Why did you choose Calgary and the CBE for your study destination?  Was it the same or different than you thought?

I think that Calgary and the CBE is the best choice for me when it comes to studying and living. Before I came to Canada, I always think it as an cold and boring, but it turns out that I was wrong. The weather here is not that extreme and people here are very kind and welcoming.

What is the most interesting thing about attending school here?

The most interesting thing about attending school is definitely the variety of courses that we can choose from, especially options. I have enrolled in Computer Science and Graph Design for this semester. I’m new to Graphic Design, so it’s a bit of challenging at the start. However as I learn more skills, I get better at designing and using tools like Photoshops.

How is it different than school in your home country?

School in my country has only one goal, to teach student how to pass exams. Students study not for his/her own good but to get a good grade in tests. However, school does not focus on my grades, but expects me to be an all-round developmental person.

What does it take to be successful in school?
I think that there isn’t a fixed way to be successful in school. All u have to do is maintaining a good relationship with teachers and friends; balancing study and entertainment; trying your best to complete homework and assignments.

What do you do to learn and improve your English?

I watch many English series and TV in my free time. I’m not afraid of speaking to teachers and my friends. I believe it’s fine to make some mistakes, as mistakes are the normal.

How have you made friends in school?

Not afraid to talk to new people, and find common interests among you and your friends.

Talk about some of your experiences here (in school, in the city, in homestay)?

Some tips that I will give when at school is to find a group, a group refers to a place where you can find your belonging. To do that you can attend clubs that you are interested. For example, I joined the school’s STEM and Environment club, as a result, I made a lot of friends.

What do you do in your spare time (after school) while in Calgary?

Usually, I will focus on programming, because I’m pretty interest on game development. For the rest of the time, I love to watch Netflix. On the other hand, I’m a sport guy, so I go to play football and basketball.

What would you say to a student thinking about coming to school in Calgary?

I think that Calgary is definitely goanna suit your need, whether for studying  or living purpose. The people here are friendly, discrimination barely happens. The weathers are fine, not extremely cold, just the right temperature to do snow sports. Schools here actually care about one’s overall development, not just grade.

I chose Calgary because of the school which is called Bowness High School.  I liked the subjects and what they offered.  I thought Calgary looked like a nice city.

Bowness is an awesome school.  Everybody talks to each other and it’s easy to make friends.  People are kind, open-minded and they ask questions. I really liked second period flex time which gives the opportunity to get extra help with school work.  What I like best about school is the teachers.  They are really open to helping and really care about their students.  I found that so surprising. 

I also liked that there are only four courses in the semester whereas in Germany, we have eight subjects.  With four courses, you can give more attention to each course when compared to eight which makes it harder to spend as much time on each course.

During my time here in Calgary, I have had lots of experiences including trips to the mountains, dinners out, working out at the gym, hiking, skiing, and watching movies.  I liked going outside, visiting downtown and the river although you have to plan for time to get around as everything is so spread out. 

I became so close to my host family.  They did so much with us and I enjoyed spending time with them.

While here, I got to know people and made many new friends.  This was good for my personality and I know I have matured.  I now know what I like to do and who I like to spend time with.

I chose Calgary as my study destination when I saw a presentation of the Calgary Board of Education from my agency.  Calgary caught my attention because it seemed very welcoming, it was close to the mountains, and seemed to have a lower number of international students so I thought my experience would be more authentic.

The things I like best about my schools are the dynamic structure where we are allowed to choose our subjects and you can plan what you want to learn.  I have been so impressed by how helpful the teachers are.  They are ready to help and they involve you in your learning and try to build a relationship with students.  It’s like having someone who can give you advice on life, not just school.  My volleyball coach scheduled one-to-one interviews with the team and that gave the chance to talk to her about anything.  She is a good listener and gave advice to us.

I learned that in order to be successful in school and in life while studying abroad, you have to put yourself out there and be willing to interact with teachers and other students.  There is a lot of team and group project work in class which makes it more fun while learning. 

The worst thing you can do is to not talk to others.  If you are struggling,  you just need to reach out, get out there, and try your best.  There is always someone available to help when you put yourself out there.

I took a Foods class for my option and this was like an experience in the work place.  We were taught about the boss/employee relationship and running a business.  It was an authentic work environment and gave me some life skills I can take with me.
I joined the volleyball team at school which helped a lot in making Canadian friends.  Playing volleyball was one of the highlights of my experience and we came in second in the city which allowed us to compete in the finals in Red Deer.  I played at school and also joined a club outside of school.

Skiing, volleyball, and attending a Canadian wedding were the highlights of my study abroad experience.  My host family was another highlight.  They were so great and I am going to miss them.

Calgary is perfect balance of a city that is big but not too big and has a homey feeling.  You aren’t overwhelmed here and don’t get lost.  There is very little chaos and not too many people.  It’s also close to the mountains with so much to do.  The people in Calgary are very nice and very open.  I learned how to handle myself and that it takes work to build relationships.  Once you’ve done that, people are so caring and welcoming.  I also learned the kind of people I want to spend time with and how to figure out who those people are.

If you are thinking of studying abroad, I would say “go for it”!  You will need to be okay being by yourself but also open to meeting new people.  You will also see that other internationals are important because they understand what you are going through.