Hello everyone!
My name is Elif Boz. I am an international student from Turkey, and I am a candidate of Master of Financial Risk Management (MFRM) at SFU.
Our program welcomes students from all around the world, which is indicative of the fact that 80% of the students are international. SFU offers an international student office on the Burnaby campus that provides mentorship programs and advisory services. You can always find a helping hand at SFU.
It is important to apply for the program as early as possible as the application process can take quite a long time. For those who are determined to pursue a career in the finance industry, the MFRM is the right program that offers a unique blend of rigorous training in all aspects of financial risk management as well as real-world experience. You will definitely have a really heavy workload but a big part of the program is about managing your time, balancing social and academic activities and taking advantage of an amazing year with classmates.
Every country has its own business rules. As an international student, it is difficult to learn how to search possible job openings and how to be prepared for them. The Career Management Center (CMC) offers an extensive variety of workshops that will equip you for the Canadian job market. The preparation offered by CMC will assist you in finding the right job and educate you on how to excel in that job. Workshops, networking events, case competitions and mock interviews prepare you for the professional life. Networking events are the crucial and probably the best places to learn about the business life, job market and future job opportunities in Vancouver or even in Canada. 
After graduating from a one-year program in Canada, international students can apply for a work permit. During your studies, you also have an opportunity to work on and off-campus. Additionally, there are teaching assistant positions that international students can apply for.
As I was preparing to come to Vancouver for the MFRM program, two of the main questions I had were how life would be in a new city and what it would be like to go back to school again. After coming here, I discovered all the answers to my questions. I learned that this university is a charming and welcoming community where you can feel comfortable and encouraged to learn thanks to its great academic environment and the amazing professors. Although Vancouver is not as big as Toronto and there are fewer big businesses here, it is a beautiful, multicultural city with a hospitable climate. If you are a winter sports fan, this is a perfect place for you as Vancouver is very close to ski resorts.
Ultimately, adapting to Canada and Vancouver has been relatively easy for me. I am very glad to be part of the SFU’s Business circle and will always be proud to be part of it.