My semester abroad in Barbados

My name is Ben Carter. I graduated this year with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Digital Media Studies and a Bachelor of Business Administration, Minor in Marketing. When I started at VIU four years ago, I promised myself I would study abroad before I graduated.

This past spring, I finally made that happen. I did my final semester at the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Barbados. As a fourth-year student with only electives left, what better way to finish university than by being just minutes from the beach?

The experience was everything I hoped for and so much more. Living and studying in Barbados was unforgettable. Trying to capture it in just one blog post is tough, but I’ll try my best. As one of only two VIU students who have taken this journey to the Caribbean, here’s what made it so memorable for me.

The first few weeks

When I stepped off the plane in Bridgetown, I felt like I was stepping into the unknown. I didn’t know anyone or anything except that I was heading to UWI. Fortunately, all exchange students are in the same boat. Before I finished unpacking, I got invited out. 

From that moment, more of us moved in and our group of exchange students grew.

Aside from orientation and some introductory classes, the first few weeks felt like a never-ending vacation. Everyone was excited to be in a new place and UWI students welcomed us into their community. There were new activities to try almost every day: beachgoing, snorkeling, surfing, experiencing the nightlife and exploring everything the island has to offer.

The student union does a great job of informing students about weekly university and local events. There is no shortage of activities and it’s a great way to meet different people. I built friendships with students from Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Grenada, Belize, St. Kitts and St. Lucia. I still keep in contact with them all, and many have invited me to visit their home countries in the future.

Studying in the sun

Okay, what about actual coursework? To be honest, it’s all about how you decide to approach it. UWI has a lot of classes to offer, and exchange students get access to nearly every course regardless of prerequisites. My advice: it’s much easier to make this exchange trip work when you’re just looking to fill electives. Depending on your degree, you can also transfer specific course credits, but it can be stressful cross-checking everything. The last thing you want is to pay for courses that don’t count toward graduation!

As far as course content and difficulty, it can be surprising if you aren’t aware ahead of time. Compared to VIU, there aren't many small projects at UWI. Week to week, you are taking notes and participating in group discussions, but you need to be present because everything leads up to finals, which usually account for around 65% of your total grade. Even though some students will hype the difficulty of the final exams, the reality is that you are given the whole last month to prepare. Professors also guide you along throughout the semester.

Embracing Bajan culture

While friendships naturally form with other exchange students, I suggest stepping further out of your comfort zone and embracing Bajan culture. Students from across the Caribbean and locals on the island are incredibly friendly, outgoing and always willing to share their traditions and invite you into their way of life.

Here are my 10 favourite activities and adventures while I was in Barbados. Make sure you check them out if you get the chance to study abroad there too:

• The Boatyard Beach Club: Kick back in the sun, snorkel and enjoy food and drinks.
• Paradise/Batts Rock Beach: Two private beaches just a five-minute walk from campus.
• Freights Bay Surfing: Learn how to surf at one of the best breaks on the island.
  Harbour Lights: Best spot to go Friday nights with lots of special events.
• Harrison’s Cave: Guided tour through amazing limestone caves.
• Barbados Wildlife Reserve: Filled with monkeys, tortoises and other native animals.
• Oistins Fish Fry: Fresh seafood, live music, dancing and authentic Bajan culture.
• Catamaran Cruise: West coast boat rides with swimming, sea turtles and island views.
• Barbados Blue Scuba Diving: Explore shipwrecks, coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
• St. Lawrence Gap: A strip of bars, restaurants and live music. A great social atmosphere.

Ready to hop to another island?

As a VIU graduate, I look back at my four years and confidently say my exchange in Barbados tops the list of my student experiences and was an unforgettable time.  And if you’re looking to create these types of memories and connections yourself, now is the perfect time to do so! 

Contact VIU’s International Mobility department if you’d like to get in touch and learn more directly from me. Visit VIU’s study abroad page to learn more about VIU’s exchange programs.