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Meet Our Students

Ryerson is arguably one of the most culturally diverse university campuses in Canada. We asked a few of our international students about their lives at Ryerson and in Toronto - here is what they had to say.



Lise de Montbrun

Hometown: Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago
Program: Architectural Science
Extracurricular Activities: Ryerson Student Union, VP Student Life & Events, Architecture Course Union, West Indian Student Association.

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
The Ram in the Rye - good food at a student price and a nice place to chill in between class.

My favourite course so far...
SOC 603 - Sociology of Gender.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Sitting in Dundas Square when it's sunny and Toronto Life Square - everything is in that place!

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
The city!! There are so many things to do and everything is very accessible and it also creates great opportunities to meet people from all over the world.

I chose Ryerson because...
I wanted to attend an urban university and study architecture. Ryerson offered the program and environment I was looking for.

In five years...
Hopefully enjoying and living in another big city. I want to be able to travel the world.


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Solina Naoum

Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Program: Interior Design
Extracurricular Activities: Piano, hanging out with friends

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
In the second floor studio of the Interior Design building.

My favourite course so far...
IRN 400: Design Dynamics Studio IV

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
Toronto has nice architecture, beautiful landscapes and great shopping.

I chose Ryerson because...
The Interior Design program has an excellent reputation.

In five years...
I will be an interior designer working for a well-known design firm.


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Nazuk Jain

Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Program: Computer Engineering with Industrial Internship
Extracurricular Activities: International Services for Students Peer Supporter, Departmental Representative for Electrical and Computer Engineering, Student Journal of Automation Robotics, Mechatronics and Manufacturing

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
Anywhere in the Engineering building, especially 409, 411 etc.

My favourite course so far...
Almost every third-year course like ELE 635, 639 and COE 608.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Almost everywhere with friends is fun; it's usually the company that matters the most!

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Is a really awesome place!

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
Diversity! Toronto is the most diverse city in the world, and you feel at home even if you are miles away from family.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My laptop - it has everything of importance (on it) plus (it's a) great way to have a video chat with my parents whenever I want!

I chose Ryerson because...
I like the student-professor interaction here. There is a personal touch rather than just a "number-based" system. It also offers a wide variety of internship, co-op and scholarship opportunities. I have won a number of scholarships during my time here, and recently secured a 16-month internship with RIM (the manufacturers of BlackBerry)!

In five years...
I hope to be working and also researching in the field of Image Processing.


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Victoria Chen

Hometown: Fuzhou, China
Program: Radio and Television
Extracurricular Activities: International Services for Students Peer Supporter, Chinese Christian Fellowship

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
In the Rogers Communications Centre lounge…or…the library.

My favourite course so far...
BDC 303 Production: TV Studio.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Different restaurants, just because I love to try any kind of food!

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Is quickly becoming a leading Canadian university.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
For me, the city is the perfect combination of classroom (I’m learning my profession in the heart of Canada’s media industry) and playground (being downtown means that I’m steps away from shopping, restaurants, cultural events, etc.)

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My diary book.

I chose Ryerson because...
It’s the only university that offers Radio and Television in Canada. I love my program!

In five years...
I see myself working for a TV network in Vancouver.


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Jessica Lewis

Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Program: Journalism
Extracurricular Activities: Writing, photography, going to concerts

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
I hang out around residence a lot, so that’s where I usually am. If not, I’m at the RAC (Recreation and Athletics Centre), in the library, or just walking around with friends.

My favourite course so far...
SOC 202: Popular Culture.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
The city itself! I haven't been here long enough to find a perfect hangout.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Has such a wide range of students in general; from what kind of activities they do and what kind of music they like to where they’re from.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
I love the excitement of the city - there is so much to do when you’re not in class or studying. I’ve found Toronto to be very "lucky"- while walking down the street, I’ve been asked to be on TV or see a free concert! Just being in this city ups the excitement factor of learning, and it’s great for my journalism streeters (interviewing people on the street about current events).

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My laptop, it has everything on it!

I chose Ryerson because...
I am half Canadian, and I love Canadian cities. When I visited Ryerson last year, I knew that I would fit in here and that it was just the kind of life I was looking for. Plus, Ryerson’s Journalism program is respected and really exciting.

In five years...
I hope to be writing for a newspaper or magazine.


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Jason Pierce

Hometown: Syracuse, New York
Program: Arts and Contemporary Studies
Extracurricular Activities: Academic Council, Ryerson Model United Nations, Tri-Mentoring Program, Golden Key

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
Either in class, at the ACS computer lab, in the library, or at the gym.

My favourite course so far...
PHL 605: Existentialism.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Queen West or the Beaches.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Has some of the most engaging and dynamic faculty (including TVOntario’s best lecturer Arne Kislenko!).

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
The fact that the school and the city are inseparable. Your educational experience extends way beyond the campus.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
Coffee.

I chose Ryerson because...
The campus is in the heart of downtown Toronto. In addition, the curriculum is not a one-way street from the faculty to the student. The students play as much a part in shaping many of the programs as the administration does.

In five years...
I will be bilingual and possess a law degree.


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Kiran Soolja

Hometown: Mumbai, India
Program: Business Management (Marketing)
Extracurricular Activities: Volunteering in associations like ISA (Indian Student Association), HAS (Hindu Student Association), Ryerson Girls Cricket Club

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
You can find me anywhere on the Ryerson Campus, I am all over the place… the cafeteria, Library, the new Business Building, Kerr Hall…

My favourite course so far...
PHL 214: Critical Thinking. I just love Professor Cunningham!

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Lakeshore, they have some nice sports bars there and good restaurants. Richmond Street rocks for the weekend, especially for clubbing and movies.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Is just amazing…and there is so much to do here! Ryerson is my “Jaan” - in other words my life.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
Toronto is so homely, but at the same time, you can find the world in this one city.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
At present, I have to say Ryerson.

I chose Ryerson because...
It’s simply the best!

In five years...
I am going to be a confident, honest, wise and successful human being that graduated from Ryerson.


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Toyin Ajakaiye

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Program: Social Work
Extracurricular Activities: International Student Ambassador, going to the movies, hanging out with friends

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
In the Learning Commons Lab and the Sally Horsfall Eaton Building.

My favourite course so far...
PSY 621: Psychology of Human Sexuality. The course content and professor were great!

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Salad King Restaurant, they have the best Thai food!

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Has produced a lot of renowned alumni.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
I have complete access to diversity and culture within a lovely city.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My cell phone.

I chose Ryerson because...
It is a university with a very good reputation. Ryerson also provides a good balance of theory and hands-on training.

In five years...
I should have a fulfilling career that takes me around the world.


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Zohair Khan

Hometown: Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia
Program: Aerospace Engineering
Extracurricular Activities: Vice President Administration of the Ryerson Engineering Student Society, spending time at the RAC playing squash or working out

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me..
At the Ryerson Engineering Student Society in Kerr Hall East, or grabbing a bite to eat and a drink with friends at the Ram in the Rye.

My favourite course so far...
AER309: Thermodynamics.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Crepe Café on Queen Street! The food is amazing and it’s always fun to be there with a bunch of friends!

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Has a very diverse student population!

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
You are in the heart of one of the greatest cities in North America!

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My Ryerson Engineering hard hat!

I chose Ryerson because...
It was one of the few schools in Ontario to offer a BEng in Aerospace Engineering. It also has strong industry connections, and offers a wide variety of internship and co-op opportunities.

In five years...
I want to be standing on the moon!


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Anthony Phillip

Hometown: Diego Martin, Trinidad & Tobago
Program: Business Management (Marketing Management)
Extracurricular Activities: Intramural soccer, golf, Marketing Assistant for the RAC (Ryerson Athletic Centre)

If you were looking to find me on campus, you would find me...
At work at the Residence! It's a great job located in the heart of campus. I meet new people everyday and learn about different cultures throughout the world.

My favourite course so far...
IBS522 International Marketing

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Pickle Barrel - a great restaurant close to campus.

A lot of people don't know that...
Ryerson is such a multicultural school. It's no surprise, seeing that it's located in the heart of such a cosmopolitan city.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
Everything you need is so accessible - shopping malls, restaurants and the clubbing district.

I chose Ryerson because...
It not only offers an excellent Marketing Management program, but also because Ryerson has such a diverse student body from all walks of life.

In five years...
I hope to work in a multinational firm in the Marketing field.


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Osama Hussain

Hometown: Khartoum, Sudan
Program: Graphic Communications Management
Extracurricular Activities: FIT "Friends in Trouble" street youth program volunteer, music production, DJ, events promotion

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
At the new student centre, food court, or at the lower gym playing basketball, soccer or swimming.

My favourite course so far...
GRA 102 and 202 Typography

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Spice Lounge (Kaya Lounge)

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
has many hands-on and co-op programs that better prepare you and help you market yourself to employers.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
Toronto is diverse in culture, and has a large urban and youth scene, with many festivals and concerts, malls, clubs...T-Dot has it all!

The one thing I couldn't live without...
Music!

I chose Ryerson because...
Ryerson's location is ideal. This city helps stimulate creativity and cultural awareness. Ryerson also has good reputation among employers.

In five years...
I'll be the CEO of my own music label and preparing to open a publishing press in Sudan.


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Betsy (Elizabeth) Moss

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Program: Arts and Contemporary Studies
Extracurricular Activities: Academic Senate, Hillel @ Ryerson, Ryerson Green Campus Initiative

My favourite course so far...
ACS 300: Ideas That Shape the World II, The Renaissance Era. Who can resist all the art, philosophy and religious tension?

My favourite Toronto hangout...
The National Film Board Mediatheque at John St. and Richmond St. W.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
The diversity here is astounding. People here are of every seemingly imaginable background. I really do have friends from Australia to Zambia.

I chose Ryerson because...
Arts and Contemporary Studies sounded so cool and unique. How could I resist an adventure, going somewhere I had never been?

In five years...
I will have at least one more degree and be doing something creative with educating children, using the arts and environment, all mixed together.


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Jessica Lopez

Hometown: Queretaro, Mexico
Program: Hospitality and Tourism Management
Extracurricular Activities: Ryerson Latin American Students' Association, part-time job at the International Living/Learning Centre. (ILLC)

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
At the International Living/Learning Centre (ILLC). Great place to be with friends and nice cafeteria.

My favourite course so far...
I love all the courses related to hospitality, but my favourite so far is HTH 102 Hospitality/Tourism: Service and Professionalism.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
The Eaton Centre. It's close to school and there is always something to do.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Really cares about international students. There is a lot of support here, which makes living so far away from home easier.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
You get to meet people from all over the world, and you get to know their culture and ways of living.

The one thing I couldn't live without:
My MP3 player and the gym.

I chose Ryerson because...
They offered the major I wanted and its business school is recognized as one of Canada's best.

In five years...
I will be living in Toronto, running my own event planning business.


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Jonathan Pires

Hometown: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Program: Business Management (Marketing Management)
Extracurricular Activities: Guitar and music, part-time jobs at Oakham House and with the Ryerson Rams (basketball, volleyball and hockey).

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
In one of the following places: Ryerson's campus pub The Ram in the Rye; I'm a regular at their open mic night, catching up on sleep at the Ryerson Athletic Centre (RAC), or studying in the library or the cafe.

My favourite course so far...
International Marketing (Go Dr. Carl!).

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Mickey Fynns and 40 Gerrard Street East (my apartment).

A lot of people don't know that...
Kenny Hotz graduated from Ryerson (Image Arts). He did the script for South Park and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1997 (Go Ninja!).

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
The multicultural factor! The day I came to Toronto, I felt like I was at home away from home!

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My guitar.

I chose Ryerson because...
Of its location - downtown Toronto.

In five years...
I plan to pursue a career in the sports or music industry.


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Shahrzad Nakhai

Hometown: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Program: Journalism
Extracurricular Activities: Filipino Canadian Association of Ryerson, improv.

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
In the ILLC! (International Living/Learning Centre). It's where I live.

My favourite course so far...
SOC 2020 Popular Culture.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
The Eaton Centre and Kensington Market.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Ryerson actually has a lot of international students from a wide range of places.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
There's ALWAYS something to see or do. And we live downtown, which enriches the learning experience. In my program, the city is also our classroom.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My Ryerson planner.

I chose Ryerson because...
It has one of the best Journalism programs in Canada. It's very practical, whereas other journalism schools are more theory-based.

In five years...
I will be working as a reporter, hopefully.


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Sherlly Widjaja

Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Program: Chemical Engineering Co-Op
Extracurricular Activities: Ryerson International Student volunteer, church involvement.

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
In the cafeteria, hanging out with my friends while eating lunch and doing homework.

My favourite course so far...
PSY 308 - Psychology of Thinking.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
Bubble Tea 168.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Is great for those who want to spend more time learning by doing, rather than just staring at a textbook.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
So much to do, so little time!

The one thing I couldn't live without...
My laptop.

I chose Ryerson because...
It has a co-op program for chemical engineering, allowing me to connect with employers while I am still a student.

In five years...
I will be working as a chemical engineer.


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Nathalie Kong

Hometown: Rose-Hill, Mauritius
Program: Information Technology Management
Extracurricular Activities: Working out, swimming and badminton.

If you were looking for me on campus, you would find me...
In the International Living/Learning Centre (ILLC). I work part-time there.

My favourite course so far...
My management courses - I find it interesting to learn about all the things needed to make a company run profitably.

My favourite Toronto hangout...
The Eaton Centre. The shopping is great and you can find all types of food there.

A lot of people don't know that Ryerson...
Offers unique business programs.

What is the best thing about going to school in Toronto?
It is a very multicultural city. You can meet people from all different backgrounds.

The one thing I couldn't live without...
The Internet! Without the Internet, I would be "informationless".

I chose Ryerson because...
The ITM (Information Technology Management) program - it's not available at other universities.

In five years...
Hopefully I will have a job that I love.


 

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