Discovering the World through Humber’s Semester Abroad Exchange Program
HLOs: 
By: Ethan Ratos, Fourth-Year Digital Business Management student
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 seeking a way to gain valuable professional skills while immersing yourself in a new culture, I highly recommend this program.
From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the size and beauty of Salford’s campus, which features a blend of historic and modern architecture. Although I missed the main orientation due to illness, the exchange student orientation provided a great introduction to the university’s key facilities. As a business student, my classes were held in the Lady Hale, Maxwell, and Newton buildings, but I also enjoyed visiting the Salford Museum, Peel Park, and the pool hall.
Academically, the system at Salford differed significantly from what I was accustomed to at Humber. Rather than traditional exams, the emphasis was on long-term projects that carried substantial weight—some even accounted for 100% of my final grade. While the grading system was stricter than in Canada, the support from professors, who offered ample office hours for guidance, made the transition much smoother.
My adventure extended beyond the classroom. I travelled to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and even visited Loch Ness—though Nessie remained elusive! Exploring the historic city of Edinburgh was an unforgettable experience, and Liverpool truly brought The Beatles’ legacy to life.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Newcastle was a lively event I will always remember, and watching football matches at local pubs offered a genuine taste of British culture.
If you’re considering studying abroad, I can genuinely say it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can undertake. It’s an opportunity to explore the world, forge new friendships, and develop skills that will benefit you for a lifetime.
