GRADstory: Attending graduate school as an international student

Originally from India, where Anik completed both his high school and undergraduate education, he chose Waterloo for graduate studies because of the course-based master’s program. Anik says this program interested him because it “blends theoretical and practical-based learning to help students, like me, become the successful professional they aspire to be.” Anik also highlighted the worldwide recognition of Waterloo as a strong attractor, and notes that Waterloo is “valued in chemical industries [and] recognized globally by esteemed organizations”.  

As an international graduate student, Anik has faced and overcome many challenges, the first before he even arrived in Canada – the lengthy application process! Anik recalls the process involved completing an English Language test (IELTS) with a score above 7 out of 9, medical tests, grade requirements, transcripts, and the Statement of Purpose given to the University before he could be accepted. Despite the challenges in learning a new language, Anik persevered, scoring a 7.5 out of 9 on the IELTS and succeeded in receiving an offer of admission from Waterloo. Apart from University requirements, Anik explained “I had to convince the visa authority of Canada by proper academic document and SOP that I am a perfect fit for the University and this education will enhance my career growth and help me achieve goals that I have set for myself”. 

When Anik finally arrived in Waterloo, he experienced his first culture shock with the school dress code, or lack thereof! Anik explains that during his undergraduate degree in India, students had a strict dress code requiring a white shirt and navy pants. Figuring out what to wear each day had never before been something that Anik had to think about, but he explained that he was able to adjust within a month. The second culture shock Anik describes is the class timings. In India, Anik was used to a fixed schedule from morning (9:45 a.m.) until evening (5:00 p.m.), so it was a surprise to have an evening class at Waterloo that ran from 6:30-9:30 p.m. This was a big change for Anik, but he embraced the experience, saying, “it was exciting for me to try studying at a different time”.  

Anik partakes in the international community at Waterloo and described the community as friendly and ready to support anyone in need. Anik acknowledged that, “Everyone is from diverse cultures and sharing thoughts with them feels amazing and we also get to learn new things about different regions of the world”. He expressed how the community shared their own experiences to guide others and to bond. He felt that the community knew the situation for newcomers to Canada, as they were in the same boat before coming to Canada.  

In addition to the specific supports, community, and academics, Anik articulated his love for being an international student in Canada and says this experience is “amazing in itself” and says “I feel that I have reached a new milestone in my life coming to UWaterloo.”  

• The Student Success Office (SSO) provides many supports specifically for international students, including: the International Peer Community (IPC), Breakfast Seminars, immigration consulting, and the International Student Guide.