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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New to Vancouver? Discover 4 spots Lauretta discovered in her adventures around the city.
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.
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.
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'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.
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!
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.
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!
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
Landing the job is only the first step. Once you arrive for work you not only need to make a good first impression, but create a lasting professional reputation.
Students are often hoping to quickly graduate and find the job of their dreams, but school and work can be extremely different and the gap can be fairly difficult for some to adapt to. Here are five tips to help you prepare for the work force!
There are many things school doesn't teach you about working in a corporate environment. Check out 3 areas Natalie wants you to pay attention to when you are on your job and tips to help you improve your work performance.
John Grant, an SFU Communication Co-op Alumus has five work term experiences in his portfolio and shares his top ten tips for completing a successful and fulfilling Co-op work term.
Are you starting your first co-op work term soon? Here are some top tips to help you transition from school to work smoothly and successfully and improve your work performance and professionalism.
Finding it hard to find a co-op job that doesn't require any web or design skills? Read on if you're interested in learning how this co-op student conquered her fears and learned how to make the most of her work term using the design skills she learned in just a few short weeks!
SFPIRG is offering a series of Decolonization Workshops this fall: Decolonization 101, Beyond Residential Schools, Resistance and Resiliance in BC and Matrilinealism The workshops are open for anyone who is interested.
Net Impact as part of their mission statement as emerging business leaders is to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact in the Vancouver community by advocating responsible and sustainable business practices.
Making the transition from high school to university can be exciting but difficult, check out some useful tips and advice from a senior student so you can make the most out of your first year at SFU!
Are you starting your first day at work soon? Getting anxious because you don't know what to expect? Read on to learn more about Natalie's experience and her tips on making the most out of your first day.
You impressed your boss during your job interview, but now it’s time to really show what you are capable of. A good business relationship with your boss is one of the components of a positive work experience. Here are the top tens ways to dazzle your new employer.
The First Nations Student Association was part of the Orientation for the first time ever in the history of SFU this year a great step in the right direction for not only the FNSA but the SFU Orientation program as well.
The University of Northern British Columbia is partnering with the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC), government ministries, and regional research centres across Canada to develop the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) and research the policies and issues that affect Canada’s city-dwelling aboriginal population.
Karen went to the Coast Salish singing workshop for several reasons. First she was aboriginal, new to SFU and thought it would be fun. Also she would be able to meet some other aboriginal students. Find out more about Coast Salish Singing...
Check out this list of "do and don't" tips for the upcoming SFU Big Fair!
Making the transition from high school to university can be exciting but difficult, check out some useful tips and advice from a senior student so you can make the most out of your first year at SFU!
The latest entry of the Diary of a Marketing Co-op series looks at the need and importance of aquiring endless rounds of approvals, and what it can teach you.
The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.
You’ve applied for the job, gone through the interview, been selected, and now you’re ready to begin your first week on the job! But are you? Read John's tips on how to prepare for your first weeks on the job!
The Co-op advisors at SFU are in the unique position of hearing from both employers and students about what makes a successful work term. Paulette Johnston has a list of ten simple ways to get off on the right foot.
Einstein glorified human experience as the ultimate knowledge for a very good reason. From a very young age, our brain has been setting up patterns to categorize and organize our experiences. However these patterns, which create many of our societal norms, actually inhibit our creativity. This is where absurd and illogical ideas come in – yes, that person in meetings with "strange" ideas may very well be the next Einstein.
Investing in First Nations is not only a benefit to the social, cultural and economic well-being of First Nations communities, it is also a long-term and sustainable stimulus plan for Canada’s economy. Statistics Canada has predicted that Canada will face a labour shortage by 2017 as baby boomers retire and there are fewer workers to replace them.
As long as the fundamental issue of unequal access to university exists, there will continue to be students who elect to go to less than glamorous lengths to pay for school. Recently, the adult entertainment industry commented that they might look to the universities as a means to recruit exotic dancers. Where is the problem coming from, and where do we draw the line at what we would do to pay for school?
Needless to say, we all want to succeed while being interviewed. Yet it seems no matter how much we prepare, we always come across at least one question that stumps us. Part Two of this three-part series explores the 12 most commonly asked, commonly-feared interview questions...so read on!
I’m preparing to present an interview workshop. So, of course, I’m procrastinating on Facebook. I thought it might be a good idea to get fresh perspectives from Facebook friends who also hire students.
While it is a stressful time in the semester with exams and final projects upcoming, it doesn’t need to be for Co-op students. A large number of students are placed during Lightning Round and it’s a great time to find out about positions you may not have previously considered.
"How did you get to be where you are?" It's such a delectable question. Dave thinks that's because it's an invitation to tell a story, and we inherently love stories. It's also a tiny risk, as the person so questioned might decline the invitation. Here is Dave's story navigating, understanding and exploring this question.
Round Lake Treatment Centre is funded by the Governments of Canada and British Columbia through grants provided by First Nations & Inuit Health Branch and Interior Health Authority. Round Lake provides residential addictions treatment for persons in recovery. Find out how to become part of their team.
You just came back from your summer vacation. Or for many students, you are enjoying the short break after completing your summer semester’s final exam. Now it’s a good time to think of ways you can relax and recharge for the fall, as this busy schedule with various obligations and commitments can take a toll on your body.
Get ready for your interviews by remembering the “3 P’s”: Professionalism, Passion and Preparation.