Dudetaik
Students studying abroad have an edge, thanks to the exposure and world-class facilities.
HELLEN MISEDA was in Canada and brings the experience of three international students
MUSA CHUNGE, UNIVERSITY Of
WATERLOO: CIVIL ENGINEERING
Tell us a little about yourself...
I lived in Nairobi and spent 13 years at
Saint Mary's School in Lavington.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
Throughout secondary school, I hoped
to study abroad because I wanted the
international exposure. I applied to
Canada, Australia and the US in my final
year at St Mary's and the University of
Waterloo's offer came first. I came in
August 2008.
Tell us your experience from the time you
landed...
I was lucky to arrive in summer. I was
received by a relative, which made my
transition easier. I moved to residence
(hostel) a few days later and met my
roommate, Eduardo, who was also an
international student from Mexico.
We shared many good laughs as we
compared our cultures. I made some
of my best friends in residence. Winter
has been a good experience as well
and it can even be fun if you dress
appropriately. In terms of culture, we
share the same desires, needs,
hopes and dreams. In that sense,
not much has been surprising. One
notable difference is that few people
associate with Christianity (or any
faith system). Being a Christian, I
had to purpose to pursue my faith.
Nobody was going to wake me up for
church on Sunday. I miss church.
What makes your campus stand out?
The engineering department has
programme that enables students
to apply to full-time jobs in their
professional fields at the end of First
Year, The jobs last four months (co
op terms) and are alternated with
school semesters. I did not have a
clear understanding of this system at
first, but I am now heading into my
sixth position where I will be working
in a structural engineering office.
By the end of my programme, I will
have gathered two years of relevant
experience. During the internships,
I am paid and this has reduced the
financial burden on my parents.
What would you tell students back
home who would like to study abroad?
Go for it. Apply for scholarships and
come ready to
anadian
Me,
I) UCl6 Wednesday, August 15,2012 / The Standard
meet new people and to experience
different cultures. Things will not always
go smoothly. You might get homesick,
stressed, embarrassed but it is worth it.
How did you learn about this university?
When I decided to apply to Canadian
universities, I typed "Best engineering
institution in Canada" in the Google
search bar and guess what popped out?
University of Waterloo. I applied and was
accepted.
Other than academics, what's interesting
in campus?
There are numerous clubs that organise
events, concerts and other interesting
events. There is always something to do.
Once you have friends, everything you
do with them becomes fun.
How do you handle peer pressure in
campus?
I focus on what brought me here. My
parents have worked hard to get me this
far and I cannot take that for granted.
Do you plan to go back home or settle in
Canada?
One of the reasons I chose Civil
Engineering over newer professions like
Nanotechnology was to have the option
to come back home. I plan to pursue
a Masters degree here, but I miss my
family and friends.
mm MWANGAIU, UNIVERSITY
OF BRITISH COLUMBIAOK/VNAGAN: BACHELOR OF ARTS til
PSYCHOLOGY
RITA KANKUNDA, SAINT
iril ««■ a ftttk atout yotirseSf,,.
Tell us a little about
yourself...
MARY'S UNIVERSITY (SMU),
HALIFAX: BACHELOR OF
COMMERCE
I was born and raised in Mombasa. A year
after finishing my Kenya Certificate of
Secondary Education, I got a scholarship to
undertake the International Baccalaureate
programme at the Aga Khan Academy,
Mombasa. I was among two students
from the school to win the prestigious
International Student Humanitarian Award
from the University of British Columbia. I had
other offers from different universities, but
here I am!
I am from Uganda,
went to Greenhill
Academy then
Maryhill High
School for my
O'level. I was
at Naalya SS
Namugongo
for A'level.
Why did you
mce so far-
Many international students prepare for
the culture shock, but it still finds a way of
creeping into our lives. I had to adjust to
the winter. Furthermore, I had to accept
that ugaliani sukuma n*/were no more.
I was open to change. That said, I want to
remain Kenyan unlike many Africans who
'speak through there noses' after a few years
abroad.
Vf'iMS makes your campus <>te.
It is smaller compared to the main campus
- Vancouver. Therefore, most of us know
each other. We also have world-class facilities
and renowned professors. There is a sense of
belonging at the university and our motto is
Mum est, which means 'It's yours!' -1 own
this campus!
what would you tell Kenyans intending to
study aliroart?
Know what you want from a university. Find a
university that meets your needs.
Now dirt you learn about this (snivel
Some recruiters from this university and
decide to
study abroad?
other universities in the world came to
our school to talk about their respective
universities.
Othw than t!ieacademic?, what's S;;
campus?
We have different clubs that fit every
student's needs. An example is the
International Students Club, which is run
by international students. It hosts events
such as the snowboarding trips to Big White
(British Columbia's second largest ski resort)
and potluck dinners on and off campus.
Hovs d« you )iaml!e |wcr pressure?
It all comes down to priorities. My
scholarship keeps me in check. An
individual's character matters.
Do you plan to go back tone?
Oh yes! It would be great to put my education
and skills to better use.
expert
My dad
wanted
me to study
abroad though
I did not mind
going to Makerere
University. After a
little research, we chose
Saint Mary's University in
Canada because of its versatile
programme.
led us your experience so far...
overwhelming at times.
I arrived in winter, but was lucky
to meet fellow Ugandans who were
warm and welcoming. There was no
culture shock because Canadians
are friendly and the place is
cosmopolitan.
How did you learn about this
university?
What makes your campus stand out?
The use of blackboard and SMUport.
Blackboard is a learning system
that enables students access lecture
notes, quizzes and marks at their
convenience. It is a sort of student
account that has student records.
One can go through their day's
lectures later in the night when
all classes and rooms are locked.
SMUport, which is more.,-verse,
enables you register for courses and
book a room online.
Any message for Kenyan students
who would like to study abroad?
You need to have gcnd grades
and be mentally prepared for it
because the freedom can be a little
My uncle's daughter studied here,
so she told me about the campus.
For the application, I went through
an agent who handled the process
very well.
Other than the academics, what's
hot In campus?
Events like African Night and
International Night are some of
the dates students look forward to
because they showcase our home
countries. We dress in traditional
outfits and cook traditiorii food.
How da you handle peer pressure?
It boils down to one's upbringing.
My father is strict. The university
facilitates social events where
people openly talk about drugs and
sex, and its dangers.
Do you plan to go back home?
Yes, but after working for a while.
CANADA BEATS THEM ALL
toworkasthev
jiiicatttiy theapw.
if cdmpteting studies in
e-yeat period to stay and
y for pertMftctit residence.
i order to gain relevant
eKparienc*.
* * Canadian degree is recopis ■ <
'"""Me snrf for sows
■: * cci tike engineering, bt»cftte companies start hunting
.iiivwiifts have a co-od
Wednesday, August 15.2012 /The Standard/.)lid-i!