Bus trip for students before mid-terms
Each semester, the Mount Allison Semester Studies in English (MASSIE) exchange program gives Japanese students the opportunity to study English, go on different trips, and attend creative classes each week at Mt.A. On Sept. 27, MASSIE students were taken on a trip to Prince Edward Island, accompanied by first-year students, and the mentors for international students. This trip happens every fall semester, which includes students from different groups every year.
The trip began with subtle cold winds and the sun rising at 8:30 a.m. The students gathered at the University Chapel and boarded their buses. The bus ride was a mixture of fun moments, where some students played games, some talked to each other about courses, and some clicked pictures of the picturesque views right outside the windows. Once on the island, the first stop was Shop and Play in Gateway Village, where students were encouraged to dress up as Anne from the classic novel Anne of Green Gables. They were able to learn about Anne’s lifestyle, her historical importance. Her story is a core part of Canadian culture and history, which was a simple regional novel, but it transformed into an international phenomenon, showcasing Canadian rural life, folklore and literature to the world.
Students dressed up in green gowns, wore red wigs, and took amazing pictures. Afterward, everyone walked around the village, which consisted of colourful little stores. The ambience made it feel like the town was fairytale-coded, which gave an extremely soothing vibe.
The second place they visited was Charlottetown, where they were allowed to roam around with their friends, explore the place, buy clothes, eat, or just have fun and enjoy watching a new place. The farmer’s market made it even better, with stalls that showcased detailed crafts. Many students bought winter coats, some got souvenirs, and some of them tried the famous COWS ice cream.
The last stop was Cavendish Beach, which gave students the time to relax, sit on the sand, take a break or a nice walk, contemplate on life or just click pictures. Many students walked around, played with stones, sang songs, and enjoyed the view. MASSIE students were able to interact with students from different cultures, get to know their preferences and life stories, and be comfortable getting to have new experiences. This was both a trip and a place of togetherness through lived experiences, even miles away from home.
The trip concluded near 5 p.m., with many students sleeping on the way back to campus. Sometimes students benefit from the chance to get out of their routines for a day and look at the world outside their ordinary life. This trip to Prince Edward Island was the perfect opportunity for everyone to leave their coursework behind for a few hours, enter a new world with their friends, and breathe in the fresh air of a place that was an amalgamation of peace, brightness, and colour!