WES Blog

There is a lot of information available to internationally educated professionals about how to find meaningful employment in Canada. A quick web search or a conversation with a friend or family member will provide a good deal of information and perhaps varying perspectives on the path to a successful career. Information is plentiful, but which […]

For many international students, attending university overseas is the first time that they will be away from home on their own. One of the most difficult parts of adjusting to life in a new country is often becoming familiar with a new culture and a new city. Although there are a number of housing options […]

Over the years, as an international student, I have realized that it takes a village to secure an on-campus job. It can take months and sometimes years of preparation. Before working on my PhD in the U.S., I knew little about the strategies and resources that I could use within my institution to find a […]

Making the decision to immigrate to Canada is exciting and courageous. The months leading up to your arrival will be an emotional time as you prepare for life in your new home country. The anticipation of your move can be overwhelming. However, there are steps you can take during this phase that will make the […]

Career Pathways in Education: Using Your Foreign Education is our newest installment in the Pathways e-guides series. There is an edition for Canada and one for the United States. The new e-guide surveys career and academic pathways in the field of education, as well as alternative and related career opportunities. With practical information on relevant academic pathways, licensing and certification […]

What do organizations like the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association, Indo-Canadian Community of Professionals, and the Chinese Workers Support Network have in common? They are all examples of professional immigrant associations. Volunteer-led and run by skilled immigrants, each association is organized based on a profession, ethnicity, or both, and has a mandate to support skilled immigrants […]

Now that I work a full-time job and my school days are behind me, I have been doing some retrospective thinking. What were the surprises, issues, and experiences that shaped my journey? Among the many things that come to mind, one that stands out is work experience. Having work experience on your résumé holds immense […]

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is defined as “the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirements.” It is essentially managing a project through to completion through careful coordination with your team. Project management sounds easy, right? Tell your team what needs to happen […]

Recruitment companies can be an accessible avenue for job leads in Canada. Skilled immigrants are seen as highly attractive and eligible candidates, particularly for recruiters working with companies that value diversity. With a better understanding of the process and how to stand out, internationally educated professionals can have great results in working with a recruiter. […]

Our series on the WES Global Talent Bridge Skilled Immigrant Integration Program continues this month with the city of St. Louis, Mo., one of the eight sites whose participation in the national pilot program is based on their track record of supporting immigrant professional success. St. Louis’ work with the project has two focuses: Adapt […]

Canadian universities and colleges provide high-quality post-secondary education, and they are accepting more and more applications from international students. However, there are some unique characteristics of post-secondary education in Canada to keep in mind. One important distinction is that, in Canada, universities refer only to schools that offer full degree programs, such as a bachelor’s […]

Roughly 53 percent of Canadians over the age of 15 have completed some level of postsecondary education, attending either a university, college, vocational school, or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CÉGEP). In Canada, each province or territory is responsible for designating schools at the post-secondary level, and each post-secondary institution has its own set of […]

Ramanuj Basu is an internationally educated lawyer from India who immigrated to Canada in pursuit of a fulfilling life and career. Ramanuj’s career pathway in Canada is a reflection of the drive, sacrifices, and energy it takes to be successful as an internationally educated professional. In this spotlight on success article, we explore some factors […]

If you were on an admissions committee, what do you think your expectation would be of a student who majored in a different field than the one they are applying for? What would be your concerns? Sometimes it can be a good thing to change your career focus and put yourself back on the right […]

There are over 5,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. Big, small, urban, rural—name what you are looking for, and you are bound to find it. As a consequence, it can be easy for international students to become overwhelmed with choices or to stick to schools well known around the world. Either scenario, however, could […]

When you sign up to participate in career fairs, networking events, or professional development conferences, it is beneficial for you to ensure you make the most out of your attendance. Events like these are a great way to connect with other professionals who are in your industry, build your confidence, and access the hidden job […]

What programs are serving skilled immigrants? What are the demographic trends of college-educated immigrants across the nation? And how are state policies affecting skilled immigrants? Join us as we discuss these and other questions about skilled immigrant integration. “Pinning Resources: Mapping the Field of Immigrant Professional Integration.” When: Thursday, March 29, 2-3 pm EDT Following […]

Canadian universities are seeing ever-increasing numbers of international students, but these students often face challenges, such as high tuition and fees. Most of the universities in Canada are publicly funded, which helps to keep tuition fees lower than in some other countries, while still offering a high-quality education. Unfortunately, however, most financial aid options at […]

Our series on the WES Global Talent Bridge Skilled Immigrant Integration Program continues this month with the state of Maryland, one of the eight localities participating in the national pilot program based on their track records of supporting immigrant professional success through local programs and initiatives. Maryland’s work with the WES project has two thrusts: […]

Just what is the college admission sweet spot? In other words, what is that magic combination of grades, test scores, activities, and essays that will wow a U.S. admissions officer and get an international applicant admitted? Truth be told, it is hard to peg. Mostly because it varies from school to school, year to year, […]