Visiting a Huron village, learning French, and examining cultural differences during study abroad in Canada.
– Ariana Sparling, SPC High School Student, Canada Program, January 2019
The Canada study abroad trip was one that I felt opened my eyes to how different cultures can be, even those that seem to be the most similar. Canada is a country that I always felt would’ve been very similar to the United States, but despite the overwhelming number of similarities, I did notice many differences during this program.
This trip was also one of the first times I’ve ever been on an aircraft and the first time I’ve left the country or seen snow, so it was all a very new experience for me.
While in Canada, we visited Montreal and Quebec City. Montreal, I felt, was very similar to what I would imagine New York to feel like, though I’ve never been. Quebec, however, felt very different from America. From the architecture to the culture, I felt like I had traveled farther than just across a land border, and I felt that our time spent there was very educational. I not only learned more French, but I also learned a lot about Canadian politics and history.
We also participated in activities that were typical of groups from the area. One of the most memorable activities we participated in was when we visited a Huron village. While we were there, we learned about their culture, their history, and the struggles their people went through. We also got to eat a typical Huron meal, learned about their mythology, and even went snowshoeing, which was so much fun!
Our trip to Canada taught me so much about the world and foreign countries that I had never known or thought about previously. It was not only a chance to learn and make new friends, but also a time to make once in a lifetime memories that I can cherish forever. Though having to leave was very sad, I feel that since the trip, I have become a more well-rounded and global citizen, due to my experiences and the lessons I learned in Canada. I would surely do it all over again.
– Ariana Sparling, SPC High School Student, Canada Program, January 2019
Thank you for sharing Ariana!
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Cover: This photo was taken after we went snowshoeing in Quebec at the Huron village, which was one of my favorite activities during the program.
Photo courtesy of Ariana Sparling.