Student Exchange Questionnaire
Name: Emma-Louise Hunsley
Massey Degree: BSc Zoology
Host university: University of Calgary, Canada
Semester and year of exchange: Semester 2 2014
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Why did you choose this particular university and/or country for exchange?
I have met a few Canadian people and they are lovely. My father recently spent some
time working there and said it was a great country. I was also interested in seeing the
Rocky Mountains.
Calgary is known for their cowboys and the Calgary Stampeede, I find cowboy culture
interesting and wanted to experience more.

Did it meet your expectations?
It did. I met some wonderful new friends that I will keep for ever. I was able to gain new
exciting new experiences in a new country.

What papers did you study while on exchange? Would you recommend them?
I studied SOCI 201 (Intro to Sociology), whilst it is an interesting paper, unfortunately
the exam required local knowledge to excel in. As understandably, theoretical
knowledge was related back to the country, and 1 semester did not give me the local
understanding of other cities etc. that was required.
I studied PSYC 203 (Psychology for Everyday Life), this was an interesting paper that
fully covered the basics of Psychology and gave me an understanding of the subject.
Although this paper marks you on attendence.
I studied POLI381 (Intro to International Relations). This was a very interesting paper
that I enjoyed thoroughly. The lecturer is both knowledgable and poses questions to
make you question your knowledge. I would highly recommend this paper.
I studied ZOOL 483 (Principles of Parasitism). I found this paper interesting and now
have a much better understanding of host-parasite relationships. It also poses questions
from a medical perspective so if you are interested in medicine it is good for that too.
The paper was good however, it is split between 2 universities so half of the lectures are
live video call from Edmonton. Also the content level was higher than Massey’s usual
standard.
I studied ZOOL 461 (Animal Physiology 1). This is another physiology paper that is
similar to those that Massey offers. One of the lecturers was very good, others less so. If
you enjoy physiology and a fast pace of learning (faster than any Massey paper I have
experienced) then I would recommend this paper. However for an exchange it is a lot of
work with weekly assignments.

Were there differences in the teaching methods and academic environment at your
host university, compared to Massey University? If so, what kind of differences?
The teaching methods were similar, although the students are more likely to ask
questions in class. Also, the questions that the students asked seemed to be more
intelligent, as opposed to asking for an alternate explanation of something, they would
ask questions linking to other aspects of the topic etc. demonstrating that the student
had a higher level of understanding even when presented with a new subject matter.
The academic environment was very much more inclined towards students studying in
their free time. My experience of Massey culture is study when you have a test/exam.
However in Calgary they seem to have a different study culture, I spent most nights in
the library with my friends and this is deemed the norm. I liked this about their culture
as it showed the students took their studies seriously and you became ‘weird’ if you
didn't. I found myself changing my study habits for the better without really thinking
about it.

Did you stay on-campus or off-campus? What was the accommodation like?
I stayed on campus in the Global Village. This was predominantly for international
students and slightly older students, so there were no 18 year old first years.
The building was set up into 2 bedroom apartments with kitchinette’s and a shared
bathroom. When you apply you undertake an extensive personality profile and they
attempt to match you with someone with similar habits and dislikes to ease the living
together. I was paired with a lovely German girl called Julia and the fit was very good we
got along the entire time, spending weekends exploring together.
The apartments were quite new and were very nice to live in, the rooms had lots of
storage space for all your stuff. The downside was that we had to buy all our own
cookware, plates, cutlery, bedding etc.
The food is a lot better than Massey with different food types and stations across
campus.

How did living expenses compare to in New Zealand?
They were overall very similar to NZ. As the meal plans are more flexible you load
dollars onto your ‘unicard’ and spend them at various food places, and in the book store
on campus.
When out shopping for clothes and food they are slightly cheaper. The alcohol in
Canada is cheaper than New Zealand.

What extra-curricular activities did you participate in at the host university?
There were many clubs to joing in Calgary they have a clubs week just so you can see
them all. I joined the ski club which gave me first pick of the ski weekends and discounts
in various bars around the city. Unfortunately due to the intensity of my degree taking 5
papers I was unable to go but I did get to experience the culture.

What’s one thing you learnt about your host country or culture?
Canadian people live up to their reputation of being lovely people. You can start a
conversation with a random stranger and next thing you know, you have a new friend.
They very much embody the ‘work hard, play hard’ expression. And seem to be fully
engaged in what ever they are doing.

What were some of the highlights of your exchange experience?
A highlight would be when I was able to zip wire down the ski jump slope that they used
in the Calgary Olympics (the highest zip wire in Canada). I was also able to sit in the real
Jamaican bobsled used at the Olympcis.
I was able to play Slenderman on Halloween with real people chasing me both thrilling
and terrifying.

What did you find challenging?
Managing my time so I was able to go and explore Canada on the weekends and also
manage my money so I was able to explore properly.

What do you feel you have learnt or gained from going on exchange?
I have gained new friends that I hope to see again some day. I have learnt more about
myself as a person, being able to travel across a foreign country by myself. I have also
learned the importance of independence and to do what you want to do, being limited
by others will not help you to grow as a person.

Do you have any tips for future students intending to travel to the same country or
university?
Do everything! If someone asks you to do something you say yes, there is no point in
staying home when you are in a foreign country. Look out for things yourself, be the
person that suggests new ideas to try. Calgary is good at making things free/cheap for
students so look at their activities they offer. Join clubs they are cheap and they give
you opportunities.
I would also recommend you go for the full academic year over there. You will gain
more from the experinece and it gives you more time for exploring.

Do you have any comments on the support provided to you by Massey University
and/or by the host university before/during/after your exchange?
Massey is good in that you are independent in your application, which sets you up for
being there and having to do everything for yourself.
Calgary University has MANY exchange students and you get your own orientation at
the beginning of the year. I was helped by Fazeela who was very helpful with everything
I asked.
I think this experience is about being independent, both Massey and Calgary are there
to support you but for the most part you should learn to do everything yourself. It is an
important step and you feel much better about the experience afterwards.