The UFV Alumni Association, in collaboration with the South Asian Studies Institute and UFV India, recently organized a social networking event for the Chandigarh students who are now studying at the Abbotsford campus. An ocean away from home, the thrill and excitement of meeting with people who share your culture and have gone through a similar journey was unmistakable.
The event was initiated by a welcome note from the director of UFV India, Mr. Gurneet Singh Anand, the UFV Alumni Association, and the South Asian Studies Institute. Nav Bains, the chair of the Alumni Association of UFV addressed the eager audience as well. As the evening progressed, various UFV alumni spoke to the students and talked about the key factors that pose a challenge for international students and how to overcome them. Quoting many instances from their life, the students were given career advice from the alumni along with tips on how to expand their network.
Nav Bains talked about bringing the lost alumni together through such social networking events. From beginning their lives in a different country to juggling academics and work, the students were asked to keep in touch with the alumni, for they can guide them in the right direction. Speaking on various topics, the keynote speakers, Arjunveer Singh Kamra and Avneet Kaur Riar, stressed the importance of gaining work experience while completing the undergraduate degree. This would not only help the students build a better resume but would also help them gain insight into how the corporate world works. Venturing out into the industry opens new doors for the students and assists them in establishing connections with people and helps them in developing their network of acquaintances.
Most of the transfer students from the Chandigarh campus of the university have prepared for a long time to be a part of the Canadian culture. UFV India, through its thorough and carefully planned curriculum, introduces the students to the Canadian education system. However, even after having been equipped to take on the academic challenges of the Canadian education system, the culture shock of settling into a new environment takes a long time to subside. This gap was bridged when the Chandigarh students got a chance to mingle with UFV alumni.
The event not only helped the students to socialize with the UFV alumni, but also brought the alumni together. After graduating university, the graduates become engrossed in building their careers. Such social networking events are a great way for the graduates to stay in touch with each other, the faculty, and the current students at the university.
As the students socialized with the alumni and faculty over snacks, the sound of chatter, uproarious laughter, and the light heartedness of seeking guidance from someone who has gone through the things that the students are going through now, proved the success of the event.
Image: UFV Flickr
