I came to Canada in August, 2012 to study in a well-reputed college in British Columbia. I was very much interested in familiarizing myself with the western business context and culture so that I could integrate this knowledge with the Asian business context and culture and thereby be more competitive in the future job market. I decided to choose Canada as my study destination because I could get the same quality of education here as in other western countries but for more affordable tuition and living cost.

Presently I am in my first year.  I really enjoy the education system in Canada in comparison to my home country, India. Here in British Columbia, the program teaches us the subject topic successfully through regular coursework and classroom discussions.  Moreover, it also offers a practicum opportunity in the last semester as a requirement so that the students gain invaluable, in-depth, and first-hand experiences and knowledge through practical application of studied theory in an actual western business setting.

I also like the accommodation opportunity provided by the college to learn and experience a Canadian way of living through the “Homestay Program”. I highly recommend prospective international students to make good use of this opportunity because you will learn more about the western culture and also improve your English by actually living with a Canadian host family.

Many international students refrain from studying in Canada because they think it is unfair that foreign students have to pay higher school fees than the local students. Although this education is costly, I believe we should look at it more like an investment than an expense for your future career. I know I will I undoubtedly gain the tools necessary to excel in today’s competitive global market by integrating all of the many aspects of the program curriculum into the real-world business environment. In addition, the Government of Canada also provides post graduate work permits for all graduate students to work in Canada and gain some additional work experience. I think this is a wonderful opportunity. I am now also persuading my younger brother to make use of this opportunity and gain some valuable western experience by pursuing his studies in Canada.

In my previous posts, I have talked about some of the important things to consider when studying overseas. But now I would like to share WHY I decided to come to BC.

When I was eleven, my family and I had the opportunity to travel to the magnificent city of Toronto, Canada. We travelled to many different cities such as Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. But my favorite part was going to the Niagara Falls. I enjoyed being there. I remember that my family and I took a tour and we were standing behind the falls. It was cold but impressive!! We stayed in Toronto for two weeks and we had lots of fun! It was one of my best summers.

“I enjoyed being in Vancouver – a nice city, full of good people”, says Andrea Recillas, international student from Mexico.

The next year, when I was in the sixth grade, I had the opportunity to go to Vancouver with some classmates from my school. It was a cultural exchange where we stayed with different host families for a month. My host family was awesome! They were really nice to me. In fact I still keep in touch with them.

During the exchange we had the pleasure of going to different places, such as Chinatown, downtown Vancouver, Whistler, museums, water parks, etc. I even had the opportunity to go Victoria as well. It was a short trip as we only went to the Parliament building. But it was beautiful! We traveled by ferry and it was incredible! I had lots of fun during that trip. It was amazing. I even cried when I got back to Mexico. I enjoyed being in Vancouver – a nice city, full of good people.

After that trip, I realized that I would like to study in BC. I actually wanted to go back to Vancouver for my seventh grade, but my parents thought I was too young. When I was in the eighth grade I told my parents that I would like to study in Canada the next year (ninth grade). We started to look for different options. We attended many expositions and “Study in Canada” fairs. I was pretty sure that I was going to study ninth grade in Canada, but my parents said it would be better for me to go in grade ten (in Mexico grade ten is the first year of high school).

Anyway I never gave up and I continued looking for schools in Canada. Studying in Canada was my biggest dream. I had some difficulties along the way because it is not cheap to study in another country.

But now I am happy because I am living that dream. Studying in BC continues to be an awesome experience. I would like to stay in Canada forever!  I want to graduate high school from BC and study at a Canadian University.

I LOVE Canada, especially British Columbia. It is the perfect place for studying.  It offers you different attractions and scenery that you will never forget. I enjoy Canada every single day!!!! I am very grateful to my parents for all of their support and efforts in making this dream come true. I am trying to get the most benefit of studying abroad by having good grades, learning a new language, participating in different activities at school, etc.

I have been to different countries such as the USA several times. It is a nice country, but Canada has something that makes me like it the most.  It probably has to do with the nice people…What do you think?

A Note on Sourcing BC Photos

The photos featured in this album were found through flickr. Visitors to BC as well as residents have tagged their work under the Creative Commons license. We’ve linked to the conditions of each license in the photo credit.

I came to Canada in 2006, so it’s fair to say that I’ve been here for a long time.  The main reason why I came BC to study abroad was because my parents not only wanted me to learn English, but they also wanted me to learn about different cultures, traditions, and customs of other countries at the same time. BC is a very multicultural place so it only made sense to stay here. British Columbia is very different from Korea, my home country. The holidays and festivals, cuisine, and even the people are different, which initially made it hard for me to adapt. However, because I came to BC with my family I was not the only one who felt this way. My family and I made every effort to learn about Canada. We helped each other by trying to speak English at home.  This was actually a very helpful exercise and helped tremendously improve my speech.

“In order to learn and become acquainted with a new language or culture, you have to open up your heart first”, says Lynn Kim, international student from Korea.

My first impression of the first day at school in BC was truthfully a bit nerve-racking. I did not know how to make friends. The elementary school I attended (at the time) barely had any Korean students. And I could not understand anything from the lessons. Despite this, I made every effort to make friends with students of different nationalities. I smiled, volunteered, and tried to speak English all the time. And in a few weeks’ time, I made friends!  We helped each other on assignments.  They corrected my grammar, and thus, were very helpful with improving my English. I must admit though, I was very shy at the beginning. But when I opened up, they opened up to me.

My advice to anyone wanting to study abroad is to remember to keep an open-mind. In order to learn and become acquainted with a new language or culture, you have to open up your heart first. If one just keeps closed, then no one will try to help or come near you. One of my friends, Melissa told me that she did not like me at first. When I asked her why, she said, “I don’t know. Maybe it was because you always kept quiet and never said anything. It seemed like you thought you were “too cool”. However, all that changed when you started to come up to me and talk”. I had no idea that this was how Melissa first felt or that I gave this “too cool for school” attitude. Melissa and I are best friends now. She has taught me about Halloween, Remembrance Day, Thanksgiving and all of the other Canadian customs and holidays.  We always help each other and enjoy each other’s friendship very much!

I am planning to go back to Korea after I graduate. When I go back to Korea, I am going to invite Melissa to come with me during summer vacations and I will teach her about Korean customs and maybe even the language too!

When you grow up in one country for all of your life, there is only that one place that is familiar to you. This was Taiwan for me. Before graduation, I was set for a new journey in Canada. After a term at the University of Victoria (UVic) and five months in Canada, I have learned to love university life, but more importantly I have learned to love my life in Canada. In my earlier blog post, “University Life”, I touched upon transitioning from high school to university, student support, and the varying cultural differences between Canada and Taiwan. I’d like to continue with my reflection, but I’d like to focus solely on life in British Columbia, Canada.

“Canada is as passionate about hockey as it is about its syrup”, says Leat, international student from Taiwan.

Transportation is key no matter where you are. The BC Transit system is a great way to travel all around Victoria, and it is convenient that many bus routes dock at UVic. Buses are almost always on time, unless there is heavy rainfall or snow. Using the BC Transit system is a great way to transport you to places without worrying about car insurance, maintenance and parking fees.

There are many different faiths practiced in Victoria. I’ve practiced Judaism my whole life, and I felt a warm embrace from the Jewish community here. The UVic Israel on-campus chapter told me about the synagogue downtown, and the Jewish Community Centre. I have gotten to know many students, families and rabbis, and this has made me feel more at home.

Discrimination is everywhere; however, in Canada I feel less of it. Canada is a fairly young country, and diversity issues will continue to play a significant role in the years ahead. Everyone — from First Nations to newcomers — are part of Canada’s rich diversity. Canada’s diversity has shaped some of its international policies (directly and indirectly). This includes advising on the rule of law and human rights, playing a role in peace building and promoting democracy abroad.

The fact that I can find Bok Choy (Chinese white cabbage), bean sprouts, traditional soy milk, and various types of tofu in many super markets is comforting. When my parents asked me what Canadian food was (now that I’ve been here for five months), I really didn’t know what to say. The earliest cuisines of Canada lie within the roots of First Nations, English, and the French. The continual waves of immigration from other countries have shaped and augmented Canadian food. I know one thing: Canada has excellent maple syrup.

Canada is as passionate about hockey as it is about its syrup. I received stares when I said I did not know who the Canucks were. Sports are celebrated in all parts of North America, and for Canadians, hockey has become part of their identity. It creates a unity and understanding amongst Canadians, and I find this really touching.

I have learned many different cultural and academic materials for the five months that I’ve been in Canada. There is only so much you can see and balance with a hectic school and work schedule. This year, I experienced my first Christmas dinner. Next year I hope to learn how to ski. I certainly hope to explore more and discover new things about Canada. It is a large country, and there is a lot to explore. I plan to make a trip to Butchart Gardens this spring, and I’m currently soaking up as much fresh Victoria air as possible. The lush green trees of Victoria have certainly cleansed away the polluted city fumes of Taipei. Do I miss home? Yes, of course, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, my life in Canada has only begun and I see a bright future ahead of me.

When you grow up in one country for all of your life, there is only that one place that is familiar to you. This was Taiwan for me. Before graduation, I was set for a new journey in Canada. After a term at the University of Victoria (UVic) and five months in Canada, I have learned to love university life.

When I first moved to British Columbia, Canada, there were many positive cultural aspects that were new to me. For example, when crossing roads, drivers stop for pedestrians. In Taiwan, pedestrians sometimes have to wait three whole minutes until the coast is clear of traffic. Drivers in Canada are generally more careful, and courtesy is valued.

“This is a photo of the University of Victoria student library”, says Leat Ahrony, international student from Taiwan.

Unlike crossing a road, crossing over from high school to university is jarring no matter where you are in the world. Not only is the cost substantially larger (especially for international students); the environment is different, too. International students are not qualified for student loans in Canada; therefore, we need to seek other opportunities. I’ve learned that university students, whether at home or abroad, are always seeking financial support.

I’ve found that Canada and UVic provide a great amount of student support. For example, many of the clubs receive funding from the university. I was surprised there was a student union building run entirely by university students. It proves that students are capable of accomplishing great establishments. I also found the food bank extremely helpful. A bag of oatmeal may not look like much, but to university students, it means less money spent on groceries.

University is a great place to find what you love to do and to learn the backgrounds of many professions. At the same time, it is extremely difficult when students graduate with a heavy debt load. Working at the on-campus Commons Residence Cafeteria has helped me financially and enhanced my university life.

I’ve enjoyed my working experience more than anything. The people I meet at the cafeteria are mainly students from UVic, but many other appointed employees have been there for years. It is a wonderful experience, and as long as you work hard, they will keep hiring you.

I have learned an abundant of cultural and academic materials in the five months I have been in Canada. There is only so much you can see and balance with a hectic school and work schedule. I certainly hope to explore more and discover new things about Canada. I also hope to travel to different provinces in Canada. Because I am enrolled in the UVic business program, I am entitled to complete three co-op terms. I hope to complete at least one work term in Canada. It is a large country, and there is a lot to explore. Do I miss home? Yes, of course, but my life in Canada has only begun, and I see a bright future ahead of me.