[Study Abroad Destination] Mount Royal University (Canada)
[Study Abroad Period] September to December 2018 (4 months)
Q. What preparations should I make before studying abroad?
The application process for admission went smoothly, but the dormitory arrangements were a real hassle.
Regarding financial issues, since I funded my studies abroad entirely out of pocket except for grants, saving up money from part-time jobs was extremely difficult. Many people give up on studying abroad because of financial concerns, but I want to emphasize that it's not impossible if you work hard.
Q. About the university I will be studying at
At Mount Royal University, I only took ESL classes. After arriving and before classes started, there was a placement test, and based on the results, I was placed in the Academic English Level 1 class. There were about 10 students in that class, and the teacher was cheerful, creating a very enjoyable atmosphere. Also, the campus had plenty of cafes and fast food restaurants, as well as a gym and a new, large library, making me feel that it was a student-friendly university.
There wasn't much around the university, and the nearest supermarket was a 20-minute walk away, which was a bit inconvenient for dorm residents who needed to cook for themselves. However, if you took a city bus a little further away from the university, you could reach the city center with its many tall buildings, and I would go there on weekends to relax and unwind.
Q. About accommodation
I stayed in a university dormitory. I chose a four-person room, but unlike dormitories in Japan, each room had its own bedroom and study desk, so I was able to maintain my privacy. Also, before the room assignments were decided, there was a short questionnaire where we could choose things like our preferences regarding drinking and smoking, and whether we preferred a noisy or quiet room, so I think I was assigned a room that suited my preferences.
