What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?

I was born in Syria and lived there until I was 4, then moved straight to PEI and have been here since. We moved here primarily for educational reasons and to have more opportunities for our future; however, the war started shortly after we moved here so we were very lucky.

Because I grew up here, UPEI was always an option. I originally wanted to move away to try something different, but I always wanted studying abroad to be part of my university experience. After I looked into the study abroad programs at UPEI versus other schools, I decided this made the most sense. It seemed much more supported and achievable at UPEI, so that's the main reason I stayed. Another reason was because my family lives here, so being near them was very important for me.

I'm currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Psychology and Business.

How did you find out about the opportunity to study abroad? 

When I was in high school, we had a few UPEI students come and talk about UPEI, and part of their talk was the study abroad programs. I started looking into it immediately and knew I had to do it. As soon as I got into UPEI I reached out to Sherilyn in the Study Abroad office and started the process.

Where did you travel and study, and when did you begin and end the trip?

In 2023, I travelled to Costa Rica for the Maymester program and took a sustainable tourism class, and in February of 2024 I travelled to Córdoba, Spain to start my semester abroad and stayed there until July.

What were the main highlights of your experience abroad?

One of the most significant highlights of my five-month experience in Europe was the opportunity to travel extensively. I visited 10 countries and nearly 30 cities, including a trip to North Africa to explore Morocco. I was able to explore many different cultures and learn more about how people live, work, and interact in diverse societies. Each country varied in traditions, histories, and perspectives which broadened my understanding of the world.

"Living in another country immerses you in a new culture, challenges your perspectives, and pushes you to grow in ways that short-term travel simply cannot. It teaches you resilience, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for different ways of life. This experience shapes not only how you see the world but also how you see your future in it, influencing your decisions, values, and goals."

Another key highlight was the incredible people I met along the way. I formed lifelong friendships with individuals from across Europe, many of which I still stay in touch with today. Through these connections, I gained a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and lifestyles, broadening my global perspective. My time in Córdoba allowed me to build a strong sense of community while also developing the ability to create meaningful relationships quickly, both locally and while travelling.
 

How do you feel the experience studying and living in another country will impact your future plans? 

It has broadened my perspective on different career opportunities and lifestyles, inspiring me to consider working or studying abroad in the future. Living in a new environment taught me adaptability, independence, and communication skills, all of which will be extremely valuable in my professional and personal life. This experience has reinforced my desire to seek out diverse experiences, collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and approach challenges with an open mind.

What would you say to a student considering a UPEI study abroad experience?

I would say this is by far the most amazing experience I've had, and it does not begin to compare with simply travelling for a few months. Moving abroad is very different than just going on a trip and it cannot be compared. I would say that this experience will completely change your point of view on life and broaden your understanding of the world in ways you never expected. Living in another country immerses you in a new culture, challenges your perspectives, and pushes you to grow in ways that short-term travel simply cannot. It teaches you resilience, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for different ways of life. This experience shapes not only how you see the world but also how you see your future in it, influencing your decisions, values, and goals.