I chose to go on exchange because I wanted the opportunity to live in a different country and have a different form of education, lifestyle and climate.

My top three choices for exchange were Hong Kong, Canada and Australia. I chose these because of the quality of education and the difference in the lifestyle compared to living in the UK. When I got offered Queen's University in Canada, it was like, oh my God, I'm going to live in Canada for four months. It was an incredible feeling when I opened that email.

Even the research for the application wasn't a chore. I'd start to daydream about where I could be that time next year. The whole application was a very positive experience.

The biggest change for me was that in Canada you have to participate a lot in class. At Queen's, I went into the class and the professors knew everyone's name. They'd spent time leading up to the semester learning names and looking at pictures so they could recognise us.

You have to volunteer yourself to speak and I've become a lot more confident from that. Now I'm back at Bath, I'm putting my hand up all the time because I've been so used to that in Canada. You see how much more you can get out of your education when you contribute in a class. It spurs other people on as well.

Another difference was that I had deadlines every two weeks, as well as weekly tests. You can't leave it all to the last minute. I had to get organised with my work and stay on top of it. Now I’m back, I've implemented project management plans to manage all my modules. I'm setting myself deadlines to make sure I get the best grade that I can.

There were six of us who chose to go to Queen's University. We decided to live together because we're also doing our group dissertation together. We got an Airbnb in Kingston, and it meant that we didn't have to buy bedding, towels and cutlery. We lived in a big, furnished house with a wrap-around porch, a hot tub and a beautiful garden.

It was incredible. It helped with the homesickness as well because we were living in a nice place and felt comfortable. The property manager was really welcoming as well and it was only a 20-minute walk to campus.

A highlight of the experience was during our reading week. I took a trip to Banff with three other people from Bath. Every time you look at photos of Canada, you see the mountains and lakes and we knew we had to do that.

We ticked it off the bucket list. The mountains were beautiful. We couldn't believe how big they were. It was so magical. We had a 4am wake up one morning so we could see the sunrise over Lake Moraine. It was a nice break too, especially when we'd been doing quite a lot of work within the first few weeks.

There were a few cultural differences in Canada. Tax is one example. When you go to the supermarket, something might be four dollars on the shelf, but they add the tax when you go to pay. You have to be careful with budgeting. Tipping is different too. Even if you just get a takeaway coffee, you're expected to tip.

Another big difference was the people. I'm from London, and people aren't as sociable there. But in Canada, everyone was so friendly, and it was a bit weird at first. People say 'hi' to you when you're walking around the neighbourhoods. Eventually, I got used to it and it was really nice.

I joined a yoga and Pilates studio for the first time while I was out there. I got a bit stressed with work and needed an outlet to relax. I ended up going four times a week, and it was lovely. I met people in the studio that I speak to quite regularly. The Pilates and yoga instructors created a good community. That was a nice way to meet Canadian people as well.

In terms of personal growth, the experience has definitely made me a lot more confident. I did an entrepreneurship module at Queen's, and it was very different to Bath. I had to do a lot of pitching and presenting. It was almost like a Dragon's Den episode. I can now present to a room of people I don't know with confidence.

The fact that I lived in a different country for four months and couldn't speak to my parents much meant homesickness became a challenge for me. One day, I bought the most expensive packet of chocolate digestives just because I needed a taste of home. Navigating that was difficult. But looking back, it was quite an achievement to be able to do it. I became really independent.

My advice for anyone who is thinking of going on exchange is to definitely do it. I've spoken to so many people who stay behind and later they say, I don't know why I didn't go on exchange. I'd recommend applying. It's good to put yourself out there.

If you're worried about homesickness, it might happen, it might not. I managed to get through it, and you will too.

You'll gain so much experience and you'll make friends and memories. In fact, two of the girls I went on exchange with are lifelong friends now.

Certain modules I studied in Canada have influenced what I enjoy now that I'm back in Bath. It's strange to think that a negotiation module, where I have to speak and present a lot, is one of my favourites now. That's all thanks to being in Canada.