Travel Writer Rosie Burningham gives us an overview of her year abroad at McGill University, documenting life in Montréal and how it shaped her as a person
In the 2022-2023 academic year I studied at McGill University in Montréal. Of course, going on a year abroad is naturally nerve-wracking, but not only was this my first time living abroad, it was my first time living away from my parents. All at the same time, I had to adjust to living independently and discovering a new country and culture. Nevertheless, this was an exciting new adventure, with many formative experiences to come.
Academic Life
I quickly realised on my year abroad that academic life and attitudes were rather different than in the UK. There was a marked difference in academic rigour from the get-go, with the requirement that I take 5 modules per semester to amount to my required credits, a rather steep increase from my 3 modules per semester at Birmingham. I would recommend choosing easier, enjoyable modules, so that you can make the most out of living abroad. As a law student I took 3 law modules and 2 language modules per semester, given my love for language learning. Naturally, one of these was French, the local language, but I also took the opportunity to study German.
“I would recommend choosing easier, enjoyable modules, so that you can make the most out of living abroad
The forms of assessment were also different, with graded participation making up part of my grade for the first time (albeit a small proportion). This was also reflected in classes, with many of them being more discussion based than I was used to. Not only that, but many students actively and willingly participated, a stark contrast to the quieter atmosphere of classes in the UK. The attitude was also more eager and ambitious in comparison to the UK, where many fear being seen as ‘trying too hard’.
Exploring Montréal
McGill’s French Language Center offered many interesting activities and tours for French learners. This was a great opportunity to explore Montréal whilst learning French. Amongst the tours I went on were a hike up Mont Royal and walks around Mile End and the historic Old Port of Montréal. Furthermore, in March I took part in ‘the Rally’ as part of the Francofête, the French language celebration every March. The Rally was modelled on Amazing Race (the North American version of Race Across the World) and we had to carry out challenges and follow clues across the city in groups, with the first group to the end point winning. Lo and behold, my group won!
Montréal has an incredible thriving cultural life. I attended concerts and went out with housemates to explore the city together, such as a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, ice skating, and meals out at restaurants. Something I really miss is having such a rich cultural sphere within such a close distance, where there are always places open and things happening. Coming from a town, I had never had that sense of freedom and possibility before.
“I attended concerts and went out with housemates to explore the city together, such as a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, ice skating, and meals out at restaurants
Exploring Beyond
During reading weeks, McGill ran buses to various other cities in Canada and the U.S. In early March I took the bus to Boston, where I went on a walking tour around the Freedom Trail. My accent was sometimes of interest at tourist attractions, particularly at the interactive Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum where the actors incorporated it into their acting.
I later visited Harvard and MIT, taking a historical tour of the Harvard campus. On the other hand, I did get a little lost looking for MIT. Nevertheless, I did eventually find it, with its interesting mix of architecture.
On the weekend I went to Québec City, where I visited La Citadelle fortress and the Museum of Civilization. Furthermore, the historic Old Québec neighbourhood was particularly beautiful. The weather was good for a scenic walk for much of my time there. Whilst it was snowy, the sky was clear. It was a sight which characterised much of my year abroad.
“Whilst it was snowy, the sky was clear. It was a sight which characterised much of my year abroad.
Reflections
Living in Montréal for a year was a surreal experience. It had its ups and downs but that is exactly what made it so thrilling. I would say I am all the better for the experience. It certainly made me more confident in social interactions than I was before, as I had to fend for myself much more. It truly developed me as a person.
I look back on that time with an air of nostalgia now, and I hope to visit Montréal again soon.
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