Chriz Chan

Why did you choose to come on exchange to Waterloo?

I chose University of Waterloo due to its small town vibe. I prefer a warm and small, local community than an overwhelming international city like Toronto or Vancouver. Everybody is so friendly and welcoming here! Also, Rupi Kaur, the author of Milk and Honey and The Sun and Her Flowers, graduated from University of Waterloo. It’s inspiring to see the alma mater that helped shape the best-seller poet.

What was an average day like?

It involves a lot of tea and naps. I go to classes and study too.

What was your favourite spot(s) on campus? 

My favorite spot on campus is Counselling Services because they are non-judgmental, give you helpful advice, and the cost is included in your student fees. Visiting a counsellor is good self-care and I appreciate that it’s offered at Waterloo and talked about so openly.

What was it like to live and learn in another language?

It allows a lot of room to improve when your first language is not English. However, it is also very relieving to know that people here don’t mind the mistakes you make, encourage you, and complement your fluency.

What was one of your favourite experiences from your time abroad?

I enjoy the infinite possibilities awaiting me and the new people that I meet who allow me to explore other cultures. I’ve made a lot of new friends who are also exchange students, like my roommate from Denmark. It’s been neat to get to know them better and understand where they are from – I’ve tried a lot of new cuisines, except French snails! I haven’t had the courage to taste that dish yet. 

What has been your favourite food you’ve tried in Canada that you don’t have back home?

Normal people might say poutine, but I really enjoy the Timbits from Tim Horton’s. They are all so delicious; I can’t pick a favourite. They are donuts!

Were there any challenges? If so, how did you overcome or cope with them?

Budgeting and school stress were getting to me for a little while, but I visited Counselling Services and that really helped. The counsellor suggested different approaches to help me improve my time management and stay organized. I was given a sample time table that has been very useful.

Did any of your experiences challenge the assumptions you had about Canada or Canadian culture?

I think the aspect I was most surprised by was that people in Canada don’t judge you. You can be who you are and dress how you want. Also, not all Canadians love poutine…actually!

Is there something about Canada or Canadian culture that you found unusual when you first arrived that you have now embraced?

When getting off the bus, people yell “thank you” to the bus driver. In Hong Kong, we’d say it to the driver when we hop on so we don’t have to yell. I find these small, cultural differences interesting.

How has this exchange helped you grow? 

I enjoyed my classical studies courses here a lot since such majors are not offered in Hong Kong. This opportunity also taught me how to balance socializing and having my introvert moments, giving me space to reflect on how I spend my time and the precious four months I have here. Oh – another thing is I understand better how to bundle up for the cold.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would definitely take less naps and say yes to more things. Also it’d be nice if I kept up with gym and put down that tub of ice cream.

Do you have any advice for students thinking of studying abroad?

List out all the pros and cons and really think through if you can overcome your cons in one way or another. I had my doubts before coming on exchange, but I’ve had the time of my life and I do not want to leave at all. Seize the moment! There are not a lot of opportunities that allow you to experience so many new things and places with such low cost and great help.