1.From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?

While the achievement of having made it to Canada can be exciting, the transition to Canadian life and culture can present a variety of challenges. Such challenges can range from cultural & social to academic difficulties. It’s very normal to experience a variety of emotions subsequent to these challenges.

In terms of cultural and social aspects, everything will look strange and unwelcoming. In order to fit in, you will need to learn from others as much as you can. When faced with these challenges, it is tempting for some students to isolate themselves and bury their heads in books in their rooms, library or social media. Others would spent most of their time chatting with people back in Africa as their only contacts. While these may not be entirely wrong, they will slow down your integration and understanding of the new life in Canada. Try as much as possible to reach out to people around you, be it senior WUSC students/alumni or local Canadians. Most Canadians are polite* and always willing to help and the students who came before you have been in the same situation as you and will be of great help.

Make asking questions your habit, reach out, ask and ask.

All in all, do your best to stay open-minded, positive, strong and curious — it will help you transition easily and faster. Finally, keep in mind that you are not alone in this. You will be fine!

2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?

Many students go to university with their choices of programs in mind while others are undecided. Either way, you will still have a key decision to make on what program to pursue long term. Even when you think you have made up your mind, you may find that your decision was not well informed.  Others may be acting under pressure from parents, friends or teachers. Choosing a program/major can be a difficult decision but don’t panic,  you don’t need to make a final decision in your first year. Take your time! Do your research and investigation on all the options you are interested in. Reach out for help as there are many resources out there for you. Every department has academic advisors that you can talk to about the options available to you. You can also talk to other WUSC students/alumni as they may have experiences dealing with a situation like yours.

The other way of figuring out what program is best for you is by testing the water first. Take various courses and learn about them. There are courses you have not learnt much about in high school which may be a good fit for you. This is why all programs have electives (general courses) that you can take for the opportunity to get a taste of these different subjects.

Take every course you are doing seriously and do your best to maximize your grades. This will give you the advantage and flexibility to be admitted in any program you want to apply to.

Always have in mind what the program means to you after graduation or what you want to do with it. Learn about life in Canada and picture your future here. Your choice of programs should be realistic and in line with your ambitions and academic abilities.

When you do choose a program, take heart – it is not set in stone. The average student across North America changes their program about three times and then change careers several times during their lives. Don’t be stressed about it!

3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

After you leave behind your families and friends, you will certainly experience some level of loneliness. This can be amplified by the other challenges such as cultural differences and the harsh Canadian weather.

Try building a bond with people you identify with as this will help give you the presence of your culture that you might be missing. Call your loved ones back home often.

Create connections with local students to help you understand the culture and to make new friends.

Attend events and activities of your own interests to connect with like-minded people.

Also there are support services for mental health, so be sure to reach out to them.

Dealing with adjustment issues often takes time, patience, effort, and an effective support system. Don’t forget to look out for your fellow international buddies who may be hurting in silence as well.

4.  From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).  

All it takes to succeed in Canada is in you. Remember your dreams about coming to Canada? They’ve come true! You made it! Now you need to make your life in Canada a success. To do this, you must embrace Canada. Understand the culture and live it. This will make things easier for you in and out of school.

Take your studies seriously and avoid distractions, other things can wait. Your professional success is determined by your academic success in your program.

Always have a plan B in case you need to change your mind after choosing your program or career. Success in your program or career is not guaranteed. Having a back-up plan gives you flexibility to do something else if plan A does not work for you.

Most importantly, try to do internships or Co-ops for relevant job experiences before you graduate. This will help you find a job after graduation. Doing other part-time jobs while in school can also be valuable for financial support and general work experience, but relevant experience in your field of studies is crucial.

Lastly, involve yourself in volunteering, mentorship and networking activities. These will give you soft skills that are valuable in the workplace and general Canadian life.

5. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?­­

Managing friends and family expectations back home is a case by case situation. Some people have different situation from others.

In terms of contact, try to keep friends and family close but not too close to the point it can distract you from studies or impact you negatively.

The biggest challenge with families and friends comes from financial demands. First of all the money you will get from the scholarship is calculated to sustain your life in school. If you get more than you need, you will be better off saving the extra for your future needs. It is best to minimize unnecessary expenses as much as you can. Sending money to families and friends is a contentious issue. If your circumstances necessitate it, you should do it with discretion. It can easily derail your life in Canada. After all, the help they will get from you after your success in Canada will be a lot more than what you can do now when you have no degree.