Studying Abroad in Canada: Great social experience and I learned a lot academically Past Review

By (Psychology, American University) for

University of Toronto: Toronto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I actually learned a lot about Canada and other countries from living with international students. I had the most fun-packed semester of my undergrad career and created some of the strongest relationships of my life.

Review Photos

University of Toronto: Toronto - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot at University of Toronto. The classes were harder for me than they are in the United States. They don't have grade inflation like we do here in the United States, so the professors expected a lot more out of you to get a good grade. The classes were also much larger than I was used to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Had some activities to get the exchange students more involved and comfortable. Were very helpful in getting adjusted.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed on the fifth floor of the Chestnut Residence and loved it! I mostly loved it because of the other students on my floor. Living with other international students was a great experience for me.

* Food:

Toronto is very vegetarian friendly overall, so I really appreciated that. The Chestnut Residence has a great cafeteria, which is where I ate most of my food. Toronto is also a great food city though, so get out every now and then!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social life I had in Toronto was the best part of the program with me. It was really only with the other exchange students who lived on my floor, and I loved it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Toronto is an incredibly safe city for how large and urban it is. The program was also great about making sure our mental and physical health was in check. You are given health care coverage, so no need to worry about that.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're an American student who isn't sure studying abroad in Canada is really that exciting, I would say to give it some more thought. I actually learned a lot about Canada and other countries from living with international students. I had the most fun-packed semester of my undergrad career and created some of the strongest relationships of my life. There's plenty to explore in Canada that will surprise you.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Psychopathologies of Childhood

Course Department: PSYC 341F
Instructor: Dr. Denise Vallance
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The worst course I took at UofT. The lecture was incredibly boring and I found her style of teaching difficult to follow. Would not recommend this professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: Get preapproval of your courses! It was not clearly explained to me before I went to UofT that I needed pre-approval of my courses for the credits to transfer over and I ended up almost using my scholarship at American University, my home university.
Course Name/Rating:

THEORIES OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

Course Department: PSYC 343H
Instructor: Dr. Neil Rector
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good course. I learned a lot and his teaching is very straightforward.
Credit Transfer Issues: Get preapproval of your courses! It was not clearly explained to me before I went to UofT that I needed pre-approval of my courses for the credits to transfer over and I ended up almost using my scholarship at American University, my home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Cognition and Psychopathology

Course Department: PSYC 342H
Instructor: Dr. Sidney Smith
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Most challenging course I took at UofT. I liked the course and I learned a lot, but it was also a lot of work. The professor expects a lot out of the students.
Credit Transfer Issues: Get preapproval of your courses! It was not clearly explained to me before I went to UofT that I needed pre-approval of my courses for the credits to transfer over and I ended up almost using my scholarship at American University, my home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Intergroup Relations

Course Department: PSY 322F
Instructor: Dr. Alison Chasteen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My favorite course I took at UofT. I learned a lot and found her lectures very clear and easy to follow.
Credit Transfer Issues: Get preapproval of your courses! It was not clearly explained to me before I went to UofT that I needed pre-approval of my courses for the credits to transfer over and I ended up almost using my scholarship at American University, my home university.