There is an advantage, as it turns out, for an individual to give up the tantalizing lifestyle that includes sandy beaches, humid subtropical climate and the beauty of Bermuda.

Listen to Michael Armstrong and he's content with giving up, albeit briefly, the coziness of his homeland of Bermuda for an opportunity to benefit from a great education.

And that includes dealing with Canada's challenging weather.

Not a day passes without Armstrong, an international student studying Hospitality and Tourism at Toronto's George Brown College, thinking about where he grew up – the small island located in the Atlantic Ocean and well off the coast of Miami.

"It's a small country and, believe it or not, it gets boring there really fast," said Armstrong, who knows Bermuda, booms with tourists. "Coming to Canada, it's a culture shock with so many people. It can be overwhelming – just like the winter weather."

Armstrong, who graduates in the George Brown program in April, plans to return to Bermuda to put in to motion in the tourism world his two years of studies at George Brown.

The 21-year old, a graduate of a private school in Bermuda, also knows what to do with a soccer ball.

Twice, he has played on Bermuda National under-15 and under-17 teams. Now retired Shaun Goater, a Bermudian soccer player, who once saw some game action with Manchester City, has also coached him

Armstrong didn't play soccer at George Brown in his first year. He also didn't get a chance to make the tryout dates for the Huskies 2013 outdoor squad. But, the 5-foot-8 midfielder did make the 2014 indoor squad.

"I've been playing soccer since I could walk," said Armstrong. "I got recommended by my high school guidance counsellor to come to George Brown. The education has been great, working at a major hotel as an intern has helped me a great deal and I get one final chance to play soccer."

A multi-sport athlete in his teens, from squash to cross country running and biking, Armstrong never suffered an injury. He also hasn't ruled out returning to Canada for a university education. - DG