International students know how tough it is to adjust to transitions while studying, and how daunting it can be to balance education, jobs, and a social life. Many overseas students struggle to form significant relationships, whether they be personal, intellectual, or professional. In this environment, networking can help international students develop strong connections. Networking allows students to interact with, and learn from, people from all walks of life, enhancing their experience of studying in a foreign country, and opening doors for opportunities to succeed. Furthermore, networking smooths the adjustment to an unfamiliar nation and connects students who have similar experiences.
As students, university lays some of the most important foundations of our lives, and networking is essential for both personal and career growth. Socializing with peers is less intimidating than professional meetings, and attending school activities such as job fairs or seminars can lead to professional opportunities. Taking advantage of school activities helps create a support network and aids in career development. By being active on campus, overseas students are able to form lifelong friendships and advance their careers.
Luckily, at UFV, we have an entire department called the Centre for Experiential and Career Education (CECE) that assists students in finding their ideal vocation. CECE organizes career fairs, resumé workshops, and other events to assist students in improving their job search and interview skills. They also provide one-on-one career coaching sessions with career peers to assist students who are having difficulty finding work. Furthermore, they offer a professional route that assists students in determining the ideal option for them.
Outside of our university, there are other organizations to assist you in expanding your network as an international student. One such association is Re-Defined, a non-profit NGO based in Vancouver that works to improve the lives of BIPOC and international students in Canada. Ritika Saraswat, the founder of Re-Defined and a former foreign student, organizes networking events, conferences, and charity drives to offer professional networking opportunities to students in need.
LinkedIn is another tool for professional advancement. This social network allows you to connect with companies and professionals while keeping you up-to-speed on industry developments, successes, and possibilities for career advancement. LinkedIn users are also able to contribute material relevant to their industry, share their advancements, and apply for open job opportunities. By following people on LinkedIn in the same industry, users are able to stay up-to-date with validated courses and certifications, increasing their skillset and likelihood of employment.
Besides the professional advantages of networking, it is also a key tool in foreign students’ capacity to prosper academically and emotionally. Getting involved during your time abroad promotes cultural integration, serves as a support system, and improves social communication skills, making it an essential component of the foreign student experience.
Networking is essential to foreign students living abroad. Engaging in the opportunities provided through networking enhances the chance to prosper academically, professionally, and emotionally. Through promoting cultural integration, the creation of service support systems, and exercising social communication skills, networking is the key to a positive foreign student experience.
