'I learned so much and I did so many amazing things.'

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Published on Friday, August 7, 2015

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Neepawa Banner

When Amandine Polain returned home to Belgium on July 25, she brought back more than a suitcase full of maple syrup. The Rotary exchange student brought home a year’s worth of memories, friendships and a newfound appreciation of Canada.

Polain comes from a Belgian city of 100,000 residents, near the French border.  The 19-year-old wanted to see another country before going to university. “I wanted to do something different and I really wanted to see another country. But not as a tourist, [I wanted to] see it from the inside and live like the people,” she said.

A good atmosphere

As for why a Rotary exchange? Polain explains, “I was interested in Rotary because everyone is volunteering and you can really feel the atmosphere.  The first time, when I went to the interview, they all took the time to meet me.”  As for why she chose Canada, she explained, “I chose Canada because you have a really good reputation in Europe.”

The exchange offered a chance to learn about Canada. Before setting off, Polain said that she knew very little about the country, beyond that they used the Canadian dollar and spoke English.  “I learned so much here,” she said.  

The exchange lasted just less than a year, she arrived at the end of August 2014. Talking about the experience of being an exchange student, Polain said, “It was a good experience; I achieved more than I thought, I learned so much and I did so many amazing things.”

During her time in Canada, Polain took part in Canadian activities including learning to ski and skate, as well as going fishing. She also went to the Rockies a couple of times, including a visit to Lake Louise and British Columbia.  Polain was especially happy to see the iconic Lake Louise. “I was so happy I made it there,” she said.

Polain praised the camaraderie and sense of community between the exchange students and fact that Rotary works to make sure that the students talk to other participants, both before going and while they are away. Before going to Canada, Polain met, and befriended, a Canadian girl who was on Rotary exchange in Belgium, and the club also arranged for her to meet previous participants. Once she arrived in Canada, the students took part in an orientation weekend where they all met one another. They also all went on a trip together for two weeks in June.  She added that the exchange programs a good opportunity to get involved in the club for the first time. “Here, I felt like I was part of the club. I knew what they were doing and I was able to take part,” she explained.

Diversity and space

Polain also got to represent Norway, along with a Norwegian exchange student, at Rotary sponsored Model UN in the spring.

As she reflects on her time in Canada, Polain talked about some of the differences between Neepawa and home.  The first difference was the space.  Her two host families, the Epps and the Tomonikos, both live in the country. This was a big difference from her living downtown in a European city. “Canada is so big, you have to drive everywhere. I didn’t know how big it was,” she explained.

The wildlife was also a highlight. “The wildlife here was amazing, I’m really fascinated by bears and wolves. I saw only two bears but I was really happy… I saw elk and deer.”

One of the things that surprised her about Canada was the diversity of cultures, including Mennonites, Hutterites and First Nations. “I really didn’t know anything about the [First Nations].  It was a big surprise for me to learn that they are there and they are their own culture,” she explained.

Polain attended NACI and said that there were some big differences between the countries when it comes to education. Going to school in Canada, she had the option of choosing her own classes, something that Belgian students can’t do. She also got to participate in school sports, another thing they don’t have in Belgium. She praised her Canadian teachers, saying, “They really want you to learn and succeed. They are willing to make effort to change the way they teach for you.”

In looking back at her host country, Polain said, “Canadians are definitely super nice… I met so many amazing people, I’m really going to miss them.  Everyone is so generous, not judgemental and always willing to help.” She did though notice one Canadian particularity, the propensity to apologize. “[Canadians] Definitely apologize all the time, it’s so true, like the stereotype. I’ve really started to apologize all the time, and I’m like ‘I’m not even sorry’.” But, she added, “It’s nice, you really care about each other.”

As she prepared to head home, Polain said, “I won’t forget Canada.”