Student Report
Name of the University: Mount Allison University
Exchange semester: Fall / Spring, 2013
I. PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before leaving Norway
I encountered no difficulties with the school. I received all my information on e-mail and
they were quick to answer if I had any questions.
Applying for a visa
You don’t have to apply for a visa, as long as you got the admission you automatically get
one and can stay for 6 months.
Travel
I booked a flight to Moncton airport and took a cab from there. The cab costs about $100,
which is about 500kr. It’s better to talk to the international office and arrange for them to pick
you up.
Housing
I lived in Windsor residence. I recommend either Windsor, Hunton, or Cambell, because it’s
closest to the meal hall.
On the other hand, if you live in a residence you will live with a majority of 18year olds. If
you contact the school, you may be able to find a apartment with people more your age.
Costs
Rent for a whole semester was about 13500 NOK. I spent about 4000 NOK on books. If you
are living in one of the residences you have to be on a meal plan, my meal plan was about
12000 NOK for the whole semester. I did not spend alot of money on transport at all. Most of
what you need is within walking distance and also taxis are really cheap here compared to
Norway!
Culture and language
Although New Brunswick is bilingual, everyone here speaks English so the language was not
a problem at all. You get a small town feel which is very typical for Canada. The public
transportation is really bad, but most people have a car so you can use them to get around.
II. ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Mount Allison is a small school with around 2500 students. The school is located in a small
town named Sackville, New Brunswick on the east cost of Canada. The school has been
ranked as Canada’s number 1 undergraduate university 17 out of the past 23 years in
MacLeans Magazine, and the school generally has a very good reputation.
What I really liked about the school and comity is that it’s so small you actually get to know
the whole town and most of its people. The surroundings are beautiful, and the quickly get
your own favorite places.
Course registration
I had some problems registering for the courses because of prerequisites I had to have. I emailed the school, but I mostly dealt with it when I got over there.
Academic calendar
Arrival date:
January 4th
First day of the semester:
January 5th
Last day of classes:
April 24
Examination period:
April 14-24
Any special events/holidays:
St. Patrick’s day
Mardie Gras
Other:
Arrival
I came in January and there was no introduction week for us. It is more common on the fall
semester.
But we were given mentors which helped a lot to get to know the place and meet other
people.
The International Office
They we’re really good helping you with whatever you need. That’s the good thing about
living in a small town.
Promoting BI and Norway
I helped one student who was going to Norway with a couple of questions about our school.
Other than that I didn’t do much :)
Social activities
There were a lot of activities organized through the mentorship program. There were also
multiple opportunities to join student clubs and Societies but they are a little hard to find. The
native students are as friendly as we all think Canadians are, and you’ll easily get friends.
III. ACADEMICS
In the classroom
The whole structure is very different from BI. Where we have lectures with 200 students, they
have classes with 10. Where we have one final exam that counts 100% of the grade, their final
exam counts 30%. At MTA you get a much closer relationship with your professor and class.
There is also multiple papers and cases you have to sign in regularly during the semester.
Studying in Canada is a more similar to our high school structure.
You need a D- to pass courses.
Course materials
There is a bookstore at the student center were you get all necessary books and equipment.
The school uses Moodle as a substitute for our ItsLearning. Some courses use a collection of
articles instead of books.
Exams
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Final exam (include form: written, oral, home assignment, presentation, etc.)
Mid-term exam
In-class quizzes throughout semester
Small assignments and/or papers
Presentations
Group work
Class attendance
Class participation/debates
Activities outside of the classroom
Other – if other, describe.
The exams are between 2 and 3 hours long and cover everything you’ve been through that
semester. The exams only count between 20-40% of your final grade, and are not that hard in
my opinion. If you forget what time your exam was, like I did, you’re usually allowed to take
it later. The perks of going to a small school- #win.
The rest of your grade is typically participation, papers, case and presentations.
Library and technology
There is multiple study areas and facilities such as the library and meal hall is king kong.
Description of courses
Course code & name
Master/
Bachelor
Exam form
CANA-2011 A An
Intro to Canadian
Culture
Bachelor
2-hour written
exam
COMM-3321 A
Human Resource
Management
Bachelor
3-hour written
exam.
COMM-3411 A
Management Science
Bachelor
3-hour written
exam
COMM-4341 A
Business Ethics
Bachelor
Final paper
Prerequisites
Approved
as
Comments
Really
interessting
if your want
to learn
more about
Canada
super easy!
basicly just
talking
about stuff.
GENV-2101 A Natural Bachelor
Resources
Management
final paper
On a final note, how will you sum up the exchange experience?
I truly had an amazing semester. Canadians are the nicest people on earth, the school
environment is including and fun, and Sackville is a great town. I will definently go back to
visit!