91��ɫ

Foundation Program

Bookkeeper
Strutt Armstrong CPA

Journey to Canada

Olga came to Canada two years ago from Belarus. Like many immigrants, she arrived with hope, determination, and a story shaped by difficult choices. She got married, and in order to build a new family life, she left behind everything she had worked so hard to achieve in Belarus: a successful career as a chief accountant, close friends and professional networks, family, and even her beloved cat.

 “When I arrived in Canada, the first thing I did was look for a job. Despite my experience, the lack of Canadian work experience or education became a major barrier,” she explains. “Even applications for minimum-wage positions were unsuccessful,” she shared.

“ It was a discouraging time, but I did not give up,” says Olga.  She admitted that the first year of immigration can be overwhelming, and it is not always clear which direction to take.  “I chose to stay active and proactive: I attended every available course, exhibition, and seminar, and spent many hours researching forums and online resources.”  It was through this process that she “learned about programs designed specifically for internationally educated professionals, including the IEP Foundation program at 91��ɫ.”

“I had heard many positive reviews about 91��ɫ, and after learning more about the program, I applied without hesitation,” comments Olga.

Joining the IEP Foundation Program

Olga added as soon as her status allowed her to participate in government-funded training programs, she focused on upgrading her skills and adapting her professional experience to Canadian standards.

“My long-term goal is to obtain a CPA designation, and I discovered that 91��ɫ offers courses that count toward this certification,” explains Olga. “Today, I see this decision as an important step in rebuilding my professional life in Canada,” she said about joining the program. “My journey shows that starting over is never easy, but with perseverance, openness to learning, and the right support, it is absolutely possible to succeed,” she shares.

Understanding of  life in Canada

After completing the IEP Jumpstart to Success 2025 program ( the first month of Foundation program) , Olga says:  “My life truly changed”.  She explained its impact: “I became much more confident communicating in English and gained a deeper understanding of the nuances of Canadian culture”.

“The program helped me significantly improve my language literacy, thanks to the teacher’s effective and engaging teaching methods,” shared Olga.

Gaining a Diverse Peer Network

She found the program’s greatest strength to be its friendly and supportive community.

“I had the opportunity to communicate with professionals from many different countries, cultures, nationalities, and religions” explained Olga. “This diversity created a unique learning environment, and most importantly, we consistently supported and encouraged one another throughout the program,” she shared about her fellow students.

She also noted the Foundation Program helped her clearly understand the cultural differences between her own background and Canadian society, allowing her to avoid misunderstandings and uncomfortable situations in everyday life. In addition, she said: “We studied the principles of professional and business communication, which are essential for working successfully in any field in Canada.”

The Impact of foundation program

“The Foundation Program is not just a set of courses; it offers a wide range of additional opportunities to build professional networks and strengthen practical skills,” remarks Olga.

“Through job fairs organized by the university, webinars on résumé writing and interview preparation, networking opportunities at university events with employment centers,  meetings with representatives of the banking industry and the CPA community, and excellent Excel skills enhancement courses” Olga explained she “gained invaluable experience and knowledge”.  She added that meeting so many inspiring people gave her even more confidence in pursuing her goals.

Reflecting on the impact she shared, “now I am moving more confidently towards my cherished goal.” “After gaining confidence, I began to upload my resumes to positions directly related to my profession with greater ease,” she explained.

“ After three months of searching, I found a great job in my specialty,” she highlighted this as a key positive result of her program experience at 91��ɫ. Commenting on her job search she said:  “ It was the University's help in the framework of IEP Foundation program that inspired me with energy, self-confidence and understanding of the specifics of my profession in the Canadian context.”

Olga’s Advice to Newcomers

“1) Never give up
2) Always strive for a goal
3) Stay on the move and don't wait for easy ways
4) Use any opportunities provided by this program, try not to miss events, fairs, webinars, courses. This opportunity to get closer to the goal is rare.
5) Make friends always and everywhere they are your future, there is nothing more important than networking.
6) Always be positive in everything, smile no matter what. A smile can melt any ice.”

Olga’s Takeaway

“The main thing is to believe, and then even the impossible will become reality.”