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Blogs
Blogs
Everyone has a story. What's yours?
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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Are you an international student that feels like there is a wall that stops you from moving forward? Are you trying to improve your language level, but feel embarrassed communicating in English? You're not the only one. But there are people who are reaching their goals. Find your inspiration and become one of them.
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Still not sure if co-op is for you? Chetachi explains why co-op was such a valuable experience for her and what it was like to work in the corporate world during her Economics co-op work term.
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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!
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The holidays are a time for fun and festivities, but the feeling of being homesick can also creep in during this time. Here are some steps to help you through it!
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New to Vancouver? Discover 4 spots Lauretta discovered in her adventures around the city.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sean McCloskey
The Latest
Engaging with your community means first effectively communicating with those around you. Kenny shares some tips on how to do this!
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You’ve got to that new stage in your life as a new employee. But as a new hire, you may feel somewhat out of place on what may be an established team. So, read on to find out five ways to successfully blend in.
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You’ve got to that new stage in your life as a new employee. But as a new hire, you may feel somewhat out of place on what may be an established team. So, read on to find out five ways to successfully blend in.
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After the exciting and terrifying process of applying to jobs, landing interviews, and finally accepting a job offer, I started to settle in to my new job in the Communication department of the Canadian Mental Health Association. With a solid goal in mind, each day became a new challenge for me to rise and make myself known. Here are the tips I followed that made my placement meaningful to both my employer and I.
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Engaging with your community means first effectively communicating with those around you. Kenny shares some tips on how to do this!
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Emily shares her tips for what you should consider when looking for a volunteer opportunity.
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Emily shares her tips for what you should consider when looking for a volunteer opportunity.
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Interviews are a two-way street. They allow employers to find out more about their candidates, and candidates to find out more about the employer. Find out what kind of questions you can ask to maximize your interview.
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Interviews are a two-way street. They allow employers to find out more about their candidates, and candidates to find out more about the employer. Find out what kind of questions you can ask to maximize your interview.
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Tysun shares his story of progressing from Student to Teacher, or more specifically, from Athlete to Coach and shares some advice for those looking to get involved with their community.
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You did it. You successfully finished the interview, hopefully feeling satisfied. But what about those references you gave to the interviewer – what happens to those now that your interview’s done? Read on to find out!
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Rianne shares what she gained from being a Learning & Writing Peer Educator. Interested in having similar experiences? Apply to the Peer Education Program by April 7th.
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Missed Backpack to Briefcase this year? Find out the advice given by SFU alumni.
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Ever wondered what organizations look for from students and recent graduates at a career fair? Check out what tips Scotia Bank, Clio, Sun Life Financial, City of Richmond, MyPlanet and Public Outreach have for students to succeed at a career fair.
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Having trouble deciding to whether stay local or move abroad for your co-op placement? Read through SFU Communication Co-op student Samantha's tips on how to make an educated decision when it comes to going abroad for co-op!
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Ever wondered what organizations look for from students and recent graduates at a career fair? Check out what tips Scotia Bank, Clio, Sun Life Financial, City of Richmond, MyPlanet and Public Outreach have for students to succeed at a career fair.
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Career fairs are no doubt stressful experiences for a range of people, but there are ways to ease the stress. If you want to create meaningful connections with organizations at the fair (with less stress), keep on reading to discover some useful tips.
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In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. In her final instalment she shares some of her favourite places.
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In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, and we present the third insallment: Arts and Culture in March.
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Kim shares five attributes that all volunteers should have in order to be considered G.R.E.A.T.! Make sure to implement these next time you get involved!
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In the winder of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, this is part two of her adventure.
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In the winter of 2013, SFU Geography student Christiane Pulluau trekked to La Paz, Bolivia to work with a CED (Community Economic Development) group. She shared her diary entries with us, and part one is featured here.
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Biology Co-op student Yuka Obayashi returned from her self-directed International Co-op at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in the Kunigami District of Okinawa, Japan with a new-found appreciation for marine wildlife.
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Are you finding that getting your dream job is unattainable and is only for the “lucky ones?” Create your own opportunities and luck when it comes to the workplace and discover how to land a job fresh out of university.
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Standing out in today’s job market is definitely a tough task. But, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of ways you can make yourself stand out to potential employers. Read on to find out how.
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So it’s mid-March and you haven’t got a Co-op job for the summer yet, exams are approaching, and you're getting worried you'll never land a job. Co-op coordinators Heather Keeping and Marcia Shimizu offer up tips on how to excel during lightning round, and why it's actually awesome.
Heather Keeping
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As Natalie nears graduation her focus has shifted to landing a post-grad job. In the next instalment of her Road to Graduation series, read up on the basics of setting up and attending an informational interview.
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Networking is essentially building relationships with professionals in your industry. As time consuming and challenging as it can be, it’s important to focus on, especially when you are on the hunt for a job. Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with her networking tips.
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Natalie continues her Road to Graduation series with tips on how to prepare when a professional finally grants you an informational interview. Follow her tips and make the most of the opportunity.
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Learn all about one student's involvement with TEDxKids@BC, a non-profit that seeks to engage passionate youth to change lives. Towards the end of this year, the TEDxKids 2014 Conference will take place right here in Vancouver, so don’t miss this chance to come attend this awe-inspiring event!
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