When I first arrived, I found it hard to understand the accent of the locals

Anonymous

A beautiful sunset, clicked on February 12, 2022. Copyright @art_nouveau___

As an international student from Bangladesh, I came to Antigonish during the winters of 2022 with high hopes of pursuing my higher studies. However, my experience was not without its challenges, and the biggest of them was the language barrier.

When I first arrived, I found it hard to understand the accent of the locals. Though I had studied English in school and had a good grasp of the language, the Canadian accent was something new to me. Even simple conversations at the grocery store or the library became a challenge. It was frustrating to not be able to communicate properly and get things done. I also faced difficulties in understanding lectures at the university, which added to my stress and anxiety.

However, I soon realized that there were ways to overcome these challenges. I started to actively engage with my peers, participate in group discussions in the classroom, and attend additional workshops that focused on language and communication skills through the library in the town. I also reached out to the events organized by Office of Internalization, where I found a supportive community of students who were facing similar challenges. They helped me with language and cultural integration, and I began to feel more confident and comfortable.

In brief, my advice to other international students who are planning to come to Antigonish, or any other foreign country is to be prepared for the language barrier. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the local accent and slang before you arrive. Reach out to the university's International Student Society, participate in language and cultural integration programs, and most importantly, do not hesitate to ask for help when needed. With a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.

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