Q&A With WES Staff: Moving Abroad and Credential Evaluation

At WES, it is our mission to support immigrants, refugees, and international students who are seeking to leverage their education and experience in new places. WES staff are committed to their work shaped by experiences that closely reflect those of our applicants. Their personal journeys inspire them to support others in accessing education and career opportunities. 

In this blog post, we asked some of our staff about their experiences of moving and settling into life in a new country.  

What drove your decision to move abroad? 

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. As someone who’s visibly from a racialized minority group, I’m always looking for a community where I would feel welcome. So, having gone from one extremely diverse city, London, to Toronto, made a lot of sense. I wanted to expand my career horizons as well. 

—Sifat, WES Mariam Assefa Fund 

I moved to the U.S. in 2011 from Cape Town. After staying with my family in Washington, D.C., for a bit, I headed to L.A. and went to California Lutheran University. This provided me with an opportunity to focus on school and connect with others who had similar interests.” 

—Nomzana, WES Mariam Assefa Fund 

What was your experience like when you arrived in the U.S. or Canada? 

Starting over wasn’t easy in the U.S. I worked at Travelex in the airport, doing currency exchange to support myself and earn an income. At times, I wondered if I should just go back. But WES helped me recognize the value of my past experience and find a way to return to the same job I had back home. 

—Josie, People team 

I didn’t really find too many Zambians or Southern Africans who came from my neck of the woods. So that was tough, but it was nice to make friends from a bunch of different countries, and that got me through the tough times. Building out community is something that saved me.” 

—Nomzana 

What would you tell someone who is considering getting a credential evaluation? 

It’s important to know that a credential evaluation can support not only educational purposes, but also employment and licensing. There are multiple ways you can use your foreign education depending on which path you’re looking to take in the U.S. or Canada. 

—Viktoria, Production team 

I would say a credential evaluation is the best first step that you can do for yourself in terms of making the first kind of commitment to whether you want to study abroad or move abroad. 

—Sifat 

A credential evaluation shows that you took the time to educate yourself and enhance your skills. It shows the progression of where you’re at so you’re not fresh in the game. You have experience. You have knowledge. You have the know-how. So, I think it would be a real disservice if you don’t have a credential evaluation. 

—Josie 

How has your own experience shaped your work at WES? 

As an immigrant myself, it’s just very rewarding to be able to really see the impact that we make and people like myself, that we’re actually making a difference in someone’s life by helping them recognize their foreign education instead of having to start from scratch when they come here. 

—Viktoria 

I think it’s been very interesting working from the philanthropy side. It’s such a refreshing experience to constantly reflect on the ways in which we, as a trust-based philanthropy, engage with those actually doing grassroots level work, especially as they’re the actual ones making the change, providing support, providing services to newcomers, immigrants, international students, and other communities. I’m honoured to support them through the Fund’s grant-making initiatives.

—Sifat 

Key Takeaways 

Navigating life in a new country can be challenging, but it can also offer meaningful experiences that help you grow, connect with others, and explore new opportunities. Remember, your past matters, your experience counts, and support is available. 

WES is ready to help you with your credential evaluation. Learn more about our evaluation. 

Related Readings 

Top 5 Reasons to Get a Credential Evaluation 

Helpful Tools for Your WES Credential Evaluation 

Empowering Newcomers: How Ximena Helps Others Leverage Their Education for Success