Learn, grow and travel with the BizX exchange program

Singapore Marina_1

Singapore: Marina Bay with ArtScience Museum and Skyline seen from Helix Bridge


Founded in 1992, the BizX international exchange program offers undergraduate commerce and MBA students the opportunity to study abroad in one of 45 partner schools, and also welcomes incoming exchange students to McMaster.

When fourth-year commerce students Tristan McLeod and Jessica Doolittle were asked if they would recommend the BizX exchange program to others, both immediately replied “absolutely.” Education, self-development, and travel—this is what the exchange boils down to for McLeod and Doolittle. Not without the occasional mishap, of course.

Tristan McLeod, 21, says his exchange term in Singapore was “surreal” but it started off with a stumble in a storm drain, a rush to the hospital, and a stitched up leg as a souvenir. The accident didn’t change his feelings about the exchange, however.

“I honestly would go back. If I could redo it, I would stay for an entire year.”

In his second semester of third year, McLeod took part in an international exchange with one of DeGroote’s partner schools, the National University of Singapore. McLeod says that after completing his first and second year of the commerce program and learning about the global role of business, he felt more encouraged to participate in the exchange.

“To really get ahead today, you need more of a global outlook in life—to feel at home anywhere in the world,” he says.

Despite being motivated to jet-off to a new country, McLeod says he had some trouble calming his nerves beforehand.

“Going into it, I was kind of scared to be honest. I’m an only child and it was my first time being away from my parents for this long period of time and halfway around the world where I didn’t know anybody.”

His nerves, however, evaporated as soon as his visa restrictions were over. Over the next four months, McLeod says he attended classes during the week and destination-hopped during the weekends. To really get ahead today, you need more of a global outlook in life—to feel at home anywhere in the world.

“I had class three days a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday,” he says, “so Wednesday afternoon we’d hop on a plane and come back Monday morning before class.”

His first adventure out of Singapore was to Phuket, Thailand, followed by Bali, Indonesia; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Phnom Pen and Siem Reap, Cambodia; Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Hoi An, Vietnam; and finally, Hong Kong and Macau.
McLeod says that along with receiving an international education he also had the opportunity to trek up a volcano, watch an F1 race, explore ancient temples, discover crowded cities, sample local foods, and essentially manage to tour a good portion of East Asia.

“I think the highlight [of the exchange] was meeting new people from around the world. When you’re traveling with people and living with people, you get to know them on a deeper level,” he says of the experience.

McLeod adds that his education has also been impacted positively. He says that “studying with other exchange students and local Singaporeans, you get to see how different people think and approach a situation.”

“Since businesses operate around the world, it gives you a leg up. You get to explore things, open your mind to new things, and make amazing friends. It’s a good way to share ideas and get a global outlook on life.”
“If anyone has the slightest thought of doing an exchange, I would say just do it,” he adds.