Awer Kuir
Current city of residence: Calgary
Year arrived in Canada: 2010
School(s): University of Waterloo, University of Saskatchewan
Academic program(s): Geophysics, Computer Science
Occupation/profession: Software Developer
1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?
Settling into a new environment can be unsettling. However, you do not have to navigate it alone. Use every resource available to help you settled. Make friends from various cultures and backgrounds including former SRP students. I was fortunate to find a very supportive cast of former and current (at the time) WUSC students at my university who showed me around the city and gave me company. Without their company my transition into Canadian life would have not been smooth.
2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?
On choosing your program, it is important to pick a program that aligns with your interests, and to some extent, abilities. Doing something you are passionate about can make you go extra miles when things are not going smoothly.
3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
Like I mentioned above, make friends upon arrival. These may include SRP students, Canadian students, people from your country/region of origin. Joining a few students run on-campus clubs would also help you meet new people.
4. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?
Success comes in many forms but for university students, it starts with translating the program majored in at school to a lifelong career. Often this is not easy to achieve especially during the first few years after graduation. During your time in school, try, if possible, getting a summer, an internship, or a co-op position. You will gain valuable experiences which will make getting your first job easier and be successful in making a career.
5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
Most new students do not have enough information about careers and where to start. The education system and career paths are a little bit different in Canada than other countries. Students may pick programs that they know little about and may struggle later in those programs.
6. Seeing how credit scores are important, do you have any advice on managing money or a credit profile?
Managing personal finances well, including credits, is very important. Something as seemingly trivial as paying your bills on time, for example, phone bills is very important is maintaining a good credit. If you have a credit card, try to make the minimum payment in/on time.
7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
Life as a student is hard by itself but when you factor in expectations from friends and family back home, it can be very overwhelming. Do not beat yourself up if you fall short of their expectations. Remember, when you are a student, studies are your most important priories.
8. Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?
Yes and No. I think it took me sometimes to find a career that I’m passionate about and very marketable job wise. I changed careers. Career changes take long time and perseverance. You always feel like you wasted your time doing something that you have no future in. If I were to go back and start over again, I would make a career choice earlier.
