Preparing to study abroad can be complicated. With so many systems to understand and forms to complete, you might sometimes wonder why things can’t be simpler. If so, why not use your studies to change them? With hers, Vietnamese postgraduate Nana intends to do just that. She told us about how her growing interest in user experience led her to study interaction design at Conestoga College in Canada.
Finding your passion
Long before deciding to become an international student, Nana followed her passion for visual design up to a professional level. Her love for colour and the creative possibilities of images and animation grew from childhood, ultimately leading to it becoming her career. In particular, she finds inspiration in the every day, spotting the magic in moments that others may miss.
“I derive joy from capturing moments in daily life through photography, videography, and street life photos,” says Nana. “This has led me into the realm of social media content creation.”
Indeed, four years of working as a graphic designer have been fulfilling for Nana. However, there came a time when she wanted to expand her expertise. With an eye on the apps that had so far only hosted her work, she became increasingly aware that functionality is as important as form. Recognizing that design is not only a visual or artistic concern, she was intrigued by the way it shapes how we navigate modern life.
Developing personally and professionally
“In today's world, where people rely heavily on computers and smartphones, there's a growing need for designs that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and user-friendly. This is what led me to pursue interaction design.”
Interaction design (IxD) is an approach to developing digital systems and services focusing on how people use them. This means that while the way they look is important, it is not the priority. Instead, everything is geared towards making technology work for the user, providing them with the optimal experience.
When looking for somewhere to study the subject Canada, was high on Nana’s list. In addition to having an uncle living in Calgary, she had long been enamoured with the incredible landscapes for which the country is famous – perfect for someone with a widescreen imagination.
“Since I was a little girl, I've been captivated by stunning images of Canada,” Nana remembers. “The picturesque fall foliage, winter snowscapes, and the breathtaking lakes and mountains.”
Of course, a study destination is not only about scenery. When deciding where to enrol, it is important to look at every aspect of the educational experience. Nana was acutely aware of this and so made her choices carefully.
Canada calling
“I dedicated months to researching the Canadian lifestyle, as well as exploring the educational and professional opportunities it offered, confirming that it was indeed the perfect choice for me. The country boasts high-quality education and welcomes students with open arms, providing ample opportunities for work alongside their studies.”
This accommodating attitude to international students is especially evident at Conestoga College, where many learners come from outside Canada. Situated in Kitchener, Ontario – just 90 minutes from the heart of Toronto – the institution offers a wide range of courses at various levels of study. From short courses to degrees, there are hundreds of diverse options.
For Nana, the college’s one-year Interactive Media Management - Interaction Design programme was a perfect fit. After starting the course last year, she is now well on the way to graduation, taking with her new experiences and lifelong memories.
A rewarding study experience
“So far, I have loved my experience here in Canada, which has given me opportunities to study, as well as the chance to meet a lot of friends from many places. I've learned a lot from their culture, tried the food of their countries, and shared Vietnamese traditions with them.”
Nana’s time at Conestoga was one of self-development and international exchange. This is as true off campus as it is in the classroom, where she has experienced the varying teaching styles of professors from several different countries. With their help, she is now looking forward to a meaningful career in user-focused design.
“As I am learning UI and UX design, I hope to become a UI designer or UX researcher. My goal is to create interesting apps that can help people solve the problems of their daily lives – not just in Canada or Vietnam, but across the world.”
Off the back of Nana’s diploma, millions could one day benefit. The keen creator has global goals. These are a sign of the ambition and confidence that studying abroad has inspired. While moving to Canada was a bold step, she has many more exciting ones ahead. Given her experience so far, she has words of advice for prospective students.
“To start a new journey in a new country, the most important thing is to be brave. We must step out of our comfort zone, make new friends, learn new things, and understand that everyone is different.”
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