Paolina Kaneva, International Hospitality & Tourism Management, Level 3

Central Connecticut State University, USA

Let me introduce myself – I am a last year IHTM student, I just completed my exchange program in the US, and that was one of the best thing in my life.

Not only did I enrich my academic knowledge in the field of Business learning from the US perspective, but also created lifelong memories. In the university I had the change to attend a wide variety of classes and experience completely different educational system.

A collage of two images: A young woman poses for a photo from the top of a skyscraper, the view of the cityscape and intersecting river are seen behind her; and three young women stand together under a cherry blossom tree.

Moreover, people who I met in America were so welcoming and open that during Easter I was invited to celebrate with my friend’s family learning new traditions and sharing my experience. My favorite part of the exchange was constantly learning about American culture and adapting to their way of living but also teaching them how we do things.

I also joined the ski and tennis clubs where I create friendships. I am grateful for the amazing people I met as it’s the people you make a rich and vibrant experience. Apart from the university life, I love travelling around America visiting different places such as Miami, New York city, Boston and more.

I am grateful for this exchange program as it broadened my horizons and opened doors for future development. It also showed me that its not scary to leave you comfort zone and if you do so amazing things happen. I will be forever grateful to QMU giving me this opportunity for growth.

For those of you who are hesitant about going on an exchange I would say, take the next step and be open for the new experience in front of you. It will be more than you could imagine.

Semester Abroad Experiences

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