Student Profile
Name: Hannah Tibble
Major: Psychology and Indigenous Studies
Exchange University: University of Malta, Malta
Advice: “I wish I knew more about budgeting. In arriving I expected that I wouldn’t really have to keep track of my spending as long as I was conscious of how often I was buying non-essentials. About halfway through the exchange I realized I was moving through my budget a lot quicker than I thought I would, so I had to create a weekly budget.”
QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to travel abroad?
An opportunity to experience life in another country, broaden my perspective and learn about myself.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Malta?
Malta is a country my partner and his family visited and loved. The country itself was interesting to me because English is one of their primary languages, it is a warm island, and it's placement in Europe made for many opportunities for me to travel. The university was appealing to me because they offer some really interesting disabilities studies courses which I can apply to my future as a teacher.
What was your experience like?
I took a reduced course load during my semester abroad which meant that the time and effort I had to put into my studies was much less than it would be in a typical semester at Trent. I will also say that the assessments for each course at UM are typically one paper or exam that makes up between 80%-100% of your final mark. Student life here is excellent! There are many clubs you can join, while I was here, I got to go to a play put on by the University students that was phenomenal. The chaplaincy was a great support for students studying abroad even those not religious. I am not religious but every Wednesday they put on a free lunch, and they hosted many hikes for students studying abroad to meet each other.
What did you find was the most challenging while abroad?
I think that the most challenging part for me was making an entirely unfamiliar environment feel like home. I am someone who needs a home base and a space where I feel comfortable which is very difficult when nothing around you is familiar. Making this space has come from meeting amazing people, decorating my space to feel like me, and making sure to spend time in the space in a positive way.
In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
Studying abroad has shown me so many things about myself. It has shown me how capable I am as a person and how strong I am for moving across the world alone and forcing myself out of my comfort zone. In studying abroad, I have also had the opportunity to expand my world view through meeting people from all over the world. I have learned about so many beautiful cultures and ways of viewing the world around me.
What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
I have had so many amazing experiences it's really hard to pick a favourite memory. I think the moments that I will remember the most are the times I have done solo travel to Naples and Mallorca because it taught me a lot about myself. I have also really valued all of the time I have spent connecting with new friends, such as watching the sunsets or cooking together.
If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It gives you the ability to meet so many people and experience a new way of life while also providing you with support along the way. I had contemplated doing my Master's Degree or Teachers Collage abroad but it would have been so much more expensive. I would have to pay international student tuition when the study abroad program through Trent allows for less financial strain and has connections with host universities set in place to help you along the way.
I will also say that there is still a lot of work you have to do on your own though. Trent gives you a broad idea of all the ways you need to prepare but it is up to you to make sure you have everything in order. I would also say that living in another country, no matter what country, has its positives and negatives and you have to be prepared for things you might not love about the place you are staying. That is life though, there is good and bad in everything. In saying this, I have absolutely no regrets about doing a semester abroad in Malta. It has been an incredible experience for growth and independence. There have been so many beautiful moments I have gotten to experience and friends I have made that have had a profound impact on my life. Malta will always hold a special place in my heart because of this.