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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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Morgan Karugaba shares his journey of how he overcame the challenges of uncertainty, by stepping out of his comfort zone.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Everyone has weaknesses. But its focusing on your strengths that grant you success in life.
It’s a new year with many new hopes and dreams. I know what I am thinking about – graduation. Just imagine the moment of wearing the graduation gown and hearing your name called before crossing the stage. Cameras and chants abound, validating your achievements after years of study. Still, we might ask ourselves, “What's next?” Never fear, chaos theory of careers is here!
There are many instances where we have to do things that we hate doing. Because of this, we often do a sloppy job. Learn how to motivate yourself to do something you do not like doing!
Applying for jobs is a very difficult task, especially if you do not have any work experience and are just entering the ‘working world.' Read on to find out how Natalie gained her competitive edge through volunteering and secured her first co-op job.
Find out all the great reasons why you should start volunteering! Sabrina shares her personal experience about how she made her start and how you can do the same.
Despise updating your resume? Here's a technique that uses the stories from your life to bring new life to your resume. By thinking of each job on your resume as a small chapter of your work story, you can create a more impactful document, and you might even enjoy doing it!
Need a reason to volunteer? Lauren has 10 of them in her hilarious yet informative article! Read on to see why you should start getting engaged in your community today!
Chronological? Functional? Combination? What does each resume format look like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each format? Which format is most suitable for you? Find out the answers here!
Read on to discover how Krisandra made a difference during her co-op by bringing awareness to a free recycling option in BC.
"When I saw the job posting from Capstone Youth and Family Services for a respite worker with at risk youth, I was drawn to it..." Read about Lesley's co-op working with at-risk youths and the important lessons they've learned during this experience.
Whether you are still looking or have found the job you want to apply for, your resume has to be ready at any time. But, how hard is it to make your resume stand out from the hundreds of resumes that most employers look at every day? Just follow a few key points to get your resume in shape and keep it that way!
Given my past rantings on such things as happenstance, chaos theory, and the general unpredictability of life and the world, I would forgive you if you thought that I would be opposed to any sort of goal-setting or similar such planful activities. I actually believe goals can be quite helpful - but only if we stop thinking of them as Ikea instruction manuals.
Having an anxiety attack about upcoming assignments and exams? Need a few useful tips to combat those attacks? Surprisingly, managing your time may be the first step to overcoming the work and stress that are already piling up…
Stacey was given the unique opportunity to work with Schools Building Schools (SBS) as the Field Coordinator in Mbarara, Uganda.
Victoria, student advisor for the Arts co-op program, shares her top four tips to help you become a more competitive candidate for today’s job search as a co-op student.
Since it began in 1994, thousands of at-risk youth from across BC have successfully participated in BladeRunners. Learn more about the program and success stories through the program.
Beverly PITAWANAKWAT, an RCMP constable with the First Nations Policing Unit for the community of Chehalis, she shares her career story, and offers advice and requirements for Aboriginal youth hoping to join the RCMP.
Before you begin your international exploration, uncover the treasures lurking behind an international Co-op. Here are five quick benefits of why you should go internationally with Co-op as opposed to going independently.
Dennis is well-known for his insightful and valuable advice on career advancement, workplace success and university life on the OLC. Hear from him about how volunteering with the OLC and in the community has helped him with his career goals and development.
Ever wondered what it would be like to work in Hong Kong? Yat Li shares with us in this 3-part series on his experience adapting to a new culture, living arrangement and workplace culture. Also hear about his food and city adventures exploring one of the world's most densely populated areas.
Work and live in Germany, where fresh baked goods and sausages wake you up in the morning, new and exciting experiences await you and monuments filled with centuries of history beam down at you as you make your way to work.
Blogging about her co-op journey from her very first job interview and offer to her current work placement, Natalie has shared countless valuable insights and stories with the OLC about her job search and workplace success. Meet Natalie and read all about her volunteer experience and why she recommends working with the OLC.
“We are judged within the first 5 seconds of meeting someone, and I want to ensure that students make the best first impression possible so business relationships have the opportunity to develop.” Carey McBeth hopes that students see the importance of managing their personal brand.
Have you ever imagined starting your own organization? Michael Beck probably didn't either when he started his undergrad studies at SFU back in 2005. Six years later, he started a non-profit organization and just came back from an EU-sponsored tour in the UK.
I’m sitting in front of an interview panel with six Environment Canada staff. The man in the suit at the centre of the panel asks me, “What are BC’s biggest environmental issues?” My mind is blank, yet six pairs of eyes are staring at me to say something. “Er,” I stumble, “it rains a lot?”
Have you ever considered travelling outside of Canada to work or study? Did you know that as an SFU student you have many opportunities to travel, and get credit for it? SFU International has an excellent exchange program in which you can work or study abroad!
Stressing over midterms, projects and final exams? Here are 5 easy tips to help you better manage stress and still succeed in your classes.
We all have busy schedules and finding the “time” to eat well can be part of the challenge. I often hear, “But I don’t have time” or “If I have a chance I will try to grab something.” Despite a busy lifestyle, eating well will help you maintain your energy and your brain power so you can succeed.
I’m sitting in front of an interview panel with six Environment Canada staff. The man in the suit at the centre of the panel asks me, “What are BC’s biggest environmental issues?” My mind is blank, yet six pairs of eyes are staring at me to say something. “Er,” I stumble, “it rains a lot?”