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Wei-Lin from Taiwan: Computer Science Major and Camping Enthusiast

Written by Alexander College in Student Spotlight on June 18, 2024

Today we shine our Student Spotlight on Wei-Lin Chen, our Associate of Science (Computer Science) Degree student from Taiwan! Prior to studying in Canada, Wei-Lin worked as an industrial engineer in the semiconductor industry.

Vancouver: A City Surrounded by Nature

Canada is a country that is not only known for its diversity of people, but also for its abundance of nature.

Even if you live in a large city like Vancouver, there’s no shortage of nature nearby! From the old forests found within Stanley Park to the mountains that is just a bus ride away, it’s no wonder many people pick up an outdoor activity as a hobby after moving here.

Wei-Lin enjoying th view from a mountain

The fact that nature is so accessible is why Wei-Lin enjoys living in Vancouver so much. Wei-Lin hikes once or twice a month and has conquered the Grouse Grind.

Hiking is challenging, Wei-Lin admits, but to him the beautiful view at the top of the mountain is worth it.

Another outdoor activity he enjoys is camping.

“I can gather around with my friends… and go to some place where we want and just setting up and cooking something and just talking and relaxing.”

Wei-Lin camping outside

Planning for the Future

Once Wei-Lin decided to pivot to programming from engineering, he had a plan in place.

He chose to study at Alexander College because unlike most universities, many private colleges like Alexander College offer lower tuition rates for fully transferrable courses.

Wei-Lin talking with staff

Wei-Lin likes how the staff at Alexander College are very helpful. In particular, he recommends Academic Advising because they have helped him with the process of applying to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to continue his education.

He also thinks the instructors have been very helpful as well. In his current programming job, he has been able to apply the fundamental knowledge he has learned in class.

Wei-Lin studying in the library

Advice for Future Students

One piece of advice Wei-Lin would like to pass on to future students is to be prepared for the pace of school in Canada. Compared to his education in Taiwan, the pace is much faster here.

“You have to learn fast and do assignments and review all the materials you learn in each class.”

If you’re a current student at AC, we would love to hear our story! Contact us at social@alexandercollege.ca and you may have a chance to be featured in a future blog and video.

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Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.

Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.