Virtual Exchange Program - Schulich School of Business, York University Canada

Name: Huyen Do
Year of Study: 3
Faculty: Economics (JP)

Find out below information from our 3rd-year student from Vietnam who is completing an online study abroad exchange to York University, Schulich School of Business.

Can you tell us about yourself and your study abroad destination?

I am a 3rd-year undergraduate from the faculty of economics. My exchange at Schulich School of Business began in an unstable time - while the COVID-19 pandemic was shifting the world and everyone was practicing social distancing.

Due to the difficulty to travel to Canada, I chose to continue my exchange virtually, which in the beginning made me sad since it would be hard to make friends just through a screen. However, thanks to Schulich School of Business and the Open Arms Committee – my Schulich fellows in Canada, I had excellent culture exchange experiences during my time in Schulich.

Can you tell us more about your class and activities offered online?

Despite the difficulty communicating and interacting via virtual tools i.e. Zoom and Canvas, OAC holds at least 2 to 3 virtual events a month for exchange students. Those are where we could talk about our experiences in life, classes, sports, or any topic that we like. Most of the time, we play games and watch movies together.

What was your most memorable event?

My best memory about OAC was that they woke up at 6 a.m. to hold a birthday party for me – they even made sure it was at night time in Japan!

Can you tell us your opinion on the online exchange?

The online exchange is a strange experience. However, in the meantime, as people are trying to get closer together, I may be experiencing the most unique experience that a person may have before the world shifts to a new era of post-pandemic. I believe this is the right time for me to enhance my frontier spirit.

Any comments to other NUCB students?

I hope my fellow friends here at NUCB grab the chance to explore the world no matter how the situation is – just like what I am doing in Schulich at this moment.