After receiving his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and automation at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China, Yu enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan to complete his master’s in mechanical engineering.

"My friend recommended this school,” Yu said. “The first time I saw the website, I knew I would go to this school.”

Through information received from the International Student Office, Bo said he felt that the University of Saskatchewan offered a good life balance and the chance to get involved in a lot of different activities. His transition to Saskatoon was helped by a tutor from Read Saskatoon, who worked with him on his English skills once a week, and a family that befriended Yu and met with him at least once a month.

In addition to new cultural experiences, Yu also found that a master’s program challenges students in new ways. The professors “taught us methodology, how to solve a problem, instead of giving us the procedure.” But for Yu, figuring things out on his own was beneficial. “You must think for yourself, but if you had problems, you could discuss them. It reminds me of a Chinese proverb: it’s better to teach a man to fish than give him fish.”