International Student Experience: The endless opportunities the Great White North has to offer…

Rumman Ullah Khan, Fanshawe College

Getting out from your comfort zone and studying in an alien environment is not an easy thing to do, but it bears the greatest rewards. Ever since I entered post-secondary education, studying abroad has been a dream for me, and the Great White North was always my pick whenever I thought about that dream.

Being awarded the National Co-op Student of the Year Award, Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE)

I arrived in Canada as an international student in late February 2012. My story started at the Business-Marketing co-op program in the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business at Fanshawe College, London, Ontario. I am truly grateful that Canada provides opportunities such as the Co-operative Education Program, which helps students integrate academic study with paid, related work experience. As an international student, it was a golden opportunity that allowed me to work for a year as a co-op student at Voyageur Transportation. My time at Fanshawe was a dream come true but also provided the opportunity to go abroad on exchange to the Netherlands in 2013 and Wales in 2014.

One of the reasons I selected the Great White North as my favourite study abroad destination is the Winter (Cold and Snowy, Eh!), Location: London, Ontario

Although I have received eleven accolades, including two national and one provincial award within the last three years, life in Canada is not just only about academics. It is also about extra-curricular activities and being involved in the community. At my school I have volunteered at the International Centre, Business School, Learning Centre, Student Union, among other capacities. At the community level, I have volunteered for the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, the London food bank, the Color Run, and local music festivals. I am a cricket fanatic and played softball at Fanshawe Intramural which was an amazing experience, but unfortunately, we lost in the semis!

Volunteering at a Cultural Fair Event, prepared chicken biryani, chicken karahi, condiment, salad, soft drink and a fruit dessert called lab-e-shireen

Studying in a foreign country imparts not only academic excellence in an individual but also the exposure is beyond all imagination. Back home I was shy and nervous who was afraid of taking a leap of faith. I am now a guy who loves to take challenges head on and Fanshawe taught me how to develop my potential. When I look back at my decision to come to Canada, I realize I could not have made a better choice! Like me, you can also make your own success story – all it takes is hope and faith.

Visiting Parliament Hill, Ottawa

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