From Perth to Winter Wonderland: Jade's Exchange Experience in Canada

Most students go on exchange hoping to see a new country. Jade came back with lifelong friendships, unforgettable travel memories, and a new perspective on the world.

A Strategic Communications student at Murdoch University, Jade spent a semester studying at the University of Victoria (UVic) in British Columbia, Canada. What started as an opportunity to study overseas quickly became one of the most memorable experiences of her life.

Why Study on Exchange in Canada?

Jade chose UVic because it offered something that was important to her outside the classroom.

“I went there because UVic had a cheer program,” she says.

As a competitive cheerleader, joining the team helped her settle into life in a new country and instantly connect with other students.

“It was really easy finding my people,” she says. “That was really fun.”

Being involved in a sport she already loved gave her a sense of familiarity while adjusting to a completely new environment. It also meant she was able to meet local students rather than only spending time with other exchange students. For Jade, having that community from the beginning made the transition to studying overseas much easier and helped her feel at home sooner.

Student Life at the University of Victoria in Canada

Jade (second from the right) dressed up for a Halloween party with her friends in Canada.

Victoria exceeded Jade's expectations.

“The fact that you had the sea, mountains, greenery, you could see snow in the distance and the waterfalls. They just had everything in one spot.”

The campus itself was just a short walk from the beach, surrounded by hiking trails and wildlife.

“There were dolphins, sea lions and deer. You're very immersed in nature there, which was really beautiful.”

Coming from Perth, Jade was amazed by how much natural beauty was packed into one location. Whether she was walking around campus, heading to class or exploring on weekends, there was always something new to see. The changing seasons were also a highlight, giving her the chance to experience snowy landscapes and colder weather that felt completely different from life back home in Western Australia.

Making Friends While Studying Abroad

Jade (pictured in the middle of the top row) with her cheer squad.

One of Jade's biggest takeaways from exchange was how easy it was to build friendships.

“I made so many friends there,” she says.

Between classes, the cheer team, holidays with fellow exchange students and Thanksgiving celebrations in Whistler, she quickly built a strong social circle.

“Everyone in Canada was so friendly, so kind and easy to talk to.”

Some of her favourite memories came from travelling and celebrating special occasions with the people she met during her semester abroad. Sharing new experiences together helped friendships form quickly, even among students from different countries and backgrounds. The welcoming nature of both Canadians and fellow exchange students created an environment where it was easy to step outside her comfort zone and make meaningful connections.

What I Learned from Going on Exchange

Studying overseas exposed Jade to different ways of life and encouraged her to see the world from a new perspective.

“I think one of the biggest things I learned was probably cultural realism,” she says.

“Just because something feels different or uncomfortable doesn't mean it's wrong. In that culture, in that community, that's normal and that's how they do things.”

Living in another country challenged some of the assumptions she had grown up with and encouraged her to be more open-minded. Through everyday interactions, travel and conversations with people from different backgrounds, she gained a deeper appreciation for cultural differences. Rather than comparing experiences to what she was used to in Australia, she learned to understand and respect different perspectives. For Jade, exchange wasn't just about travel. It was about personal growth, new friendships and learning to see the world through a broader lens.