This checklist is a remainder of my studies abroad in Montréal, Canada between 2008 and 2009. Enjoy
It might by interesting to make a list of things to do in and what to expect from my stay abroad before I leave.
Then check back with the list during and after my stay. Maybe some expectations fail completely, maybe the experience will be different from what I thought it will be.
Here’s the list (not ordered in matter of relevance):
Before departure
- 10+ people will tell me they’ll come and visit -> That actually already happened back in January…
- I’ll shit my pants as soon as I realize what I’m actually about to do -> Starting now…. (early aug 08)
- I won’t find a new tenant for my room and therefore will have to leave the living community -> Luckily I found a very nice girl who’s going to life nearly the whole time at my place
- I’ll find a new tenant and I can leave my beloved Wii with the guys
- I’ll pass the important exams even though there’s more going on right now than ever before –> I DID IT!!! I PASSED THEM EXAMS!! And I gotta say that right now, during those first weeks, there’s more going on than ever before…
- I’ll get thrown out of my flat because of a hardcore farewell party –> Got lucky on this one
During the stay
- Canadians are more open minded than Americans –> It really depends on the American you meet, but at least the Quebecois are a really honest, open minded, friendly bunch
- Spend more time with Canadians than internationals –> It’s tough, even though the Quebecois are friendly, to really make friends. It takes a lot of effort, time and patience. It’s way easier to team up with Internationals, which turned out to be a really great and eyes opening experiences after all.
- The Winter will be fierce, long, cold and hard to bear –> It was long and hard, but it also was a lot of fun (well I cheated on it and left the last two months out)
- I’ll find out on whom I can rely –> That turned out like expected. Sadly people can’t rely on me that much when it comes to keep in touch.
- My French learned in school will quickly return to my active knowledge –> Even if my French would have returned, it couldn’t have helped me because they speak a strong Dialect, called Quebecois. It’s an Americanized French and really, really tough to understand. Even French people watch movies from Quebec with subtitles.
- Actually no one will come and visit, even though 10+ have said to do so –> My dad came, that was great enough.
- I will have the time of my life –> So far, certainly.
- I’ll make many new friends –> Now it remains to be seen which of those numerous new friendships stands the test of time. I would be surprised if it were a lot.
- I find a great career –> Not directly, but I think I found my direction. For now. I think. Oh well…
- I’ll go skiing –> Mont Tremblant, check. Hell yeah, 80km/h
- I’ll go hiking –> Hell yeah, also went Whale watching (cellphone killing with it)
- I’ll be friends with friends of Ella / Julia / Kerrin –> Not, no contact whatsoever.
- Finally I’ll be able to soak up new cultural influences –> Yes! Muesums, photography, music, shows, festivals etc. It was about DAMN TIME
- I’ll miss Koblenz –> The ugly piece of City not at all, but a lot people living in it and the KuFa
- I won’t miss Koblenz –> see abobe
- I’ll find a way to finish my degree program in Montréal –> No, thought about it at first, but then it occured to me I have unfinished business back in Koblenz and now I’m cleaing out the closet to continue, or better, start with my carrer.
tbc…
Back home
- I will return as a changed man –> Yeah, at least I would say so, but who am I to judge.
- When I come back many things will have changed back home. Friendships will have gone –> Well I returned to Koblenz, whatya expect? Some new people came, old people left, just the same old, same old..
- My heart will stay in Montréal –> It went on a long vacation in Singapore, yet no return date.
Legend
Took place / happened / as expected
Did not happen / unexpected
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