International Voices at Queen’s

Alyssa Foerstner, Student Academic Success Services (SASS) staff and PhD student, discusses the impact of engaging in cultural and linguistic opportunities. Alyssa shares about developing an awareness of your own culture, the asset of multilingualism, and the critical role of asking questions

Aileen Editha, PhD student in Law, discusses creating inclusive experiences. Aileen shares about weathering transitions, knowledge translation, and interpersonal skills.

Graziella Bedenik, a PhD student in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, discusses supporting and empowering each other through connections. Graziella talks about communication and finding her way to Queen’s, supporting women in STEM, mentoring others, and having fun with your research.

Simarjeet Singh, an undergraduate student in Sociology, discusses learning through challenges by building on his strengths. Simarjeet shares about cultural assumptions and expectations in communication, being vulnerable, and leadership skills.

Shima Hassanpour, a PhD student in Neuroscience, discusses how curiosity and openness has helped her discover interests and appreciate differences. Shima also talks about how to effectively engage with science topics from podcasts to journal articles.

Daniel Reddy, a PhD student in Chemistry, discusses the importance of developing communication skills for academic success. Daniel talks about communicating science well, growing through communication fears, and making connections and developing skills through student-led groups.

Raz Abbasi, a PhD Student in Chemical Engineering, discusses how each communication experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Raz shares about the importance of establishing a network of support and connection, how communication skills are essential for success, and the impact of having a growth mindset.

José Giovanni Leite de Brito, a PhD student in Chemistry, talks about returning to university after gaining a decade of work experience. He shares tips for developing a network as a graduate student and shares some of the resources that have helped him thrive.

Aarchi Shah and Donghyun Kim, students in Physics, talk about how connecting with other students, their instructors, and people at their jobs have helped them try new things, develop skills, and network for internships.

Vipushan Raveenthiranathan, a student in Health Sciences, talks about how he has made connections with others through his work study at the Yellow House and going on exchange to Singapore. He shares what he has learned from his experience as a first-generation university student.

Sultan Almajil, director of the Queen’s International Centre (QUIC), shares how he went from being an international student to supporting international students. He also discusses the qualities he looks for in student employees and offers advice to international students.

Kaan Sümer, a student in Computing and Linguistics, shares about finding belonging and connections through courses and faculty societies. Kaan also talks about how community and involvement can help you discover your strengths and clarify your career goals.

Michelle Yue, a Commerce student, shares how courses and work experiences can help you think about your career. Michelle names some of the skills you can gain in courses and work studies, and how these skills can increase your confidence in the workplace.

Jheeven Salvarajah, a recent Queen’s grad from Civil Engineering, discusses the impacts of integrating practical experiences with your academics. He talks about how courses, participation in student clubs, and internships helped him land a job after graduation.

How do you cope when difficult events happen, and you are far away from your home community? Nathalia Santos Ocasio talks about facing the feeling that her heart is in one part of the world while her body is in another.

Have you ever struggled to access food? Mina Boules and Edwin Kiarie talk about their experiences with food insecurity and some of the resources that have helped them.

How have you navigated Queen’s as a student with a disability? Getachew Gebeyaw Tadese shares his experience with inclusion and accessibility.

What do belonging and burnout mean to you? Isabella Aung shares her experiences of belonging and burnout are connected.

How do you procrastinate? Ozge Girgin talks about the ways she procrastinates and strategies for staying focused as a student.

How can you have fun on a tight budget? Johanna Amos shares tips about how to connect with your community but not spend too much money. Guest: Johanna Amos

How can you build community in a new place? Navjit Gaurav shares tips about overcaming loneliness by building a community at Queen’s. Guest: Navjit Gaurav

How has homesickness affected your wellbeing? Krissy Liu talks about how homesickness impacted her and shares the strategies she uses to overcome her longing for family, friends, and home.  

How has an exchange experience impacted you? Guest: Ashley Luo Queen’s Resources: International Programs Office – https://www.queensu.ca/ipo/

How can the knowledge and use of multiple languages help us be better learners? Guest: Yiyi He Queen’s Resources: SASS 1:1 appointments: https://sass.queensu.ca/appointments

How can we navigate the ups and downs of intercultural thesis supervisor relationship? Guest: Ellie Queen’s Resources: SGSPA resources: https://www.queensu.ca/sgs/current-students/graduate-supervision