International Student Profile – Manchan
Apr 10, 2024 | Cindy Males, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Manchan came to Canada in the summer of 2023 from northern India. Hiking in the Himalaya mountains back home is a favourite pastime, and the fact that he can hike in the forested area on Canadore’s College Drive Campus was a big attraction for him.
“I hold a bachelor's degree in physical therapy,” Manchan said. “I love to hike in the Himalayas, so when I learned I could have so many hikes in one place and all around nature, I fell in love with this place.”
Manchan is studying in the Health Care Administration program. He admits that the transition to a new country has not been easy.
“I was skeptical. You have to pack your whole life into suitcases, and move to a new country. But when you feel at home and have people tell you what you should do, how to dress for winter, and what you can expect, it makes life easier. You don’t feel left out. You have a sense of belonging.”
Manchan believes one of the reasons he has settled in so well is his involvement in Canadore’s international/domestic student twinning program, an initiative that provides a space for international and domestic students to meet, connect, learn from each other, and develop friendships.
Wendy Lickers-Lapierre, a student in the Practical Nursing to BScN Bridging Honours Bachelor of Science Nursing program, is Manchan’s “twin.”
“I thought it would be interesting to learn about different cultures and to help people navigate around North Bay,” Lickers-Lapierre said. “It’s great to share my culture. People are more open now to learning, and Manchan has taken a big interest in Indigenous culture.”
“North Bay is a good city, except for when it’s dark and you don’t know what to do on the weekends or in the evenings,” Manchan said. “Everyone is trying to make their way in a new country, and then getting to know the locals would be more difficult.” The twinning program provided a welcome solution.
The two friends enjoy the times they play pool or go bowling together.
Manchan will graduate this year, but these “twins” say their friendship will continue long into the future. “It’s not just a friendship; she is my twin for life,” said Manchan. “How do you forget your twin?”