All my life I’ve loved to travel the world, I went to Lourdes and Salamanca on a pilgrimage and I camped around Poland for two weeks with scouts but I’ve never did a completely solo trip. On January the 8th I got a flight to Canada, but little did I know how much this trip would change my life. The past two months have been a rollercoaster of emotions, excitement, challenges, and personal growth.

This trip has made me more independent and it’s building my confident little by little. When Centennial College in Canada I knew it was going to be different, but I don’t think I realised how different it would be. 

Arriving in Canada

Stepping off the plane after landing in Toronto, I was overwhelmed by a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I have pretty bad anxiety since after covid but this trip is suppose to help with that.  It was cold and I could see snow already, but the climate I wasn’t so different. My first days at Centennial College were filled with curiosity and the occasional homesickness. Everything was new the people, the food, the academic culture and adjusting took time.

Adjusting to a New Academic Environment

Centennial College was difficult to adjust to at the start, but the lectures have been patient and kind with me. My module is entirely made up of students from different parts of the world, and in fact there is not a single Canadian person in my classes, but even though we are all from different parts of the world we are all here to learn, my classmates are all really nice.

My roommates are really nice and welcoming as well. The student residence in the first month did a bunch of activities to make people get to know one another better. The residence has a gym, an arcade, an theatre room and a pool table room, as well as a study room and big kitchen on every floor, even though all dorms have a kitchen. They do classes at the gym and have a market in the lobby of the residences. However, my favourite thing about the entire place though, is the view from my window when the sun is setting. 

Exploring Toronto

Beyond academics, living in Toronto has been an adventure in itself. The city’s diversity is incredible, and I have met people from all over the world, each with a different story, I met one guy who came to Canada to escape the LA fires. The public transportation is pretty good here; however I do miss driving sometime, but you can really travel anywhere by bus or subway.  Toronto is an amazing city with beautiful sites and the CN tower has been my favourite so far, especially at night it lights up. Honestly, there has been snow storms and it has been very cold the last two months, being here feels like being in a movie.
 

Challenges and Growth

Adjusting to life in a new country has not been without its difficulties. I have never been complemented so much on my accent, however, it doesn’t mean that people always understand it. I have felt loneliness and definitely miss my family and friends back home at times, but I came to Canada to learn more about myself and to experience a new culture. Centennial College has been a supportive environment, with various student organizations and events that have helped get more comfortable in the new environment. 


Looking Ahead

Since being in Canada I have gone to many events and plan on going to many more and as I reflect on these past two months, I realize how much I have grown. The journey to Centennial College has been more than just an academic pursuit; it has been a journey of self-discovery, independence, and cultural appreciation. Although there are still challenges ahead, I am eager to continue learning, exploring, and embracing every opportunity that comes my way.

Traveling to Canada and studying at Centennial College has been one of the most t amazing experiences of my life. I look forward to the months ahead but knowing that I’m leaving soon also makes me sad. This journey has been a once in a lifetime experience and I would encourage anyone to come here on a trip.

Blog written by Adele Canning Events Management 3rd Year, 1 term mobility in T2 at at Centennial College | May 2024

Last updated: 01/05/2025