#18 From Hong Kong to Canada: Jason’s Real Student Experience 🎓

Canada Student Network Podcast
Jul 28
2 min read

Moving to a new country as a student isn’t just about school — it’s about growing up fast, figuring out who you are, and finding your people. That’s exactly what happened to Jason, a student from Hong Kong who landed in Vancouver at just 16.

In this episode of the Canada Student Network Podcast, Jason opens up about the real ups and downs of international student life — from homesickness to karaoke, and finding his voice along the way.

A person and dog are close together on the left, with text on the right: "Hard Start, Big Growth. Jason Sun, Simon Fraser University (SFU), Business."

Arriving Alone at 16: “I didn’t even know how to wash my own clothes”

Coming to Canada alone while still in high school wasn’t easy.

Jason admits it was a shock. He had to learn how to cook, do laundry, and deal with the emotional weight of being so far from home.

“It was lonely. I didn’t even speak up much because I was scared of my accent.”

But slowly, he adapted. He leaned into discomfort, practiced English, and made friends. Karaoke nights and casual hangouts became his first step toward building confidence.

Embracing Culture Shock & Breaking Through Shyness

The switch from Hong Kong’s fast-paced lifestyle to Canada’s more relaxed vibe took time. Jason felt out of place at first, especially around locals.

But over time, he stopped worrying about being judged.

“No one really cares about your accent. People are actually chill.”

That shift helped him speak up more, participate in class, and even lead group projects. He started owning his identity as an international student — instead of hiding it.

Studying Criminology & Finding Purpose

Jason is now studying Criminology and hopes to help immigrant families adjust to life in Canada.

He shares how his own struggles — from not understanding Canadian slang to dealing with family expectations — inspired him to support others.

Key takeaways from his academic journey:

Be honest with your family about what you want to study
Get involved early (Jason wishes he joined more clubs in his first year)
Don’t be afraid to ask for help — profs and TAs are more supportive than you think

What Jason Would Tell His Past Self

“Don’t be shy. Just speak. People here are way more open than you expect.”

Jason’s story is a reminder that confidence is something you build, not something you’re born with. And that every awkward karaoke night, group project, or late-night grocery run helps you grow into someone stronger.