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

Moving to a new place can be a very exciting adventure and a challenging undertaking because of the newness of everything – food, climate, culture, people, etc. This excitement often makes you overlook the reality of being in a new environment and culture.  In order to have a smooth transition, I would encourage you to keep an open mind, be willing to learn, ask for help whenever you need it, and consult with your school’s WUSC Local Committee.

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

Choosing a program is an individual decision - this is usually because many people get into different programs for different reasons and sometimes the program they choose ends up leading them to their lifelong career.

So, I would suggest you think this decision through carefully before making it - consider researching the program you are interested in, talk to people in the program and most importantly network with professionals working in the job you hope to have after school.

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

As you begin to settle in and the excitement of being in a new environment begins to fade away, the reality of being in a different country starts to sink in. If you are feeling lonely and homesick reach out to your friends, your local committee, or sign up for recreational activities such as a fitness class, or anything that will cheer you up. That way, you can make new friends.

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

To succeed you need a plan that will lead you to your success - more like a road map on when and how to get from point A to B. Make a plan and stick to it, but it’s also worth noting that sometimes plans do not pan out as planned. So, when this happens do not be disappointed. Adjust to your new situation, whatever it might be, and keep going.

Always remember the reason for moving to this new country and make a deliberate effort to succeed.

5.  What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

Indecisiveness - waste lots of time and resources. The sooner you make up your mind the better.

Confusion, frustration and anger over unmet expectations – try managing your expectations.

6.   Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any advice on managing money or building up a credit profile?

Credit cards are very tempting and often lead to more spending. For this reason, I suggest you don’t get one until you are financially stable. If you choose to get one anyway, research the credit cards for the one that best suits your needs.

After using a credit card to pay for anything, pay off your balance in full before the due date otherwise you’ll be charged a very high interest for spending money you don’t have— and sooner than you know it you’ll be drowning in debt.

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

Be honest with your friends and family about your current situation (either financially or otherwise) and do not feel obliged to help them when you are not in a position to do so.

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?

My aspirations are partly met. If I were to start all over again, I would do more professional networking before finishing school, volunteer more, and participate in an exchange program.