Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies student Megan Vezirova reflects on how a semester at Ludovika University in Budapest broadened her academic perspective, strengthened her resilience, and helped her find a second home.
When Megan Vezirova left Canada for a semester in Budapest, Hungary, she expected to experience a different culture, meet new people, and see the world from a new perspective. What she didn't expect was that, by the end of her exchange, saying goodbye to Hungary would be one of the hardest parts of the journey.
Megan spent the Winter 2026 semester studying at Ludovika University of Public Service, where she experienced a new education system while immersing herself in Hungarian culture.
For Megan, studying abroad was about much more than earning academic credits.
I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, have new experiences, gain a different point of view in my education, and travel.
Supported by a scholarship, she arrived in Budapest ready to embrace every opportunity the experience had to offer.
"I was able to experience Budapest in a traditional way and learn more about the culture and the people," she recalls.
Like many students studying abroad, Megan also faced unexpected challenges. Communication issues at the beginning of the semester meant she had to catch up after missing the first week of classes. Being the only international student in a classroom where everyone else shared the same language sometimes left her feeling isolated.
Rather than discouraging her, those experiences became some of the most valuable lessons of her exchange.
It made me more resilient and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
Looking back, Megan believes the greatest learning happened beyond academics. Living independently, adapting to unfamiliar situations, building friendships with students from around the world, and experiencing new cultures gave her greater confidence and helped clarify her future career goals.
Today, she encourages other JIBC students to take advantage of international opportunities, even though it may be intimidating.
Do it even if you're afraid. Don't wait for the 'perfect time' because it goes by much quicker than you think
Although she returned home with unforgettable memories, what stayed with her most wasn't simply the places she visited or the courses she completed. It was the confidence she gained, the friendships she built, and the sense of belonging she found in an unexpected place.
As Megan reflects on her semester abroad, one thought captures the experience best: "Being afraid of leaving your country is not the hard part—it's leaving the new home you created abroad."
For more information on the study abroad opportunities for Law Enforcement Studies students, visit Study Abroad Opportunities