My international family!

Although Cranbrook has only been my home away from home for 34 days now, I’ve created so many memories that my heart is filled with love. I love the city of Cranbrook, the country, all the Canadians I’ve met so far..but the most important thing is that I love myself again! My life is sometimes so busy that I lose track of myself, which leads to a general feeling of being unhappy.

Canadian life is so easygoing that you feel a relief every day you’re here. You can take the time to enjoy things without being stressed about deadlines and performing well. All of this made it possible for me to relax and find my natural smile again. It might sound a bit odd to everyone reading this, but I can tell that I’m a happier person over here than I am in Belgium.

Game in  Shoebox Assignment

School is actually still going great! Since I already have a Bachelor in International Management I kind of know what to expect from everything, which makes it a lot easier on my end of course. The Tourism and Recreation Management Program offered at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook definitely gives you a thorough idea of what the industry is all about. So far we learned lots about leadership styles, time management and sport and leisure in Canada. It isn’t always easy to follow class as an International Student, because most of the information is based on Canada but we’ll get there. As long as I don’t lose sight of my aim, I’ll be fine! :-)

My international family! <3

I know that I haven’t been really active on Facebook, Skype and other Social Media channels. I’m really sorry for that, but I’m quite busy expanding my International Family. Since we’re all going through College together and are in the same boat, we tend to hang out together lots. The COTR’s International Office is trying really hard to offer us a lot of activities so we can mingle and get to know each other.

About 2 weeks ago I decided to volunteer for the International Day of Peace Celebration in the Rotary Park in Cranbrook with a lot of other students. Although we were still super tired from partying the night before, we had lots of fun and enjoyed contributing to the community. I probably don’t have to tell you that partying is a large part of the College Life, so we’re getting pretty good at it. Most of the times we start with a little party at the Residence or just at someone’s house and then we end up in Shotgun.

International Day of Peace Celebration

I love you all!

Cranbrook is nothing compared to Belgium when it comes to partying, since all the bars close at 2AM. But I guess there’s no other option than accept it and make the most of it. As of last week my Ecuadorian friend Stalin and I are going to the gym at the College to make sure that we’re not getting too fat. Although my heart is filled with a lot of memories from my new Brazilian, Ecuadorian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, Jamaican, … family I want to make clear that I love all my friends in Belgium as well. It’s not because I’m not spending some time with you guys that I completely forgot about you all!

Oh Belgium!

With love!

J.