Exchange Q & A with Lucy Evans

University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland (Spring 2025)

When and why did you decide to go abroad, and how did you figure out where to go?

One of my main goals when starting university was to do an exchange semester. I think its an amazing opportunity to get a taste of living elsewhere for those interested. I chose Glasgow as I was interested in the city and its history from an urban planning viewpoint and Scotland has always been a place I’ve wanted to explore more.

Where did you stay while you were there?

I stayed in one of the student accommodation blocks named Kelvinhaugh Street Residences. I lived in a flat with 4 other exchange students. It is about a 15 minute walk from the main campus.

What preparations did you have to make before you went abroad?

There were many preparations I made before heading abroad. For example, applying to scholarships for funding, applying/ arranging accommodation, flights and ensuring I had the appropriate travel documents (ETA, valid passport) before moving over. Additionally, I familiarised myself with the university by looking through their school websites, like the international student page and UofG living.

What were some of your most memorable experiences?

Most of my favourite memories came from the people I met and all the exploring I got to do around Scotland. In Glasgow, I loved spending evenings in the university park with friends. it became a simple but special part of my days there. During my six months there, I went on a few day trips to the Highlands and the coast, and they were amazing. One of the best was a spring day up in Glencoe—the views were absolutely stunning, and it really made me appreciate just how beautiful Scotland is..

How did your time abroad enrich or add to your knowledge of Geography? Were you able to apply things you learned at SFU while abroad?

As a Human Geography major, I feel really grateful to have had the chance to take courses that focused on Glasgow, not just as a city, but as a place shaped by all kinds of urban and environmental processes. Whether learning in the classroom or out exploring the city, the experience really opened my eyes. It gave me a new perspective on how these processes play out beyond Vancouver, and also on how geography is taught and understood in different place.

Did you have a favourite course you took while abroad?

I really enjoyed my Celtic Civilization course. This is a course that I wouldn’t have been able to take back home in such depth as it was presented here. The course focused on life, culture and art of Celtic civilizations in the early medieval times.

What advice do you have for other students who are considering studying abroad?

I think if you are able to you should do it! This experience really helped me grow both academically but also emotionally. It taught me a lot about myself and what I could achieve. Not just during the exchange but also in the preparation process as well.