WES Blog

Ike Agbassi was an experienced medical laboratory technologist (MLT) when he arrived in Canada in June 2003. He had more than 12 years of experience and had owned two labs prior to leaving Aba, Nigeria. Now, he was starting over in a new country and he was ready to launch the next chapter of his […]

September is fast approaching, and it’s not too early to start preparing for your new semester. Having a successful start to your first week at college requires plenty of preparation beforehand. Here are 10 things you should do before your first week at college: Stay up to date with school requirements: Universities typically require students to […]

Summer is a very fun season, especially if you’re an international student experiencing your first summer in the U.S.! The start of a new school year is just around the corner, so here’s a list of the things you can do to make the most out of summertime before it ends: Go on a Road […]

As an international student, you may think that LinkedIn is a social networking site made only for experienced professionals. However, it can be an incredibly useful tool for international students and new graduates, especially those looking to make their way as professionals in the U.S. To show you how valuable LinkedIn can be, we’ve pulled […]

“Yours to Discover” is the slogan on the Ontario license plates, and this couldn’t be more true for international students. As of April 1, 2016, Canada’s population is estimated to be over 36 million. Ontario is the most populous Canadian province with an estimated population of over 13.7 million. Ontario is also home to the largest concentration of Canadian […]

In a recent webinar, we spoke with Joshua LaFave and Christopher Connor, two college admissions experts who weighed in with their best advice to international students looking to apply to master’s and doctorate programs in the U.S. Read on to discover their insights. What’s the Difference? A master’s program is more of a professional degree. […]

If you started your education outside of the U.S. or Canada, then a credential evaluation will help admissions officers understand your previous academic achievements. Getting your credentials evaluated is one of the first steps toward pursuing your educational and professional goals. Below are the steps you need to take to successfully obtain and use credential […]

There are a variety of higher education options available in the U.S. For example, you can attend community colleges, four-year universities and colleges, continuing education programs, and more. Each option allows people with different educational backgrounds, financial circumstances, goals, and interests to access higher education; but you should understand the differences in order to choose […]

The college application process can be overwhelming, but with the right research and planning, you can easily prepare to apply for admission to the school of your choice. Before beginning your application, here are a few useful tips: Familiarize Yourself with the Process Many colleges and universities have minimum requirements that international students or permanent […]

In North America, challenges to the recognition of international academic credentials are numerous; however, with some basic research and planning, you can make the process advantageous for yourself and accomplish your career goals. As an international student or immigrant to Canada and the U.S., you have to do your part to ensure employers, colleges, universities, […]

Your field of study in university can help define your future. It may also correlate with what kind of career experience and salary you can expect after graduation. So, when deciding on your major, think about your passions, interests, values, and career options. If you want to pursue a career in the U.S., you should […]

I had an uncle who emigrated from India apply for a job that was located in a small town in New York called Dobbs Ferry by calling the company and asking to speak with “Mr. Dobbs Ferry.” We laugh about it now, but blunders like these make the transition into the U.S. and Canada that […]

The federal government and academic institutions offer loans and grants that can help you pay to attend a U.S. college or university. The first step in applying for any type of financial aid—whether federal or institutional—is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA is a comprehensive form used by all colleges […]

Studying in the U.S. can be very expensive. You have to pay for books, room and board, and other daily expenses—in addition to tuition. Luckily there are financial aid options that can help you pay for your education. You even may be able eligible to receive financial aid if you are an eligible non-U.S. citizen. […]

If you want to attend a college or university in the U.S. or Canada, you may be able to transfer some credits for courses you have already taken. The decision to accept credits earned abroad varies from school to school, but here are some of the factors many universities consider: Is the institution you attended […]

There are few consistent practices when applying to universities. Although most schools maintain a basic set of requirements, individual institutions also set their own standards. Some universities, for example, require prospective students to write a statement of purpose, whereas others require a personal statement. Applicants write both personal statements and statements of purpose to provide […]

The following links offer general information and advice for prospective international students, including college search and application services, admissions testing, and financial aid information. General Advice for International Students in Canada The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) works with other federal departments, provincial and territorial governments and marketing agencies, non-governmental organizations, and academic and […]

For international students wanting to study in the U.S., there are many financial aid opportunities available. Students can look for funding from nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, as well as colleges and universities. Students should begin searching and applying for scholarships as early as possible. Read on to understand the basics of applying for […]

Summer vacation for college students in the U.S. typically lasts three to four months, which gives students time to recharge and work on self-development. Although many international students staying in the U.S. complete summer internships, there are plenty of other ways to invest in your future. Here are some activities you can do this summer […]

Being a volunteer is not just about helping others, but also being fully engaged in an activity. Volunteering has a unique ability to make participants involve their hearts, bodies, and minds. Most people say they live busy lives and that it is hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are as […]