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When Wilfried Kindo moved to Canada from Africa in 2021 to begin his engineering degree at Dalhousie University, one of the biggest culture shocks he experienced was the dramatic change in weather.
 

“I remember visiting the International Centre at Da and learning about jackets,” he laughs, adding that in his home country of Burkina Faso, it’s very hot. “I had to learn what kind of jacket to buy and the different temperatures some jackets can withstand,” he continues.
 
Over three years later, the Dalhousie Civil Engineering student has not only adapted to the cold but also embraced a new way of life, new people, new customs, and new foods.

“Adjusting to the food was a big one,” he admits. “I still cook dishes from back home, but being part of different communities means trying new things, too. Poutine was a challenge at first—I didn’t like it at all. But now? I actually enjoy it. Same with donair pizza. And mac and cheese—I used to think it was strange, but my friends and teammates encouraged me to try it. They’ve also tried food from my country.”

Now in his fifth year of civil engineering at Dalhousie University, Kindo is preparing to graduate as the first-ever undergraduate student from Burkina Faso. He says if he could do the experience over again, he definitely would.

Finding Home Through Soccer

Dalhousie wasn’t the only university Wilfreid considered. He also applied to the University of Alberta and Queen’s University, but Halifax won him over. The prospect of being the first undergraduate student from Burkina Faso at Dalhousie excited him, and the opportunity to play soccer in a city he had never explored sealed the deal.

Soccer played a major role in helping him integrate into life in Canada. While he wasn’t initially recruited for the Dalhousie Tigers varsity team, he earned his spot as a walk-on

“I talked to the coach, Alan Jazic. He was very welcoming. He is one of the fairest coaches I have ever met. While most coaches only recruit players that they know or that are recommended to them, Alan Jazic gave me a chance to prove myself even though He had no idea of who I was and where I came from. He had for few training sessions, challenged me to get better and that’s how I got into the team.

Through soccer, Wilfried quickly built friendships and found a sense of belonging in Halifax. It turned what started as a rough transition into a rewarding experience.

“When I first came, it was during COVID, so the very first week was rough because I was at the Westin Hotel and I couldn't really go out. It was my first time ever being confined somewhere,” he remembers. “So that was a little brutal, and it was in the middle of the winter too.

Like many international students, Wilfried faced the challenge of adjusting to life far from home. In addition to cultural differences, he also had to navigate the language barrier.

“French is my first language, so English didn’t come naturally to me at first,” he explains. “It took a lot of reading, a lot of practice, and a lot of tutoring.”

Thankfully, Dalhousie offered plenty of support. The university’s International Centre helped him connect with other students, while the tutoring resources available through Dalhousie Athletics provided the academic help he needed.

Building Connections

Pursuing a degree in civil engineering was always something Kindo knew he wanted to do. “I had a certain liking for buildings and design,” he recalls. “When I was choosing what to study after high school, I narrowed it down to civil engineering. Once I started, there was no going back.”

With the soccer season now complete, Kindo is shifting his focus to the final few months of his degree and offering advice to fellow international students considering  Dalhousie Engineering.

“When I first arrived, I was a little reserved,” he admits. “At the time, I wasn’t great at sharing my story or asking for help when I needed it. But once I started opening up, I realized how much support was available.” 

He credits Dalhousie professors like Dr. Craig Lake for offering guidance not just academically, but in life as well.

“Dr Lake is the GOAT as we call him among classmates. My interest for Geotechnical Engineering came from taking his classes. Even though, I always knew what to study, I didn’t always know what kind of career I wanted. From talking to him and having him as our Capstone advisor, I know that I’d like to work in an environment that revolves around Geotechnical Engineering. His life and work experiences are so valuable, I highly encourage every student to approach him for questions and advice.”

His soccer coach also became a mentor, although Kindo wishes he had approached him sooner for advice on balancing athletics and academics.

“I was afraid of letting him down,” he says. “Looking back, I should have talked to him more about what I was going through at different points in the season. Communication is so important, whether it’s with a coach, a professor, a friend, or a classmate. Today I am forever grateful to him for helping become not only a better soccer player, a better student but also a person. He is a great mentor me and my teammate.” Having people you trust, people you can go to, makes all the difference.”