Often, we as international students feel at a disadvantage compared to domestic students. We have this feeling because of the language barrier and the lack of knowledge of Canadian culture, but being international can be our biggest asset when it comes to looking at the job market. I would say that being international needs to be our main asset, to stand out in a country that is not our country of origin.
Instead of letting others see defects that we cannot correct immediately, we need to show how our qualities overcome those defects. For example, instead of letting our lack of English be a major issue, we can show the benefit of having someone around who is able to communicate in more than one language. We international students have a great ability to know how to deal with people from different cultures, because we do this every day. A business can benefit from someone who has this ability in interpersonal relationships.
Moreover, the fact that we have been able to adapt to a different country shows our ability to deal with adverse situations, have perseverance, and cope with pressure. We also need to pay close attention to grammar and any written instructions, and the rules, regulations, and culture of a job. This makes us develop a great ability to be critical of ourselves.
Sometimes we feel at a disadvantage compared to Canadian students because we want to be the same as them. The truth is that we never will be. We can perfect our English or learn all about Canadian culture, but we will always be international. I listed all the qualities we have because it is important to be aware that we are not competing with anyone for a spot in the marketplace, but simply looking for our space in a country, in a province, and in a city. And to find this space, we need to believe in ourselves and in our work. Only then can others recognize our abilities. Therefore, let’s be proud of our background and draw an amazing Brazilian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese—to name just a few places Camosun’s international students come from—path in Canada.