Bernice Nwanna Francis

What was your experience like?

Firstly, as one of the first participants of the TRANSFOR-M programme, I must admit that the international coordinator, Louise Tetting, and the program coordinator, Zsofia Reka Stangl, were super helpful. We had a list of courses mapped out for us, and I had my UBC program planned out with my program coordinator before the visa application. This was included with my acceptance letter from UBC, proof of financial support, and a valid passport. I submitted my application on June 19th and got approved on July 10th. 

What has been the best during your study period in Canada? 

My best experiences were the field trips to indigenous lands: Squamish and Whistler. We visited sites with 2-3 years history of wildfires and attended lectures by Indigenous Canadians on restoration efforts.

The UBC Vancouver campus is a sight to behold. The diversity cannot be matched. The bustling environment keeps you alert and informed. The oceans and mountains are breathtaking, but be prepared for a rainy climate, especially in the fall and winter months.

The academic system at UBC is slightly different from SLU, and I embraced the variations as learning opportunities. Classes often involve a mix of lectures, group discussions, and presentations. Participation is expected and contributes to your grade, and grading is more percentage-based than at SLU.

What has been most challenging? 

Vancouver is super expensive when compared to most of Sweden. And you must be extremely cautious of scams when looking for housing off-campus. Never send money to someone before seeing a place or having a signed lease. Still, the educational and multicultural experiences gained were worth the expense and effort. 

What would you say to students thinking about applying? 

To students contemplating whether or not to participate in TRANSFOR-M, go for it. The world is looking for individuals with multicultural skills and education. The exposure is top-notch and will enable you to tackle challenges with confidence.

Practically speaking, don't worry about things like health insurance. SLU has you covered. UBC also has you covered through iMed for the first 3 months before you become eligible for the provincial health care. For flights, consider Icelandair. 

For students who desire to stay on campus, apply for housing as soon as you indicate interest to participate in TRANSFOR-M, as the queues can be very long. If you desire off-campus, there are options in the neighbourhoods like Point Grey, Kitsilano, or even further if you don't mind a commute. Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and UBC's own housing portal are good starting points.