Tara from Canada

"I participated in the Canada-China Scholars Exchange Program during the 2023-24 academic year. For my program, I studied Mandarin Chinese full-time at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). My academic experience was deeply enriching, and the quality of the education was reflected through engaging instructors who genuinely cared about students’ understanding and progress.

During my time in China, I came to appreciate the wide variety of foods with varying spice levels from different regions of the country. I also loved the diversity of landscapes, from the epic mountains of Zhangjiajie and flowing rivers of Guilin to the towering skyscrapers in Shanghai. Most importantly, I learned how kind and curious many locals are when they come across foreigners. I always felt safe and secure during my time in China, even when I was traveling on my own.

Overall, my exchange enabled me to form friendships with people from all over the world, increasing both my network and intercultural awareness. My experience abroad allowed me to develop a deeper self-confidence that will absolutely serve me well in any career I decide to pursue. It was an incredible year that I will remember fondly for the rest of my life."

Undergraduate student
University of Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia