Study abroad is your chance to step out of your comfort zone, experience life from a new perspective and come back with memories and skills that will stick with you forever. If you’ve ever thought about breaking out of your routine and trying something completely new, going on an exchange might be exactly what you need. Let me walk you through why I decided to apply and how you can get started on your own journey.
Why I chose to go on exchange
I've always been interested in travelling, but going on exchange felt like the perfect way to take it a step further. It’s not just about visiting a place; it’s about living there and immersing yourself in the culture while still working toward your academic goals. University is about embracing new opportunities, and for me, the question wasn’t “why” but “why not?”
As for my destination, I chose France. I’ve always had a fascination with the country and loved learning the language in school, so it felt meant to be. The school I selected also aligned perfectly with my future career goals, which was a big priority for me. I wanted my exchange to be as much about building skills for the future as it was about exploring a new place.
The application process: from idea to reality
The idea first came to mind after I received an email from York about an upcoming exchange opportunity. Talking to upper-year students who shared their experiences further solidified it. It seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn't pass up, so I started to look into it more seriously.
I attended information sessions, researched the available options, went to GO (Global Opportunities) Week and decided early on that I wanted to do a full-term exchange during the winter semester of my third year. I came to this decision after realizing I would prefer going for a longer period as opposed to the options during breaks, and I didn't want to delay my graduation date, in case the school ended after the end of May.
When deciding where to apply, I prioritized schools over countries. I wanted to be sure the academic content genuinely interested me and contributed to my goals. The last thing I wanted was to feel stuck in classes I was struggling in, especially in an entirely new environment. After narrowing down my options and figuring out what would work best for me, I chose my top five schools and sent in my application.
Pro tip: Reach out to students who studied at your top-choice school or did an exchange and ask what they loved and what they wish they’d known before applying.
Thinking about exchange?
If any part of this piqued your interest, now's the time to act! Applications for Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 close January 23, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to explore York’s study abroad options. Check out York International and find the right fit for you!
Sure preparing for exchange takes effort, but it is absolutely worth it. Whether you want to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people or gain international experience, exchange offers all of this and more. Take the leap, you won’t regret it!