Finding Her Path: Yue Zhou’s Study Experience at the University of Alberta
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If you are curious what an international student journey looks like, Yue Zhou’s story may help answer some questions. As a graduate from the Nutrition and Food Science program at the University of Alberta, she’s shared a bit of her academic journey in the Q&A blog below.
Q: Among so many universities, why did you choose the University of Alberta?
Yue Zhou:
I looked into the curriculum and faculty background at many schools, and I found that the University of Alberta is particularly strong in the field of nutrition and food science. Their research in areas like food safety and fermentation is especially cutting-edge.
What really stood out to me was the balance between theory and practice. The program offers hands-on learning through kitchen-style labs that are more like real cooking environments than traditional science labs. I also really enjoy the small class sizes, which make it easy to engage with professors. The learning environment here is supportive and inspiring—I feel like I’ve really grown, both academically and personally.
Q: What advice would you give to future students?
Yue Zhou:
If I could offer one piece of advice to future U of A students, it would be: don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek help. There are so many great support resources here—professors, advisors, and peers who truly want to see you succeed. Also, step outside your comfort zone. Join clubs, volunteer, and try new things. You’ll grow not just academically, but also personally and professionally.
Q: How do you usually spend your time outside of class? Have you participated in any extracurricular activities or volunteer programs?
Yue Zhou:
During the 2024–2025 academic year, I participated in the ALES Mentorship Program as a Junior Mentor. As a senior student, I met regularly with my mentees every month and brought them along to various campus events like yoga nights, trivia games, and even a holiday card-making session where we hand-drew Christmas cards for children in the hospital.
At the beginning of the new semester, I also volunteered to lead campus tours for new students and shared my academic and personal experiences with them. As an upper-year student, I found it very meaningful to help new students adjust more quickly to university life.
In addition, I had the opportunity to work with the International Recruitment team. I helped edit promotional videos and draft content for WeChat to support outreach to prospective international students. This internship gave me a deeper appreciation for the university’s welcoming environment, where colleagues were kind and collaborative. I also gained valuable communication and teamwork skills.
I highly recommend that new students take time to learn about the university’s different support services—because when challenges arise, it’s much easier to know where to go for help.
Q: How would you describe the learning atmosphere and campus life at the University of Alberta? What academic support have you received, and how do you usually spend your time outside of class?
Yue Zhou:
The University of Alberta has a strong academic atmosphere and a well-established support system for students. I’m especially thankful for the academic advisors and the Academic Success Centre, who offered detailed guidance and support to keep me on track with my studies.
Outside of academics, campus life is just as exciting. There are countless student clubs and events, and the overall environment is both vibrant and inclusive. I often take part in activities that match my interests. Edmonton also offers beautiful natural scenery and a relaxed lifestyle. On nice days, I enjoy walking in the nearby river valley or parks around campus. If you’re lucky, you can even catch the northern lights or the Milky Way—it’s truly breathtaking
Alberta is famous for its stunning landscapes. I’ve visited Jasper and Banff National Parks with friends, where we witnessed majestic mountains and wild animals up close. Those healing and awe-inspiring experiences are unforgettable.
For me, Alberta’s natural beauty is the perfect escape from academic pressure and is one of the most beautiful parts of my study abroad journey. It has enriched my university life and made it even more memorable.
Through Yue Zhou’s story, we’ve seen how one student turned her passion into action and found her own rhythm and path outside the classroom.
Her experience reminds us: step out of your comfort zone, take part in student clubs, volunteer, and explore new interests. Don’t limit yourself to the library—real growth often happens beyond the classroom. When you try new things and challenge yourself, you’ll find your horizons and abilities expanding in ways you never expected.
If you’re looking for a university experience that offers both academic depth and a vibrant student life, the University of Alberta might just be your next destination.
Learn more about the University of Alberta here.