Exchange Experience at University of Manitoba

Why did you choose the University of Manitoba?

I chose the University of Manitoba because of its beautiful campus and welcoming atmosphere. It also offered really interesting classes, including law courses, which were available to exchange students, making it a perfect choice for my exchange studies.

What would you say to another student thinking of coming as an inbound exchange student at the University of Manitoba?

Go explore the campus and Winnipeg; there are some really interesting places to visit, like the university museum, and some buildings are absolutely beautiful. Winnipeg also has so much to explore and many fun and exciting events, like Nuit Blanche and the ballet, and you must watch a hockey game! Take the opportunity to travel! One of the great things about Winnipeg is its central location, making it easy to explore other destinations.

I highly recommend living on campus, it makes everything so much easier. Plus, I made amazing friends through my roommate and residence events, which really made my experience better.

What was one of the most noticeable differences between education in your home country and education in Canada?

One key difference I noticed between education in Australia and Canada is that Canadian courses have more practical elements, making the content more engaging. Many courses also have guest lectures from industry professionals, adding real-world insights and making learning even more enjoyable. 

What was your favourite course at the University of Manitoba?

My favourite course was Legal Negotiation because it was very practical and interactive. One of our assessments was to negotiate via email with students from another university, which gave us valuable experience in real-world negotiation scenarios. We also had the incredible opportunity to negotiate in a law firm, where we received feedback from a practising lawyer. In class, we had many practice negotiations, which not only helped refine our skills but also made the course incredibly fun and engaging.

Where have you travelled to while on your exchange at the University of Manitoba?
While on exchange, I travelled to Banff, Calgary, and Vancouver. I went snowboarding in Banff, which was an amazing experience. I also did lots of touristy things in Calgary and Vancouver. I also did a trip to the US just before I came to Winnipeg. I went to Yellowstone, San Diego, LA and Seattle.

During my exchange, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to some amazing destinations across Canada, and the U.S. One of the highlights was snowboarding in Banff, which was my first time snowboarding and being at a ski resort. In Calgary and Vancouver, I explored the cities and did many touristy things, like visiting the zoo, going up the Calgary tower, and seeing the gas town steam clock.

Before arriving in Winnipeg, I also travelled to the U.S., visiting Yellowstone National Park, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Travelling while on exchange made my experience even more unforgettable, allowing me to see and do so much beyond the university.

What are your favourite spots around Winnipeg or the UM campus?

During my time at the University of Manitoba campus, I had several favourite spots that made my experience truly memorable. One of the highlights was the ice rink. I absolutely loved ice skating there, and it was so cool to watch free Bison hockey games. Another favourite was the VW Social Club, where I enjoyed spending time with my friends. The campus also had some hidden gems, like the museum and the greenhouse, both of which were cool places to explore.

One of my top destinations in Winnipeg itself was The Leaf. It was such a beautiful place, full of greenery and amazing displays. Another go-to spot was The Forks, where I loved browsing through unique shops and eating delicious food. Plus, ice skating there during the winter was such an amazing experience. I also enjoyed exploring St. Boniface, it was so beautiful and interesting to see the French influences. One of the most amazing places I visited was Lake Winnipeg. It was so massive that it felt like looking out at the ocean.

How did you get involved with the UM campus community and make friends while on exchange?

Getting involved with the University of Manitoba campus community was one of the most rewarding parts of my exchange experience. I tried to attend as many events as possible, which really helped me feel connected. The exchange events and residence activities were especially great opportunities to meet people and get involved with the UM campus community. I also regularly attended football and hockey games.

One of the best connections I made was with my roommate. We quickly became great friends and went on various trips together. Attending a residence event also turned out to be a life-changing decision, as it led me to meet a group of incredible people who became my lifelong friends. From that moment on, I met even more amazing people through mutual friends, and we all clicked effortlessly and made my time at UM truly special. I also became really great friends with my exchange buddy. She helped me get more involved with the campus community and showed me some amazing spots around Winnipeg.