It’s About the Destination and Journey: Why I Chose to Study Abroad with Trent
By: Billie Clark, 4th Year English Major at Trent University Durham
During my final year of high school, I was touring around schools that I had been accepted to, trying to decide which one would be the best fit for me. On the tour of Trent University Durham, I picked up a study abroad pamphlet and although I had already been leaning heavily towards choosing Trent, seeing this opportunity helped to make the decision just a little bit easier. From the moment I saw the number of Trent partner schools, the number of countries they were in, and the many program options available, I knew Trent had what I was looking for.
After much consideration about where to study abroad I decided to attend Swansea University, in Swansea, Wales, U.K. during my third year. Choosing to do the study abroad program through Trent was probably one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences of my entire life, and one, I’m sure I will remember forever.
After my year of study was complete I did some travelling, eventually returning to Ontario this past July. Thanks to my exchange, I now have friends from all over the United States, Germany, England, Hong Kong, Romania and many others that I met in my courses and the clubs I participated in. Even though I was situated in Wales, I had the chance to experience so many aspects of different cultures.
So why did I choose Trent and the study abroad program? I live at home and commute to school. It was important to me when selecting a school to be able to graduate almost debt free. Trent has some fantastic scholarships, and I was able to enter university on a renewable scholarship that covered the entire cost of my first year’s tuition. I have been able to renew a portion of it every year. The money I could have spent on residence fees and meal plans went towards the cost of my year studying in Wales—which, for me, was the right choice. I’m passionate about travel and Trent made travelling a reality.
The number of opportunities available to me through Trent have been amazing. If you’re interested in travelling the world, the exchange program offered by Trent is a fantastic way to do it. I was able to save money, travel and continue to work towards by degree and that’s why I chose Trent University Durham.