CBNU offers exchange student programs every semester, with options for a semester or a year. The program allows students to attend partner institutions abroad, earn credits, and experience new opportunities for learning. A CBT reporter also participated in the aforementioned program and went to Canada as an exchange student.

  From Sep. to Dec. 2023, the reporter attended the University of Guelph as a semester exchange student. Preparing for the exchange was not an easy process. While it was not necessary to prepare for an entire year, the considerable distance from Korea to Canada required the reporter to pack extensively. Since Guelph, located near Toronto, experiences a sharp drop in temperature starting in Nov., warm clothing and even an electric blanket was called for. Each host university offers different systems, but the university in question provided a dedicated tutor who helped with essential processes such as immigration and homestay arrangements, ensuring smooth adaptation for exchange students.

  The reporter arrived in late Aug., slightly before the start of the semester, to adjust to the time difference. Everything felt new—it was exciting to experience a different culture and make international friends while simultaneously feeling anxious about handling everything independently, away from parental support. Nonetheless, this sense of novelty was exhilarating. With few Koreans present, it was inevitable to communicate exclusively in English. While it was initially frustrating not being able to express everything clearly, the reporter quickly adapted and embraced the rare opportunity to engage in English-only interactions. It became clear that the hardest part is starting, and once adapted, everything falls into place.

  The first month was spent adjusting—not only to the time difference but also to classes conducted in English and building relationships with new friends and classmates. At the University of Guelph, monthly programs were organized to help students socialize. One of the most memorable experiences was a group trip to Niagara Falls. The university gathered interested students and organized a bus trip, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with students from different classes. Since Niagara Falls is just over an hour away from Toronto, the trip did not take long. Standing in the midst of the falls on a sunny day was an unforgettable experience —it felt like a natural “water bomb.”

  Another highlight was attending an ice hockey game. As part of a school program, students gathered to watch the game, which was a first for the reporter. The hockey arena was larger than expected, and with hockey being extremely popular as a national sport in Canada, every city had its own teams and arenas. Watching hockey on the ice, with its unique mix of speed and strategy, was incredibly enjoyable.

  Nevertheless, the exchange student process was not as smooth as expected. The flight fare was quite expensive due to a last-minute booking, and the reporter had to rush to finalize all the preparations since CNBU started the application later than other schools. Going abroad as an exchange student was a big challenge in itself, so the reporter set foot in Canada with the intention of going and enjoying it without any regrets. However, it was stressful because English skills were not improving as fast as anticipated. After exploring various methods, the reporter decided to watch as many movies as possible with the English subtitles turned on. Another brief low point was when the heating in the host family’s house broke down for about two weeks. This is when the electric blanket brought from Korea shone. It was originally a little chilly because the heater was not turned on throughout the house, it came to the point where my teeth were chattering in the morning because the heating system was broken.

  The reporter believes that the challenges and experiences of studying abroad are invaluable. While it might not be easy for everyone, the exchange program broadens perspectives and provides rare opportunities to experience different cultures. To students considering studying abroad, the reporter wholeheartedly recommends taking the leap and embracing the adventure.