On Sunday March 4, British Council Canada was part of the “Canada’s largest international university expo.” The British Council was there to offer resources, support, and information to Canadian students on how to manage the process of studying in the United Kingdom.   A recent article in one of Canada’s leading papers, The Globe and Mail, points to the fact that many of the leaders at Canada’s universities feel that it is important and beneficial for Canadians to study abroad.

"Home grown students need to study outside their own backyard to develop strong worldwide connections and an instinct to innovate." (University leaders want more Canadians to study abroad, The Globe and Mail)

Usman-Ul-Ahsan, a volunteer with the British Council Canada, would agree! Usman did his IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exams at the British Council Pakistan and then headed to the UK to get his MBA at the University of Wales.  He was challenged at first by having to live independently and adapt to a new culture but once he became accustomed to his surroundings he, like many who go abroad, found the experience positive and liberating.  

Usman says, “London is multicultural and I was able to meet people from places like Italy, Brazil, Canada and, of course, the UK.  The experience taught me to think about our impressions of other cultures.  I got to hear what others thought about me and reflect upon my initial thoughts about them.  Were their impressions correct?  Were my impressions correct?  I ended up making a lot of friends and in all, the experience was awesome!"