From academic differences to new social norms, learn of the unique discoveries a UK exchange student faces while adapting to life in Canada

Jasmine Joseph is a third-year psychology, neuroscience and behaviour student at the University of Warwick in England. She is currently on exchange at McMaster University for the Winter 2025 term.

When reflecting on her decision to study in Canada, she emphasized the value of embracing opportunities.

"There's not going to be any other time in your life after this where you have so much free time to explore, study abroad and I was like let me try and just make the most of the opportunities at my university," said Joseph. "If money is a worry, money comes back. Time doesn't."

Despite initial anxieties about making friends and adjusting to life without her family, Joseph quickly adapted.

"There were some days where I was a bit anxious, going to a whole group at an event and just interrupting the conversation to be like, Hey, can I come and sit with you guys," said Joseph.

Joseph highlighted a memorable opportunity that she would not have had without actively seeking it out and engaging socially. "I've been on a cabin trip with the Mac Outdoor Club, which was so fun. And I met some such lovely girls on that trip," said Joseph.

One of the most notable aspects of Joseph's experience has been the cultural differences she encountered.

"People here are a lot friendlier. I knew people would probably be a bit nicer, but it's really surprised me," said Joseph, noting the contrast between the warm Canadian hospitality and the more reserved nature she’s accustomed to in the UK.

People here are a lot friendlier like I knew people would probably be a bit nicer. But it's really surprised me

Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University

She explained that people have sometimes mimicked her British accent, which she finds amuzing.

"I thought we were having a normal conversation. Now, this is like a British accent practice class," said Joseph.

Joseph also faced some language barriers due to slang differences. Words like "accom" for accommodation left Canadians confused, as McMaster students typically say "res" for residence.

"There are definitely some words when I'm speaking, they're just like, "Oh, what does that mean?" But they do know a few more. There are some crossovers that I wasn't expecting, especially in the Black community, they'll be saying words that we say in London," said Joseph.

Toronto and London share some similar slang due to their shared historical roots in cultural immigration, particularly from Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities. This diverse influence has shaped the local vernacular in both cities.

Academically, Joseph was shocked by McMaster’s teaching style. She noticed a significant difference between the UK and Canadian approaches.  

"I go to a Russell Group University back home, it's like the British version of Ivy League and back home our academic system at my university is very rigorous . . . But when I came here, what I've like concluded and gathered after being here for 3 months now almost 4, is that the education system–at least I can speak on Mac–is a lot more relaxed," said Joseph.

When comparing both styles of teaching, Joseph concluded she prefers McMaster's environment to better understand and learn course content.

"It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising," said Joseph. "I've been lucky enough that the profs that I've had, you can tell they're passionate about the subject."

It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising

Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University

Joseph explained how her exchange has impacted her own approach to academics.

"I think it's even taught me the fact that yes, I'm here on pass fail, but just to give myself more grace when it comes to my academics," said Joseph. Being abroad has allowed her to focus on learning the content rather than obsessing over grades, something she hopes to continue back home.

Joseph also believes her exchange experience will help her career. Overcoming challenges and pushing past fears has strengthened her confidence.

"I betted on myself that, you know what, I'm going to go and smash this this semester abroad. And by God's grace it's been good, it's been successful," said Joseph.

The time Joseph has had at McMaster has been memorable and she encourages others to take on opportunities that promote cultural exchange. "Do it. Take that exchange, go on that semester abroad, go on that full year studying abroad. Just do it, because for me life is too short," concluded Joseph.

[adrotate banner="16"]

[feather_share show="twitter, google_plus, facebook, reddit, tumblr" hide="pinterest, linkedin, mail"]

My early explorations of music started in the stacks of the Hamilton Public Library around eight years ago, where I would arbitrarily pick out a dozen CDs to bring home. Bloc Party’s debut album, Silent Alarm, was probably the single most important discovery in these trips. To this day, Bloc Party’s early discography has solidified the UK pop-rock outfit in my shortlist of all-time favourite acts.

Bloc Party has gone through a string of hiatuses and break-ups following 2008’s Intimacy, but their career has unfortunately been overshadowed by the weight of following up on their rapturously received debut. Silent Alarm’s critical acclaim has loomed over Bloc Party’s career, despite the more matured, conceptual approach on their sophomore work A Weekend in the City and a collection of gems from Intimacy.

Now, Bloc Party returns without bassist Gordan Moakes and drummer Matt Tong in their fifth studio album, Hymns. Their new album is an hour of moody electronic sounds and an especially close and personal vocal performance from front man Kele Okereke, who discusses his relationship with his Christianity, hopeless romance, and loneliness. Hymns leaves me unfortunately, and expectedly, feeling lukewarm.

Even after several listens, there are few moments that really resonated with me. With the exception of the bland but upbeat leading single “The Love Within,” the entire project sits in a mid-paced electronic drone. Okereke’s beautiful vocal work, showcasing impressive growth in both his emotional and musical range over his decade long career, saves what is otherwise a complete write-off.

For long-time fans, Hymns will feel like a husk of what the band once was. Though Kele has grown as a singer, there are very few notable moments in the song-writing, and the religious themes of the album don’t particularly amount to any form of powerful revelation. It is especially painful to summarize lead guitarist Russel Lissack’s contributions as electronic drone, given how instrumental he has been to distinguishing the group among other mid-2000s indie rock-pop groups. Lissack’s guitar and melody work almost carried the inspiration and legacy of Johnny Marr’s work with The Smiths, and much of Bloc Party’s success was founded on that work. It doesn’t help that Tong’s precision complex and precision drum work is no longer part of the equation.

This is where I think the comparisons should end. It is clear that Hymns is the introduction of a new Bloc Party, and though this album still warrants a sub-par score, it is equally apparent that there is no desire for the group to return to their original form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V23fQ1KREcE

As much as I personally appreciate the group’s early work, it is important to recognize that comparing this new group to their previous work is a measure of a group’s history, and a measure of what has changed, and marks some deliberate artistic choices. Hymns will be panned by fans and critics alike as yet another project that’s not as good as Silent Alarm, which in my view, is an absolute cop-out.

There are solid moments in the project, and tracks like “Only He Can Heal Me,” “Different Drugs” and “Living Lux” create a potentially perfect backdrop to that summer city night where you and a particular someone go out for drive. That being said, you’re going to have to keep a finger on the skip button a little too often.

Hymns is an unspectacular, but fairly inoffensive effort, and may even have some appeal to fresh ears looking for ambient and intimate electronic beats with a great supporting voice. There were enough charming moments, enough talent, and there is enough promise in this hopefully rejuvenated group that I am still looking forward to what the new Bloc Party has in store for us.

Photo Credit: Rachel Wright

[thesil_related_posts_sc]Related Posts[/thesil_related_posts_sc]