How two international students tackled challenges to embark on new journeys
Although student Beamlak Tareke was delayed in arriving at TMU, he was grateful to the ISS office for accommodating him by offering virtual lessons. Photo credit: Jaye Huynh
First-year computer science student Beamlak Tareke was excited to come to Canada and start his university career at TMU. Originally from Ethiopia, Tareke’s family moved to Mozambique where he completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in high school.
After passing his exams, Tareke was ready to start the study permit process which included obtaining his biometrics information, getting his passport, and preparing to move to Toronto. Unfortunately, the process took longer than expected and he had to miss Orientation and the first week of classes.
When he knew his study permit would be delayed, he reached out to the International Student Support (ISS) office which provided him with the resources and reassurance he needed. They told him he would be able to attend lectures online for the classes he was missing in -person.
“They were very helpful in terms of providing resources while I was waiting for my study permit to come through,” said Tareke. “The ISS team was with me every step of the way to answer questions and provide the information I was looking for.”
ISS works to foster a sense of belonging and community for all students who are new to Canada as well as for those students seeking a global experience on campus. The team welcomes and supports newcomers to Canada as they adjust to the new Canadian environment and culture.
Tareke is settling into the city and is experiencing university life with his two friends from Mozambique who he met in the IB program. His next challenge will be adapting to the Canadian winter, which he says will be a big change from what he is used to in Mozambique where daily temperatures rarely go below 20 degrees.
Each year, ISS hosts a "Dressing for the Cold" event to show international students how they can stay warm with layering, dressing in warm fabrics, and feel good! " The winter clothing drive is happening this semester on November 9th in POD-60 at 2:30 PM. More details can be found here.
Urvi Budhiraja was drawn to the city for opportunities to meet new people and gain experience living abroad. Photo credit: Jaye Huynh.
Urvi Budhiraja, a first-year Ted Rogers School of Management student, arrived from India in August. At first, she didn’t know anyone in the city and was having trouble making connections at the university.
She didn’t feel lonely for long – she met another international student, Somin Park from South Korea, who was working at the ISS office. Budhiraja says Park has become a good friend and has helped her connect with other international and TRSM students.
Now Budhiraja loves navigating the university’s downtown campus and absorbing everything this multicultural city has to offer. One of the reasons she decided to come to Canada was to broaden her horizons and get the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds.
“My parents were my main source of inspiration for coming to Canada,” she said. “They wanted me to get a good education overseas and understand different cultures. I believe in Hinduism and on campus I can talk to people from a wide range of other religions. It’s truly the best way to develop interpersonal skills and an understanding of different perspectives.”
Budhiraja recently became a permanent resident in Canada and is looking forward to four more years in the business technology management program. Her goal is to become a data scientist and make an app, or some kind of technology, that will benefit society.
The ISS office has a team of International Student Advisors who can help students through group immigration advising, drop-in hours and one-on-one personal development appointments. Virtual advising appointments are also available to international students who are still outside of Canada. Students can meet with an international student advisor for the support they need.
For more information, visit the ISS website.
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