Student Profile
Name: Adam Golden
Major: Geography
Exchange University: University of Alaska Anchorage
Advice: “I wish I knew more about the history of Alaskan people. From the first settlers of the land, to the Russian and American colonizations, the state has a rich, beautiful and tragic history, and while we learned about it, it would have been nice to go in with some more background knowledge.”
QUESTIONS
Why did you decide to travel abroad?
One day, I would like to live in Northern Canada. When I heard about the opportunity to travel to Alaska, I was very excited, because I had the chance to go somewhere I’ve never been before, and somewhere so similar geographically to where I see myself living one day. Additionally, climate change is an important subject and interest of mine, and to see coastal glaciers and how much they have unfortunately retreated first hand is an experience I couldn’t pass up. I also love the mountains, hiking, and adventure, and what better way to experience these things than in a beautiful state with the bonus of an educational trip?
Why did you choose the University of Alaska?
I chose to travel to the University of Alaska in the United States because the study abroad trip which travelled there was of great interest to me, for reasons listed in my previous response.
What was your experience like?
The university seemed quite different from Trent. First of all, the campus is much larger, with more spread out buildings. The classes, (at least from what I saw) almost had a high school-like atmosphere, although I cannot comment on the lecture halls. Additionally, even though Trent is a beautiful campus lying on the Otonabee, surrounded by forest, it cannot compare to the striking mountain views seen from the University of Alaska.
What did you find was the most challenging thing to adapt to while you were abroad?
I think the most difficult thing to adapt to was the midnight sun. While we weren’t there in late June when the sun lasted the longest, but it was still up well past 10 pm, and there was still a faint light really late, even past 12 or 1. While this was definitely interesting and quite cool, I have trouble sleeping in the light, and this kept me up a bit. This is something I am sure I would get used to if I was there a bit longer.
Were you able to do a lot of travelling?
We definitely had the opportunity to travel around, we made it to Whittier, the portage glacier and forest, and different areas surrounding Anchorage.
In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?
There are countless benefits of studying abroad. You get to experience new cultures, new parts of the world, and gain real-world experiences that are different to what you are used to. It helps you grow as a person.
What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?
My favourite memory from the trip would have to be the hike to Portage Glacier. Getting to actively stand on unmelted snow and ice, surrounded by mountains and fjords, is not something you can do in Ontario.
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 studying abroad is a rare opportunity, one full of educational value and fun, and an experience they will never forget. If they have any inclination to do so, and can reasonably make it happen financially and time-wise etc., they shouldn’t hesitate to do so.