Exchange report - Student at KI
Home university: University of Toronto
Study programme: Biomedicine (Master's)
Exchange programme: INK
Semester: Autumn semester 2015/2016

Pre-departure


I decided to go on exchange to gain a priceless international experience, see the world, meet new people and, most of all, because it is definitely an exciting adventure.
University of Toronto was my first choice and I was very happy to get the offer. It is the best university in Canada with excellent facilities and student-friendly reputation. Moreover, Toronto itself is probably the best city in the world. Huge and modern, and yet full of charming spots and districts representing multicultural soul of this city. 
The university provided me with many useful information, including getting me in touch with other students coming to the same department  (Institute of Medical Science) before my arrival.  

No vaccines were necessary. However, I had to apply for a study visa with work permit. The work permit was required to receive the stipend from my lab ($1000 per month).   
 

Arrival and registration


I arrived a week before the term and lab placement were supposed to start. It gave me enough time to get to know the city (at least the parts close by) and find my new favorite coffee shops (Kensington Market everybody!). The university offered us an excellent intro and bonding activities (with lots of free food and gift bags). Therefore, after a week I had a whole new group of wonderful friends, each of us incredibly excited to be there.  


Please note that if you do plan on working part-time, or getting paid in the lab (like I did) you must remember to state so during your border control interview. Otherwise, the visa would need amending which takes around 2-3 weeks (sending it via post). 
Next, you need to apply for a social insurance number (SIN) in the city hall. With this number you can be officially added to the payroll.
   

Economy


The money from KI covered almost  the full price of the flights to and from Toronto. The rest you are on your own. 
As I mentioned before I was paid by my lab - $1000 per month, which covered my accommodation costs ($800). The costs of living were covered with my own savings. However, please remember that Canada is cheaper than Sweden so don't despair, it's not so bad. 
I would say the best affordable place to eat is Chinatown. Tim Horton's is a canadian trademark chain, offering extremely cheap coffee/tea/hot chocolate, bagels, and of course the Tim Bits (tiny donuts). 

Before arrival you need to pay the UofT a small fee for a student medical insurance. Furthermore, if you apply for a study permit you need to pay $150 before finishing your online application. The process to get the permit is fairly painless. Every document required is submitted via online application form and after 5 weeks (more or less) the permit is sent to your email address. No embassy visit necessary.

  

Acommendation

I found my room on Craigslist. The location was perfect, very central (Beverley St), minutes from the campus and my lab (in the Toronto Western Hospital). 
The rent $800 for my room was the usual price expected. Apartments in the new, high standard sky-scrapers are more expensive $1000-1500 per month. 

If you can't find anything beforehand book a short term hostel and search for a room after arrival. There were many room for rent ads around the campus. 


Studies in general

My time was mostly spend in the lab, therefore I only had one course - Advanced topics: Molecular basis of behavior. It was a great experience! A small group of grad students and a new professor visiting each week. We were challenged and encouraged to question everything. The atmosphere was always very easy going and friendly. We were presenting a lot too, practicing our skills in public speaking. The grade was based on the questions we asked each week during the discussion of the paper, two presentations (positive and negative review of a paper), and a written review. 
After the last class we went to grab a beer with our course leader (the main professor). 

My main interest is neuroscience, so I was looking only into the neuro courses, yet there were many to choose from. Not all of them are offered at the specific term (fall, winter and spring), so contact the department to confirm the course availability.  After registering online for the course you sill need to officially enroll. To do that I needed a signature from the course leader, and the department. Can be done mostly by emailing the form to each person to sign.    

Please note: 1 ECTS= 0,5 point in Canadian system. This is an essential piece of information that took me months to obtain and to arrange my schedule properly.   


Courses during the exchange period

Courses corresponding to semester 3 at KI
My main interest is neuroscience so I was choosing my classes from the neuro grad pool. The department was very helpful with the process. My course, The molecular basis of behavior, was very good, well prepared and gave me skills in critical thinking and review writing. The class was mostly discussing a paper with the visiting speaker (oftentimes the author of the week's paper). Each person had to ask one question only. The quality of that question was assessed later on. The final grade was based on the questions we asked each week during the discussion of the paper, two presentations (positive and negative review of a paper), and a written review. 

After the final exams were graded, the UofT automatically sent my transcript to KI. Once it arrived I was able to apply for accreditation. In my case I was accrediting the Neuroscience Elective Track. 




Language and Culture

Toronto is a fully English speaking city, so need to worry about French :) However, Quebec is another matter entirely. If you want to travel around (and your really should!) then prepare to face some French on the way.

Toronto is a marvelous mixture of multiple cultures from around the world and different districts will give you a taste of just that. There are many amazing things to do and see, so don't be lazy and live to the fullest!   

Leisure time and social activities

There was a social activity almost every week. Basically there were so many of them that I didn't have enough time to participate in half of them. The sports facilities are excellent, sign up and enjoy!

As to meeting new people, don't worry! You will meet hundreds new faces at all those introduction days, but by the end of the first week you will have your own close group.

Summary

To conclude, I fell in love with Toronto! It is an amazing city, one I'll most certainly come back to. Both my personal and professional life gained so much thanks to Toronto. Going there was one of the best decisions in my life and I definitely recommend applying there for exchange studies.

If you have any questions beyond this brief report, please let me know. I'll be happy to help in any way I can.
Best of luck!