Ekta: Learning Differently, Together

Mehak Narang, a Computer Science student from Karnal, India, tells us about her work as a Supported Learning Group Facilitator - one of the first international students to be hired for the job at the University of the Fraser Valley. As a peer educator with record attendance at her sessions, she shares her strategies for adopting a growth mindset and supporting students wherever they are at in their learning.

Mauli Bajaj tells us about different learning styles in India, including "mugging" or cramming. She also raises important questions about how international students are treated in the community and at work and encourages students to realize that they are powerful!

In this episode, we hear from Anna Tsoy, a biology student from Kazakhstan, about what it's like to be from a country that people know little about. She shares insights into why international students hesitate to ask questions and how experiences of racism have sometimes made her feel powerless. Anna encourages us all to keep pursuing inclusion with humility.

We chat with Angela Chubak, a Japanese student taking a gap year from her English literature studies to experience Canadian education at UFV. She shares how expectations around her English level can leave her feeling powerless, and how singing has helped her hold on to her confidence. She shares simples strategies that instructors can use to support students' English development and understanding. For the companion guide, click here.

We hear from Rajinder Singh, a 4th year student in Computer Information Systems that transferred to UFV from Fraser Valley India, located in Chandigarh, He shares what was new for him when he arrived in Abbotsford, the challenges of balancing work, classes and family, as well as the stresses of the immigration process during COVID. From time zones to drive-throughs, Rajinder teaches us about obstacles that new arrivals must navigate. To access the companion guide, click here.

We continue our chat with Natasha Rainkie and Leanne Joe about their experiences as Indigenous students at UFV. In part 2, Leanne shares stories about confronting instructors when Indigenous perspectives were not represented and the positive impacts of open communication on meaningful Indigenization. The two leave us with powerful advice and with a song. For the companion guide, click here.

We chat with Natasha Rainkie and Leanne Joe about their experiences as Indigenous students at UFV. In part one, they share their impressions of UFV’s Indigenization efforts and teach us about the challenges of navigating the legacy of assimilationist policies, their cultural protocols, and course requirements. Access the companion guide here.

Access the Companion guide: https://ufv.ca/teaching-and-learning/inclusive-teaching/internationalization/multilingual-learners/student-perspectives/

In this episode, we hear from Bradley Nguyen, an international student from Vietnam who came to BC in Grade 11, and his friend, Billie Brown, a domestic student. Bradley shares how microaggressions and the pressure to “whitewash” his behaviour led to social isolation and trauma. We learn why celebrating Lunar New Year with Billie and colleagues was meaningful for Bradley and hear advice on how to avoid treating minorities as cultural experts.