Her Campus McGill is featuring a new blog by “The Exchange Student”, where she’ll tell you about what she loves about the exchange, McGill, and Montreal, and maybe occasionally what she dislikes (shhh!).
Ever since I arrived at McGill I haven’t had a moment where I can be with myself and be immersed in my thoughts. This has a a positive and not so positive side. There’s so much to do, so much to see, so many people to meet… and not enough time to do it all. The only problem is that I might lose myself on the way, and it’s a fear I have at the back of my head. However, I’m an exchange student here, even if I lose myself for a second, I know this wild experience is just like a dream. I’ll wake up when the semester is over and I have to go back home.
There’s so much to tell as well. So many parties and their aftermaths, romantic moments and not so lovey dovey ones as well. I’m living it all, and living it to the fullest. After all, every minute is precious, at least to me, as I won’t be here next year to relive everything. A pity, just when I was starting to enjoy myself…Oh well, I’ll have more fun this semester. The cold is no match for my will to party and have fun. Yes, I do realize how irresponsible, shallow and probably superficial that sounds, but what would you do if you were in Spain, the UK, Australia, or Argentina for a year or semester? Would you shut yourself in your room all day or go out and explore even when the weather isn’t nice? Exactly, now you understand what I’m getting at.
Let me explain a few things about Montreal (or maybe just McGill) that have struck me as a European. First, and most importantly, leggings and yoga pants…Why? Just Why? I understand they are comfortable, I’ll give you that. Nonetheless, I do believe they aren’t made for everyone. Now, I feel some judgement coming my way, so let me explain. Where I’m from, women learn the art of disguise. In other words, what sort of cut, fabric, color, and style looks best on us. It’s an art, you have to master it, and it takes time to do so. This is a good thing, as it also cuts shopping time, because you already know what looks good on you. With this I’m not saying that women should feel ashamed of their bodies, quite the contrary. It’s about learning how to boost your assets. Maybe yoga pants don’t suit your body, but a V-neck top does.
Next, the way guys hit on girls. Don’t get me wrong, I’m flattered as well as happy to get free drinks. Even so, I do believe they are a little bit too straight forward. Maybe it’s me, as I’m used to the chase and the courtship. Back home, it’s about seducing each other, it’s a game, a challenge. It’s about saying the right thing at the right time, not a race as to which “bro” gets a girl into his bedroom first. The latter makes me feel like not only did he completely misread my body language but also it makes me feel cheap. It also means that you’ve paid no attention to what I was saying, but rather you were waiting for some time to pass in order to ask me to go into your room without making you look like a jerk. Again, we like to be pursued, to be wooed. When a guy mentions going to his room thirty minutes after I met him I not only find it a buzzkill, but also rude. Guess what? It didn’t work. Surprise, surprise. Now, I’m not saying it doesn’t work for most men, I’ve seen first hand that it does. For this to work one of the following must be in place: you’re either a really good player, you’re Ryan Gosling (or as good looking) or the girl is really easy. Maybe it’s all three, in which case, congrats I guess.
Another thing I can’t wrap my head around is chugging. Sorry if I’m repeating myself, but I don’t mean this in a negative way, I’m simply not used to it. I’ve done my share of chugging beer already. However, maybe it’s the European blood in me, but I prefer to go to a nice bar and have a drink or two over a nice conversation about university, friends, future plans or even less light hearted topics such as political views or opinions on current affairs. You sit, you drink, you chat, another drink… and you get to meet the other person better than by playing beer pong. Nevertheless, I can’t deny the latter is most adequate when trying to blow off some steam. Closely related to drinking is partying. Why does it end at 3 AM? I mean, is this a joke or a prank of some sort? Is it because you need your beauty sleep? I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m used to partying until 8 AM, so I don’t know if I feel healthier or older as now I find it hard to stay up until late. Also, BEER? Some people seriously need to taste a proper Sangría, Piña Colada or an Old Fashioned. Then again, alcohol prices here are sky high so I do feel your pain.
To conclude this never ending rant I have to admit that even though everything I’ve written so far sounds negative, Canada has given me very nice surprises as well. Underground malls or maple syrup for example. You can’t find those in Europe, and if you can, they’re not as nice (there are some underground malls in the old continent, such as in Ukraine, but not as big). As I discover more things about this wonderful country I’ll keep you updated, however, I have some nice anecdotes up my sleeve that I’m dying to tell.
Image obtained from: http://www.mcgill.ca/undergraduate-admissions/choosing-your-program/facu…