The Power of Storytelling: Sharing Your International Experience in Toronto

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Moving to a new country to study can be both an exciting and challenging experience. For international students, Toronto offers a unique location filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery. One of the most effective ways to navigate your educational journey abroad, build connections, and even boost career prospects is through storytelling. Whether blogging, vlogging, or other creative outlets, sharing personal experiences can have a profound impact on your professional goals.

In this blog, we explore the journey of an international student who turned her passion for storytelling into a tool for success, offering insights and inspiration for others looking to share their own stories.

An Interview with an International Student-Turned-Marketing Professional

We spoke with Associate Director of Marketing for Global University Systems (GUS) Canada Colleges, Erika Dela Cruz, who arrived in Toronto with a diverse background in nursing, aviation, and marketing. Her journey showcases how creative self-expression and sharing experiences can open doors and lead to professional success.

From Nursing to Studying Abroad

Erika began her career as a nurse, but a desire for a creative outlet led her to explore alternate career paths. The realization that she wanted to open a restaurant or café one day brought her to Toronto, where she pursued a Graduate Certificate in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Niagara College – Toronto.

Discovering the Power of Content Creation

Her passion for creativity, coupled with a desire to inspire others, led her to start vlogging about her experience as an international student. She saw it as a way to share her journey, connect with others, and encourage people to pursue their dreams, even if it meant starting fresh in a new country.

“I want people to know that it’s never too late to study, especially if you have bigger plans for the future," she explained.

Through her content, she was able to show her authentic self as an international student, which resonated with viewers around the world.

Using Challenges as Opportunities 

Like many international students, Erika faced challenges during her transition to life in Canada. Instead of shying away from these obstacles, she used them as inspiration for her content.

“When I first came to Canada, I didn’t have a job, so I was very conscious about budgeting,” she shared. “I researched budget-friendly stores and restaurants and filmed my experiences to help other students like me.”

By turning her daily challenges into informative content, she was able to help others navigate their own journeys. 

Building an Online Presence

Initially, she shared her stories on her personal platforms, but her creativity soon caught the attention of GUS Canada Colleges’ marketing team, where she shortly thereafter began an internship.

“I was able to expand my reach by sharing my experiences through their platforms,” she noted.

This led to the creation of series like “Tuesday Mornings,” “Hello Wednesday,” “My TSOM,” and “Student Explorers.” Through these platforms, she was able to inspire a larger audience, including international students considering studying in Canada.

Turning Storytelling into Career Success

Her efforts as a content creator didn’t just stop at vlogging—they helped her build essential skills that she now uses in her professional life.

“Vlogging was a stepping stone,” she said. “It helped me hone my creativity, directing, scriptwriting, and confidence. These skills are now crucial in my role as Associate Director of Marketing.” Over time, she learned to approach challenges with a positive mindset, using storytelling as a way to connect with others, share experiences, and even build professional relationships. 

The Benefits of Storytelling for Personal and Professional Growth 

There are countless benefits to sharing your story as an international student. It allows you to reflect on your journey, celebrate your progress, and motivate yourself to keep going. Documenting experiences can help in recognizing personal growth and achievements, no matter how small they may seem.

From a professional perspective, a strong online presence can act as a digital portfolio, showcasing creativity, communication skills, and initiative.

“Your visual presence online helps you as well,” she said. “There are times when people greet you out of the blue and tell you they’ve seen your videos. That’s a way of making connections.”

These connections can lead to professional opportunities, as was the case for Erika. After being recognized by senior leaders from other organizations within the international education industry, she was able to expand her network, opening doors for future collaborations.

Advice for Aspiring Content Creators

For students considering sharing their own experiences, her advice is simple:

“If you have an idea, execute it. Don’t hesitate. Share your experiences. Talk to people—be it online or offline. Make connections and network. That’s one way of creating opportunities for yourself.”

By embracing the idea of sharing authentic, real-life experiences, students can inspire others and build a community of support. 

The journey of studying in Toronto is filled with unique moments, challenges, and achievements. Sharing these experiences through storytelling can be a powerful tool, whether for personal growth, connecting with others, or building a professional brand. Everyone’s story is valuable and worth telling. So, why not start documenting your journey today? Whether it’s through blogs, vlogs, or other creative outlets, your experiences can inspire others and help you develop useful skills for the future.

When you begin to tell your story, don’t forget to share it with Niagara College – Toronto! Your experience might just inspire future international students.

 

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