Building a life across the world: My journey as an international transfer student

While studying abroad was always a dream of mine in high school, the thought of leaving the only home I have ever known was a distant dream. I applied to some universities abroad while in high school, but I did not believe that the delusions of living a life I would see on Western television were ever going to come into fruition. I started university in the Philippines in 2023, where I was set in my life path: graduate with a Bachelor’s in Political Science, a master’s in Global Politics, and work in a non-government organization.

This all changed when I took a gap semester and stayed in California. My parents offered the chance to move abroad, and as I knew someone attending UCalgary already, it was the most viable option for me. Plus, as a transfer student, I was lucky enough to have an entire year of credits transferred, so I was able to start as a second year.

Culture shock 

My transfer to UCalgary took place January 2025, in the middle of winter. There was nothing but snow in my peripheral vision. I’d never been to Canada prior to moving, so the shift from summer temperatures every day to minus 30 degrees Celsius was shocking—I have never worn so many layers in my life. 

During my early days, I questioned if my decision to take a big leap across the world was worth it. The new campus felt like a large labyrinth I couldn’t navigate. On my third day in Canada, I had my first student club event for AIESEC in Calgary. My first class was in a lecture hall with over 300 students, over 10 times more than the average class size in my Philippine university. Terms like teaching assistants, co-ops, and community ambassadors (just to name a few) were all completely foreign to me. 

Since I was used to a more community-driven culture back home, I often felt alone and confused. To fill the time I would’ve spent with family or friends back home, I would instead study rigorously for my classes. Additionally, to find greater connection with the city and find community,  I would volunteer for different offices and organizations on and off campus.

A greater purpose

While I was still questioning my decision to move, I was given a great piece of advice: “We can always go back home, but not everyone has the opportunity to leave in the first place.” For many in the Philippines, the chance to move abroad is something one can only imagine.  It was at this exact moment that I remembered why I chose to leave in the first place. As someone from a country that has plenty of dreams but lacks opportunities, I came to Canada with the hope of bringing something good back home one day. 

Finding a home away from home 

With my newfound motivation, my priorities shifted from settling into Canada to making Canada a story not just for myself, but for my people as well. As an International Relations student, this reignited my love for the fields of political science and international development. 
Outside of the classroom, I continued my habit of contributing and giving back to my communities, leading me to complete over 500 volunteer hours across the city in just around a year. On campus, I have been involved in the Women’s Resource Centre, the Students’ Union, the Prospective Students Hub, and different student clubs. Outside of campus, I have immersed myself in Canadian society through community events in youth and non-profit organizations such as Ascend Calgary, Calgary Outlink, and Apathy is Boring.  

But what really made it all worthwhile were the people I met along the way. The first friend I made on my third day here, as mentioned prior, quickly became my best friend. I found a community and home through the Women’s Resource Centre. I also started to appreciate things that would seem miniscule to most: parks, a clean river, public transportation, and even Interac e-Transfer! These are just a few of many things in Calgary that I never once got to experience back home.

Calgary isn’t just where I study, but also where I found a greater meaning and purpose. While coming to Calgary was never in my original plan, it remains to be the greatest decision I have ever made. It is a decision I would make in any and every lifetime.