In this special episode of Beyond Borders, we sit down with one of our co-founders to hear her inspiring story of resilience and growth. Having moved to Canada right after finishing high school in China, she shares her personal challenges, triumphs, and the experiences that led her to co-create Beyond Borders.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The cultural and academic shifts of moving from China to Canada as a young student.
• Overcoming language barriers and finding her voice in a new environment.
• The motivation behind co-founding Beyond Borders and creating a community for others facing similar challenges.

Her story is a reminder that while the journey can be daunting, it’s also full of opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive.

A Note on Privacy:

Consent was received prior to sharing her experiences in this episode.

🎧 Tune in to learn more about her journey, the founding of Beyond Borders, and how she’s supporting students just like you.

🎙️ In this episode of Beyond Borders, our co founder Jiahui sits down with Monica Pan, who is an undergraduate student studying Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) at Simon Fraser University (SFU).

Undergrad life is an adventure full of challenges and growth, and Monica shares their journey with honesty and insight.

Together, we discuss:

• Finding balance between academics, personal life, and extracurriculars.
• The challenges of adapting to new life as an international student at SFU.
• How Monica built a support network and found resources that made the transition smoother.

Whether you’re a science student, an international student, or someone seeking inspiration from a peer’s journey, this episode offers relatable stories and practical advice to help you navigate your path.

A Note on Privacy: Consent was received from Monica prior to sharing her story in this episode.

🎧 Tune in to learn more about Monica’s experiences, challenges, and successes as an undergraduate student, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes exploring the journeys of international students!

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In this episode, we’re joined by Ameena, a master’s student from Egypt and a teaching assistant in one of my education courses. Ameena brings a wealth of experience and insight, having studied in three different countries before settling into her current program in Canada.

Ameena shares her inspiring journey of building meaningful friendships in Canada, the support networks that made a difference when she first arrived, and the challenges she faced, including language barriers and inadequate support from her university. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and adaptability international students demonstrate as they navigate life far from home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Ameena created a strong support network and made lasting friendships in a new country.
• The unique challenges of studying in three different countries and adapting to new academic and cultural environments.
• Insights into overcoming language barriers and adjusting to diverse communication styles.
• A candid discussion about the gaps in university support for international students and what needs to change.

About Our Guest: Ameena is a master’s student from Egypt with a rich academic background and global perspective. Her passion for education, drama and her role as a teaching assistant make her a valuable voice in conversations about international student experiences.

A Note on Privacy: Consent was obtained from Ameena prior to sharing her experiences in this episode.

We hope Ameena’s journey inspires you to find strength in connection and navigate challenges with confidence. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who might relate to her story!

Stay Connected with Beyond Borders:

Instagram: studentsbeyond.borders

In this episode, we chat with Takuya, an undergraduate student from Japan who shares his honest and relatable experience of moving abroad for university. As a peer and classmate, Takuya opens up about the unique challenges he faced during his first year, including navigating an unfamiliar transit system, finding a sense of belonging, and dealing with anonymous online communities. He also sheds light on the gaps in services he encountered and how he adapted to thrive despite these obstacles.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Takuya’s insights on overcoming initial struggles with public transit and campus navigation.
• The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to build friendships in a new environment.
• How anonymous boards and online communities can impact mental well-being and tips for dealing with them.
• Takuya’s perspective on the importance of advocating for better services for international students.

About Our Guest: T is an undergraduate student from Japan who moved abroad to pursue his education. His story highlights resilience, adaptation, and the value of peer support during the early days of university life.

A Note on Privacy: Consent was obtained from Takuya prior to sharing his experiences in this episode.

We hope Takuya’s candid and thoughtful reflections inspire and resonate with you. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow students who might benefit from it!

Stay connected with beyond borders:

Instagram: studentsbeyond.borders

In this episode, we sit down with our very first guest, Karine, a Ph.D. student and chemist from Brazil, who shares her incredible journey of moving to a new country to pursue her education. Karine reflects on her experiences as an international student during her first year, the challenges she faced adapting to a new culture, and the strategies that helped her succeed academically and personally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Karine navigated cultural differences and overcame homesickness.
• The importance of building a support system as an international student.
• Tips for managing academic pressures while adjusting to a new environment.
• Personal insights on embracing change and finding your place in a new community.

About Our Guest: Karine is a dedicated chemist and current Ph.D. student with a passion for research and teaching. Originally from Brazil, her inspiring story highlights resilience, curiosity, and the power of international education.

A Note on Privacy: Consent was obtained from Karine prior to sharing her story and experiences in this episode.