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Blogs
Welcome
Being one of OLC's classic storytelling tools, blogs are crafted by SFU Community members which include the everyday student as well as expert voices. This is where we share touching stories, resourceful advice, and insightful knowledge with each other. In keeping with the OLC vision, the following blogs are created by and for students, so why not contribute to the OLC today?
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INTERNATIONAL
Nancy applied as an English instructor in South Korea with the intention of just adding another bulletpoint to their resume. However, the experiences they have gained from teaching and living abroad has made their co-op so much more meaningful than what can be written on paper. Read Nancy's story to learn more about Teach and Learn in Korea.
Have you landed an International Co-op work-term and begun preparing for your semester abroad? Surely, you have done your research and are aware of the cultural differences and nuances between where you are going, and your home country? If you haven’t, have no fear! This article is meant to help you understand the basic tips and tricks to adjust to the cultural differences in your new workplace, making your transition much easier.
As an undergraduate student, Spencer Chen excelled with a GPA of 4.21 and received numerous merit-based scholarships and awards. She also sought diverse research and community service opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the SFU community.
A profile on international student and third year psychology major, Rainy Yumeng Jiang, and how community engagement and volunteering has helped her adjust to Canadian culture.
Who doesn’t love travelling? Summer is just around the corner and with that comes the time to make our travel plans a reality. Have you ever thought about travelling as a way to boost your career?
Job hunting is never easy. This is especially true when you are an international student with no Canadian experience. Follow Alireza's tips and tricks on how to navigate around this barrier in your search for meaningful work.
There are a lot of things your international student friends have never told you. From depression to pressure to stereotypes - life isn't always easy when you are studying abroad. Read an international students take on life overseas.
As an international student Ha Na had the reality of high tuition, no work experience and challenges in finding employment. She decided co-op was the solution to learn professional work search skills and gain related employment while attending university. She shares her challenges and successes along the way.
Morgan Karugaba shares his journey of how he overcame the challenges of uncertainty, by stepping out of his comfort zone.
“Gosh Roop! Are you really an international student? But you do not speak with an accent. Wow, I would have never guessed that.” Through anecdotes and introspection, Roop shares a compelling narrative of the struggles of why International students face challenges due to language barriers and biases.
Jacky is a fourth year Business Student who spent his co-op in Beijing China. Read his interview to discover what his co-op abroad was like. Jacky covers preparing for the work term, work life, and living abroad.
In this article, SFU Psychology graduate Ravi Bansal shares her experiences of participating in the Hellenic Studies Field School in Greece. Ravi’s travels encouraged her to become involved in the SFU community, opening up an opportunity to attend the Education without Borders conference in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
"There's a phrase in Israel, "buckle up your elbows" which means that it's time to hustle. This is exactly what brought me to the place where I'm writing to you right now." -- read Kim's story and learn how you can achieve anything with enough courage and motivation.
Looking to maximize your time abroad and integrate with locals, but nervous to take the first few steps? Read on to learn how Kendra broke through their personal barriers, and the advice they have for future travellers to make the most of their work term overseas.
Learning how to effectively communicate in a new work environment can be difficult enough, but add a language barrier and things get even more complicated. Here are Julia's top tips for overcoming language barriers in the workplace.
Bachelor of Sciences graduand Charity Mudhikwa hit the ground running when she came to Canada in 2018 for university, dedicating her undergraduate degree helping SFU students and the community at large.
Coming to a new country thousands of miles from where you grew up and from everything you know is no easy journey. In this award-winning story, SFU Business student Ali Najaf reflects on the past four years since arriving in Canada from Pakistan in 2012, sharing both his challenges and truimphs.
Third year Business student, Corina Inigo, shares about her co-op experience with Teach and Learn in Korea (TaLK). She discusses what TaLK is all about and also shares personal anecdotes from her teaching experience.
Ever wonder how it would feel like being an international student in Vancouver? Talk about a reason to party, well coming from a Punjabi family we hardly need a reason to party but if there was ever a decent one, this was it. Read more to find out about Max Shyngs experience!
Mario Fong travelled to Hong Kong to join the HSBC trainee program through International Co-op. Dropping everything to live in a new country provided him with personal and professional experiences he won't soon forget.
Changing Times: Stories to Inspire Hope and Resilience
Working from home is a common reality for many Co-op students in the past year. Working from home while working for a Health Authority in the thick of the pandemic is a tremendous experience Kaylla went through last year. Take a look at how she learned to stay productive in these uncertain times.
The Latest
Patients across BC should expect to receive excellent care from our health system, and it usually delivers. Rasha Syed shares why the best way to assess the healthcare system is to hear patient experiences.
Disclosing a disability to an employer can be daunting at any point in your career but particularily as a student new to the workplace. Gloria Cheung, shares how she was able to not just survive but thrive with a little bit of support from her employer.
When Sara began her co-op search she was set on Silicon Valley but soon realized a little local experience was needed. A semester working for International Services for Students at SFU gave her the skills and experience to more confidently pursue her dreams.
Mental health issues don't just disappear in the workplace. Nelson urges us to "end the stigma, talk about mental health, form dialogues and accept that we are not alone".
From concept to implementation, launching a start-up can be both exhilarating and demanding. Mechatronic System Engineering students, Hitesh and Devpreet share their start-up journey with Venture Connections and TechE@SFU.
From concept to implementation, launching a start-up can be both exhilarating and demanding. Mechatronic System Engineering students, Hitesh and Devpreet share their start-up journey with Venture Connections and TechE@SFU.
Bored already? Hitting a plateau at work can be discouraging – but it doesn’t have to be. Follow Lauren’s experience of turning a roadblock into an opportunity for growth.
Searching for and adapting to your first co-op work term can be tough and quite unexpected. Jordan reveals five tested practices for boosting your resume and building confidence.
Interested in a career with the federal government? Kate McMurchy shares tips on building new connections and making the most of your co-op.
Getting a great job without experience can be tough. Business Co-op Program Manager, Tanya Behrisch explains how to graduate with not just work experience but more than a year of relevant experience, all while completing your degree.
Read about Jennifer's journey as she explores the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, and dispels myths around the time needed to master it.
Thinking about joining the co-op program but hesitant at the idea of having to pay tuition?!? Tanya Behrisch explains the costs and benefits of co-op and the advantages of investing in career development while you are a student.
Mistakes happen, but do you learn to them? Linda identifies some common mistakes made by Co-op students on their first work term.
In the last part of this two part series, criminology student Julia Apeles shares her experience working as an Information Managment Specialist with the federal government.
Hazel Cheung discusses the importance of creating work-life balance and an awesome office culture while on co-op with the RCMP.
Shonnah talks about her co-op experience with MTU Maintenance.
Maggie Quinn discusses her experience of working with a remote team as a Junior Regional Recruiter with Kal Tire.
Are you curious about what impact your employer has on the larger world? Reading about it is not enough! Get up, get out, contribute and see for yourself!
Considering a Co-op position in downtown Vancouver? Find out the perks and challenges of working in Vancouver’s bustling business district.
There are many things to consider when deciding on your co-op, here are some tips to ensure you have the best co-op experience!
"I’d be hard-pressed to say I have my life figured out – I really don’t." Ryan shares what his Co-op journey has taught him and some tips for anyone who is currently doing Co-op.
Fahimeh Karimi talks about her research co-op with the BC Children's Hospital.
Finding a co-op is no easy feat! Read on to see how Emily managed to find hers.
Follow Sheldon's Co-op journey as a Mechatronic Systems Engineering student and find out what patience, perseverance and sheer tenacity can do to help you land a co-op at Tesla.
Do manners even matter? We think so! Business Co-op Program Manager, Tanya Behrisch shares why manners still count and are the finishing touch for young professionals starting out their careers.
Machines are skilled at seeing patterns, but humans are skilled at disrupting them. Investment in AI will only increase. But what you can do as your creative, human self is find the intent within all of these experiences and bring meaning to the forefront.
Interviews don't have to be hard if you're prepared. Nelson provides some tips on what how can prepare yourself for an interview and impress your interviewers.
Many students are involved “behind the counter” at Health & Counselling, whether working as co-op students or leading student groups and initiatives. This is who - and HOW - you can get involved with Health & Counselling as a student.
A willingness to take risks is often what separates the successful from the very successful. But why is risk so relevant and how can you build up your tolerance for making the bold decisions that will lead to better careers? SFU's Business Co-op Manager, Tanya Behrisch shares why the ability to take risks matters.
As Lauren wraps up her final co-op term, she looks back on her incredible time with Parks Canada and the lessons she's learned during this experience.