Over the course of these past few years, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do some travelling abroad, particularly in Europe. There are so many great things to benefit from while travelling – be it the amazing sights, the delicious food, and the fascinating cultures that countries all around the world have to offer. However, one of my favourite things about travelling is having the chance to meet people from all walks of life and from all around the globe. Especially when you are staying in hostels, it gives you the chance to meet people from absolutely everywhere!
However, whenever I would return home from travelling, one of the things I truly missed the most was constantly meeting new people from new places. Many of these people became some of my best friends, who I talk to almost every day, or every few weeks. It wasn’t until I returned from my six month study abroad in England that I realized I don’t need to be abroad to make friends from a different country – there are plenty of international and exchange students, right here in Ottawa, looking to meet a friendly and welcoming Canadian!
Why we all need a buddy from a foreign country
- You get introduced to new things
One of the most incredible things you can gain from building relationships with people from different countries is that you become introduced to new and completely different things you are most definitely not used to. You may be introduced to new cultures and customs, interesting and delicious foods, and fascinating languages! By learning to appreciate and be interested in these new things, it gets us out of our comfort zones and can help us gain a new and totally different perspective on our lives and personal interests.
- You are a constantly learning
Another amazing thing that comes with having friends from different countries is that you are constantly learning about people, cultures, and countries. This is the kind of learning you don’t get from Wikipedia or your classic school textbook. So get out there and meet people!
- Awareness
Lastly, one of the greatest things I’ve come to learn while meeting and becoming friends with people from across the globe is awareness. You become more captivated and aware of your own culture, yourself, others, and cultures that surround you.
Your chance to meet an international buddy
- The uOttawa Buddy Program
As I mentioned, you don’t need to be abroad to make a new friend from a different country. The University of Ottawa’s Buddy Program is a great way to make new friends from a different country! By participating in this program, you will be paired with one to three exchange students who will be studying at uOttawa for a semester or a full academic year. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends, but you’ll also be helping your new buddy adapt and ease themselves into a new cultural surrounding they may not be entirely used to, and you’ll be able to introduce them to other Canadians and show them why the city of Ottawa is such a wonderful and exciting place to live.
The deadline to apply for the winter session is November 15th, 2013. For more information on the uOttawa Buddy Program, please visit the uOttawa Buddy Program website.