Traveling while studying a valuable experience

Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan  

Every new experience for international students is filled with life lessons and excitement. Ye Hua is a Chinese exchange student who came to UNB in 2007. She has recently returned to UNB as a full time student to pursue her Masters Degree in Chemistry. She originally came from Xia Men University in China and she was one of the first exchange students to come to UNB from her school. Ye Hua remembers a teacher from her university at home saying that the Canadian-Chinese exchange program would be perfect for her and that she would benefit from it.

“I am really glad that I decided to come, I really enjoyed the program,” says Ye Hua.

UNB has over 50 exchange agreements with universities all over the world. Countries like Australia, England and France are the most popular ones chosen. International Relations Officer Silke Klenk encourages students like Ye Hua to join the program.

“This program really broadens the education of students. It allows you to take courses that may not be offered at your university. As well, it looks really good on your transcript,” says Klenk.

There were a lot of students at Ye Hua’s university at home who wanted to study abroad.

“It is a very good opportunity to improve your English and see the world, a lot of students wanted the chance,” she says.

The students were required to hand in an application to their own department followed by an interview. There were about 30 students who applied for this program. Out of the 30, three were chosen and Ye Hua was one of the three.
Once Ye Hua arrived in Canada she had a lot of adjustments to make.

“We usually enjoy summer from February to November,” Ye Hua says. There was a very different climate awaiting her when she arrived. In her first semester she says she focused on adapting to a new environment and dealing with the English-Chinese language barrier. “I have adjusted now though, and everything is going well.”

While Ye Hua may not enjoy partying, she loves to travel. She also enjoys skiing and skating with friends. She has travelled all around New Brunswick and hopes to see more of Canada while she is here. She says the experience was enjoyable and has grown to love her life in Fredericton.

“I have learned a lot and I encourage other students to come as well.”