University

Reflecting on an incredible semester in Glasgow that I’ll never forget! From meeting so many amazing people to travelling to breathtaking places like the Highlands and beyond, every day was an adventure. I loved being immersed in the rich culture, history and traditions of Scotland, it truly felt like a second home. From lively nights in the city to peaceful countryside escapes, I soaked in everything Glasgow had to offer. Grateful for the friendships, the experiences and all the unforgettable moments along the way. Can’t wait to go back someday!

student posing in front of lake and mountain in scotland

Guilia Allan, University of Stirling

Over the last semester, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad at the University of Stirling in Scotland. Through my experience, I was able to grow as an individual in ways that I didn't even think could be possible. Studying abroad taught me that you are stronger than you believe. I have learned the value of independence and the importance of you.
As my father was born in Scotland, it was incredible to see my heritage and explore the wonderful cities within the country. Aside from this, I was also lucky enough to explore the continent of Europe with my amazing flatmates and now lifelong friends. From sleeping on airport floors and taking spontaneous flights over the weekend, I would not trade it for the world. Never in a million years would I have thought that by 21-years-old I would have visited over 20 cities in Europe.

students posing in front of traditional architecture in singapore

Vivian Vien, Nanyang Technological University

I had the absolute privilege of attending NTU in Singapore for the 2025 Winter semester. It was genuinely the best experience of my life. If you love scenic spots, amazing food choices, great transit systems, warm and kind locals, dedicated and passionate professors and an opportunity to try something different, NTU offers all of those things. This university gave me a chance to get out of my comfort zone and blessed me with life long friends, delicious foods that I otherwise would never have tried, a travel hub, warmth during our winter, and most importantly, memories I’ll carry with me forever. If you attend, be sure to try the Cai Fun stall at Koufu and go to the fifth floor of the library for a nap. Take the leap, go on exchange!

2 students posin fr selfie in front of mountaineous canyons

Immad Allawala, Nanyang Technological University

Exchange through the Ted Rogers School was genuinely the best decision I ever made. I made so many connections, met so many cool people and travelled to so many different places. I feel like I got a perspective that changed the way I view my life and I have made new connections I’ll cherish forever through my time in Singapore at NTU.

student posing in front of traditional architecture in South Korea

Gagandeep Bararich, Chung-Ang University

I had the incredible opportunity to study at Chung-Ang University in Seoul for half a year, and it was an unforgettable experience. I fell in love with the city, its amazing people and the vibrant atmosphere. Living in Seoul also made it easy to travel to other incredible places like Japan, Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines. One of the highlights was joining a student club where half the members were native Koreans and half were exchange students. We became lifelong friends and had weekly events that I always looked forward to. I’ll cherish these memories forever.

University students sitting on grass

Alexandra Geladaris, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in the heart of Spain, Madrid. Choosing to go on exchange was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From effortlessly exploring different parts of Europe to meeting new people almost every day, the experience was unforgettable. Everyone was open to making connections and creating lasting memories. One thing that truly stuck with me is this: life is what you make of it, whether you're in Toronto or halfway across the world. I faced challenges and learned countless lessons, but every part of the journey helped me grow. I would genuinely recommend studying abroad to anyone who gets the chance.

student posing in the colosseum in rome

Harsimran Gulri, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

My exchange in Madrid was an unforgettable experience. During my five months abroad I was able to visit seven countries, 20 cities, eat the most authentic food and make memories that will last a lifetime. Although there are unexpected challenges that come with this journey, it was a major opportunity for growth on a personal, academic and professional level. I’m so thankful to have had this opportunity and definitely recommend it to anyone considering exchange!

student posing in front of building in spain

Amelie Duong, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

Joining the exchange program was probably one of the best decisions I had ever made. The experience of integrating myself into a new culture and meeting new people is unforgettable and the relationships I have built I will cherish forever. I was super fortunate to do my exchange semester in Madrid, Spain where I had the opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture that varies between different regions of the country. Spain also neighbored countries such as Portugal, France and Italy which I was fortunate enough to travel to due to its proximity. I couldn't recommend this experience more!

4 students posing at cliffside beach at sunset

Phillip Sarafan, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

My exchange semester was a dream come true. I made many new friends, got acquainted with Spanish culture, and had the best opportunity to travel around Europe. I had many great experiences in Madrid, from attending a Champions League match to running a half marathon around the city. I got to step outside my comfort zone in a completely different country and grow in such a short period. I visited Croatia, Greece, Morocco, France, Portugal and many other countries during my exchange. Looking back, my exchange was an eye-opening experience that made me aware of the possibilities and sights in this world, and definitely awakened a bit of a travel bug! If you're even slightly thinking about exchange, give it a lot of thought as opportunities like this don't come around often. Madrid felt like a new home and I am very grateful for this experience!

student feeding a reindeer in a snowy forest

Alexandra Myszkowski, Jönköping University

Taking the plunge and applying to study abroad was the best choice I've ever made. My time at Jönköping University was beyond anything I imagined. From day one, I was welcomed into an incredibly friendly community. Jönköping’s kickoff experience is one of the best in Sweden, and I was lucky to be part of the winning team! I loved exploring Sweden's beautiful landscapes and live in the wonderful tiny city of Jönköping. I worked with the student union, joined associations and made incredible relationships. Looking back, I couldn’t be more grateful for my semester abroad. It’s made me consider pursuing a master’s degree in Europe after I graduate. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, I say go for it! It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone, experience a new culture and grow in ways you never thought possible. Trust me, it’s worth it!

student taking picture in front of mounain region

Alexa Hatzissauvas, Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Studying abroad in Winterthur, Switzerland (just 15 minutes via train from Zurich) was truly the best six months of my life. Winterthur is the cutest little city, and it quickly felt like home. I was lucky to be surrounded by such a great group of people who quickly turned into family. We made unforgettable memories together, exploring all of Switzerland thanks to their incredible train system, from stunning mountains and crystal-clear lakes to the most gorgeous cities. We also traveled all across Europe, discovering new places and cultures. Switzerland genuinely felt like a green screen and it’s still surreal to me that I got the privilege to live there and emerge myself into their culture. The memories I have made and the friendships I’ve built will last a lifetime.

stdent posing in front of traditional buildings in switzerland

Liam Coniconde, Zurich University of Applied Science

My exchange semester at Zürich University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur, Switzerland was truly unforgettable. From meeting incredible new friends to travelling across 14 different countries, this experience gave me lifelong memories and connections. Each place I visited offered something new, whether it was learning about local traditions, tasting different cuisines or simply appreciating the beauty of the world from a fresh perspective. This exchange experience not only broadened my horizons but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow both personally and academically. It was an adventure I’ll always be grateful for!

student posing in front of countryside in Turkey

Emel Bababan, KOC University

Studying in Istanbul not only changed my University career, but was able to give me friends for life. It also brought me closer to other parts of the world!