Katie was one of our Marketing students who was fortunate enough to get out on study abroad for a year before the Covid-19 pandemic, spending a year at the University of Quebec in Montreal. Read about her experiences living and studying overseas.

If you are interested in completing a placement or study abroad year between Stage 2 and Stage 3, you can find out more in the Business School UG Stage 2 Community 2021-22 on Canvas, or contact the NUBS Student Experience team at nubs.placementandstudyabroad@newcastle.ac.uk.

 

 

Studying Abroad

 

The idea of going on a year abroad always appealed to me, however, I was not sure if I really wanted to do it or if I could do it. In the middle of my second year, I applied not thinking I would even get a place on the programme, so I didn’t actually tell anyone until I got accepted.

 

I went to Montreal for a total of two Semesters. Whilst I was there, I studied business at UQAM. The University was a great place to learn about French Canadian culture and work with many local businesses in the area. I completed marketing portfolios for a local gym, as well as working in numerous team environments to complete modules.

 

Although I was taught in English, the University itself was primarily French speaking. Therefore, basic materials including the website, the student portal and on campus computers were all in French. I would say I struggled with this aspect of the exchange as I am not bilingual.

 

Montreal is a massive student city so you’re never too far away from a party. Equally if partying is not your thing, the city comes with many cafes and restaurants. As the city has four Universities, it is easy to make new friends from all kinds of backgrounds and cultures. At the beginning of the year, I took part in many activities with the Universities exchange group called ‘voyage’. This is a student run group which takes you all over Montreal and further afield. This meant that I was able to meet people from university, as well as seeing the area at a fraction of the cost if I had done it myself.

 

What was your favourite thing about your placement/ study abroad?

 

This is a hard one! I loved everything about it. I have made lifelong friends and memories, as well as developing confidence and a global awareness of businesses and different cultures. Montreal is an amazing city, I could not recommend it more.

 

What were the key skills you developed on placement/ study abroad?

 

• Confidence – stepping outside your comfort zone and moving to a country with nobody you know, helps you develop an immense amount of confidence.
• Teamwork – I really enjoyed the fact that alongside all modules, you had to complete a team assignment. This was a great was of making new friends.