By Katie Fedosenko
International Arts student moves continents for a global education
Yasin Kiraga Misago Burundian is a Political Science and International Relations student. He studied for two years at University of Kigali in Rwanda and came to Canada in 2009 after being selected by UBC for the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee program. “Because of the instabilities in Rwanda, I came to Canada for resettlement as a refugee and study at UBC and I’m now a permanent resident,” said Yasin.
“There are some differences comparing Canadian universities and Rwandan universities,” said Yasin, “UBC is a world-class university — it is far beyond in academics and research compared Rwandan universities.” According to Yasin, some student research in African universities is done in groups and each student has a specific task, like typing or library work based on the interests of each person. When he was assigned research projects for his classes at UBC, he had to do all those tasks himself, some of which he had no experience in.
“I have come to successes through challenges,” Yasin said. “When I first came to UBC, it was very challenging.” His first time in a Western country and in a new university, Yasin had to improve his typing skills and research skills as well as writing skills while adjusting to the different pace of classes. “I went through transition and transformation,” he said, and received great support from Arts Academic Advising, where he got connected to the Writing Centre, academic courses study program (degree requirements), typing skills and other resources. He got computer help from Arts ISIT as well.
Living and studying on campus, Yasin became very connected to the UBC community, first in class and then in clubs. “Group work in classes connected me automatically to friends; they become your sisters and brothers” said Yasin. He has been part of WUSC UBC, African Awareness club, CiTR radio station, Stand UBC club, Political Science and International Relations Student Associations, and AMS Office of the President where he was invited to give talks about Africa. “Life is so easy on campus but there is little time to enjoy it due to lots of school work,” he said.
After he graduates, Yasin plans to continue learning and give back to the global community. “I want to go to Law school and specialize in immigration and refugee law, or pursue a post graduate degree in refugees and forced immigration studies,” he said. “If I have the opportunity, I want to continue studying in Canada.”
“UBC education has broadened my mind to help me think globally as an intellectual,” said Yasin. “Bravo to UBC, Canadians and Long live WUSC and Canadians. It’s only contributing $2 Canadian and bring students from refugee camps to campus who become intellectuals and leaders of tomorrow, poverty eradication and social development.”
