EXPERIENCE REPORT
ANR:
Name:
E-mail:
Exchange semester:
Academic year:
Host University:
Country:
421494
Vera Zimmermann
v.s.zimmermann@tilburguniversity.edu
Fall 2014
2014/2015
Ryerson University
Canada
I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Ryerson University is located in Toronto, Canada. Toronto is situated directly at the Ontario
Lake with its nice beaches and close to the Algonquin Provincial Park and its stunning lakes.
Moreover, it is the provincial capital of Ontario and has the highest population in the country,
which already implies its high procentage of immigrants. However, it is a beautiful city that
has a lot to offer. Besides its sport teams the Toronto Maple Leafs (Ice Hockey), Blue Jays
(Baseball) and the Raptors (Basketball) it consist of neighbourhoods that not only differ in
architecture but also culture. It is also a fashion metropole and the stores range from nice
small boutiques to big American chains and shopping malls. Nightlife wise Toronto is a lot of
fun either by visiting one of the famous theatres, one of the high society bars and clubs, or the
old pubs. Furthermore, Toronto is the place to be if you like music. Many famous performers
and bands come to Toronto and in summer the famous Riot Festival takes place at
Downsview Park. My favourite place to be is Queen Street West and Kensigton Market
because this neigbourhood has a lot of flair with its small houses, boutiques, street artists and
vegan or fair trade restaurants.
Ryerson University is located in the heart of the city, so exactly downtown Toronto. To be
more precise it is situated at Dundas Square and Yonge Street near the Eaton Center, a big
shopping mall. The University can be described as a campus, which consists of different
buildings of different styles. Some were part of an old High School other are really modern.
Especially the Ted Rogers School of Management building is one of its kind. The campus is
rather small but has nevertheless a lot to offer. It has several sport teams that are
represented by Eggy the Ram, the Ryerson Mascott, a big library and two gyms that are for
free. Besides it also has several small cafes and breakfast places and book stores. However
as already described the main street with a lot of restaurants is right next to Ryerson. In my
opinion the best place to eat is Fresh, a vegetarian restaurant, even if you are not a
vegetarian you should definitely pay them a visit. Another good place is the Imperial Pub,
which is also a nice bar, which also serves as a cozy library, and The Burger Priest. For
drinking and going out it depends what you like. I am more like the concert, bar kinda girl, so I
like the Horseshoe Tavern, The Phoenix and Lee’s Palace but there are also nice fancy clubs
like Gravity, Cube or Ace. One big different to Tilburg is that the students and professor do
not seem to be divided into the different faculties but there is a big school spirit and everyone
belongs together.
Ryerson is currently divided into the Faculty of Arts, Ted Rogers School of Management, the
Faculty of Communication& Design, the Faculty of Community Services, the Faculty of
Engineering& Architecture Science, the Faculty of Science, Yeates School of Graduate
Studies and Continuing Education. If you want to learn more about the faculties’ special areas
go to http://www.ryerson.ca/faculties/. In 2014, 36200 undergraduates, 2360 postgraduates
and and about 200 exchange students per semester attended Ryerson University.
The study structure at Ryerson University consist of lectures either divided into 1h and 2h or
3h hours once a week. However, you have to read much academic research and there are a
lot of in class participations and tests, which also contribute to your final grade. My classes all
had a mid- term exam, a big essay and an end- term exam as well, so basically you have to
keep up with your work in course of the semester.
II PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Information before you left
The Ryerson University offers a pre- arrival guide for the academic year right from the
beginning, which is really helpful in terms of accommodation, visa and other things.
Nevertheless, they also sent me more pre- arrival information in the end of May/ the
beginning of June. I encountered difficulties in terms of the course selection because the
webside is rather difficult to understand, especially with regard to the semesters in which the
specific courses are offered. Tilburg University is not a big help either, that is why I had to
change my course choice several times, which was kind of frustrating.
Visa procedure and arrival
I did not apply for a visa because it is not necessary when you are only staying for half a year,
however in case you stay longer I would advice to apply in time because it takes a while to be
issued. In terms of arrival, I flew to Montreal first to meet up with some family members and
friends that I stayed with for two weeks. They actually drove me to Toronto. However it is
important to note that you have to organize how to get form the airport to your
accommodation yourself and public transportantion is a hustle, so plan this in advance.
Moreover, you have to be kind of independend in terms of administration and insurance
applications but everything is pretty well explained in the pre- arrival guide. Also I arrived one
week before the semester started because then you can already get this stuff over with before
you are too busy with meeting new people and your study.
Orientation/Introduction activities
You have to attend one mandatory day for exchange students, where you already meet new
people and they actually explain all the important stuff again. They also introduce RISExC an
association established by Ryerson students that plan several events for the exchange
students.
Housing
Housing is rather hard to be organized if you only stay for one semester because the Ryerson
University does not offer housing for these exchange students. However there are quiet good
alternatives that nevertheless have to be arranged aa soon as possible because they fill up
fast. Those are Tartu College Residence, which is located a bit further aways so you would
have to take the subway, and Neill- Wycik College Residence, which is situated 5 min walk
from Ryerson. I stayed at Neill- Wycik and really liked it. It is a 22
nd
floor tall building that is
organized by students and thus you will never be alone. The units are pretty big and about 6
students live in one.
Living Costs
Rent is approximately the same as Tilburg, however groceries and alcohol as well as clubs
etc. is way more expensive.
−
Housing: 500$/ month
−
Food: 500$/month
−
Transport: 3.50$ a ride
−
Books: 150$ new books but you can buy the used a bit cheaper
Personal Development
I developed a lot during the exchange. I learned so much because I only chose courses that I
was really interested in and also had an practical aspect somehow. I got even more
independend than I was and met so many nice local people that I will stay in contact with.
They taught me not to take everything too serious because then you can actually achieve the
things you want because you are more relaxed and balanced. The most important lesson I
learned during my exchange is that even though you are glad to be there you will not be
spared form homesickness from time to time but this only makes you stronger and makes you
appritiate the simple things in life.
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Description of Courses
All courses are taught in English.
Courses I took:
1.
SOC 104, Understanding Society, 6 ECTS
•
I chose this course because it fits the topics of my major Social Sciences.
Furthermore it also offers a social project that you can attend, which is also a
good way to actually get an insight in social work such as AntiHomelessness Activism or escorting elderly people
,
2. CRM 202 Victimology and Criminal Justice, 6 ECTS
•
I chose this class because it gives an introduction for the master I want to
take after my Bachelor. It also was a good choice in terms of learning about
the Canadian society, legal system and history
3.
PSY 808, Community Psychology, 6 ECTS
•
4.
I chose this course because
CLD 500, A Caring World for Children, 6 ECTS
•
I chose this class because it dealt with an important topic and I would like to
work in this area in the future.
5.
MHR 721, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, 6 ECTS
•
I took this class because I rather feel unconfortable to approach people in an
organization and I wanted to gain some confidence in doing so
•
This was my favourite class and I would definitely recommend it. It is so
much fun because one actually practices in small groups to negotiate and
learns the best techniques to win. Moreover, the professor was really cool
and new what he was talking about.
Academic level at a host university
I would say that the teaching style is kind of relateable to the style taught in Liberal Arts and
Sciences. However, the extra reading is way more at Ryerson than Tilburg. For the exams
they expact you to know the books for the MCQs and the lectures for the open questions.
Sometime the lectures do not cover the books at all. Nevertheless, the Professors are really
nice and really want to know you as a student. Most of them knew my name after the
semester. Moreover, they are really happy intereacting with you, so do not hesitate to email
them or go to their office to have a chat. I can say that I am more than happy with my
achievements during my exchange semester and the hard work payed off.
Tips for the future students:
Exchange and encountering a new country is the best thing that can happen to you. You
learn so much about yourself and your mind gets extended by all the new people you meet,
the experiences you make and the opportunities you will stumble upon. I would definitely
recommend Ryerson University. The university has so much to offer and is growing every
academic year. Canadian in general are the best people to be around. They are funny, nice
and so so so helpful. Whenever you feel lonely or need help just ask a fellow local student,
they will be there for you. Ryerson is as excited as you to finally meet.