L’Bishop’s Universityfounded in 1843, is one of Canada’s oldest universities. An English-language university, it welcomes nearly 2,400 students. ⸱e⸱s campus on the outskirts of Sherbrooke, Quebec. Voted best Canadian university for student satisfaction in 2018 (Maclean’s University Ranking)Bishop’s is renowned for its pleasant student life and student-friendly teaching staff.⸱e⸱s. Théo, a French student in his first year of the Bachelor in International Studies program, tells us about his experience.
Profile
FIRST NAME : Theo
NATIONALITY : French
NAME OF COURSE: Bachelor in International StudiesFaculty of Arts and Science
UNIVERSITY NAME: Bishop’s University, Sherbrooke
ORIGINAL HIGH SCHOOL Lycée Saint Vincent, Rennes
TYPE OF BACCALAUREAT OBTAINED Baccalauréat général section européenne avec spécialités Histoire-Géographie-Géopolitique-Science Politique (HGGSP) et Langues, littératures et cultures étrangères et régionales (LLCER)
Study abroad
Why did you decide to study abroad after the baccalauréat?
I’ve always wanted to have experience abroad. I had the opportunity to study for three months in Nova Scotia, Canada, in Seconde at the Lycée. I really liked the country and the school system I discovered there. That’s one of the reasons why I decided to come back and study there after my baccalauréat. I’d never been to Quebec before. What’s more, Bishop’s University is a bilingual university and studying in an English-speaking environment was an essential criterion for me.
Why did you choose Bishop’s University?
I applied to several Canadian universities: McGill University, Concordia University and Bishop’s University. I was on the waiting list at McGill but accepted at Concordia and Bishop’s Universities. Bishop’s University is not very well known, as there are only 2,500 students. ⸱e⸱s. The campus is rather small, but this has many advantages. For example, the teachers know our first names because we have small class sizes, and there’s real personalized help for students. ⸱e⸱s. What’s more, it’s easy to meet people on campus and student life is very pleasant. Bishop’s University is also renowned for its International Relations courses, which is what I wanted to do.
What was your admission and selection process like?
I started the application process in September. I had to send in my school file and report cards, and I also had to take an English test. Several tests are accepted by the university for admission ⸱e such as TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo English Test.
What administrative steps have you taken to get ready for university?
After my admission, I took the necessary steps to obtain a study permit in Quebec. I also had to take biometric fingerprints in Paris or Lyon. The procedure is quite long, but if you take the time, there’s usually no problem!
1st year courses
Which Bachelor are you in and why did you make this choice?
I am in my first year of a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a minor in German. We have to choose five courses per semester in the first year. Each course counts for three credits. We must therefore obtain 30 credits at the end of the first academic year. In the first semester, I chose the following courses: a course on American government (” American government “), a religion course, a German course, a course entitled ” Globalism “We also have a compulsory International Relations course. Bishop’s offers a wide choice of courses, and we can even choose courses outside our program. Each ⸱e can find what he⸱she loves studying at Bishop’s University. In the second semester, I chose to take a German course, a Spanish course, a “French and English” course and a “French and English” course. Comparative politics” course, an International organizations” and a course on sports policy.
Did you find it difficult to adapt to the educational system in the first year of your Bachelor’s program?
I had no trouble adapting to university life because the students⸱e⸱s and professors⸱e⸱s are very welcoming. There are a few students ⸱e⸱s on campus, most of them exchange students, so it’s easy to get your bearings at the start of the year. Nevertheless, the majority of my friends ⸱e⸱s are Canadian. They’re open-minded and that helped me to adapt very well as soon as I arrived. As far as the courses are concerned, there is indeed a period of adaptation to the Anglo-Saxon educational system, which took about two weeks for me.
Do you have a lot of work to do?
Most of the work is concentrated around exam weeks. There are mid-term exams, about a month and a half into the semester. Then we have “terms” exams one week before the final exams at the end of the semester. We are also assessed on a continuous basis, but it’s these three exam periods in particular that require the most work.
How many hours of lessons do you have a week?
I have 16 hours of lessons a week, to which must be added independent work, which doubles the load.
Student life at Bishop’s University
What is student life like on the Bishop’s University campus?
First of all, when students⸱e⸱s first-year students arrive at Bishop’s University, they take part in an orientation and integration week. This is an opportunity to meet new people, get acclimatized to the university environment and take part in a wide range of campus activities. There are many sports facilities on campus, and sport is an essential dimension of Canadian student life. For example, there’s a basketball team, a field hockey team, an American soccer team and a rugby team. I’m on the soccer (soccer) at the university. It helped me make friends and made it easier to integrate. There’s also a lot of associations that make it possible for everyone⸱e to find an activity that appeals to their interests. What’s more, there are a number of student events throughout the year, such as St. Patrick’s Day.
Do students⸱e⸱s live on campus?
All students⸱e⸱s live in on-campus residences in their first year. There are six and the atmosphere is friendly and lively. In the second year, students ⸱e⸱s generally choose to live in the city of Sherbrooke, where the university is located. The university is located in the English-speaking district of Lennoxville, making it a pleasant university town where everyone knows everyone else.
What do you like best about Bishop’s University and what would you like to see improved?
I enjoy being part of a small community. As soon as I leave home, I always meet someone. I think it’s great because it makes for really good friendships. ⸱ne⸱s friend⸱e⸱s. Soccer, a sport I enjoy immensely, allows me to get together with other international students every week and have a great time. What’s more, the campus is located in the heart of nature, next to Sherbrooke and an hour’s drive from Montreal. So the campus isn’t isolated. I’d say the only negative point is that we’re not located in the city center, so we don’t have direct access to the services there.
Into the future
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to do a Master’s degree in journalism after my undergraduate studies, in France, Canada or the United States. I’d also like to take part in a university exchange abroad during my Bachelor’s degree.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for students wishing to enter Bishop’s University?
I don’t think you should have any preconceptions about the fact that it’s a small university in Sherbrooke. It’s a really great opportunity to come here. As someone who used to live in the city in France, I don’t regret coming to Bishop’s University for a single second. The fact that it’s an English-speaking university, where I can meet students from all over the world, is a real bonus. ⸱International e⸱s an opportunity! Coming here allows you to grow and gain a different perspective on higher education. .
If, like Theo, you’re interested in attending Bishop’s University or a university in university in Canadadon’t hesitate to >contact us at to discuss your plans!
