International student makes history at MAL-U

International student makes history at MAL-U<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

A crowning achievement – that describes the recent graduation ceremony at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Nanaimo's Port Theatre for Malaspina University-College student Dennis Su.

He’s the first student in Malaspina’s history to complete three programs offered by the institution, earning a high school diploma from Malaspina International High School, a bachelor of arts degree in marketing, and a master of business administration (international) degree this year.

“Dennis represents the composite Malaspina student,” said Tom Lewis, principal of the Malaspina International High School. “Everyone at Malaspina is immensely proud of his achievements. Dennis represents what is possible for international students if they are conscientious and dedicated to learning.”

Originally from Taiwan, Su began his academic journey at Malaspina seven years ago at age 17 when his parents enrolled him in Malaspina International High School.

“I was just a kid, but my parents wanted me to have a Canadian education,” said Su. “It’s highly respected in Taiwan.”

Su experienced intense culture shock when he first arrived in Nanaimo due to the language barrier, but was placed with a supportive host family who helped him adjust to life in Canada. “They were friendly, supportive and helpful,” said Su. “They made me feel welcome.”

The high school program was academically challenging, said Su, but prepared him well for further studies. He completed Malaspina’s bachelor of arts program in three and a half years.

Su joined an intramural basketball league and met Taiwanese students enrolled in the master of business administration (international) partnership program, launched at Malaspina three years ago. Students take classes at Malaspina but their degrees are granted by Hertfordshire University in London, England.

“I decided getting an MBA in Canada would be a good thing,” said Su. “In Taiwan, almost everyone has a bachelor’s degree, so hopefully this will give me an advantage.”

Su said the best part of the program was sharing a classroom with people from all over the world, including India, Iran and Pakistan. “It was fun and educational to work with so many people from different cultures,” said Su. “Many of my classmates have become close friends.”

Su returns to Taiwan at the end of December, to be closer to family and to begin his job search. He hopes to land a marketing job with a multinational corporation in Taiwan, Asia or other countries.

“Yes, I’m optimistic about the future,” said Su. “I will definitely miss Canada, especially Nanaimo, the clean environment and friendly people.”

Will he return to Canada? “Someday I hope. Maybe when I’m ready for retirement.”