Working the Distance

Preparing for the first work term away from home

For the first time in three years I won’t be going home for the summer. When I accepted my job offer, it really sunk in that I won’t see my family who is located 11,200 km from Edmonton. I will spend my summer in an office, seven hours a day, Monday through Friday. Quite the pivot.

I’m definitely not the only student in this position either. Many international students and domestic students who aren’t from Edmonton choose to stay in Edmonton over the summer in hopes of gaining experience for their resume and making some money. Although it is exciting to meet new people through school, extracurriculars and work, being away from family means that we lose the support system we are used to.

So over the last month and a half, I have tried to find a balance of being motivated and excited in my new job while also finding the right support system when I’m so far from family.

Securing a Work Term.

Searching for a job as an international student comes with its own set of challenges. For example, there are restrictions on which jobs we can apply for. Positions that come with government funding like, Canada Summer Jobs or high security jobs are often limited to Canadian citizens. Applying for a job that requires a driver’s license was also out of reach for me because I don't have a vehicle. Most employers expect applicants to have experience in retail or customer service, while we have been developing different experiences back home which may not be recognized here in Canada. Additionally securing a work term means that our degree will most likely be extended, possibly by a full year. To accept a work term, I had to extend my study permit and calculate the extra financial costs associated with living apart from family for longer than originally expected.

Looking for a job also comes with a lot of uncertainty. I can vividly remember the stress I felt last summer when I wasn’t able to secure a work term but decided to stay for a bit over the summer “just in case.” It was tough. However, by taking on different opportunities to enhance my resume, I was able to land my first Arts Work Experience (AWE) co-op term as the AWE Communications and Program Support Intern. I was lucky enough to secure this position with the help of my Work Experience Coordinator and the HUB Career Centre staff who provided feedback on my application documents and helped me prepare for interviews. This job comes with a lot of perks, too. I am learning so much about the career world, and taking a deep dive into how the university and the Faculty of Arts work. It’s presenting me with a lot of opportunities where I can either take the lead or work together with others. I’m doing all the things I love, like writing, designing and editing. I get feedback on these skills enabling me to improve them constantly. I can't wait to compare my skills from the start of the year to where it will end up.

The Need for Independence.

Ever since moving to Canada, I’ve learned that independence is key. When I’m home I can ask for help at any time, but now being several time zones away, I’m making big decisions and exploring new circumstances on my own. Independence is something that develops when pursuing education abroad. Many of us had to secure a study permit, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a work permit on our own. We also had to open a Canadian bank account, learn how to budget and how to cook. It can feel like there is so much we need to learn and as Taylor Swift says, You’re on your own kid. Independence is truly one of the hardest skills out there, because it's one that you cannot fully grasp until you are unable to rely on anyone else. I am now in a position where I am making my own money and can choose what to spend it on. It's nice to know that I don’t have to keep asking my family for money, but how do I know if I’m making the right choices? This independence has felt like a fast track into the “real world.” Although it may feel like it’s me against the world, I know there are support systems available, like the many friends I’ve made through living in residence, participating in clubs and volunteer opportunities, my colleagues and of course having that scheduled call to my family. The U of A also provides an extensive list of support that I know I can go to if I ever needed to. All this support makes being on my own that much more manageable.

Difficulties are guaranteed.

Being on a work term has helped me see the potential that my future could hold anywhere in the world. It has presented me opportunities that are worthwhile even when they are challenging. I don’t always know what to do and I will certainly find myself in situations where I wish someone would just fix a problem for me. As international students we may face unexpected difficulties and there are moments that can make us feel so lost or alone, during which time the staff at International Student Services (ISS) become our best friends. Even though my support system is 11,200 km away, I fully see that living, studying and working abroad has the potential to equip me with a new set of skills that will only help me in my future. Although it can be a struggle, I wouldn’t trade my international student experience for anything because I am learning so many lessons and having great life experiences. Working and studying away from home is difficult and full of challenges especially if you’re doing it for the first time, but it’s also, most definitely, in every way, worthwhile.

This article was written by Lale Fassone, the 2024-25 Arts Work Experience Communications and Program Support Intern. At the time of writing this article, Lale is currently in her fourth year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Media Studies and minoring in Linguistics.

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