My Semester Abroad at VIU
I‘m Davina, and I spent the winter semester of 2022 studying abroad on the west coast of Canada, specifically in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC.
Before my semester abroad began, I traveled a bit around Canada and finally arrived in Nanaimo a week before classes started.
During that week, I went whale watching and saw orcas and humpback whales from a safe distance! I also met up with other Germans at the Old City Pub in downtown Nanaimo, where we could exchange experiences and get to know each other.
When the semester kicked off, an orientation program was held for all international students, which included a campus tour (with games), a welcome event, and an evening gathering.
There was a wide range of activities to choose from, including sports courses, paintball, and organized trips. Many international students signed up for the indoor soccer tournament, and every Tuesday evening, we cheered for our team.
Beforehand, we could select our courses and were offered various timetable options to choose from. Initially, I was a bit confused because some classes were scheduled back-to-back without a break to change rooms. However, it turned out that lecturers would end lessons 10 minutes early to allow enough time to switch locations.
Due to VIU´s location, you stay fit as well! :) The campus is situated on a hill, so you often have to go up and down many stairs to reach the right building. I was pleasantly surprised to see ramps everywhere for wheelchair accessibility.
For lunch, there‘s a cafeteria where you can buy different dishes or snacks. The various bowls were particularly delicious (hopefully, they‘re still available!). If you don‘t feel like cooking every day, you‘ll definitely find something there.
In the afternoons, sometimes you have no choice but to catch up on university work. You can grab a quick coffee at the Starbucks next to the library and power through an hour or two of studying. The library offers computer stations (handy for printing), group and individual desks, and reservable rooms for group work. Upstairs, there are also seating areas with great views of Nanaimo, the water, and, on clear days, the mountains in the distance.
Don‘t worry—although there‘s a fair amount to do, the workload isn‘t as demanding as in Germany. With moderate effort, you can achieve good grades, and many lecturers enjoy having German students in their classes. That said, many professors still rely on traditional teaching methods, meaning you‘ll need to read and work through many chapters on your own depending on the course—but nothing unmanageable.
The semester also includes midterms in early October. In some courses, these are exams that contribute to your final grade. These exams aren‘t overly difficult and are easy to manage if you stay somewhat engaged with the topics.
On weekends, we were almost always on the move—whether exploring Vancouver Island, heading to Whistler, or making a quick trip to Seattle to watch a Seahawks football game.
In November, there‘s a "Study Week." While you‘re technically supposed to use this week to catch up on university tasks, most of us ended up traveling. Some flew to Hawaii, others (including me) visited San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, and a few ventured into the Rockies.
During the week, Thursdays were pub nights at the Students‘ Pub, where we‘d share a $15 pitcher of beer with friends. Occasionally, we‘d showcase “good German culture” with a performance of the german song *Atemlos*.
One weekend, we revisited Whistler and the nearby Joffre Lakes. The hike to the highest lake was stunning, and we even braved the icy water for a quick swim in the glacial lake. On the way back, we spotted a brown bear along the roadside—a truly amazing experience. Just a few weeks later, during a hike on Vancouver Island, we saw a mother bear and her two cubs on the other side of a river—definitely a moment to keep our distance!
Aside from hiking on Vancouver Island, you can visit various attractions. For example, Tofino is a well-known surfer town where some of us even took surfing lessons. Heading south, you‘ll find Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, which is particularly charming during the holiday season. Ladysmith, a small town near Nanaimo, also hosts a Christmas parade with illuminated vehicles, trucks, and fireworks.
If you can‘t get enough of holiday lights, take a day trip to Vancouver to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which is beautifully decorated with lights and has plenty to explore. On this trip, we decided to use the student discount for a seaplane ride to Vancouver. Though excited about the 20-minute flight to the city, the snowy and windy weather made for a bumpy ride. However, the stunning view of Stanley Park and snowy Vancouver from above made it all worthwhile.
Back in Nanaimo, it was time to hit the books for finals. Once exams were over, we celebrated with a house party before some people returned home and others set off on more adventures.
I made one last trip to the Rockies. While I experienced pleasant 25°C weather in the summer, this December visit brought -25°C and lots of snow. Ice skating on Lake Louise and watching ice sculptures being built on the frozen lake was magical. To warm up, we spent an afternoon in a hot spring in Banff, where our hair froze in the icy air. Winter in the Rockies was truly a unique experience.
In general, Nanaimo isn‘t a big city. It has enough pubs and “clubs,” but it doesn‘t have a big-city vibe. Personally, I enjoyed it because I love hiking. Luckily, Vancouver is easily accessible for a night out. For those wanting to save on accommodation, you can take the first ferry back in the morning and enjoy delicious fish and chips at Trollers Fish & Chips on the Harbourfront.
I had an amazing semester, met fantastic people I‘m still in touch with, and experienced so much. Canadians are incredibly friendly, living up to the stereotype, and Vancouver Island offers so much to see. With the U.S. West Coast nearby, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable moments.
I have only positive memories of my time there and can wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Canada—and Vancouver Island in particular—for yourself.
