Gatnor Chuol

Current city of residence: Guelph, Ontario

Year arrived in Canada: 2013

School(s): University of Guelph

Academic program(s): Biochemistry

Disclaimer: the answers given below are solely based on my Personal experience(s) and may not necessarily apply to your situation(s) later

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

Don't let your accent make you shy away from talking to your professors or Teaching Assistants. During the initial stages of your first semester, most of you will be shocked to realize that almost everyone you interact with will, in most cases, experience difficulties understanding your accent. Don’t let this discourage you; keep expressing yourself naturally. Trust me they will get used to it.

Make genuine friendships with your professors as soon as possible. They will be your referees by the time you start applying for graduate schools or jobs. Collaborate with your colleagues and don’t hesitate to request for help from anyone you deem resourceful in your circle.

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

At the beginning of your first semester, talk to as many schoolmates as you possibly can. This will create a pool of people from which you will eventually choose close friends from. Keep in touch with your WUSC class members and immediate family. Also engage in extracurricular activities on campus if you can. This is another opportunity to connect with people.

3. From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?

Still figuring this one out…

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

Different educational system. Back home, we have time to study content and synthesize the material for deeper understanding which is not necessarily the case in Canada. This hinders academic success for new students.

Being reluctant to seek help before it's too late - most of us tend to think we have seen it all and can deal with any situation. This of course does help but to an extent.

5. Seeing how credit scores are important, do you have any advice on managing money or a credit profile?

Seek professional guidance

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

Don't be afraid to tell them the truth about your financial situation. Some will intentionally choose to ignore your responses and that’s okay

7. Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?

I will probably do a co-op program. School takes longer but easier to find a job after graduation since you graduate with work experience.