Chol Majok Chol
Current City: Vancouver, British Columbia
Year arrived in Canada: 2008
School(s): McGill University
Academic program(s): Microbiology & Molecular Biotechnology
1. From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?
We usually come with a mindset and expectations that have limited connection to the reality on the ground. To transition into Canadian life efficiently, find and connect with colleagues that came ahead of you have have experience. They will help you manage the culture shock and all the activities of daily Canadian life. For example, online banking, grocery shopping, e-learning, laundry cards etc
2. Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?
Don’t pick your program based on popular opinions or prestige in the community. Understand yourself, your intellectual interests, career goals, academic abilities and job prospects in Canada. After that, select a program that aligns with these factors seamlessly. Never choose a field you have no passion just because it is highly regarded in the community. You will end up in academic hardships and worse.
3. How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
As they say, when in Rome… immerse yourself into Canadian culture in order to make the most of what Canada has to offer. Be open minded and be flexible to new experiences. Move away from the mentality of doing what other people value or general hearsay. Do what works in your new environment. Build connections around you and be socially involved.
4. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms).
Doing co-ops and volunteer roles while still in school in preparation for the job market.
Finding mentors, people that went through the same journey
Understanding how the system works and doing what is valued by the system
Planning ahead, know what to do with your degree after school. Know the steps needed to get where you wanna go.
Be self aware and know what you lack in your quest to achieve your goals
Build connections in your community, you will be surprised how beneficial they can be to your growth in Canada
5. What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
The most important thing is approaching life in Canada with the right mindset. Humility and the maturity to be true to yourself are very important. Too often, folks get too carried away by their high school successes and the prestige of studying in Canada that they make decisions to maintain a given image. Doing what works for you is the way to go, enrolling in programs because of prestige and the need to be seen as academically capable is a sure way to set yourself up for failure. Never compare or measure yourself against others or try to outdo anyone. All careers are important in Canada, do what you like and do it really well. Your good grades will open doors to many opportunities that you can’t access if you were to take a program that you are struggling in.
6. Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any advice on managing money or building up a credit profile?
To build your Canadian credit profile, you will need to apply for a credit card at some point, make sure you know all the terms of your credit card when that happens. Pay back whatever you spend within the required time, don’t fall behind. The compounding nature of interest means a small loan can easily spiral out of control. Monitor your spending closely.
7. Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
Adjust your relationships to be in line with your reality. Don’t be too proud, be honest with the people you care about. Your immediate family members will likely believe you. Balance your personal ambitions with the needs of your family. Make a choice on what you need to do in the short run depending on their situation. Above all, never forget to prioritize yourself. No one will take care of you here, so you will have to put your own needs first. You can easily find yourself homeless here if you neglect your own financial, academic, emotional and physical wellbeing.
8. If you can reflect on your personal journey, were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?
Knowing what I know now, I would have done co-ops or volunteer somewhere before graduating. I focused solely on completing my degree and didn’t think too much of what happens once done.
