Gia Bảo – Journey to the “Snowy Land” of Canada: From Hoa Sen to the World!
Thanks to the fully funded SEED scholarship (Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development) from the Canadian Government, Gia Bảo had the opportunity to participate in a study exchange program in Toronto during the Spring semester of 2025 – an incredibly unique and meaningful experience.
Opportunities from the SEED Scholarship
Unlike the previous self-funded exchange program in the Netherlands in 2024, this time, with the scholarship support, Gia Bảo no longer had to worry about expenses and even managed to save up for exploring new places. Toronto welcomed him with its characteristic chill and snow-covered landscapes. As someone who loves cold weather and the beauty of snow, Gia Bảo felt truly fortunate to experience such a complete winter.
Study Experience at Centennial College, Canada
During his studies at Centennial College, Gia Bảo was highly impressed by the professional training quality and the dedication of the teaching staff. The lecturers not only provided academic support but also cared about the mental well-being of international students like him. He felt the openness, respect for cultural diversity, and the complete absence of racial discrimination – which made it easy for him to integrate and feel at home.
Outside of class, Gia Bảo had the chance to immerse himself in the vibrant arts scene of Toronto. He attended the famous musical “The Lion King” at the Princess of Wales Theatre, marveled at the beauty of “Swan Lake” at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, and enjoyed Beethoven’s timeless symphonies at Roy Thomson Hall. These world-class performances not only helped him unwind after studying but also broadened his cultural and artistic knowledge.
Exploring Sports and Nature in Canada Along with Life in Toronto
Another unforgettable memory was watching an NBA basketball game at Scotiabank Arena. Witnessing globally renowned athletes competing in a grand, dazzling stadium felt like stepping into a real-life sports movie – an experience that words can hardly describe.
During the Reading Week holiday, Gia Bảo visited Banff, famously known as Canada’s natural paradise. The scenery there was picturesque, with majestic snowy mountains and crystal-clear lakes reflecting the blue sky. It was one of those trips that made him truly grateful for the exchange program opportunity.
Daily life in Toronto was also convenient. Gia Bảo was lucky to find accommodation near downtown, close to bus, subway, and shuttle routes, making commuting easy. Moreover, his neighborhood was near an Asian market, where he could find familiar Vietnamese dishes to ease his homesickness. The Vietnamese community in Toronto was also large and supportive, making him feel warmly welcomed even while abroad.
Valuable Lessons Learned from the Journey
This exchange program in Canada not only helped Gia Bảo enhance his academic knowledge but also provided invaluable cultural experiences, life skills, and unforgettable memories. He is truly grateful to the Canadian Government, the SEED program, and Centennial College for creating this meaningful journey.
He also sincerely thanks Hoa Sen University, especially the Institute of International Education, for their dedicated support throughout the preparation and participation process. Such practical support significantly contributed to his peace of mind while studying, experiencing, and growing after this journey.
For more information about exchange programs, international events, or to connect with us, please visit the Institute’s website or our Facebook Fanpage [Click Here]. Alternatively, you can contact the Institute of International Education directly at Room 804, Hoa Sen University’s main campus, 8 Nguyễn Văn Tráng Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, or via email at iie@hoasen.edu.vn.
