Business Marketing graduate, Lina “Crystal” Bian came to Canada and Mohawk as a mature student, with a 15-year career behind her, as an International student from China. Working for a Canadian-based company, starting in 1999, in China recruiting Chinese students for the College, Bian saw the potential and opportunity available in Canada. 

She first enrolled in Mohawk’s English as a Second Language course to improve her English. Then, joined Mohawk’s Marketing Co-Op program, which she says pushed her to go outside of her upbringing and her culture’s reserved nature. Soon she was excelling as she shares, 

“It was indeed difficult at the beginning. Doing presentations, group work and participation during the lectures are the key components of the Marketing Program. But looking back, I gained a lot from those two years. During the school years, I participated in the peer-tutor program. I was also a student ambassador as I understand how much help those new students needed. I was very fortunate to receive the President Award in 2005.”

At first, life in Canada was a bit of an adjustment for Bian, some of the major things she’s noticed since moving here, were the amount of time many of her friends and colleagues spend with their families as she explains, “although Chinese claim to be very family-oriented, Canadians seem to spend more time with their families, especially evenings and weekends.” She also noted how do-it-yourself our culture is as she observed, “most Canadians are very handy; doesn’t matter baking, fixing cars or something at home, Canadians enjoy DIY while Chinese are quite weak at this part.” 

Her advice for new comers to Canada and Mohawk is to get involved, open themselves up to new experiences and always ask questions. 

This story was originally published in Spring 2016 of the Mohawk Alumni In Touch magazine.