Waterloo undergraduate student tuned in to her passion for science and music during her study abroad term in Sydney, Australia
Tiffany Chan isn’t just any student; she’s a science enthusiast, a musician and a savvy world traveller. With her violin and biology books, Chan pursued her passions for science and the arts during an exchange at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia.
Chan is pursuing a joint honours degree in biology and music with a minor in human nutrition and medical physiology. When she discovered that Waterloo offers more than 100 student exchange programs in more than 30 countries, she decided to take three courses abroad during the winter term: two in music and a science course in advanced human physiology.
While abroad, Chan’s adventurous spirit also led her to pursue a business venture that would fund her travels to see different parts of the country. After posting an ad for violin tutoring, she ended up teaching five students during her time there. This resourcefulness paid off, allowing her to enjoy Australia’s vibrant food scene, coastal beauty and exciting activities beyond what she had budgeted for.
Aside from visiting Melbourne and Brisbane, she checked off a bucket list item by scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. “You see pictures in lectures, but seeing aquatic life in the wild was unforgettable,” she shares.
Chan also embraced her extroverted nature while abroad, immersing herself in the vibrant social life the university offered. She attended residence events with other exchange students, joined student groups and was always eager to connect with others. By striking up conversations in campus cafés and participating in student mixers, she found it easy to form new friendships with people from different parts of the world.
“It wasn’t just about the courses or the sights,” Chan says. “The relationships I built with people from all over the world taught me so much about different cultures and perspectives. It has changed how I see the world and especially how I interact with people from different countries. I now approach conversations with more openness and understanding, knowing that everyone comes with their own unique experiences.”
After graduating, Chan is considering graduate school and hopes to live and work in Melbourne one day. When asked about her advice for students considering studying abroad, Chan shares, “Research countries that fascinate you, but don’t stop there — ensure the courses offered fit your goals. Your experience will be more rewarding when your passions align with your plans.”
