International Education Week (IEW) is a special time to celebrate all that鈥檚 been accomplished to make education more accessible on a global scale.听 We鈥檝e come a long way, and to help celebrate, we鈥檝e asked nine of our incredible International Alumni of Impact (IAOI) winners for their words of wisdom and study abroad advice they鈥檇 give to international students.
Read on to find out what these alumni have to say about persistence, support systems, participation, gratefulness, and confidence.听听听
On Pushing Through
Choosing to study abroad in an unfamiliar country is a big choice, and you鈥檒l encounter challenges along the way. Our IAOI winners know a thing or two about overcoming challenges; here鈥檚 their study abroad advice:听
鈥�…Embrace new experiences and challenge yourself to step beyond your comfort zone. Remember the wise quote, ‘A ship in harbour is safe, but that鈥檚 not what ships are built for.’鈥� 鈥� Asif Hossain
鈥淎s an international student, maintaining faith and optimism is crucial. Defeats offer valuable growth opportunities. Despite circumstances beyond our control, we can choose our mindset and response. Embracing challenges with resilience and determination leads to personal and academic progress. In the face of setbacks, remember they are temporary and don’t define your future. With optimism, discover hidden possibilities and find creative solutions.鈥� 鈥� Walter Alvarez-Bardales听
鈥淚t is not easy to start from ground zero alone, and it is important we celebrate our resilience.鈥� 鈥� Ramneet Brar听
On Support Systems
Having a strong support system is key to a successful journey abroad. Whether it’s composed of friends you鈥檝e made in class, professors, or community leaders you鈥檝e befriended from volunteering, it鈥檚 important to lean on the individuals who will take your study abroad journey to the next level. Our IAOI award winners Christine and Kajol share their study abroad advice about support systems:听
鈥�… Remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek support from your university or your community. Canadians are known for their friendly and helpful nature, so please reach out when you need assistance, guidance, or simply someone to talk to.鈥� 鈥� Christine Qin Yang听
鈥�… Build a network of well-wishers, community leaders and professionals that will become your support system in a new country.鈥� 鈥� Kajol Bhatia听
Read more about ApplyBoard鈥檚 International Alumni of Impact program and our ten award winners on our blog.听
On Participation
It can feel difficult to put yourself out there, especially when you鈥檙e studying in a new country. Despite how scary it might feel, the things you鈥檒l gain from raising your hand in class, starting a conversation with a stranger, or joining a new club far outweigh the initial struggle. Chetanya and Roy offer the following words of wisdom about the benefits of participation.
鈥淚 would like to pass this amazing learning that I got in my first year from a professor 鈥� that ‘Your Network is Your Net Worth in Canada,’ to all the current [and] upcoming students; rather than just focusing on part-time jobs or studies, spend some time with professors and networking events.鈥� 鈥� Chetanya Sharma听
鈥淚 strongly recommend [students] to actively participate in various school events or volunteering experiences to share cultures and knowledge.鈥� 鈥� Roy Cho听听
On Appreciation
Navigating such a big change in your life can be exciting, challenging, and rewarding all at the same time. With so much to learn from the process, practicing gratitude and appreciation can help you make the most of this exciting adventure, and can even give way to more exciting opportunities! Here is what Anjo and Walter have to say about gratitude.听
鈥淓mbrace and show the utmost respect for the land by acknowledging the place you鈥檙e in. Be welcoming to changes to promote diversity and a network of opportunities to keep going.鈥� 鈥� Anjo Colago
鈥淗umility fosters a sense of empathy and reminds us that we are part of a larger community. By remaining humble, we continue to learn and grow, fostering connections and making a positive impact on those around us.鈥澨� 鈥� Walter Alvarez-Bardales听
Want to nominate yourself for the International Alumni of Impact Awards? Or does someone you know deserve to be nominated? Sign up to be notified when the nomination period for IAOI 2024 opens.
On Confidence
While studying abroad can push and challenge you, it鈥檚 important to remember how far you鈥檝e come. You鈥檙e a deserving student and have the power to make positive change. Christine and Gurpreet offer the following advice about confidence, and staying true to yourself while studying abroad.
鈥淒on’t think of yourself as an outsider. Engag[e] actively in the campus and local community. Remember, you have a unique place and contribution to make within the community.鈥澨� 鈥� Christine Qin Yang
鈥淭o every international student: I would like to convey my message that your legacy is very important, preserving and sharing your culture, values and messaging is very important, and that would surely lead you one day to an authentic success story for you. Be proud and confident of your identity, your skills, and your talents because that will always make you successful in the most unique way possible. Make time to thank and learn from your community and try to give back to it, because when your whole community thrives, it makes for the most satisfying feeling. Believe in yourself, believe in Chardikala (ever-rising spirits of high optimism) and achieve great things!鈥� 鈥� Gurpreet Singh Broca听
Announcing Our IAOI Scholarship Recipients听
To celebrate our International Alumni of Impact winners鈥� exceptional contributions, 星空影视has created one-time C$1,000 scholarships in each winner鈥檚 name, at the institution they graduated from.听
These scholarships are awarded to deserving international students who secured their acceptance to one of these institutions through ApplyBoard. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of international leaders, allowing them to pursue their dreams and positively impact their communities.
Through this program, 星空影视has awarded a total of C$10,000 in scholarships to help educate the next generation of leaders. Each recipient has received a one-time C$1,000 scholarship towards their studies in the 2023 summer or fall semesters.听
Congratulations to this year鈥檚 scholarship recipients! We look forward to receiving and sharing their own impactful advice for future students, once they too have graduated and made their mark.听
Whether you’re thinking about studying abroad or already are, we hope this advice helps you make the most of your journey.听
Have these quotes inspired you to start your own study abroad adventure? The 星空影视platform offers over 140,000 programs and courses to best fit you. Make your dreams come true, and check it out today.听 听 听
