By Scott Roblin

International students adapting to life at Medicine Hat College

Sep 18, 2017 | 5:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Classes at Medicine Hat College are well underway, with new students getting used to the expectations of college life.

While it’s a big adjustment for all first-years, those coming from overseas also have to deal with a new country and culture.

For Ching Yi Wu and Yu Hsiang Chao, their first few weeks in Canada have been much different compared to life back in Taiwan.

Meeting at Medicine Hat College, both are taking general studies in their freshman years and are part of the College’s International Student program.

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From learning English to brand new teachers and classmates, Wu said she’s adapting as best she can.

“The teachers speak a little fast,” said Wu. “But, after a chat with the teacher, she will slow down and sometimes I’ll just remain in the class after.”

Chao added the lifestyle changes extend to casual interactions at the grocery store.

“I was just asking where is something, and all of the sudden she’s telling me everything about her life,” said Chao. “So it’s quite interesting, because back in Taiwan we just ask a question and then we answer it. We don’t usually talk that deep into our life.”

The College is reporting an estimated 100 new international students this semester, and are expecting around 300 foreign students to pass through their halls by the end of the year.

Manager of International Education Hadija Drummond said September is a hectic time, especially for visitors to Canada.

“You have stress, expectations, classes, and money worries,” said Drummond. “But for our international students, on top of that they have a new culture to get used to, sometimes a new language.”

There has been a slight increase in accepted foreign students this year, with the majority hailing from Asian countries such as India, Japan, Korea, and China.

Along with welcoming students from around the world, a number of refugees from third-world countries are also enrolled in classes this year.

Chao said Medicine Hat’s size made her choice to attend MHC an easy fit.

“I’ve been to some other English speaking countries and I’ve never been to Canada, this is my first time,” said Chao. “Actually, I have other choices but I think I don’t want to go to the big cities.”

Aside from assisting in the classroom, the International Education department has hosted an orientation and even picked up new students from the airport this month.

Drummond said while foreign students are immersed in a new culture, the same opportunity is available for born and raised Canadians.

“We really think that having more international students at the College is really great for the classroom atmosphere,” she said. “Students bring in a different perspective, different voices into the classroom.”

According to Drummond, around 25 countries are represented at the College this year and included smaller groupings of students from Jamaica, Mexico, Great Britain, and the United States.