Hello blog!
Procrastination has gotten the best of me on this post. My Instagram followers already know this big announcement, and if you read the blog title, you probably do too.
After months of preparations, endless workshops, and tons of anxiety I have finally received my acceptance letter to Brock University in St Catharines. In other words...
I'M MOVING TO CANADA!!!!!!!
Well, okay I’m not actually ‘moving’. I will, however be spending the first 4 months (Jan-April) of the new year, studying abroad in Ontario, Canada!!!! I’m so excited!! I have dreamed of studying abroad since I started college and now, it’s actually happening! In fact one of the main reasons why I choose UNCG as my college of choice is because of their study abroad program.
So I felt that it was only right to make a blog post about the 5 Reasons Why I'm Studying Abroad.
Never in a million years did I think traveling to another country was something I'd be able to do at such a young age. Being able to have an experience like this in my sights is such a blessing! I can't wait to see what amazing things God has in store for me while abroad!
Procrastination has gotten the best of me on this post. My Instagram followers already know this big announcement, and if you read the blog title, you probably do too.
After months of preparations, endless workshops, and tons of anxiety I have finally received my acceptance letter to Brock University in St Catharines. In other words...
I'M MOVING TO CANADA!!!!!!!
Well, okay I’m not actually ‘moving’. I will, however be spending the first 4 months (Jan-April) of the new year, studying abroad in Ontario, Canada!!!! I’m so excited!! I have dreamed of studying abroad since I started college and now, it’s actually happening! In fact one of the main reasons why I choose UNCG as my college of choice is because of their study abroad program.
So I felt that it was only right to make a blog post about the 5 Reasons Why I'm Studying Abroad.
- To go aboard (DUH). I know what many of you are thinking. Is Canada even considered studying abroad?!?! First of all, please not be that person. I can not tell you how many times my heart has been shattered to pieces because of someone's reaction to my country of choice. I've even had some people reply with condescending laughter. These conversations usually start off extremely uplifting, people alway light up when you tell them that you're studying abroad. Followed by the question "Where are you going?". Every time, without fail, when I answer "Canada", that once uplifting and joyous smile, fades into a disdainful glare. No, I'm not going to Europe or Asia. But there are so many other places in the world to explore. And yes, Canada is considered another country. Because it is it's own country. I know many people don't even mention Canada if you asked them to name 5 places they would like to visit. Sadly, to most Americans, Canada is irreverent. And this makes me really sad. Canada is a huge country that many people forget about. I can't wait to be able to spend 4 months in an underrated beautiful place.
- To expand my academic world view. Okay so I'm not sure if this means that professors grade harsher on Canada or what but the Canadian grading scales are wack! And I mean that in the nicest way possible. The grading scale goes something like this: A (80-100%), B (70-78%), C (60-68%), D (50-58%). I can guarantee you that I will cry if I get a 50% on anything...but then I will realize that a 50% is still a passing grade. Then I will do a happy dance! Academically, as a business major it only seems right to take my major required international themed courses (International Business) abroad. And as a marketing major, advertisements and social media have always been my main point of interest. I would love to see how other parts of the world advertise their products and compare the differences to how advertisements are made there to those in the U.S.
- Find new photographic inspiration. As a photographer and a visual artist, I am constantly searching for new things to be inspired by. Here in North Carolina, the soft sunrises and striking blue skies are my muses. I can sit outside on the lawn or walk to class and conceptualize new photo concepts that are just waiting to be brought to life. I can only imagine what creative ideas living in a new country would lend itself to. Canada might be covered in snow for a good portion of my time there, but hopefully the skies are blue! The differences in the lighting, weather, and social ambience will be well suited for a photographer like myself. I have always dreamed of traveling to different places around the world, while meeting new people to share my art with.
- Learn how to be independent. This is by far the scariest part about this whole exchange. The dreadful word of "adulting" comes to mind. Despite my family’s wishes for me to stay close to them forever, I have decided to study abroad to suppress my personal curiosity of wondering what it's like to truly be independent. As I choose a university extremely close to home, less than 20 minutes, I have been blesses with having my family close by at all times. Going home every weekend os a luxury. Being able to always to see my family, and my CAT. Don't get my started on that separation anxiety attack waiting to happen, when I'm stressed out or just need a home-cooked meal, is a luxury. After 20 years of living in the same place, I am ready for a new change and a challenge. I have not idea how I'm going to handle being away from my close knit family for this long, but I'm willing to try my best to be on my own!
- Have fun! Travel! Explore! Meet new people! AH! I saved the most clique answer for last. Brock University is only minutes away from Niagara Falls and 1 hour away from Toronto. Not to mention that Vancouver and Montreal are easily a train ride away. I can't wait to finally see some of these places heard about my whole life.
Follow along with me while I'm away by following me on Instagram!
Follow me to Canada! Follow me on Instagram!
Photography account: @alyceebyrd
Selfies and other shenanigans: @dearalycee
Thanks for reading!
Hello blog!
Procrastination has gotten the best of me on this post. My Instagram followers already know this big announcement, and if you read the blog title, you probably do too.
After months of preparations, endless workshops, and tons of anxiety I have finally received my acceptance letter to Brock University in St Catharines. In other words...
I'M MOVING TO CANADA!!!!!!!
Well, okay I’m not actually ‘moving’. I will, however be spending the first 4 months (Jan-April) of the new year, studying abroad in Ontario, Canada!!!! I’m so excited!! I have dreamed of studying abroad since I started college and now, it’s actually happening! In fact one of the main reasons why I choose UNCG as my college of choice is because of their study abroad program.
So I felt that it was only right to make a blog post about the 5 Reasons Why I'm Studying Abroad.
Never in a million years did I think traveling to another country was something I'd be able to do at such a young age. Being able to have an experience like this in my sights is such a blessing! I can't wait to see what amazing things God has in store for me while abroad!
Procrastination has gotten the best of me on this post. My Instagram followers already know this big announcement, and if you read the blog title, you probably do too.
After months of preparations, endless workshops, and tons of anxiety I have finally received my acceptance letter to Brock University in St Catharines. In other words...
I'M MOVING TO CANADA!!!!!!!
Well, okay I’m not actually ‘moving’. I will, however be spending the first 4 months (Jan-April) of the new year, studying abroad in Ontario, Canada!!!! I’m so excited!! I have dreamed of studying abroad since I started college and now, it’s actually happening! In fact one of the main reasons why I choose UNCG as my college of choice is because of their study abroad program.
So I felt that it was only right to make a blog post about the 5 Reasons Why I'm Studying Abroad.
- To go aboard (DUH). I know what many of you are thinking. Is Canada even considered studying abroad?!?! First of all, please not be that person. I can not tell you how many times my heart has been shattered to pieces because of someone's reaction to my country of choice. I've even had some people reply with condescending laughter. These conversations usually start off extremely uplifting, people alway light up when you tell them that you're studying abroad. Followed by the question "Where are you going?". Every time, without fail, when I answer "Canada", that once uplifting and joyous smile, fades into a disdainful glare. No, I'm not going to Europe or Asia. But there are so many other places in the world to explore. And yes, Canada is considered another country. Because it is it's own country. I know many people don't even mention Canada if you asked them to name 5 places they would like to visit. Sadly, to most Americans, Canada is irreverent. And this makes me really sad. Canada is a huge country that many people forget about. I can't wait to be able to spend 4 months in an underrated beautiful place.
- To expand my academic world view. Okay so I'm not sure if this means that professors grade harsher on Canada or what but the Canadian grading scales are wack! And I mean that in the nicest way possible. The grading scale goes something like this: A (80-100%), B (70-78%), C (60-68%), D (50-58%). I can guarantee you that I will cry if I get a 50% on anything...but then I will realize that a 50% is still a passing grade. Then I will do a happy dance! Academically, as a business major it only seems right to take my major required international themed courses (International Business) abroad. And as a marketing major, advertisements and social media have always been my main point of interest. I would love to see how other parts of the world advertise their products and compare the differences to how advertisements are made there to those in the U.S.
- Find new photographic inspiration. As a photographer and a visual artist, I am constantly searching for new things to be inspired by. Here in North Carolina, the soft sunrises and striking blue skies are my muses. I can sit outside on the lawn or walk to class and conceptualize new photo concepts that are just waiting to be brought to life. I can only imagine what creative ideas living in a new country would lend itself to. Canada might be covered in snow for a good portion of my time there, but hopefully the skies are blue! The differences in the lighting, weather, and social ambience will be well suited for a photographer like myself. I have always dreamed of traveling to different places around the world, while meeting new people to share my art with.
- Learn how to be independent. This is by far the scariest part about this whole exchange. The dreadful word of "adulting" comes to mind. Despite my family’s wishes for me to stay close to them forever, I have decided to study abroad to suppress my personal curiosity of wondering what it's like to truly be independent. As I choose a university extremely close to home, less than 20 minutes, I have been blesses with having my family close by at all times. Going home every weekend os a luxury. Being able to always to see my family, and my CAT. Don't get my started on that separation anxiety attack waiting to happen, when I'm stressed out or just need a home-cooked meal, is a luxury. After 20 years of living in the same place, I am ready for a new change and a challenge. I have not idea how I'm going to handle being away from my close knit family for this long, but I'm willing to try my best to be on my own!
- Have fun! Travel! Explore! Meet new people! AH! I saved the most clique answer for last. Brock University is only minutes away from Niagara Falls and 1 hour away from Toronto. Not to mention that Vancouver and Montreal are easily a train ride away. I can't wait to finally see some of these places heard about my whole life.
Follow along with me while I'm away by following me on Instagram!
Follow me to Canada! Follow me on Instagram!
Photography account: @alyceebyrd
Selfies and other shenanigans: @dearalycee
Thanks for reading!
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