From academic differences to new social norms, learn of the unique discoveries a UK exchange student faces while adapting to life in Canada
Jasmine Joseph is a third-year psychology, neuroscience and behaviour student at the University of Warwick in England. She is currently on exchange at McMaster University for the Winter 2025 term.
When reflecting on her decision to study in Canada, she emphasized the value of embracing opportunities.
"There's not going to be any other time in your life after this where you have so much free time to explore, study abroad and I was like let me try and just make the most of the opportunities at my university," said Joseph. "If money is a worry, money comes back. Time doesn't."
Despite initial anxieties about making friends and adjusting to life without her family, Joseph quickly adapted.
"There were some days where I was a bit anxious, going to a whole group at an event and just interrupting the conversation to be like, Hey, can I come and sit with you guys," said Joseph.
Joseph highlighted a memorable opportunity that she would not have had without actively seeking it out and engaging socially. "I've been on a cabin trip with the Mac Outdoor Club, which was so fun. And I met some such lovely girls on that trip," said Joseph.
One of the most notable aspects of Joseph's experience has been the cultural differences she encountered.
"People here are a lot friendlier. I knew people would probably be a bit nicer, but it's really surprised me," said Joseph, noting the contrast between the warm Canadian hospitality and the more reserved nature she’s accustomed to in the UK.
People here are a lot friendlier like I knew people would probably be a bit nicer. But it's really surprised me
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
She explained that people have sometimes mimicked her British accent, which she finds amuzing.
"I thought we were having a normal conversation. Now, this is like a British accent practice class," said Joseph.
Joseph also faced some language barriers due to slang differences. Words like "accom" for accommodation left Canadians confused, as McMaster students typically say "res" for residence.
"There are definitely some words when I'm speaking, they're just like, "Oh, what does that mean?" But they do know a few more. There are some crossovers that I wasn't expecting, especially in the Black community, they'll be saying words that we say in London," said Joseph.
Toronto and London share some similar slang due to their shared historical roots in cultural immigration, particularly from Caribbean and Middle Eastern communities. This diverse influence has shaped the local vernacular in both cities.
Academically, Joseph was shocked by McMaster’s teaching style. She noticed a significant difference between the UK and Canadian approaches.
"I go to a Russell Group University back home, it's like the British version of Ivy League and back home our academic system at my university is very rigorous . . . But when I came here, what I've like concluded and gathered after being here for 3 months now almost 4, is that the education system–at least I can speak on Mac–is a lot more relaxed," said Joseph.
When comparing both styles of teaching, Joseph concluded she prefers McMaster's environment to better understand and learn course content.
"It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising," said Joseph. "I've been lucky enough that the profs that I've had, you can tell they're passionate about the subject."
It's been easier to understand the content in my current classes than back home, which is actually surprising
Jasmine Joseph, UK exchange student
McMaster University
Joseph explained how her exchange has impacted her own approach to academics.
"I think it's even taught me the fact that yes, I'm here on pass fail, but just to give myself more grace when it comes to my academics," said Joseph. Being abroad has allowed her to focus on learning the content rather than obsessing over grades, something she hopes to continue back home.
Joseph also believes her exchange experience will help her career. Overcoming challenges and pushing past fears has strengthened her confidence.
"I betted on myself that, you know what, I'm going to go and smash this this semester abroad. And by God's grace it's been good, it's been successful," said Joseph.
The time Joseph has had at McMaster has been memorable and she encourages others to take on opportunities that promote cultural exchange. "Do it. Take that exchange, go on that semester abroad, go on that full year studying abroad. Just do it, because for me life is too short," concluded Joseph.
McMaster's second annual Cultural Fest held in the MUSC atrium celebrates McMaster's diverse student groups
Cultural Fest took place on Oct. 30, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as part of the programming for International Education Week. Seventeen different clubs had tables set up in the atrium of the McMaster University Student Centre. This event was organized by the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club in partnership with the Student Success Centre.
Each club showcased their culture and club events with poster boards, flags, books and slideshows. Some clubs also offered cultural foods to students.
Attendees were given a bingo card with all the clubs’ logos to encourage interaction. To complete the card, attendees had to participate in the activity offered by each club. These activities included trivia, drawing and trying on traditional clothing. MIX, the McMaster International and Exchange Students Club, provided treat bags or cupcakes as prizes for completing at least eight activities.
Humphrey Erizo, the co-president of MIX, explained that the idea for the event was modelled after Clubs Fest, which is held by the MSU during the first week of school.
“A lot of cultural clubs get to hold their booths [at Clubs Fest] but we have to kind of divide the attention of the people. Usually people who come to our booths or the booths of specific [cultural clubs], they come there because they are from that specific culture and so we don’t necessarily get that kind of a broader audience,” said Erizo.
Cultural Fest offers an opportunity for clubs to engage with students in a more focused setting. This event also emphasizes education about the cultures represented in addition to promoting club activities and events.
“Having culture fest concentrates it a little bit. When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there,” said Erizo.
When people who are not necessarily from any of the cultures that we have present in the event, when they see the crowd . . . they become interested . . . they get to learn about all of the clubs that are there.
Humphrey Erizo, co-president
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club
Matt Min, one of MIX’s events coordinators, said that his favourite part of the event was meeting people from the various clubs. “I really enjoyed the fact that I got to like just talk with a lot of other clubs that I didn't know even existed. It’s really cool seeing how much I’m missing out on . . . I think talking to people with different cultures is a really cool thing. It helps me educate myself,” said Min.
Erizo shared that the Student Success Centre provided financial support and managed registration for the event. “Because it was so successful last year … the Student Success Centre caught wind of it and a sub-department of SSC which is McMaster’s international and exchange office. They coordinated a lot with us this year,” Erizo.
Min said that the number of clubs involved increased from 12 to 17 since last year. “Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool,” said Min.
Maybe it’ll just keep increasing. Maybe we’ll eventually have not enough space to help everybody. Seeing that diversity was really really cool.
Matt Min, events coordinator
McMaster International and Exchange Students Club
Erizo further commented on Cultural Fest’s success and shared that roughly 450 people attended the event. “We hope to keep holding it. Even though it’s only been held two times, it’s quickly become a staple for our club,” said Erizo.
Although MIX is targeted towards international and exchange students, Erizo said they encourage domestic students to attend their events as well, especially if you are interested in going on exchange. MIX holds a variety of events throughout the year, including an upcoming pub night which will be held on Nov. 7, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Phoenix.
By: Donna Nadeem
In the fall, An’am Sherwani, Asha Smith and Garry Vinayak, three students taking the SUSTAIN 3S03 course, conducted a new study on food insecurity on campus.
The results reveal that 39 per cent of the 204 student respondents have experienced moderate food insecurity and 12 per cent have experienced severe insecurity.
Food insecurity refers to the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable and nutritious food.
Meal Exchange is a nonprofit organization that tackles issues such as student food insecurity in Canadian post-secondary institutions.
In 2016, Meal Exchange worked with university campuses including Brock University, the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, Lakehead University and Ryerson University to survey students using the “Hungry for Knowledge” survey guide and framework.
The objectives of the study were to determine a ‘prevalence estimate’ of students experiencing food insecurity, identify key factors that contribute to student food insecurity and raise awareness about various services that address and help reduce the issue of student food insecurity.
As part of the course, Sherwani, Smith and Vinayak created an online survey for the McMaster student population to collect information about students who are at most risk of food insecurity.
The survey also asked respondents about the various barriers and factors that influence and contribute to the emergence of student food insecurity.
The goal of the project was to use the survey data collection to gain knowledge and a deeper understanding about the social issue of student food insecurity.
The team advertised the survey through social media, posters around campus and class talks. They obtained 204 partial responses and 185 complete responses.
Their findings indicate that 39 percent, or 71, of respondents have experienced ‘moderate’ food insecurity while 12 per cent, or 22 respondents, experienced ‘severe’ food insecurity.
Respondents indicated that their food insecurity was largely the result of factors including financial barriers, having limited time to cook and the lack of healthy and diverse food options on campus.
They also reported that food insecurity impacted their physical health, mental health, social life and grades.
The most common experiences amongst those dealing with food insecurity included relying on low-cost foods, not eating healthy balanced meals, and prioritizing other financial needs before securing adequate food.
The study also suggests that food insecurity also results in skipping meals and sometimes not eating the entire day.
Of those who identified as food insecure, only 24 per cent utilized programs and services at their disposal, such as the McMaster Students Union Food Collective Centre.
Nonetheless, as there is a stigma associated with these services, it is unclear the extent to which respondents underreported their use of them.
After analyzing the results of the survey, the team shared their findings were shared with MSU student clubs and services.
These groups can use the results of the study, particularly the one about students’ use of food services, as a springboard to explore new ways of outreach to McMaster students experiencing food insecurity.
The increased usage of these services and clubs may aid in the reduction of food insecurity at McMaster.
The SUSTAIN 3S03 team has sent their study to a graduate student, who will continue to pursue and examine the research. Further exploration and follow-ups are currently in progress and the study will be continued into 2019.
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By: Alex Liu
A new eatery on Barton Street is taking a unique approach to the restaurant business. 541 Eatery & Exchange, a registered charity, offers no meal priced above $5.00 and is staffed by 80% volunteers.
The restaurant, which opened in June, also serves as a safe space where people can meet to connect with each other and the community.
“We’re more than an eatery,” said Michael Bowyer, co-founder of 541 Eatery & Exchange. “We’re an exchange of ideas to empower people in the neighborhood.”
In a neighborhood without many alternatives other than fast food, 541 is a refreshing and welcome change, with over 360 customers served per day.
It took Bowyer’s team six years of planning and work to transform the idea behind the social enterprise into a reality. The eatery and exchange is now a sustainable not-for-profit business, buoyed by their pay-it-forward button bank system. At 541, these buttons are a form of currency, each valued at $1, which can be purchased from the cashiers and used by those who cannot afford food or drink.
“I love the concept of the things that they do here. If I don’t have money I can come in and take up to four buttons and get myself something to eat. When I do have money, I like to be able to hand that in and donate,” said Phil, a local resident and regular customer of 541. “This has been an uplift for the neighborhood. I wish that there was a little bit of this everywhere.”
541, as a registered charity, is also using its space as well as the proceeds from food sales to hold educational initiatives for the community. 541 manager Miranda Crockett explained that a homework club, health classes for mothers, and financial planning workshops are currently being developed. All of these initiatives are open to the public, regardless of people’s background.
For their volunteers, many of whom are regular customers, 541 also offers resume-building opportunities, comprising of culinary, custodial, and hospitality skills training.
Bowyer and his team believe that what they have done at 541 is a reproducible model, which they will share and facilitate with others.
“Organizations are realizing that we can do a for-benefit business, and make it sustainable. It’s working.”
Karen Piper
The Silhouette
In 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey to find a new route for British trade ships to sail to India. However, he inadvertently ended up crossing the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to the New World: the Caribbean Islands and the Americas. Columbus was astonished to discover that that these minute islands were already inhabited.
Like Columbus many times in life we set forth on a journey with a specific goal or destination in mind, but some unexpected obstacle may alter our original course, thereby leading us to stumble upon something even more fascinating and worthwhile.
This is exactly what happened to me when I commenced my academic journey. I had everything strategically planned.
I am from the beautiful island of Saint Lucia, which is known as a world-renowned wedding and honeymoon destination. I decided to pursue an associate degree in Travel and Tourism at the island’s community college. Well, I am sure you have heard industry professionals claim that no amount of classroom theory compares to practical training, and they are quite right. After completing two internships at leading five star resorts on the island, I decided that this field was not right for me.
In 2011, through the help of an island scholarship, I began an entirely new educational experience: pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at the City University of New York (CUNY). Prior to this event, I worked at a bank in Saint Lucia for two years. It was at then I discovered my love for the banking and finance industries. At this point you may be wondering why I am enrolled at McMaster University in 2013.
Along the way, I soon realized that life in New York as a student did not correlate with my personality or lifestyle. Now, before you judge me, let me just say that – like many emblazoned shirts - I love New York. But being a student there means costly travel expenses due to long train rides to and from school, not to mention the burden of finding accommodations as the majority of universities there do not offer campus housing.
My fundamental point here is that life is all about finding out what works best for YOU. After all, it is YOUR life. This is why I made the decision to enroll at McMaster University.
It occurred to me that this is the opportune time to travel and obtain a diverse educational profile. It is true that I struggled to fit into the culture of New York; however, being in such an environment forced me to grow both personally and intellectually. As a result, I am a much better manager of time and money.
At the end of the day, I feel as if I am three people in one: Saint Lucian of course, a former New Yorker and now, up-and-coming Canadian. Moreover, when potential employers recognize that you have studied or lived in multiple countries, they ultimately establish that you are a risk-taker and someone who can adapt swiftly to change, being able to handle uncertainty. A valuable asset.
As young people we need to exploit the advantages that our youth affords us. We should dare to learn of new cultures: music, fashion, art, dance and so forth. It is not always about where you end up, but the experiences and the wealth of knowledge acquired along the way. In addition, during these occurrences, we should also be respectful of cultural diversity and various ethnic traditions. This is how we develop our character and learn from each other. Some of you may be thinking of doing an exchange program in which you attend school in Italy or France or wherever.
Go for it. This occasion will change your outlook on life and expand your comfort zone beyond where you thought possible. We don’t grow when we are comfortable or stagnant. There is an entire globe out there, explore it, cherish it, respect it, and use it to your full advantage. The world is your oyster.
And mine as well.
By: Erin Rooney
As an international exchange student at Mac, I didn’t really know what to expect from my first Canadian Thanksgiving. I knew there would be turkey, and I knew pumpkin pie would be involved at some point (a pie I was highly suspicious of, despite normally welcoming all desserts, equally and indiscriminately), but that was the extent of my knowledge.
By Monday night I felt more than a little jealous of all of you who get to have this event every year… and not just because it means you get two Christmas dinners.
At both the Thanksgiving meals I went to (I took full advantage of all turkey offers), I was struck by how welcoming and generous-spirited the people I met were. The ‘more the merrier’ logic really did seem to apply. It seems like Thanksgiving is another great chance, like Christmas, to bring the family together but without all the stress and commercialism that so often overtakes December.
Plus, as a student at this time of the year when supplies are running low and pasta becomes a repeat offender, getting to have a huge home-cooked meal is a serious blessing.
So what did I learn over the long weekend to make me a Thanksgiving pro? Well, number one, going out on the Friday of Thanksgiving probably wasn’t the best idea. ‘A lot of people must to go home for the weekend’ was the first thought that crossed my mind as we entered an empty club. I’m almost certain there was some tumbleweed rolling in front of the DJ booth. But hey, at least our group got discounted entry because the bouncer felt sorry for us dancing in the ghost-town. Lesson number two: fullness is just a state of mind. There is always, always room for more turkey if you are determined enough. And finally number three: despite reservations, I discovered pumpkin pie is delicious. I take back every doubt I once had, and replace them with second and third helpings.
Having now experienced my first weekend of Thanksgiving fun, it’s safe to say that I’ve been converted into a die-hard fan!
Michelle Goldenberg
The Silhouette
Since last week, the “Kony 2012” campaign has raised awareness of injustice globally. McMaster University students, being part of a globally minded community, are equally capable of raising awareness and promoting justice worldwide.
With technological innovations and social networking online our world is more global then ever before. We are all connected and can share ideas instantly with people across the globe.
Our generation is the first to experience this, and being the leaders of tomorrow, we can make a difference in ways we never could before. Student internships provide an avenue for just that, creating global citizens, one internship at a time.
Travelling abroad allows students to take an active role in their learning to increase youth impact in the world.
The most recent international intern at AIESEC McMaster, a student-run organization dedicated to youth leadership development on the global scale, is Ghanaian exchange participant George Takyi Asiedu. He arrived in Canada this past January for a paid internship with the Oakville company B2B Chex Inc. The opportunity for international exchange is parallel to no other, offering unique and valuable experiences to last a lifetime.
“They asked me about countries I’d like to visit, and I stated ‘Canada,’” said Asiedu. “They told me there was ‘no way.’” Despite all odds, he fulfilled his dream of coming to Canada.
He describes his travels as “a lot of moments to live.” Asiedu was amazed at “how trusting and kindly strangers are in Canada, the community and people are very warm. A very nice, friendly, safe environment.
“There are so many good things about Canada too. What is striking is the diversity of people who live here,” he says.
Upon arrival, Asiedu attended an AIESEC conference in Montreal, where he grew accustomed to Canadian culture. He engaged in workshops, simulation groups and tasks that cause you to think outside the box. He was able to learn leadership skills in a global learning environment catered to young professionals. This offered him a great transition and beginning in Canada.
He has now contributed to societal change in his community and abroad while exploring and developing unique skills and competencies. International talent and a global mindset help foster peace and fulfillment of humankind’s potential. The various Canadian internships provided this year help maintain good global connections.
Asiedu’s boss Bruno Santia says “he has been nothing but positive” and is an “excellent, hardworking and reliable individual.” In terms of his actual work, Bruno confirms Asiedu is currently in a sales environment.
He is making great progress and is moving the sales cycle forward. Although initially hesitant about his new workplace, everyone is very helpful in his transition at B2B Credit Chex. He now describes his work environment as “like a family.”
Since he started his position in January, George has created his own impact. Doing credit reports has allowed him to work with companies all over the GTA, Ontario, and Canada, even in New Brunswick.
The challenges George had to face in order to come to Canada were more than worth the rewards he gained.
One of the ways McMaster youth can develop their leadership potential is by becoming an international exchange participant. In this way, youth can truly make a difference in world issues. Asiedu’s internship offered B2B Credit Chex Inc. and himself the opportunity to be global citizens.
It is through experiences such as Asiedu’s internship in Oakville that globally minded communities and international talent can be linked and developed.
