November 17, 2011

This week is International Education Week, and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) is highlighting the many ways we engage with students, researchers, and universities around the world.

Since 2001, UNBC has witnessed substantial growth in its international student population.  Today, international students make up approximately 8% of UNBC’s total enrollment. In addition, international students studying in the English Language Studies Program (ELS) add an additional 150 students to the annual headcount for Continuing Studies.

UNBC maintains formal exchange linkages with over 35 universities and two national organizations in 19 countries, resulting in approximately 100 international exchange opportunities. These linkages allow for exchange of students, faculty, and staff. They encourage collaborative research, joint academic and scientific exchanges, the exchange of publications, and training and teaching experiences.

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Here are seven students from seven different countries who, in describing their experiences with UNBC, northern BC, and Canada, highlight strengths in our community that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Steven Xia From: Beijing, China Program:  Undergraduate student in Human Resource Management In his own words: When I was looking for a place to study English, I knew I wanted to get out of a big city like Beijing. That's what attracted me to UNBC. When I first got to UNBC, I was in the ELS program. I could barely speak a sentence. The teachers here had a lot of patience with me and a practical teaching style. In China, they just teach grammar and punctuation, but at UNBC we played games and went to the museum, the park, and to movies. We really learned “how to live” speaking English. My grades quickly improved because the teachers made me really want to learn. I did so well that I decided to do my degree at UNBC. I chose Human Resource Management because I want to have a usable skill as soon as I graduate. I’m looking forward to getting my degree.	Behrooz Dalvandi From:Tehran, Iran Program: Graduate student in Computer Science In his own words: Coming to Prince George from Iran in the middle of January was a shock, but I’m glad I did it and I’m glad I came to northern B.C. instead of going to a larger university or a larger city. I feel that I’m getting a more authentic Canadian experience here. I know some people who have gone to Vancouver, and they end up just hanging out with other exchange students. I tell my friends who are interested attending school in Canada to come to UNBC as it will help them become Canadians faster. You get to know all of your neighbours no matter where they are from. As for school: it’s great! I’m graduating in a few months and have already had a job offer from a software company in northern B.C.
Nadine Schoenfelder From: Hannover, Germany Program: Undergraduate student in Human Resource Management In her own words: My father has been coming to Prince George since 1982 and my family has vacationed here since 1993. In fact, he bought me one of the first-ever UNBC sweaters in 1990 and I still have it. He said, “That’s where I want you to go to school one day.”   In Germany, you either go into an apprenticeship program or go to university. I didn’t qualify for university so I did my three-year apprenticeship. After I came to Canada and did well in the ELS Program, I was encouraged to apply for a degree program and I was accepted. If it weren’t for UNBC I wouldn’t be about to become a university graduate! Some people here look at me funny when I tell them we come to Prince George on vacation, but I love it here! Germany is very crowded and people are in such a hurry. People in northern B.C. are relaxed and take the time to be polite to one another, which I greatly appreciate. We have everything we need!	Orlando McLeish From: Port Hone, Jamaica Program: Graduate student in Community Health Science In his own words: I came to UNBC because I wanted to go to a small Canadian university that was west of Ontario—where I already know a lot of people. I looked at the Maclean’s magazine ranking and UNBC was an obvious choice. I also came here because I had a great UNBC advisor who phoned me asking if there was anything they could do to help make my transition easier—that meant a lot to me. I love the faculty at UNBC. They’re so helpful. I also like the graduate student lounge where we can relax. I feel like UNBC takes care of the mind and spirit as well as academics. The University as a whole is a very nice environment. Since coming here, I have been very impressed with UNBC's focus on the environment. The bioenergy facility and the farmers’ market show they're not just talking, they’re really walking the walk.
Taspia Raka From: Dhaka, Bangladesh Program: Undergraduate in Environmental Engineering In her own words: When I first came to Canada, I studied engineering at UBC. My interest in Environmental Engineering stems from the fact that my country is already suffering from the affects of climate change. I really want to do something for Bangladesh by studying the environment in a place where they really take it seriously. I came to UNBC shortly after. Before I came to UNBC I felt very homesick and considered going back to Dhaka. As soon as I got here, I felt welcome. Professors learn your name. They help with your schoolwork. I've also gotten to know many more people than when I was surrounded by people at UBC. Everyone here is so nice and they come from all over the world. I recommend coming to UNBC to all of my friends and family back home.	Metta Heimdal From: Honefoss, Norway Program:Undergraduate in Biology In her own words: My grandparents used to live in Prince George and were always telling me about it when I was growing up. In fact, when the Queen's motorcade was heading up to the University for the official opening, my grandfather accidentally drove in front of it. The police had to shoo him away. After high school, I took a year off and then came straight to UNBC. My grandparents even accompanied me so I wouldn’t be homesick in the first few weeks. The professors are so friendly and helpful. People in northern BC are great. They always stop and say hi to you. I also love the nature in northern B.C. (although I’m still afraid of bears) and travel around the North when I can. I’m Norwegian, so I also love to ski. I go up to Powder King whenever possible. When I’m at UNBC, I miss brown goat cheese, fish balls, and macarel in tomato sauce. But when I go home in the summer, I miss the beautiful UNBC campus and, of course, Tim Horton’s!
Hussam Kutbi From: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Program: Undergraduate student in General Business In his own words: I decided to come study in Canada because of its peaceful reputation and because it’s known for being multicultural. I really like the amenities available at UNBC such as the Mathematical Academic Centre for Excellence and the Academic Success Centre, where you can get extra help with your work. The professors are also very helpful. You’re not just a number to them here.	Cont. from left... When I first got to Canada, I spent nine months in Vancouver. There were far too many people and too many distractions for me to get any studying done. I told an education adviser there I wanted to go to a smaller school in a smaller city so that I could get to know people, but get my studying done! They recommended UNBC. I now have friends from Mexico, China, Japan, Iran, the US, and Australia. It’s great to be able to learn about other cultures and how they react to things differently. Thanksgiving and Halloween were very enjoyable. Dressing up for Halloween was especially fun. My friends and I like to have barbeques at West Lake and watch hockey—although we’re not quite sure about the rules yet!