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Blogs
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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
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.
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.
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.
New to Vancouver? Discover 4 spots Lauretta discovered in her adventures around the city.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
Being an international student at SFU is not easy as there aren't many opportunities to meet other students. The Global Student Centre welcomes all, hosting events that bring students together to celebrate diversity and create intercultural awareness.
Morgan Karugaba shares his journey of how he overcame the challenges of uncertainty, by stepping out of his comfort zone.
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!
Since its launch in 2005, the Students for Development (SFD) program has been supporting Canadian university students' participation in internships in developing countries and emerging economies. Isabel went on the SFD program in Summer 2011 where she worked with ICO (Instituto de Capacitacion del Oriente) in Bolivia.
"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.
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
There are many creative endeavors that an SFU student can pursue (either as professional or as a hobbyist) ranging from Graphic Design, Web Design, Photography, Film, and so forth.
Student clubs are a great way to get involved with the campus community! Loren shares her views on why you should join one ASAP!
Haqikat is a fourth year Business student who worked at Canada Revenue Agency for co-op. Haqikat shares what training and a typical day looks like as a Taxpayer Services Agent.
Kelly is a Communications Co-op student who landed her dream job. She shares how she did this with 5 tips!
Want to get involved with clubs on-campus? Emily takes a look at K-Storm, a club promoting involvement in Korean Culture to SFU students!
Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook? Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant. Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.
I had the pleasure of attending Nisga’a Ts’amiks graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 31, 2014 and to meet SFU’s new director of the Indigenous Student Centre.
For Kiran Basra, senior Communication Co-op student, working at Electronic Arts was a unique experience from the get-go. Between re-constructing her job description and fine-tuning her marketing analytics skills on-the-job, Kiran has re-defined what Communication Co-op students can accomplish.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook? Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant. Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.
Meet “Student Border Services Officer (SBSO) Umar”, who shares what her co-op was like at the Canada Border Services Agency.
Jaclyn Marshall shares why students considering a career in law enforcement should consider working for the RCMP as a co-op position.
Ronald spent his co-op working at the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy and describes the importance and benefits of working in the public sector.
Elinor worked in the External Relations Department of Parks Canada and explains how this was the right choice for her as an International Studies student.
Meet Alison Tan, a fourth year student who has completed three co-op terms. She shares her experiences with the co-op program.
For her first co-op, SFU Biology and English student Kristina Charania headed to the heart of Vancouver to work as a Science Facilitator at Science World for four months. Read all about her co-op adventures and challenges under the dome!
The Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia (NCCABC) provides culturally appropriate services to aboriginal people and communities consistent with their needs.
Whether in the workplace or at school, we’ve all come across difficult personality types. Read on to find out how you can turn those interactions into positive experiences.
Ever wondered what it would be like to be interviewed by Facebook? Bradley Sutherland, a recent graduate from SFU’s Interactive Arts and Technology and a specialist in interactive design, was selected to be interviewed by the social media giant. Bradley shared this 3 part interview experience with the OLC.
As Emily Taylor, a senior Communication Co-op student says, "Reality check: a degree doesn’t guarantee a job. Vancouver communications, marketing and writing jobs aren’t waiting for you in the stands at Convocation. You’ve got to hunt for them, and Co-op is your open door. " Read on for compelling evidence of how Co-op can benefit you - regardless of what you've been led to believe!
Acknowledging that white privilege exists is the first step to equality and justice for all.
Co-op students are required to do either a project or presentation to complete their co-op requirements at the end of their work term. As a communications student, Natalie did not know what to expect the first time she presented her PowerPoint presentation for her project. Read on so you can have an idea of what to expect for yours!
"What do you want to do with your degree?” It’s not a simple question, but the place you find your answer can surprise you. Read as Kiki goes through her co-op experience to find out more.
Tauseef Alwaris recently changed his major from “Electronics Engineering” to “high voltage Electrical Engineering” because of his various co-ops, speaking to different people, and his educational experiences. He reflects and shares both how and why he decided to make this change and how Hydro One helped his decision.
In this article, Mehul shares his Co-op journey with us and let's us in on the secrets of getting a Co-op!
Wondering what activities are available this summer to keep your brain busy while giving you a much needed break from school? Read on to learn the Top 5 Tips to enhance your summer break!
Why work for free? Kim shares her thoughts on why volunteering can sometimes be better than working a paid job when it comes to career exploration!
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Career Peer Educator? Find out what you can gain both personally and professionally!
Delivered over five different workshops (one every two weeks), Passport to Leadership aims to introduce students to basic leadership skills and show them the various ways to get involved around campus.
Wonder how you can stand out against other candidates to land your perfect summer job? Check out the 5 post interview tips and tricks to help you leave a lasting impression with the hiring manager.