How to Graduate from Simon Fraser University Swimmingly

Featured image by: Simon Fraser University/ Engaging the world

I grew up in a middle-class family. From childhood to adulthood, I followed all the advice I received from my parents, even when I studied abroad. I remember the year I graduated from high school, I could only attend just an average university because of my low entrance examination score. But rather than go to a second-tier university in my home country, my parents asked me if I wanted to study abroad instead. After doing some research about foreign countries and cultures, I chose Canada as my destination. The reason why I chose Canada is that Canadians tend to give more attention to higher education. As well, the environment is safer than other countries, and Canada is more likely to invite immigrants than others. I started to prepare all the documents that would help me apply for a student visa. Then, I figured out that my IELTS score was way too low – even to enter a preparatory course. Because of my lower English proficiency, I could only take a language course in Canada; I wasn’t ready for a course for native speakers yet. For the practice English exam I took at that time, I didn’t pass the speaking and writing test. I felt like I couldn’t breathe because of the pressure to succeed. I cried a lot in secret. In accordance with my personality, though – eager to do something well, I was determined to try very hard to study and pass. I came to really agree with the phrase, “No pain, no gain.” I eventually got the required IELTS score in about two months. Following that, I entered the preparatory class for the university. I felt like everything would settle down at that moment. However, other issues followed one after the other. For example, I did not know anything about the education system in Canada, which I found out is totally different compared to the method I was used to in my country (I will let you know what kind of education system I’m talking about later in this article). It ended up taking me a long time to transfer from the college to university.

During my time in university, I busted a gut in order to graduate. I think everybody who graduates from Simon Fraser University knows how hard the processes are there. To minimize my stress from the study, I just wanted to get all the courses done in one fell swoop and graduate as fast as possible. Then, I could focus on getting a job and not need to suffer anymore. Looking back now, it seems like my thinking at that time was too simple, too naïve. I chose linguistics as my major at SFU. I felt that my English was my weakness, or rather, it was not good enough, so I decided to select linguistics as my driving force to really learn English in-depth. That was my strategy, to fight fire with fire. Luckily, it worked! It took me less than four years to get my bachelor’s degree. Due to my poor English skills and unfamiliarity with the Canadian educational system, my previous study time was more extended than usual. But by the time I became familiar with post-secondary education in Canada, everything got easier and easier.

The system of education that I mentioned previously includes a course selection system, the canvas system, and the models of different courses and exams. One of the things that really makes me freak out is the course selection system. Now, you may ask what the course selection system is? By the end of every semester, you have to compete for the class that you want to take. The higher the GPA and the more credits a student has, the more advanced the course selection time is. Students with similar GPAs and credits will compete with their internet speeds. If I could give any advice to the junior students, I would remind them to schedule all the courses they wish to study for the next semester in advance and plan carefully. Analysis of class position is essential as well. For example, if one route only has 20-30 positions and your GPA is less than average, you basically have no hope at all to take this class. And, unless it is a challenging course, nobody will choose it (But it’s always worth a try; who knows! 😊). Another piece of advice I would give is that before you submit your timetable, please remember to check if there is still space or not. If you don’t check and the class is full, then the system will tell you to reschedule all of the courses you chose before. If you don’t want to check, two words I want to give to you as a gift: “GOOD LUCK” 😊. You should also choose your courses according to the required courses of your major, rather than blindly selecting courses at random or choosing only the easy ones. I really don’t want you guys to waste your time. You can do this by talking to your advisor (which is free) – it’s their job to give you advice. It’s your choice whether you take their advice or not though; the final decision is on your hands.

Other advice is that you should, of course, prepare for the courses adequately. If you’re used to pre-class preparation – you’re the best! It really helps a lot. Also, you should make full use of teaching resources. The courseware given by the professor must be reviewed carefully. If you don’t understand some of the materials, ask the prof; most teachers will be happy to answer your questions (seriously – just ask them 😊). Even if the prof doesn’t have time, you can still ask a teaching assistant. Most of the TAs are so nice to the students. Finally, you must participate in the course arrangement positively, and try not to miss any classes. Missing a class just wastes your money. Pay attention to every lecture as much as you can. I have met many professors who like to mention that, “this is what I will put in the exam.” Try your best to remember it! It definitely will show up on your exam paper. Don’t take a body to the classroom without a brain. Be sure to listen and learn. Teamwork is a module that education attaches great importance to in Western countries. In many courses, teachers will ask you to form a team and solve some problems or discuss it with your classmates. Please, don’t feel like your English is not good enough and that that is the reason you do not want to form a group with the other people. Be a team member with them! You can not only practice your English skills, but it also helps you learn about multicultural differences.

Cherish your time in college. After all, we are studying abroad, getting a taste of the real world on our own. Many parents cannot help their children because of the limitations of the language and the differences in the culture. Maybe it’s easier to grow up without my parents around me, but I have to think about the solutions to problems on my own and face many situations that I’ve never met before. In retrospect, there are indeed a lot of issues that made me almost hysterical during my time at university, and I am so happy that I passed that period. Going abroad is really a baptism of philosophy, values, and worldview. This growth experience will help you a lot in the future. All the best for the students who study at SFU!

 

 

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