Mount student embraces culture shock
The life of an international student is more difficult than most would think. Not only do these students leave their country, family and culture behind, but they must learn to adapt to a new lifestyle – one that involves a great deal of independence.
For Ashley-Jane Chow of Malaysia, the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Mount Saint Vincent University seemed like the right place for her to explore her true character.
“I decided I wanted to pursue public relations after one of my supervisors mentioned that I’d be the right fit for the profession,” explains Chow. “I was eager to find out if he was right. Once I knew I wanted a degree in PR, I chose the Mount because of their well-established program.”
With its unique array of graduate and undergraduate programs such as Child and Youth Study, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Public Relations and Applied Human Nutrition, the Mount attracts close to 5,000 students from over 60 countries around the world.
Moving to a new country, Chow feared the ‘culture shock’ she would face. “I was concerned with how I’d fit in with a totally different culture and whether I’d adapt on a daily basis,” says Chow. To ease the stress, she began researching Canadian customs and lifestyles, specifically related to Halifax. She also found the frequently asked questions section of the Mount’s International Student website useful in familiarizing herself with university expectations.
The first shock Chow encountered in Nova Scotia was the change in landscape. “The palm trees I was used to seeing in my tropical country were replaced with pine trees,” explains Chow. But she quickly began to appreciate the beautifully landscaped property that surrounds the Mount and the breathtaking views the University has to offer.
Chow’s second and most rewarding surprise was how different the education system is in Canada compared to Malaysia. “Here they’re open to my thoughts and opinions,” explains Chow. “I love how I get to think critically; it’s not only textbook learning. My professors encourage class discussions and are eager to hear what I have to say.”
The Mount’s class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio help students shift into university with ease. Students quickly learn that there’s a friendly, community-like atmosphere at the Mount. As a result, students feel comfortable interacting with one another and their professors and are eager to take part in various social activities.
Such is the case with Chow. Since arriving at the Mount, she has been busy contributing to the International Student office and International Student Society, helping students like her transition. She also worked with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), assisting with initiatives targeted towards bringing the Mount’s first student refugee to the campus.
The above examples coincide with the Mount’s vision to create the best university experience for students and develop thoughtful engaged citizens who will make a positive impact on their world. Through increasing the amount of scholarships and grants available, promoting undergraduate research opportunities and having successful partnerships with community organizations, students are provided with the tools needed to succeed.
Chow is a great example of a student who has embraced what the Mount has to offer. Her goal is to graduate in 2010 and discover what it takes to be a professional PR practitioner. She is confident she’ll achieve this through the Mount’s renowned PR program, the experience she’ll gain while on her three co-operative education work terms, and the encouragement she receives from professors and peers.
“My journey has not only been an educational one, but one of life changing experiences,” explains Chow. “I’ve learned to be self-reliant and independent. And I’ve met tons of wonderful people along the way.”