Meet the ambassador – Kani – ENCAP, Canada

Name: Kani Abdullah

School, Degree Programme: ENCAP, English Literature and Creative Writing, Year 3

Host destination: Kingston, Canada

Tell us about your global opportunity—where did you go, and what did you do?
I studied a semester abroad in Canada at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. I really enjoyed studying courses such as Art History, Writing Children’s Literature, and learning about the Indigenous groups in Kingston; Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. Kingston is known to be a “student town” so living there gave me a taste of a small-town Canadian life. I explored local cafés, attended hockey games, and even experienced a really snowy winter with lots of snowstorms!

What surprised you the most about your host country/programme/time abroad?
I was quite surprised by how cold it really was, despite all the warnings! Still, that didn’t stop me from enjoying the snow and feeling a sense of awe every time it fell at night. I was also struck by how welcoming and inclusive the campus environment was. The community felt incredibly strong which made it easy to connect and feel at home, even as an international student.

What is the one thing you miss about your time abroad?
I really miss traveling around Canada with my friends, who were also exchange students. We were so eager to immerse ourselves into the Canadian culture by trying poutine and beaver tails! I also really miss going on my daily walks to Lake Ontario, read books and listen to the waves of the lake. The beautiful memories I created with my international friends, that are now all over the world, and my Canadian friends, are very dear to me. I truly miss every single one of them.

What’s something you’re passionate about outside of your studies?
Language learning, hiking, and baking banana bread.

What’s your favourite place on campus/in Cardiff?
Cineworld, don’t be surprised if you catch me there.

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year (a dream destination), where would it be—and why?
New York or Puerto Rico! I love the energy of big cities, and visiting NYC made me realize just how much I enjoy that lively atmosphere. Puerto Rico is just so beautiful, their culture is incredibly rich and I would love to experience it one day.

What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I took Japanese classes and ended up learning an entirely new set of exciting alphabets over the course of a year and a half.

Describe your global experience in three words:
Lived, laughed, loved.

What advice would you give to students considering a global opportunity?
Take that step, even if it carries you across oceans. Also, keep a journal during your time abroad and write about anything: your memories, the new friends you’ve made, your worries, or even just an ordinary day. You’ll love looking back on it later.