rina Kaur left Singapore to study overseas because she wanted a “truly global education.” After studying at another college, she transferred to FDU-Vancouver primarily because of its small class sizes, and she appreciates the in-depth, personal attention that students gain. Kaur is majoring in business administration with a double concentration in international business and finance and enjoys one of the highest grade point ratios on campus. In addition to participating in campus-related programs, she is active with her local church in Surrey (a city within the Metro Vancouver district) and volunteers with a children’s education program. The senior plans to attend graduate school before pursuing a career in finance and accounting.

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What is it like studying at FDU-Vancouver?
I am gaining really valuable experiences from being able to study and interact with students from around the world. Everyone is different and the cultures, languages and clothing are all something unique to witness. This has helped me to broaden my scope and thoughts and learn about the people. Additionally, in today’s world, we tend to emphasize diversity in workplaces. So, what better way to learn to adapt than to be able to mingle and interact with all these different people? Studying in Vancouver and living in Surrey, I experience a multicultural and diverse community every day.

What activities do you enjoy on campus?
It is hard to find time outside of classes to fit in extra activities, but I have managed to squeeze in a few activities that have been organized by our school. For example, I have attended events hosted by FDU-Vancouver such as the regular potluck lunches, as well as several guest-speaker events, including one by the British Columbia Securities Commission about investment and fraud and a poetry-reading session by Peter Midgley and Kevin McNeilly. I also contributed to the Spread the Net Campaign — a program to help stop the spread of malaria in Africa. In addition, I took part in a rape-relief program for women, which was adopted by our professors as the theme for one semester. Every semester, we adopt a theme and try to include it within our course work and present reports.

What have you learned in college?
My college lessons have provided me with a theoretical knowledge base. Since some courses require me to network with businesses, I hope to be able to gain valuable insights and then to be able to give back to society what I can. Overall, it has been a great, enjoyable and positive experience. I have learned from my wise instructors that only through education will success follow. I remember taking professor Touss Sepehr’s political-science class and going in with almost nothing but coming out with so much knowledge. My best friend told me, “having an education is like a stepping stone that will open the doors to success; so study hard now and enjoy the fruits of your labor later on!”

What professors or other individuals have influenced you?
To name a few, James Gifford [assistant professor of English and director, University Core and the Global Scholars program at FDU-Vancouver], Thomas Leung [adjunct professor in finance], Touss Sepehr [adjunct professor in geography and political science], and my academic adviser Ikpe (Justice) Akpan [visiting assistant professor in information systems and decision sciences] have indeed influenced me to work harder than hard and to strive for the best that I can possibly be. Outside of school, my best friend also motivates me to work hard and to make something out of myself, and I should not let anything hold me back from achieving that dream.

What hobbies and/or activities outside of school interest you?
I basically spend what free time I have left outside of studying and doing my assignments catching up with some of my close friends over coffee or a meal. I enjoy reading, swimming and being around people and listening to their stories.

Why is global education important?
Global education is important because it is truly beneficial for learners to be capable of living and working efficiently in a mutually dependent globe. I come from Singapore, am presently living in Vancouver and perhaps may move to another country when I graduate. Having a global education is really essential for anyone and everyone because in our world we are mutually dependent on one another.

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FDU-Vancouver

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