Luke – University of Calgary – Canada
Semester 2, 2024
Bachelor of Science (Earth Science)
Sunny Calgary
My name is Luke, and I am an Earth Science student at QUT. About two years ago I decided to explore the opportunity of a semester exchange whilst on holiday in New Zealand. After combing through the endless universities partnered with QUT, I settled on the University of Calgary. What place better than sunny Calgary located at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. Known as one of the most liveable cities in the world and its extremely cold winters, it was Calgary’s proximity to the Canadian Rockies that proved to be the major drawcard.
Preparing for departure
I spent a lot of time meeting with my faculty to ensure I had multiple options for my study plan. This was the best thing I did as it gave me lots of flexibility with potential units as I had no optional units left on my study plan. On campus housing was very competitive, so I ended up in off campus housing with three other exchange students. The process of finding a short term rental was super easy.
Arriving in Canada
I arrived in Vancouver on the 23rd of August, a couple of weeks before the start of semester. After exploring Vancouver for a couple of days and adjusting to the time zone difference, I hopped on a bus and 15 hours later arrived at my new home in Calgary, just as the sun was rising. My first days in Calgary were spent shopping for household items, attending college CFL games, exploring the city and making new friends. I was even able to play a game of footy in Edmonton for the local Calgary Aussie Rules club.
University Life
I took 3 subjects whilst on exchange which were all equivalent units of my degree at QUT, Siliclastic Sedimentology, Igneous Petrology, and Aqueous Geochemistry. Unlike QUT where all lectures are recorded, attendance at lectures was required to keep up with course work. Also, all of my labs were marked weekly which meant you had to catch up on missed labs in your own time. Another difference to QUT was the requirement to pass every component of assessment, however, this was not for every subject I took. I also had mid-term exams for each of my subjects.
Outside of University
Weekends consisted of numerous escapes to Banff and road trips through the Canadian Rockies. The Thanksgiving long weekend was spent on a road trip across the Canada-US border exploring Montanna, Wyoming, and Idaho, venturing through the spectacular Yellowstone National Park and Tetons National Park. Reading week involved a couple of nights in Las Vegas before flying out to Fairbanks, Alaska, and then returning to Calgary for the start of the ski season at Lake Louise. Towards the end of semester, weekends turned into ski trips to Banff that were incredibly worth it. If you are thinking of skiing whilst on exchange look into getting a season pass because they are heavily discounted for students.
Travels after Exchange
After semester finished, I spent Christmas and New Years in Banff, experiencing my first white Christmas, which was absolutely magical. I was fortunate to be able to explore some of the other ski resorts in the vicinity of Banff, such as Kicking Horse and Fernie. Before returning to Australia, I spent a week in Mexico, basking in the sun and visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. A one-day pitstop in Los Angeles preceded my flight back to Australia.
Looking back on it all.
Going on exchange was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made lifelong friends and memories that I will hold onto for ever. If you are thinking about going on exchange, do give it some consideration, you will not regret it. You can make far worse decisions than going on exchange.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
