#25 From Mexico to Cambria College: Camila’s Journey of Studying Abroad and Finding Home 👩🏻🔬🇲🇽
- Canada Student Network Podcast
- Sep 15
- 2 min read
Moving to a new country is exciting—but it comes with its own set of challenges. Camila, an international student from Mexico studying Medical Laboratory Assistant at Cambria College in Vancouver, shares her experience navigating school, work, and life in a completely new environment.
From figuring out transit and affordable groceries to balancing a part-time café job, Camila’s story is relatable, practical, and full of valuable tips for anyone planning to study in Canada.
#25 From Mexico to Cambria College: Camila’s Journey of Studying Abroad and Finding Home 👩🏻🔬🇲🇽
First Weeks in Vancouver: Overwhelmed but Excited
The first weeks in a new city can feel like a rollercoaster. For Camila, everything from using public transit to finding affordable groceries was a learning curve.
Camila says:
"The first weeks were overwhelming, but exciting. I had to figure out transit, where to buy affordable groceries, and how to navigate a city that was completely new to me."
Key takeaways:
Plan ahead: Learn your city’s transit system early—it saves time and stress.
Budget smart: Explore local grocery stores and markets for cost-effective options.
Stay curious: Every small challenge is part of adapting to a new life.
"Being an international student means growing outside your comfort zone every single day," Camila shares—a mindset that helped her push through the initial hurdles.
Balancing Studies and Part-Time Work
Managing school and a part-time job is no small feat. Camila worked at a café while keeping up with her classes, emphasizing the importance of finding flexible employers who understand student schedules.
Camila’s advice:"Choose jobs where employers understand you’re a student. Flexibility makes all the difference in balancing work and studies."
Her tips for balancing work and studies:
Prioritize jobs that accommodate your class timetable.
Communicate openly with your employer about your availability.
Use downtime at work for light studying or reviewing notes.
These strategies helped Camila stay productive without burning out.
Feeling at Home: Building Connections in Vancouver
The first time Camila felt truly “at home” in Vancouver was during a multicultural potluck with friends from different countries. Sharing food, stories, and experiences created a sense of belonging that went beyond school and work.
Camila recalls:
"That potluck made me feel like I belonged. Meeting friends from different countries, sharing meals and stories—it was the first time I felt truly at home in Vancouver."
Lessons on making a new city feel like home:
Join student clubs or social events to meet like-minded people.
Celebrate cultural differences—it helps you connect with others.
Small rituals, like shared meals, can make a new city feel familiar.
Building friendships and community is just as important as managing academics and work.
Conclusion
Camila’s journey shows that studying abroad isn’t just about learning new skills—it’s about growing as a person, finding balance, and building connections. From navigating the first weeks in Vancouver to balancing a part-time job and creating a home away from home, her story is full of practical tips and relatable moments for international students.
Do you want to hear the full story? Listen to the Canada Student Network Podcast on your favorite podcast app.
#25 From Mexico to Cambria College: Camila’s Journey of Studying Abroad and Finding Home 👩🏻🔬🇲🇽
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