Jet lag was no barrier to the early-morning enthusiasm of Dalhousie’s newest crop of world travelers, who showed up in droves for the International Student Orientation on the morning of Friday, September 2.
Globetrotting students congregated outside the SUB’s McInnes Room for the Deans’ Welcome Breakfast that kicked off the event, loading plates with fruit salad and pancakes (and mugs with very necessary coffee) as they broke the ice in a multitude of languages.
As students ate breakfast in the McInnes Room, they were formally greeted by a variety of speakers, starting with the International Centre’s manager, Pam Williams.
“Each and every one of you has traveled a different path to arrive here today,” she said. “…We feel absolutely blessed to have you.”
She was followed by the International Centre’s Natalie Wood. “What does everyone think of Canadian maple syrup – pretty good?” she asked.
Thoughtful advice
Carolyn Watters, Dal's vice-president academic and provost, greeted students while wearing an elegant gown she brought back from a voyage to India. She playfully acknowledged students’ concerns about starting at a new school, noting “It is a fairly confusing campus, because there are actually three campuses on the campus.” She went on to assure students that, “It’s our purpose to make sure each of you is successful.”
Several speakers – including Bernard Boudreau (dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies) Michael Pegg (head of the Department of Chemical Engineering) and Robert Summerby-Murray (dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences) – had themselves been international students and were able to commiserate and give advice.
Dr. Boudreau spoke of time spent studying in the States. He advised, “Home isn’t a place. Home is where you are and what you do.”
“I came from New Zealand 25 years ago, and I never went back… I had no intention of staying in Canada, but here I am,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray, later advising, “stay warm and keep your feet dry.”
Family and friends
International students’ reasons for choosing to attend Dalhousie varied as much as their hometowns.
Kathryn encountered Dalhousie “at a college fair in Massachusetts… they seemed like a good school.” The fact that her mother was born and raised in Nova Scotia probably helped seal the deal.
Both Kathryn's parents accompanied her to the orientation, happy to have the chance to visit. "We like to go to the shore,” says her mother, Christine, “and just kind of relax.”
“And eat,” adds Kathryn's father, Bill.
Liyuseno is a graduate student from Ethiopa who received a scholarship to study law at Dalhousie. He’s a big fan of Halifax’s laid-back vibe. “There’s no hassle. It’s calming.” He also appreciates the ease of navigation. “You can get anywhere using the map.”
Mohanned, from Jordan, is here to study environment and sustainability. “Halifax is one of the most environmentally friendly places ever,” he says. And it’s not just our roofs and lighting that are favourably disposed – Mohanned says Halifax is, “Extremely friendly compared to anywhere I’ve been to.”
A studious environment
For Kennisha, from the Bahamas, this is her first year at Dalhousie, but her second in Nova Scotia.
“My mother liked the environment,” she says. “We always liked Nova Scotia.”
Kennisha studied at SMU last year, but transferred when she decided that Dalhousie was more her style. Her areas of study have included marketing and Spanish, but her focus is theatre. “I did a lot of speech competitions and elocution in high school… that really opened the door for me.”
Kennisha’s mother Bernadette accompanied her daughter to the orientation, and she’s impressed by the studiousness of Dalhousie students. “Even walking the streets, you see students with their books. Reading and walking.”
Tristana is also from the Bahamas, but she came here with an eye on studying marine biology and Spanish. “My mom always wanted me to go to Canada… she was pushing for Dal.”
And is she ready for the Nova Scotia winter - quite the change from what she's used to? “No,” she admits.
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