Paige Ballantyne - Trent Study Abroad Program

Why did you decide to travel abroad?: I wanted to study abroad to “open my eyes”. One reason I was motivated to do the study abroad program was because I grew up in a small rural town in Ontario and I knew there was more to the world to discover and experience. I also had the curiosity to go and learn about other places and cultures. When I was applying to do the study abroad, I had one goal in mind and that was to fully immerse myself in the culture I was going to be a part of. I really wanted to understand what values, history, and customs shape a place and how they can be similar or different than what I grew up with. One way to do that was to immerse myself in wherever I was to go.

Why did you choose to study at The University of West Indies, Cave Hill? How did you learn about it?: I chose UWI because it is well known for the institution. I heard many great things about their community there along with their professors and classes. I wanted to go to Barbados for a completely different experience that I would have in Canada. The Caribbean was a perfect place. Many people go there on vacation, but I wanted to really experience life as a local and that’s why I chose Barbados.

What was your experience like? What are some of the differences & similarities with Trent?: I found that there were a lot of similarities and a few differences. Similarly, many of my classes had lectures and tutorials. One difference was lectures are 2 hours with only a one-hour tutorial instead of a 3-hour lecture. Many of the courses were exam based, which was different from Trent. I also found there was emphasis on participation at Trent and UWI. I feel that Trent could improve on the perspectives that are being contributed by professors and students. As the classes I was in at Cave Hill offered lots of different perspectives. I would study probably around 4 hours a day. I would be studying during the afternoon if I didn’t have classes because the sun was the hottest during then and usually study for a few hours before bed after a beach sunset. During the weekends I did less studying because there were a lot of different adventures or events going on!

What did you find was the most challenging/difficult while abroad?: One thing I found the hardest while studying abroad was the cost of living. I knew things would be expensive because without working, there was no money coming in. I found it was a generally more expensive island for buying groceries, but you can go to cheaper ones to be more cost-effective. I found it was hard to budget doing outside activities or “tourist” adventures while still being a normal student. Finding the balance of these things was a struggle at the beginning but after being there for a while I figured it out and found cheaper options or free activities!

Were you able to travel?: I was able to travel once during my study abroad. Over the Christmas break I went to Saint Lucia with my family. That was my only destination while being in Barbados, it was nice to change the scenery as Saint Lucia is denser and lush as it is a volcanic island. We got to see the pitons which are the mountains there in Saint Lucia which was beautiful! Overall, this trip was beautiful and a good break from Barbados just with different scenery! I was grateful I went with my parents as depending on the time of year travel within the Caribbean can be expensive! But you can do it on a budget, and I highly recommend doing it locally! Check out the Caribbean Green Book online or Instagram and they have local hotels, restaurants to travel to while in the Caribbean so that where you go your money is staying in the Caribbean

In your opinion, what would you say are the benefits of studying abroad?: You learn a different perspective than you might receive at Trent. You grow as a person from navigating and learning about where you are. You can make connections for life that could further your potential career or even travel connections. The friendships that you make and keep after your exchange can lead to so many different places in the future.

Did you live in residence or off-campus, and how was that experience?: I lived in residence while at UWI, at Frank Worrel Hall. My residence style was single rooms and shared living areas. There are about 10 blocks which have 3 floors with 6 people on a floor. Majority of the blocks are females and male blocks. I really enjoyed this set up, and it was an open concept, so it was easy to interact with my floor mates and to hang out with people in the halls. One thing that can be tricky with this living situation is the kitchen space. You share a fridge with 6 people which can be a bit crowded sometimes. Overall, my floor mates and people on my floor got along well. I would say sometimes it became tricky as there were no floor mate agreements which can lead to one or two people who have more say or control over the space. Therefore, I would recommend making a floormate agreement that everyone can work on. That said, I loved being at Frank Worrell; it had a family as a community.

What advice would you offer a student who is thinking about studying at your host institution and country?: I would tell them to get involved with the regional students as much as you can! They are excited to show you, their home. Also get involved. Do as many events run by different student associations and by the student body! As an international student their goal for you is to give you the best experience you can have by engaging and spending time with the regional students. So go get involved!!

What was one of your favourite memories from your time abroad?: One of my favourite memories from when I was abroad was during UWIVAL which is the universities carnival for university students. This weekend was one of the best weeks I’ve had while at university. But one moment that made it even more memorable was going out with my floor mates. We all went out together and one girl didn’t, so she stayed home and made us soup when we came back early in the morning. This moment made me realize that these girls were more than just floor mates but my close friends. Everyone had a good time together, got ready together and took care of each other. And the girls were so excited to see me in my UWIVAL costume with my hair and makeup done! They were so proud to see me taking part in these events.

If someone told you they were thinking about studying abroad but weren’t convinced they should, what would you tell them?: I would tell them to do it! It may be overwhelming and scary but don’t let any of these thoughts or feelings hinder your experience on going. Eventually, these feelings will go away once you're settled in your new space. These memories and experiences will last a lifetime. This exchange has continued my plans to go out and see the world! I want to continue to go abroad and pursue different opportunities abroad after going on exchange. But it has also made me grateful that I have a place I can always come back to in Canada if I need too. Going abroad has made me want to go out and stay abroad but also has taught me if I need to come home I can come home.