My Life-Changing Journey at Saint Mary’s University, Canada – By Anas Ahmad

In 2023, I was blessed with an extraordinary opportunity to attend a semester long exchange program at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Halifax, Canada. When I received the confirmation, I simply could not believe it. Even today, whenever I think of those four beautiful months, I can only say Alhamdulillah.

The journey did not start smoothly. My visa process was delayed, which meant I arrived two weeks late. Those days were stressful, but one person made a huge difference — Ms. Miyuki Arai, Director of Global Learning Services at SMU. From the very beginning until the end of my stay, she stood beside me, guided me through every challenge, and ensured I could make the most of my exchange experience. I remain deeply grateful to her.

Once I arrived, SMU immediately felt like home. The university is known not only for its strong academic environment but also for its global culture. Students from all around the world come together here, and as an international student, I felt welcomed, valued, and truly included.

I studied courses such as International Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Sociology. These subjects pushed me to think differently and helped me gain skills that will support both my personal and professional journey in the future. My professors were supportive and approachable, and group projects helped me build friendships with classmates who became incredible collaborators.

But SMU was not just about classrooms. It gave me experiences that I will carry forever. I remember visiting the Burke Gaffney Observatory and seeing the moon and stars so close that it felt unreal. The apple picking trip organized by SMU was another joyful moment, laughing, exploring, and bonding with friends from different parts of the world.

Looking back, my time at Saint Mary’s University was far beyond academics. It transformed me as a person. I learned to be more confident, more curious, and more open to the world. SMU showed me that dreams can come true, and that growth often happens when we step outside our comfort zone.

Before ending, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Office of External Affairs (OEA) at North South University. Their dedication made it possible for students like me to participate in the prestigious Study in Canada Scholarship (SiCS) funded by Global Affairs Canada. Only a few students from Bangladesh get this remarkable chance, and I feel honored to be one of them. I believe the continuous efforts of OEA will open even more doors for NSU students to explore the world and become true global learners.

My exchange journey at SMU will always remain one of the brightest chapters of my life, a chapter full of growth, gratitude, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you, SMU. Thank you, NSU.