This article is drawn from the transcript of an interview with Alexander. It's been edited for clarity.

You can watch the original interview on YouTube, or read an edited transcript.

Hi, my name is Alexander, and I come from Canada. For me, the best part of studying at Bangor University is being immersed in Welsh culture while I’m doing my degree. I’m in the Celts Master’s at Bangor, and I chose it for its location. I wanted to live in a place with a vibrant spoken language—especially Welsh—and Bangor gave me that chance. I was looking for a course that offered a full picture of the subject and a community that holds its history close. Bangor felt authentic from the start.

Living the language and landscape

The Bangor University campus is a wonderful place to learn the Welsh language and experience a stunning landscape at the same time. I loved the story behind why Bangor University was founded; it struck me as a place with genuine roots. Studying in buildings that carry so much history made the decision easy. By then, I was pretty much sold. I came here to immerse myself in a subject I super love, and the setting makes that possible every day.

Community beyond the classroom

One of the things I value most is the encouragement to get involved beyond lectures. My professors have a huge wealth of local knowledge and are always finding ways to connect me with community events and learning opportunities. That support has helped me get the fullest experience out of my time here and adjust to life across the ocean from home. There are so many societies: when I went to Serendipity and Freshers’ Fair, it was clear that whatever your passion, there’s a club for it.

Supportive student life in halls

Living in student halls has been a positive experience. The common areas are kept clean, and the Halls Office is quick to help whenever something comes up. It’s reassuring to know the university is dedicated to making accommodation a healthy and happy place to live. Before I arrived, staff helped ensure I had the right documentation and provided resources during orientation and through events like Serendipity and Freshers’ Fairs. That steady guidance made settling in much easier.

Turning my passions into a career

I came to Bangor to dive deeper into an area I’m passionate about and to build on my degree back home. The extracurriculars and community connections have helped me engage more closely with local history and place. In the heritage sector, employers notice passion and a clear connection to the landscape and the history. My time here has been invaluable on both counts, and I’m confident it will shape whatever I do next.

Maybe Bangor is right for you, too! Check out life as a Canadian in Wales on the Bangor website.