Reat Deng Wan

Aug 3

Written By Meja Madol

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

Never think your knowledge on something is enough, consult.
Attend school workshops and seminars (very critical).
Never let the colour of your skin make you feel lesser than, you have in fact the highest potential of doing better than anyone - build your self-esteem.
Attend your instructor’s office hours.
Make friends based of your preferred qualities.
Talk to your WUSC local committee and give them feedback about your courses as well as program you intend to do.
Champion for your right where necessary.
·Consult former WUSC Scholars and alumni.

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

The best way to cope with loneliness is keeping yourself busy and avoiding lonely places when idle.

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

Being in Canada without your immediate family entails assuming new roles that you have never done before i.e. taking care of yourself as a parent, sponsor, and guardian. Proper multitasking is your one and the only savior. This multitasking involves building connections as much as you can.

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

Coming with high expectations and not being able to meet them.
Being socially shy from not having Canadian accent –Not asking questions in class.
Not coping well with adverse weather and climatic conditions(winter).
Lack of adequate knowledge of campus resources.
Taking too many courses during their transitional year (First Year).
Homesickness and not fitting in socially from having a different culture.
Complacency and overindulging in social media.

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

Managing finances is the most difficult task for everyone but I would like to suggest that you create 2 bank accounts for yourself. One bank account e.g. TD bank as your saving account and Scotiabank as your bill payment account. Please save in your first year otherwise things will be tougher.

6. Do you have any idea on how New Students can manage expectations from family and friends back home?

Sincerely acknowledge to them that you are a broke University Student, help when and where necessary.

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

Gatnor Chuol