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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
You've likely received endless advice on how to prepare for an interview, and on just the right answers to give, so we're switching it up with 10 tips on how NOT to answer interview questions.
Lauren turned to international Co-op as a way to continue gaining work experience while exploring the world. Read about her experience working for a high end international hotel chain in China.
For most engineering students, three semesters of Co-op work is a requirement for graduation. Follow Scott on his Co-op journey as he gradually discovers his passions by taking on multiple Co-op opportunities.
In summer of 2013, SFU Biomedical Physiology student Severin Vaillancourt headed to The Bahamas as a Field Research Assistant with the school's Marine Ecology Lab. He shared recollections of his underwater adventures and more with International Co-op.
Natalie faces a new experience in her role as SFU Food Bank Coordinator: Conducting interviews. After only a few short months, she's on the other side of the table, find out how it went.
Natalie's been writing OLC blogs for awhile now, so she was excited to be able to bring her blogging skills to her new Co-op job. Now she's launched the SFU Food Bank Blog.
The CEO & President of the Aboriginal Human Resource Council, Kelly J Lendsay will be speaking to Indigenous students about how the Aboriginal Inclusion network can help you find the right job, the right employer and build a career path that feeds your passion and emphasizes your talent.
Hard work pays off. Read about how Pevisha's dedication to applying to multiple co-op positions finally paid off when Teradici reached out to her!
Finding a job these days isn’t an easy task. You’ve got lots of cover letters to write, you have to tailor your resume for each position, you have interviews to prepare for, and that’s only covering the ‘mandatory’ steps. But what can you do to set yourself apart from other candidates?
Want to learn more about portfolios and having a professional image online? Check out this blog on building a digital resume and increasing your competitiveness in the job market!
Putting together a wardrobe of work-friendly options can be intimidating, especially if your a student or recent grad with a limited budget. Elizabeth provides 10 must-have items to transform your closet without going broke.
As almost anyone whose spent time in an office can attest, some people just do not know how to dress approporately for their workplace or a job interview. We asked SFU students, staff and alumni to share some of their real-life examples of what not to wear.
"The earth does not need us as we need her. I am grateful for this life and that I have the opportunity to stand with my brothers and sisters." Christina found 50 ways to help the planet for future generations.
The E-Word Blog is a series that features a student perspective on SFU’s various engagement opportunities. Follow our blogger Christina as she tries all that SFU has to offer in her effort to become “truly engaged”.
Discover how to best utilize your online presence to grow your career and network!
Interacting with others happens on a daily basis, whether it is at a business meeting, presentation, or an informal conversation with a friend or co-worker. Mastering this skill can lead to better relationships between co-workers, friends and clients.
Alissa Derrick is from the Wet’suwet’en Nation located in Moircetown, British Columbia. She is currently in her last year here at SFU, working towards a double minor in Criminology and First Nation Studies.
As an Indigenous Student Ambassador Christina was asked to show two potential donors around campus. Joe Shayler representing UA Local 170 and John Mutton, President and CEO of Municipal Solutions were interested in supporting SFU's Indigenous students.
Have you ever asked yourself "Who are the FNSA and what exactly do they do here on campus?" Here is a year in review to enable you to gain a better understanding of this student run organization and what they do here at SFU.
Natalie has lots of experience volunteering, but now she's managing volunteers for the first time. Read how she applied lessons she learned from former managers to make the transition with the SFU Food Bank.
After blogging her way through the interview process, Natalie found another Co-op position, this time right on campus in Maggie Benson Centre, and she's back to share her first days at TFCSE.
On campus, Health and Counseling Services is introducing the Hi F.I.V.E. campaign to eliminate the stigma and prejudice around mental health by: Friendship, Invite conversation, Value everyone’s gift, and Eliminate stigma.
The First Nations Student Association is hosting an evening with best-selling author Calvin Helin on October 24th at Harbour Center. Attendance is free and open to the public.
I love thoughtful and passionate debate. Especially about things that are important to me and those around me. I consider myself a Canadian citizen and because of that, I practice my right to vote. I posed the question of the Indigenous vote and was met with several interesting and thought-provoking debates regarding the subject.
A career is never set in stone. Read more to find out about career exploration, and how you can use your role as a student to your advantage. It is never too early to start searching...
Are you worried about your career path or worried that it is not following your big plan? Plans are not set in stone and can always change course. Read about happenstance and explore your vast career options!
I admit I had some misgivings about the Truth and Reconciliation events happening in Vancouver this week. There are so many layers to unravel and so many systems involved that I couldn’t decide where I belong. I took some time to reflect on what the purposes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are, as well as who I am, in order to make a decision on whether or not to participate.
You may have heard of the recent BC Job Fairs or attended one, but did you know that SFU has its own career fairs on two campuses? Our school holds an annual BIG Fair in September and a Mini BIG Fair in the Spring semester.
Welcome back everyone…how was your summer?