My journey started months before my actual departure, while I was in the process of choosing my host university. My decision came easily as one particular university caught my eye, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) near Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. I have always had a slight obsession with Dubai because of it’s modern architecture, ability to innovate, and do the unthinkable. I wanted to experience a different culture than I had ever witnessed before. Plus, as a business student and Dubai being a global business hub, it was easily a shoo-in. But, little did I know, I was to get WAY more than just that.
An exchange opens many doors for you personally and professionally. Metaphorically speaking exchange is a doorman that holds many other doors open, which lead to limitless opportunities. Aside from a great resume booster, an exchange can offer countless professional assets. I attended a United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) event as an AUS representative to discuss the UNGC’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the roles businesses hold in achieving those goals by 2030. Among many other events, this one was also a great opportunity to network and meet more industry professionals from the UAE and other parts of the world. It even gave me access to getting involved with the UNGC back in Canada. And this is just one of the many rewarding opportunities you could have.
Aside from experiencing the beautiful local culture of the Emiratis, I got to wander all over the Middle East. Each country has its own unique culture and, due to Dubai’s cheap flights and central location on the globe, I was lucky enough to travel to seven different countries and see what each nation had to offer. The Middle East had the kindest people and the most intriguing cultures. I could go on forever telling you in great detail about the true beauty of each destination, but then we would be here forever and you should just go find out for yourself.
Also, I’m sure some of you are thinking “wasn’t it scary being in the Middle East?”: a question I am asked way too often. My answer: absolutely not! It has been said that you could leave your wallet full of cash sitting in Dubai Mall (the world’s largest mall) and come back four hours later to find it in the exact same spot with all its cash. Travelling all through the Middle East and seeing that it isn’t entirely what the media portrays it to be, was one of the greatest lessons I learnt abroad. Now I have the first-hand knowledge and experience to help play a part in dismantling the many misconceptions and generalizations of the Middle East. No matter where I was in the Middle East, I felt right at home. But, if I ever did miss home, I could go snowboarding at the Mall of Emirates and then grab a Timmies on the way home. Can’t get much more Canadian than that!
I knew I had made the right choice about my exchange when my host university, AUS, posted a quote on their Facebook Page: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” It just so happens that I have that EXACT quote tattooed on my arm. It’s something that I will always live by, and I constantly urge and attempt to inspire others to do the same, which is why I highly encourage you to go on exchange. It is an opportunity that is already knocking and the door is wide open. So, go take complete advantage of it – I dare you!
Bio
James Martin is a 3rd year student at the Beedie School of Business, concentrating in Finance, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. His love to travel, seeing new things, and meeting new people are what fuelled his interest in exchange. He just returned home after spending four months in the United Arab Emirates at the American University of Sharjah. While abroad, he also got to travel to Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar. You can read his blog, to find out more about his exchange, or feel free to email him at jlm23@sfu.ca.