Student leader from India talks about life in Canada

Hemchandra Khandhar travelled half-way across the world from his hometown in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India to study at Georgian in Owen Sound. Coming to a new country in the middle of winter was a culture shock – and a shock to his system – but the second semester Power Engineering Technology student has embraced Canada as his new home. Here’s what he says about his journey.

What Canadian activities have you done since you came to Canada?

I landed in Canada in late December, and I visited many places in Owen Sound, including parks, beaches, off-road trails, and the downtown core. I also celebrated Easter with my Canadian friends and as winter ended.

I visited Island Lake in Orangeville, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and Canada’s Wonderland. I have enjoyed BBQing a few times and am still exploring Canadian culture, food, and all the beautiful places there are to visit.
– Hemchandra Khandhar

How did you get settled into Canada?

Before arriving in Canada, I was nervous and little afraid about all the possible difficulties I would face here. However, I am happy to say that was not the case. I was also nervous about culture shock, but was pleasantly surprised…people in Canada are so nice and welcoming so I adapted to Canadian culture easily.

Hemchandra hikin through a Canadian forest, wearing a backpack

Hemchandra sitting at the fountain in front of Canadian parliament

What do you think of the weather?

It was a bit challenging for me to get used to the weather since it’s the complete opposite from where I come from. I had winter clothing, but it was still cold.

Canadian weather is amazing and there’s lots of fun things to do, but the amount of snow made it difficult to get around. However, it’s incredible to get to enjoy Canada’s four very different seasons.

The spring is so beautiful with clear skies, sunshine, and warmer temperatures. Nature blossoms at its best in summer, and I’m looking forward to my first fall and all of the colours I’ve heard so much about.

How did you so quickly adapt to learning in Canada?

Before arriving to Canada, I had a few questions about the lifestyle and Canadian culture. I wasn’t sure I could adapt to the Canadian lifestyle easily and wondered how I would fit in at the college. I am pleased to say that I did not face any difficulties with day-to-day life. People are so nice and friendly and I did not feel strange at all.

Moreover, I’ve had the best campus life experience here at Georgian College – it’s so inclusive, I found myself drawn into student leadership, and currently hold the VP of Public Relations position with the Georgian College Students’ Association (GCSA). It’s helped me adapt, and helps welcome new students like me as well.

Students and staff at Georgian are so welcoming and helpful that it certainly made me feel I belong.

Hemchandran wearing a winter coat and backpack, on a snow barrie sidewalk

What do you like about the Owen Sound Campus?

The best part of the Owen Sound Campus is that it’s a small, has such peaceful surroundings and terrific staff. I can easily access services and my teachers. It has a smaller number of students and I get to connect with everyone frequently and know more about them. The campus support services – such as the library, cafeteria, and fitness centre – are all very helpful too.

Hemchandran wearing a GCSA sweatshirt and badge, standing in front of the grizzly sculpture at the barrie campus

Why did you decide to run for the Owen Sound GCSA?

When I first arrived in Canada, I was unsure about a few things. GCSA student members and staff helped answer so many of my questions.

After seeing the GCSA team helping new students settle in, and all of the great work they do to provide the best on-campus experience they can for students, I really wanted to be a part of the team. I also wanted to help fellow international students with their issues and make them feel familiar and share what I have learned in my own journey.

What are your plans for the future?

My future plans include writing the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) exam, completing my co-op work terms, and graduating from Georgian.

After graduation, I want to further my education by obtaining a master’s degree in power engineering and ultimately obtain a position in the power generation field.

For now, I’m looking forward to putting my learning into practice in this fascinating field with my first Canadian co-op work term in the fall.

Each day I learn more about Canadian culture and I am so grateful to be living and learning in this great country that has done so much to welcome me.