I am delighted to share this story, written by our fourth year student Ethan Ratos who completed a semester abroad in England.

This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to study at the University of Salford in Manchester, England, through Humber’s Semester Abroad Exchange Program. If you’re looking for a way to gain valuable professional skills while experiencing a new culture, I can’t recommend this program enough!

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the size and beauty of Salford’s campus, which is a mix of historic and modern buildings. Though I missed the main orientation due to illness, the exchange student orientation was a great way to explore the university’s key facilities. As a business student, my classes were based in the Lady Hale, Maxwell, and Newton buildings, but I also loved visiting the Salford Museum, Peel Park, and even the pool hall.

Academically, the system at Salford was different from what I was used to at Humber. Instead of exams, the focus was on long-term projects that carried significant weight—some even accounted for 100% of my final grade. Though the grading system was stricter than in Canada, the support from professors, who offered plenty of office hours for guidance, made the transition smoother.

The adventure didn’t stop there. I travelled to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and even visited Loch Ness—though Nessie stayed out of sight! Exploring the historic city of Edinburgh was an unforgettable journey, and Liverpool brought The Beatles’ legacy to life.

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Newcastle was a lively experience I’ll never forget, and watching football games at local pubs gave me a true taste of British culture.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a chance to explore the world, make new friends, and build skills that will last a lifetime.