Chut Dau Giet

Current City: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Year arrived in Canada: 2021

School(s): University of Saskatchewan

Academic program(s): BSc. Computer Science

1.    What inspired you to pursue your studies in computer science of all the academic programs that were available to you? 

I’ve always been fascinated by computers and how they operate; especially by the idea that a bunch of codes could ‘transform’ into the games we very much enjoy.  

This interest grew when I joined a high school with a functional tech club. A bunch of self-taught teen tech gurus made simple games and systems in peer groups. That was my moment of clarity- I wanted to be like them!

Fast-forward, I became the Chief Programmer of Techub in Form Four and got into the computer science program!

2.    Do you have any advice to new students joining post-secondary institutions on choosing academic programs and careers for success after school?

School can be challenging and demanding. You don’t want to be drained and drowned in struggles by choosing a program you don’t love studying.

Consider your strengths and weaknesses, alongside your passions and personal ambitions to settle on a program. If you are unsure, its still okay. Find academic advisors on campus who will help you navigate that choice. Remember, the program your LC places you into is not set on stone.

That said, your major may not necessarily be your career! Don’t kill yourself over it.

3.    What challenges do you think hinder new students from succeeding in Canada?

I think the biggest challenge results from the transition and how you’d react to the drastic social and institutional changes. Some may end up passive and adopt ‘lowkey’ attitudes, due to imposter syndrome! This impacts how you present yourself, in your social life, and reflect in the economic opportunities you pursue, limiting your success and integration.  

4.    How can new students cope with loneliness and feeling out of place when they first arrive in Canada?

Try expanding your group of friends outside of your Local Committee. The Covid19 pandemic has altered most social structures, but use your class platforms to react to others, or seek clarity on course material. It may seem intimidating, but message back those who respond. Most times, even those freshmen are also looking for friends.

If you are attending an in-person class, reach out to those seated next to you. Most importantly, if any of your class-mates or new friends invite you for anything, turn up; you will meet more people there. Lastly, monitor your school’s social media platforms, and be part of any student activities they post.

5.    Do you have a mentor? If so, how have they helped you in your academic or professional career?

I think success is a matter of exposure. My mentors played a huge role in helping me discover my path, the opportunities available in it and most importantly helped me navigate tough life choices by giving their insight. Make and maintain a network of mentors!

6.    From your experience so far, what does it take to succeed in Canada? (Measuring success in academic and professional terms). 

Be a pro-active go getter. I bet you have done many amazing things thus far, hence made it through high school and successfully joined a Canadian university or college. Keep keeping up! Basically, trust your guts, remain resilient, take initiative and be tenacious!

7.    Do you have any ideas on how new students can manage expectations from friends and family back home?

Let your immediate family members know your sources of income but most importantly your expenditure. It helps! However, do what is within your means.

8.    Seeing how credit scores are important in Canada, do you have any tips on managing money or building a strong credit profile?

I’d advise you buy everything you have budgeted for using your credit card, then transfer the money from your chequing to credit card accounts. Set up automatic pay, just in case you forget to transfer the money. However, only spend what is within your means and try not to excessively exceed 30% of your credit limit!

9.    From your experience transitioning to Canadian life and culture, do you have any advice for new students?

Take care of your mental health. You’ll be faced with many new challenges, and a lot of new things to learn (within a very short time period to effectively catch up and integrate). The systems and transition can be overwhelming and you may end up not taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. Talk to people and remember that it is okay to go through those challenges. We all did!