Mariona’s Story

Pompeu Fabra University – UPF

Exchange Student At The Faculty Of Arts & Science (St. George Campus), 2019-2020


What is your favourite memory from your study abroad?

I did a lot of stuff at UofT. The best decision ever was joining the Outing Club. I had the opportunity to go to New York State, to Algonquin Park. Any outdoor activities that you could think of, like kayaking. I discovered Canada thanks to this club. I was at Rotman Commerce. I joined case competitions. I had the opportunity to work with people from all sorts of backgrounds.

How do you think your U of T exchange experience will benefit your future studies or career?

UofT gave me a lot of different perspectives and the fact that there are people from so many different backgrounds gives you the opportunity to work with people from different cultures, different ways of working, different priorities. It gives you perspective.

Which university services did you find helpful during your time at U of T?

For academics, I would say go to Student Success. They were useful. I used the Athletic Centre for running and exercise. Hart House as well, I did yoga there. In Hart House you can find anything that you want. I also played soccer on back campus. In the winter, they covered Varsity Field and I played there.

“I had the opportunity to work with people from all sorts of backgrounds. It was just cool to feel like part of the university. I can remember thousands of good opportunities.

I would say do whatever you want because at UofT it’s possible. And don’t be afraid to do it. You don’t have to do it alone. Talk with people because people talk with you.”

Gabarro Mariona