Sabit Agok
Profile Info:
Current city of residence: Hamilton, Ontario
Year arrived in Canada: 2017
School(s): McMaster University
Academic program(s): Electrical Engineering
From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new WUSC students?
Starting university in a new country can be challenging sometimes. The fact that the arrival of WUSC students is usually just a week to the start of classes. It is hard for them to familiarize themselves with the campus and resources available in their new environment such as student wellness, academic advising or learning resources (libraries). Usually, the best thing to do is to ask for help when you need it, people are friendly and willing to help. Classes are also fast paced, so be on your toes not to fall behind.
Do you have any advice on choosing academic programs and careers for later success after school?
When it comes to academic programs, people have different reasons as to why they choose programs they pursue. It could be money reasons, meaning the most demanding job in the market or it could be passion - because they want to be doctors or engineers someday. When it comes to the job market, you have to do more research because the most demanding job in market right now was not what was demanded five years ago, and it will not be in the next five years. People have different reasons for choosing academic programs.
How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?
Make friends, especially from your classes because you may need group study buddies sometimes or you may be required to work on group projects together. Also, you can hang out with other WUSC students and plan fun activities for weekends. Your family and friends may be far away, but there is internet and you could text, voice or video call them.
From your experience, what does it take to succeed in Canada?
Canada is a land of opportunities and all it needs is hard work and determination. When I say hard work, I mean working hard in a smart way by figuring what work and what doesn’t work and concentrating your resources on the most realistic and viable opportunities.
What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?
Sometimes people have high expectations and arrive in Canada to find things much different than they thought. You might think you are the smartest or most hard working person in the room and then you arrive in Canada and share classes with other smart and hard-working people. This could be demoralizing sometimes. You do not have to be the smartest or the best at whatever you are doing. Do not compare yourself to others, take things at your own pace.
Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?
Communication is important. Talk to them and try to make them understand your situation as a student.
Were your aspirations met? What would you do differently if you were to start over again in Canada?
I think my short term aspirations have been met. I got into the program I wanted and that was my main goal. So I will not do anything differently if I were to start over.
