When Pooja Khanna arrived in Nanaimo one of her first thoughts was, “Where are all the people?”

Pooja was born and raised in the busy metropolitan city of New Delhi, India. Coming to Canada and then to the close-knit community of Nanaimo, Pooja encountered a reality many Nanaimo residents are already familiar with. During the summer, many residents leave their homes, including university campuses, to explore the natural attractions British Columbia has to offer.

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This was the start to a period of adjustment Pooja faced after arriving in her new Canadian home.

“When I came here it was culture shock – there were no students on campus in June. New Delhi is a fast paced city where life passes you by in a heartbeat.  In B.C. I was able to slow down. I fell in love with the beauty and nature of Nanaimo.”

Pooja was initially hesitant at first to reach out but praises Vancouver Island University (VIU) faculty and the greater community of Nanaimo who helped her during those early months. “I realized that people at VIU and in Nanaimo are really friendly. You can be yourself. People are very welcoming and very open to support you.”

Before making the decision to apply to VIU’s Masters in Business program, Pooja hopped online and researched opportunities for international students in B.C. She first considered Vancouver because members of her family have lived there for 35 years.

Family had told Pooja that Vancouver would be a good place to study but after doing her research she decided to apply to VIU in Nanaimo instead, “At VIU I could earn my Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in International Management at the same time. That was attractive to me. Everything at VIU and Nanaimo is more affordable”

Pooja has also found that Nanaimo and VIU communities are progressive and diverse. “Being a part of this community I feel like I am able to bring my experience from a bustling metropolitan city. Studying at VIU I was able to meet and collaborate with students from around the world. Canada is known for its diversity and VIU is a testament to how your cultural identity is your greatest asset. At VIU being a part of such an amazing program with many international students gave us a global perspective in a local environment.”

As she looks forward to her graduation in January 2016, Pooja is considering remaining in British Columbia, preferably Vancouver or on Vancouver Island. She is now involved in StartUp Nanaimo as an intern helping entrepreneurs access information they need to grow their businesses, including using the communication and strategic business skills she is developing at VIU.

“This region has become part of my journey and I would like to stay.” Pooja describes Vancouver Island as Canada’s best-kept secret and says it is open for business and ready to be explored, “I intend on making B.C. my home and plan to lay down roots as long as I can.

“I feel I owe so much to Nanaimo. If other international students were to ask me about where to study I would suggest to them to come to VIU and Nanaimo. You will get not just an education; you will become part of the community. You will feel like you belong here.”