A moveable feast: Learning, laughing and hitting the road across Europe
Arts & Science student and Dundas, Ont. native Melissa Janssen is in the midst of a semester in Belgium, thanks to a $2,500 Rundle Foreign Study Scholarship, awarded each year to a local student.
When I first caught up with Melissa Janssen, the 21-year-old Arts & Science student was in the midst of a two-week roadtrip with friends along the Spanish coast — a journey stretching from Catalonia to Andalusia, and peppered with vibrant local festivals, live music and “the smells of churro and fresh oranges wafting down the streets.”
She barely had time for a break, let alone an interview.
“It was the longest and most intensive trip, traveling-wise, but I am so grateful that I got to explore the world in such a way,” says Janssen. “Sevilla was by far my favourite. We were there for the festival called Semana Santa — a massive festival that occurs over the Easter holidays. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty, culture and history I had the chance to experience that weekend.”
A seasoned European traveler, Janssen knows how to take things in stride. She’s currently in the middle of a semester abroad at Universiteit Gent in Belgium thanks to a $2,500 Rundle Foreign Study Scholarship. With trips to Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy and France in between her studies, developing more self-reliance has been a priority since she landed in Europe. Visiting her parents on weekends isn’t exactly an option, and neither is ignoring her workload.
“I’m completely on my own for groceries, laundry, cooking and transportation, and simply feel like I have grown more into an adult-style of living as opposed to a student-style,” she explains. “I think it’s more the little things I learned that made this experience the most beneficial. Like learning to take time to appreciate the moment, slow down life for a night and simply take in the city.”
On the academic side, having to set her own agenda and navigate a much longer semester has prepared her to handle any challenges during her upcoming fourth year at McMaster. She’s learned to pace herself, set tight deadlines and goals and make sure to also find time for travel and social activities.
“Even though I’m approaching exam season, I feel this exchange has allowed me to approach my schooling methodically,” she says. “Really planning out an agenda, studying in the hours I have set aside and looking far ahead into my semester.”
The Rundle scholarship was the brainchild of retired languages teacher Nancy Rundle — a 33-year veteran of the Hamilton public school board, with a desire to help local students broaden their horizons. After reaching out to the Hamilton Community Foundation to help administer the award, the program was officially launched in 2010.
“Nancy has always been supportive of educational opportunities like this, and she also traveled abroad when she was younger and benefited from the experience immensely,” says Sheree Meredith, vice-president, Philanthropic Services, at the Hamilton Community Foundation. “Our goal is to help citizens achieve their vision, and we know the value of a broad education … not just one that will get you a job at the end.”
As for future plans, Janssen will be will be writing the MCAT later this year, and hopes to attend McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine upon graduation. Her long-term goals include working in the emergency room at a Canadian hospital, and helping to spread medical education and resources abroad.
Do you want to study in another country? Check out some of the great opportunities offered through MacAbroad.
