I've done a little research, whilst jiggling (any excuse to use the word jiggle - it makes me chuckle) my plans a little bit. All things going well this is what is going to happen: During the break between November, which is the end of the school year here, and September, which is the beginning of the school year in Canada, I'm going to work my butt off and save some dollars. The dollars will help me be a little more comfortable during the study year, but given that the university waves the fees (a little something I've found out through my research) and accepts my Australian second year's payment, the burden is certainly lighter. Also, I'm able to claim study assistance from the Aussie government whilst I'm abroad - most excellent news!
My research has also revealed that only one university does the exchange program with my university in the field of arts/humanities. That university is Carleton, "Canada's Capital University", and it's located in Ottawa. A glance at my trusty atlas reveals that Ottawa isn't very far north, so I may not get to see much snow, however it isn't far from the border so a trip to New York would not be out of the question. It's going to take Much planning, Mega dollars, and Massive commitment - which will be referred to from here on in as the Three Ms - but I'm sure I can do it.
Ah, something to look forward to - salting sidewalks... high-fiving bears... towns with funny names… learning to pronounce ‘about’ in Canadaspeak as ‘aboot’... Fun times, fun times.
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7 comments:
LOLOLOLOL...
yes dear, you WILL see snow in Ottawa. there is really nowhere in the country or the northern US states where you would avoid it (save Vancouver / Seattle) between November and March.
Carleton is an excellent school, though Ottawa quite frankly is kinda boring once you get past the handful of awesome museums, parliament, and some winter fests. Lucky for you, it is a less than 2 hr drive to the fabulous Montreal, and less than a 4 hr drive to the awesome Toronto :P
good luck!
Heh, I go to Carleton.
And yeah, Ottawa can be pretty dull. There are some nice hidden pubs and odd spots of interest, so if you need a guide for the campus and stuff let me know :p
Hahaha! You will see enough snow to last you a lifetime in Ottawa. People are known to ice skate to work along the Rideau Canal during the winter.
I had an Aussie exchange friend a long time ago. I was only an hour west of T.O. (local speak for Toronto) and he went ballistic over the snow. We had to stop the loony from chasing down a skunk one night.
I've had friends go to Ottawa on work terms during school. They all had a fabulous time. And there is some astronomical ratio of way too many girls to one guy.
I love how he was all: so I may not get to see much snow, however it isn't far from the border so a trip to New York would not be out of the question.
Seriously, that was so cute.
PS. Upstate NY is pretty close to the border, however, NYC is another 7+ hours due south. And there will be snow there too...yes in the city.
I loooove Ottawa. But that could be because I am from Saskatchewan and in Saskatchewan we like everywhere in Canada better then here. I have some Ottawa pictures on my blog: http://oladybug0.diaryland.com/060308_17.html
I think it's a beautiful place. And yes, lots of snow. I recommend that you pay a visit to the cats on Parliament Hill.
Nah, nah, nah - you've got me all wrong! I know there is snow all over Canada and that the northern parts of America get snow - I just didn't think that they got SNOW snow, so far south. You know? Snow up to the tip of one's nose? I've never seen the snow before so I'm keen to see it in copious amounts.
I fully intend to bask in the snow. Personally, I'd like to dive into it naked, however I'll save Canada the horror and myself the embarrassment. Instead I'll slide along the ice on my belly.
A seven-hour drive to New York won't be much trouble. Trips of that length are the mainstay in Australia.
It is a long way off but I'm pumped at the idea. It'll be great to leave this desert for colder environs. The ratio of girls to guys sounds promising. And it'd be excellent if you could show me a few hidden pubs, Nuke.
Ps - from the looks of your pictures , Ladybug, Ottawa is quite similar in appearance to Melbourne.
Hee hee! Oh sweetie (and yes, your comment has fully earned the pat on the head that 'sweetie' delivers), the thing you're not understanding is: there is no south in Canada. If you wind up south, it means you've crossed the border into the States.
By the way, you have to go really far east to hear any proper 'aboot's. You're likely to hear a number of 'eh's though.
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