Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Before starting the application process, it is helpful to make a realistic list of universities you are interested in. Take the time to look closely at the programs and courses offered and consider whether they fit your academic background, GPA, and CV. Deadlines and required documents should be checked early, and if anything is unclear, reaching out to the International Office can be very helpful. Once accepted, it is important to think about housing as early as possible, as accommodation options can fill up quickly. Clarifying visa requirements, health insurance, and financial planning in advance helps make the start of the semester abroad much smoother.

2. Accommodation

Initially, I expected to receive accommodation on campus, but when this did not work out, I felt quite stressed about finding a place to live. I then searched for off-campus options and found housing through an official Western University student website that offers a verified housing marketplace. I contacted a potential landlord, had a video call, and it felt like a good match, so I decided to move in. The accommodation was located about ten minutes from campus in Old North, which is a popular and convenient student area. The rent was approximately 650 euros per month. I was very fortunate with my roommates, as they were both extremely friendly and welcoming, which made settling in much easier. While shared housing can always be a bit unpredictable, my experience was very positive overall, and I was very happy with my living situation during the semester.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at the Ivey School of Business differed significantly from WU. The campus infrastructure at Ivey is very different, as it is part of a large university located in the middle of a smaller city. As a result, the university plays a central role in student life, and most academic and social activities take place on or around campus. The academic culture at Ivey is very positive and supportive, while also being strongly focused on learning and performance. Students and faculty are approachable and welcoming, but thorough preparation is expected. Teaching at Ivey is based on the case method, which is used in almost all courses. Students prepare cases on a daily basis, and active participation is essential, as discussions build directly on the case material. Class participation is usually graded, making it important to contribute thoughtfully. In comparison to courses at WU Vienna, classes at Ivey are much smaller and more personal. Students sit with nameplates, and there is close interaction with professors, who quickly get to know their students. Courses are largely discussion-based rather than lecture-focused, which creates a highly interactive learning environment.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life at the host university was well organized and convenient. I usually took the bus to campus, and with the mandatory student fee of around 300 euros, I received a public transportation card that allowed unlimited use of buses in London. Public transport was reliable, making it easy to get to and from the university. In terms of safety, most areas are quite safe, especially around campus and in Old North, where I lived. While there are some areas that are less advisable, I generally felt very safe in my daily life. Social and leisure activities were excellent. For students who enjoy sports, the university offers outstanding facilities, including a large gym with a swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer and volleyball facilities, and many other activities. Beyond sports, there were numerous social events and parties throughout the semester. The exchange office at Ivey was especially supportive and organized a wide range of activities for exchange students, including trips such as a visit to Toronto to attend a Toronto Raptors basketball game. Overall, there was always something to do, both on and off campus.

6. Testimonial

My exchange experience at Ivey has honestly been amazing. It was a combination of being in a great country with friendly, open people who are genuinely interested in meeting others. Making friends, getting to know locals, and feeling included was much easier than I expected. I was also very lucky to meet so many kind and welcoming people who became true friends. My main advice for future exchange students is to be open, friendly, and proactive—don’t hesitate to approach people and start conversations. While official marketing materials and websites give a good overview, talking to students who have already been there or reading past exchange reports provides insights that no official information can offer. These firsthand experiences really help you understand what to expect and make the most of your time abroad.