Finding Your Place: How Zheng Navigated Life & Research at UBC 🌲🌎

Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging. In this episode, we sit down with Zheng Chen, a PhD student in Forestry at UBC, who moved from Beijing, China, to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue his research in climate change, carbon offsets, and sustainability. From adapting to a new culture and learning English to discovering Vancouver’s forests, study spots, and opportunities, Zheng shares his unique student journey.

🌱 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why Zheng chose UBC for his PhD & how he transitioned from Beijing to Vancouver.

✅ Overcoming language barriers & cultural differences as an international student.

🌏✅ Exploring climate change & sustainability – his research on carbon tax & wildfire emissions. 🔥

✅ First impressions of Vancouver & UBC – "Wait, there’s a university with a beach?" 🏖️

✅ The power of networking – why connections matter for academic & career growth

✅ Zheng’s favorite study & nature spots – from Pacific Spirit Park 🌲 to UBC libraries 📚

💡 Thinking about studying in Canada? Whether you're an aspiring PhD student, an international student, or just curious about UBC life, this episode is packed with insights!

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Follow us for more student stories, advice, and real experiences from Vancouver!

🎙️ The CANADA STUDENT NETWORK Podcast is where students connect, share, and grow. Tune in weekly for real stories, study tips, and advice to thrive in Canada—whether you're new to the country or planning your next academic step.

🌐 Website: vanstu.net

📸 Instagram: @canada.student.network

▶️ YouTube: @canada.student.network

Finding Community & Opportunity: Graciela’s Journey at UBC 🇨🇦✨
Moving to Vancouver for university is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when you’re stepping into a new city for the first time. In this episode of the Vancouver Student Network Podcast, we sit down with Graciela, a UBC student originally from Edmonton, who shares her journey of adapting to life in Vancouver, choosing the right academic path, and making meaningful connections on campus.
From joining student clubs to embracing her Filipino heritage, Graciela offers valuable insights on navigating university life, building friendships, and setting career goals.
🎓 Studying at UBC – How she transitioned from Arts to Global Resource Systems and found her passion for international development 🌍
💼 Career Aspirations – The challenges of finding job opportunities in her field and her plans for post-graduation 🔎
🎉 Making Friends in Vancouver – How UBC’s Jump Start program and residence life helped her build a strong social circle 🤝
💃 Dance Horizons Club – Leading one of UBC’s biggest student-run dance organizations and making dance more accessible 🕺
🍛 Filipino Community in Vancouver – Finding connections, cultural celebrations, and the best spots for Filipino food 🇵🇭
🚦 Culture Shocks & Adjustments – From Edmonton’s winters to Vancouver’s cost of living and diverse social scene ❄️➡️🌆
Throughout this conversation, Graciela shares personal experiences and advice for both new and current students looking to make the most of their time in Vancouver. Whether you're trying to find your community, balance academics with extracurriculars, or plan for your future career, this episode is packed with helpful takeaways.
Enjoyed this episode? Follow us for more student stories, tips, and experiences in Vancouver!
🎙️ The VANSTU STUDENT NETWORK Podcast – Where students connect, share, and grow.
🌐 Website: vanstu.net
📸 Instagram: @vanstu.network
▶️ YouTube: @vanstu.network

Finding Your Path: Rodrigo’s Journey from Mexico to Vancouver 🇨🇦🌍
Moving to a new country is an adventure filled with challenges and discoveries. In this episode, we chat with Rodrigo Navarro, a recent graduate who moved from Mexico to Vancouver as a teenager. From navigating cultural differences 🌎 to building a social network 🤝, Rodrigo shares his story of resilience, adaptation, and growth.
🎓 Studying in Vancouver – From high school to a Business Administration degree at Capilano University
💼 Finding Work – The ups and downs of job hunting, from retail to corporate life
🌍 Cultural Differences – From warm Latin greetings to Vancouver’s social norms
🎉 Social Life & Community – How a chance meetup at English Bay led to lifelong friendships
📍 Rodrigo’s Top Vancouver Spots – The best places to eat, study, and unwind
Whether you’re a student navigating life in Vancouver or planning your move, Rodrigo’s insights will help you feel more at home in this vibrant city.
Enjoyed this episode? Follow us for more stories, advice, and student experiences in Vancouver!
🎙️ The VANSTU STUDENT NETWORK podcast – Where students connect, share, and grow.
🌐 Website: vanstu.net
📸 Instagram: @vanstu.network
▶️ YouTube: @vanstu.network

Finding Your Place: How Luis Built Community in Vancouver 🌟🌎

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this episode, we hear from Luis, an international student originally from Mexico, about his journey navigating life in Vancouver. From adapting to the weather 🌧️ and cultural differences to building a supportive community 🤝, Luis shares honest reflections and actionable advice for students finding their footing in a new place. Get ready for a mix of heartfelt stories, valuable tips, and a glimpse into the vibrant life of an international student.

Luis's unique path from Yucatan to UBC and his dual degree program 🎓

Overcoming cultural shocks, like Vancouver's clubbing culture 🎶 and rainy weather 🌦️

The importance of balancing studies, work, and personal connections ⚖️

Luis's favorite spots in Vancouver, from Gastown cafes ☕ to diverse restaurants 🍣

Practical advice for making friends and staying connected to your roots while abroad 🌍

Enjoyed hearing Luis’s story? Follow us for more episodes where students share their experiences, tips, and discoveries in Vancouver.

The VANSTU STUDENT NETWORK podcast is where students connect, share, and grow. Tune in weekly for real stories, tips, and advice to thrive in Vancouver—whether you’re a local or new to the city.

🌐 Website: vanstu.net

📸 Instagram: @vanstu.network

▶️ YouTube: @vanstu.network