► Angela Tao

E-mail: 1rt4@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: China

Program of Study: Applied Economics and Mathematics

Languages Spoken: Mandarin, English

Memorable highlight: “This summer, I worked as a guide to a group of American business people and I took them to a lot of historic places in my home city. By introducing the information, I nearly had a new understanding of the history and the places which made me love more of my city deeply.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I still remembered that when I first arrived in Canada, everything was completely new to me. Without the care from my parents, Ii need to be independent and responsible to myself. I think the most valuable thing that I’ve learnt here is to grow up and think on my own.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “In today’s society, it is remarkable to become a successful individual who has an international mind. With different experiences, students can learn from various cultures as well as knowing more about themselves. Also, they will become more independent and responsible because they need to face many circumstances on their own.”

► Catherine Lv

E-mail: 1snL1@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: China

Program of Study: Environmental Science

Languages Spoken: Chinese & English

Memorable highlight: “China is highly populated and has very different landscapes and traditions. The big contrast in the most memorable highlight.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned that there are huge culture differences between different countries and I understand and respect different culture”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “China is a very large country and there are so many places you can explore. Going to China is a great opportunity to experience a different culture and discover yourself.”

► Cathy Lu

E-mail: 8aL54@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: China and Hong Kong

Program of Study: Economics and Math

Languages Spoken: Mandarin & English

Memorable highlight: “I met lots of interesting people who may or may not share the same values as me.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned how to communicate with people from a different culture. I’m more open-minded and acceptable to differences.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “It’s a chance to explore a different part of the world, to meet new people, to be away from home so that you’re in charge of everything."

► Celina Falcon

E-mail: 1cf17@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Born in the Philippines, studied in International Schools in Jakarta, Indonesia and Bangkok, Thailand from Pre-Kindergarten to High School graduation.

Program of Study: Concurrent Education

Languages Spoken: English, Bahasa, and can understand Tagalog

Memorable highlight: “I volunteered at the Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand on a week long school trip in my Senior year of High School. It was both educationally, emotionally, and spiritually enlightening as it opened my eyes to the ugly lies behind animal tourism and the beautiful truth of every elephant's story."

What I learned/How I have changed:  “Growing up as an International student has been such a blessing in that I’ve been lucky enough to see and truly experience different cultures. Having this “international” mindset makes me a very open-minded, culturally accepting and diverse person who can respect and appreciate all identities.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? "Have your mind blown... There are lessons that you can’t get out of a book that are waiting for you at the other end of that flight" -Henry Rollins

► Emmeline Hoogland

E-mail: 12ehe@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Originally from the Netherlands, Studied in Scotland for 2 years

Program of Study: Geography and Environmental Studies

Languages Spoken: Dutch, English

Memorable highlight: “Going up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, Scotland for the first time. I could just walk to this amazing hill and look out over the city, including the castle. Coming from a flat country this was a mind blowing experience.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Learning about the differences between 2, in my opinion, rather similar cultures and discovering how different they actually are. I realize now how important it is to go to a country and stay for a prolonged time, to truly grasp the morals and values of the people.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Going abroad broadens the mind in ways you can’t imagine... The world is a book and those who do not travel only read a page.”

► Gary Liang

E-mail: 0trl1@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Internship in China

Program of Study: Commerce

Languages Spoken: Mandarin, English

Memorable highlight: “Visiting the 798 Art District in Beijing. Got to experience the wonderful exchange of Western influence and traditional Eastern culture.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Made me more aware of and appreciate the intercultural differences between different countries. Encouraged me to examine the things in life in multiple perspectives and lenses.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Going abroad during university will be a lasting experience that will benefit the rest of your life. It is an excellent opportunity to experience and explore different cultures and become part of a global network.”

► Gofaone Petros

E-mail: 0gp@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Botswana and South Africa

Program of Study: Mining Engineering

Languages Spoken: Setswana & English

Memorable highlight: “Canada’s culture and history.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Getting along with people of different races and cultures.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “A nation without culture is an empty nation, this shows how culture is important, go out there and learn about other nation’s culture!”

► Jesse Cranin

 E-mail: Jesse.Cranin@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Exchange in Sweden, Born/raised in the USA, Worked in South Africa

Languages Spoken: French & English

Memorable highlight: “Celebrating Sweden’s most lively Valborg in Uppsala.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Living abroad allowed me to become more open to and understanding of other cultures.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Adventure is out there!” –Up

► Kate Lyle

E-mail: 8krl@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: 3^rd year exchange in Scotland (University of Edinburgh), Taught at a primary school in Scotland

Program of Study: 4th year in Concurrent Education (History and Music)

Languages Spoken: English

Memorable highlight: “Traveling the Scottish Highlands, especially the Isle of Skye.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned how to integrate myself into various cultures and to try local customs and traditions I might not have before.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Traveling is the experience of a lifetime! You will learn so much about yourself and the amazing cultures you explore. Be brave and go for it!”

► Katie Joyce

E-mail: k.joyce@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Studied in England (and surrounding European countries) and Cuba, Interned in Arviat, Nunavut in Canada

Program of Study: Global Development and International Studies

Languages Spoken: English and a little bit of German

Memorable highlight: “Meeting and learning from locals in Havana about history, politics, and relations with other countries. Spending a summer working with the children of Arviat, and cooking Caribou and Bannock with Elders on the land.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Living abroad introduced me to perspectives of the world that I hadn’t previously considered, which simultaneously gave me many opportunities to learn from locals of new cultures and ways of life.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Going abroad gives students a greater appreciation of the world in which they live and allows them to become conscious and respectful of the diversity of its people and cultures. This is especially valuable in a generation of fluidity, power and action!”

► Laura Molloy

E-mail: 12lmm@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: On exchange from the University of Warwick, England, Lived in Texas for 2 years as a child and visits parents often who are currently living in Doha, Qatar

Program of Study: History

Languages Spoken: English

Memorable highlight: “My most memorable experience comes from my current year abroad! I recently visited Montreal with some friends and we spent the weekend exploring the city. My favourite part was walking up Mount Royal and seeing the city from up high. The views were incredible!”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I have learned a lot about myself so far this year, mainly that I am capable of dealing with living in a foreign country and setting things like a bank account and phone up for myself. I have become a lot more confident in new situations which I hope will really help me in a future career.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “There are so many reasons why you should go abroad, but here are 3 that appealed to me:

1)      You get to do things you would never do at home – like travel for then weekend!

2)      You meet so many different people from all over the world and it is really interesting hearing their stories

3)      It looks great on your CV because living abroad shows that you are an adaptable individual that can work with and in new and different environments

► Laura Nunno

E-mail: laura.nunno@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Lived in Belgium, studied in England and took a summer course in Italy

Program of Study: Major in French, Minor Art History

Languages Spoken: French, some Italian, English

Memorable highlight: “My Italian experience was incredible because I was able to learn so much in such a condensed period of time, meeting on a bridge in Venice at 8am every morning just ready to learn.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned that no matter how similar cultures are there are major differences that come as shock. After even long periods of time abroad the things I did were shocking for others, and the things they did surprised me.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “There is no experience like it. If I could, I would spend a year in every country in the world just so I can learn. There is so much out there. Coming home leaves you wanting more adventure and knowledge.”

► Maiko Haga

E-mail: 8mh28@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Originally from Japan, Lived in the USA

Program of Study: Chemical Engineering

Languages Spoken: Japanese, English

Memorable highlight: “For my 20^th birthday, I wore a traditional kimono to celebrate my coming of age.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned that I was more independent than I thought, and I feel more involved and open to new challenges.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Going abroad is a good experience and you learn a lot about the world as well as yourself.”

► Ning Zhang

E-mail: 0nz10@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: China

Program of Study: Social Pscyhology

Languages Spoken: Mandarin, English

Memorable highlight: “During my graduate study in Beijing, I had an opportunity to hear lecturers from around the world and enjoy the many Chinese culture heritage.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Living abroad and being by yourself in a whole new environment has a lot of challenges. It inspires your curiosity, cultivates an open mind and opens a lot of doors for you to know the world!”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “Looking forward, it’s a fulfilling learning experience. Looking backward, it’s a memorable life story.”

► Rebecca Grant

E-mail: 9rg19@queensu.ca

Countries of Representation: Lived in the Netherlands prior to coming to Queen’s for 3-4 years

Program of Study: Commerce

Languages Spoken: Spanish, English

Memorable highlight: “The biking! Living in Holland you bike everywhere you go- We wouldn’t use a car for 3 weeks at a time! And of course, the travel- you are so close to everything!”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Gained several cultural and international experiences/perspectives. Changed my outlook towards everyday activities. I learned to be open and accepting to anybody that comes from different backgrounds. I learned to become a part of community activities as much as possible in order to truly grasp the culture aspects.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “To meet so many people as possible. Most importantly, to step outside of your bubble while you are abroad. Being open allows you to gain many more international perspectives and long term impacts of your life.”

► Robyn Laing

Countries of Representation: Studied in New Zealand, Took a class in Cuba and China, Did research on the Caribou in the Yukon, Backpacked through Europe, particularly Spain.

Memorable highlight: “Impossible to say only one! Jumping out of a plane, surfing with penguins, highlining between trees, climbing gorgeous cliffs on the beach, camping in caves, having wine with the guy who invented the jetpack…!”

What I learned/How I have changed: “When abroad you learn how to be open and accepting of other cultures, how to be easy going and optimistic- to be accepting of whatever comes your way and embrace life’s adventures (or mis-adventures!). Most importantly, you learn about people and how we are all part of a global society.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “The world is a book- don’t just read one chapter! Get out there and explore.”

Countries of Representation: Full year exchange in Edinburgh, Scotland

Memorable highlight: “I loved traveling all around Scotland and exploring the highlands. I also loved spending New Year’s in Edinburgh for the Hogmanay festival.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “Living abroad in Edinburgh allowed me to become a more independent person. Traveling around Europe provided me with many new exciting opportunities and experiences. I can also fully understand a thick Scottish accent.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “1) Go for a full year abroad 2) Become friends with locals 3) TRAVEL! 4) Get to know the city and country you are living in 5) Take every opportunity available 6) HAVE FUN!”

Memorable highlight: “Partying for four days straight during Carnival! The entire city gets involved with all the fun.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned to be more confident in myself. Going abroad and travelling often meant I was constantly meeting new people and experiencing new environments.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “DO IT!”

Countries of Representation: Studied for 1 year in Edinburgh, Scotland, mom is from Switzerland and dad is from Tanzania

Memorable highlight: “Going to our friend’s home in the Highlands-Alness and staying with his family, trying haggis and going to a ceileidh.”

What I learned/How I have changed: “I learned about how to adapt in different situations and most importantly how to branch out and meet new people. I learned to live in the moment, you don’t want to regret not doing something later.”

What would you say to students to encourage them to go abroad? “It’s the best year of your undergrad, you make such amazing bonds with different people around the world!”