Details

• Canada
• MACEMS-25
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 3 months

1. Preparation

Before starting my exchange semester at Ivey Business School at Western University in Canada, I would recommend doing some research on travel options, courses, and the weather conditions. I flew from Vienna to Toronto, and from Toronto Pearson Airport it is possible to take a bus directly to Western University in London, Ontario. I would strongly recommend choosing this option, as it is more convenient. I personally travelled by train, but in hindsight this was not the best choice because it was less direct and more complicated. Another important part of the preparation is the course selection. I would advise future exchange students to look carefully at the available courses and choose subjects that are both interesting and useful for their studies. Ivey offers many practical and discussion-based courses, so it is worth taking time to find courses that match your interests. Finally, students should prepare well for the Canadian winter. Temperatures can get very cold, especially compared to Austria, so I would definitely recommend packing a very warm winter jacket, good shoes, gloves, and other winter clothing. Having the right clothes makes everyday life much easier during the semester.

2. Accommodation

For my accommodation search, I used a university-supported housing website where landlords can post houses and students can find places to rent. I contacted a landlord through this platform and booked my accommodation that way. I would definitely recommend starting the search as early as possible, because the best houses and rooms are taken quickly. I lived in a fully furnished house at 232 Suffolk Place, which was about 20 minutes from Ivey Business School. This location was convenient, and I was happy that the house already had furniture, as otherwise I would have had to buy many things myself. The house was originally meant for five people, but in the end only three of us lived there, so we had a lot of space. There is also university-provided student housing, where students usually have their own room and share common areas with others. I think this is a good option for students coming alone, as it makes it easier to meet people and can also mean a shorter commute. If students already know others and want to live together, renting a house through the university’s housing website is also a very good option.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life at Ivey Business School was very good and quite different from WU Vienna. The classes were small, usually around 30 students, which made the teaching much more interactive. Professors often expect students to prepare before class and actively participate, so it is important to read the cases or materials in advance. Otherwise, you might be called on during class and asked to contribute. The campus facilities were also very good. There is a library where students can study, as well as printers and other useful facilities. Overall, I felt that everything needed for studying was available on campus. Compared to WU Vienna, the teaching style at Ivey is much more focused on discussion, participation, and applying knowledge in class. At WU, studying is often more independent and exam-focused, while at Ivey the learning happens more continuously throughout the semester. I would also recommend attending as many skills seminars as possible, because I found them very useful and well organized.

5. Every day life in the host country

Everyday life in London, Ontario was generally easy to manage. There is a bus network, and students can get a semester ticket through the university for around 180 Canadian dollars. This makes public transport quite affordable. However, the connections are not always very convenient, as you often have to change buses, and the train connection was not very reliable. Because of this, I sometimes used Uber instead. Regarding safety, I personally did not feel unsafe during my exchange. However, I heard that there are some areas where students should be a bit more careful, especially at night. There are many social and leisure activities, but a lot depends on the campus clubs and student organizations. I would recommend joining a campus club or applying for a club position, as this helps you meet people and stay informed about events and activities. In general, I would advise future students to participate in as many activities as possible. There are also good sports options. Intramural sports take place regularly and are a great way to play sports with fellow students. I would definitely recommend taking part. Another highlight is watching an ice hockey game, for example a London Knights game, which is a very fun and typical Canadian experience.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at Ivey Business School was a very special experience because of the interactive courses, the small classes, and the many opportunities to meet new people. One of my highlights was getting to know Canadians, as they often know the best places to go and can show you a more authentic side of student life. I also really enjoyed taking part in campus activities, intramural sports, and exploring everyday life in Canada. Overall, I would recommend being open, joining as many activities as possible, and making the most of the semester.