Over the past six months, I have engaged in a work study placement focused on marketing and communications with the SDGs@UofT Institutional Strategic Initiative. Not having been involved in any prior SDG-related initiatives, I came in with little to no knowledge about the SDGs. Working with the SDGs@UofT has not only allowed me to learn about the different SDGs that brings us closer to a just, and sustainable future for the world, but also about how the fulfillment of these goals can play a huge role in my own personal journey as an international student. It has given me a new perspective, as I start to look at challenges not only as they are, but also through the lens of the SDGs.
All this raises the question: How do the SDGs shape the journey of international students? Whether it be the health and well-being (SDG 3) of international students, changes in work policies and the country’s economy (SDG 8), or the quality of education (SDG 4), each SDG plays a big part in the life of an international student like me. The SDGs resonate with me in particular because of my own journey as an international student.
Growing up, I always dreamt of going overseas for university. I recall the day I sat down with my parents in Indonesia and discussed my future - that was when we decided that I was going to come to Canada to pursue my desire of securing a job that would enable me to be financially stable, while working to address inequities and generate social impact in my community. My journey began the moment I submitted my application to the University of Toronto. Little did I know that this decision was going to change the entire course of my life. It is important to acknowledge that to have the resources to be able to attend university in Canada is a tremendous privilege that is not accessible to many people. It does, however, come with its own challenges.
Shifting from living under one roof, literally steps away from my family, to being in an entirely new country and environment was a difficult transition. From cultural differences to finding my way in a foreign city, there was a lot I had to adapt to. I was fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive Indonesian community that I could often rely on. Despite being in a foreign country, having them made it feel somewhat like home. I also had the opportunity to make other friends that came from diverse backgrounds, which gave me the chance to learn about the different cultures around the world. Surely, there are still times where I feel homesick, particularly on difficult days when I wish I had my family by my side, as I face academic pressures and a great deal of uncertainty about the future. In moments like these, it helps to have friends looking out for your well-being, and resources at the university to rely on. Moving to a new country with a different education system and societal norms can be overwhelming.
There is also the practical side of living abroad, which includes the finances, housing, and work. Many young people who go abroad to study, including myself, often wonder what the future may look like for international students. It comes with a lot of ambiguity with the job market subject to volatile changes. The recent changes in immigration policies in Canada have magnified a lot of this uncertainty, and the best one can do, as I like to remind myself, is to keep moving forward, and not to be deterred from pursuing my passion and dreams of being a marketing professional. Specializing in marketing within UTSC Management's Bachelor of Business Administration program, I aspire to further advance in my career as I expand my knowledge in marketing, communications, and project management. Coming to Canada has allowed me to leverage the university’s renowned work-integrated learning opportunities to gain valuable work experience and meet diverse groups of people that I have been able to build both professional and personal relationships with. As the road ahead looks rocky, it’s important to continue to look ahead and seize any opportunity that presents itself. As a young adult, the fulfillment of SDG 8 feels personal. It represents a future where young people, including international students like me, can live in a world that allows us to reach our full potential, through dignified, productive and full employment.
To receive a quality education goes beyond just academics; it involves being in an inclusive environment where international students feel accepted and supported, regardless of their origins.
About the author
Angeline Elsted is an up and coming marketer. As a BBA candidate pursuing a specialist degree in Marketing with a minor in Economics, she has spent recent years pursuing her passion in marketing and project management roles. With her very first marketing role as a Marketing Associate in the Association of Accountancy (AOA), Angeline further advanced through the ranks, becoming a Digital Media Director, and eventually the Vice President of Public Relations. As an active member in the community, she is always looking for new opportunities for her to diversify her experiences. Having had a few internship experiences, Angeline worked as a Digital Marketing Assistant with the University of Toronto Scarborough, where she was able to efficiently promote and boost student morale with the university name. She also had the opportunity to intern as a Marketing Co-op at Sanofi in the vaccine department, where she was able to expand her brand development and project management skill set to help the team in managing assets going out on a daily basis. Overall, these experiences allowed her to demonstrate her creativity and analytical skills and learn what goes on behind the scenes in the world of marketing.