It can be intimidating to begin a new graduate program. Starting one in an unfamiliar country can be even more overwhelming. That’s where the Canadian Club on Palmer’s Main Campus comes in. This student-led organization is an active community of Canadians and international students that helps fellow international students navigate the unique aspects of their academic journey.
“As an international student, I was scared coming to a new country and not knowing what I needed to do when I got here. The Canadian Club gave me resources on where to go for banking, prescriptions, housing and many other things but most importantly it was a great way to make friends that were also having the same experience and difficulties as me and gave me guidance,” said Ysabel Telan.
Justine Ecker, a Canadian student at Palmer, shares her experience with the Canadian Club, “I’m very grateful for the Canadian Club because they helped me navigate through my first few months at Palmer. I was overwhelmed after moving to a new country. However, the Canadian club members advised me on settling down in Davenport and attending Palmer.”
One of the main ways the Canadian Club maintains active communication with each other is through their Facebook group. By joining the page, students can connect with other students and practicing doctors outside of the United States. Students often post questions about jobs, where to live, or guidance in the area. The Canadian Club has assisted numerous students with various topics like setting up accounts at U.S. banks, buying a car, renters insurance, student loans, getting across the border, and any other questions they may have about being in a different country.
In addition to their online presence, the Canadian Club also organizes one to two events every trimester. These events serve as opportunities to connect with other students and create a sense of community. Sometimes the group has guest speakers that can share some of the unique rules and regulations that differ in Canada from the United States.
They also organize fundraisers to raise funds for trips and have social events each trimester, such as the first Friday of each trimester. Most recognizably, the Canadian Club hosts the poutine fundraiser each trimester.
Another aspect of their community is focused on studying for boards exams outside of the United States. Students often have study groups, share study materials, and can even reach out to alumni for advice while navigating these separate exams.
Canada Club also frequently connects with the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractors, which is a board of Doctors of Chiropractic that are committed to holistic care and all things Palmer embodies. Students often have access to free membership which provides a great networking opportunity with other doctors and even other Canadian students from the other Palmer campuses. This group can help students find opportunities either for precepting or associate positions post graduation. They also share Continuing Education credit opportunities for Canadian doctors.
If you want to join the Canadian Club and benefit from its support network, you can contact the group via social media, by attending an event, or by reaching out to the registrar to be connected.
“Canadian Club has provided a sense of community to me while being away from home and has allowed me to stay in touch and network with doctors in Canada who are eager to stay in contact with other Canadian students,” says Palmer student and Canada Club President, Kyla Butz.
“Many people don’t understand how big the change is when you move to a new country,” student Trent Dover said. “Especially when you come from a small town to a bigger city like Davenport. The Canadian Club understands. I went to Club Fair and my face lit up when I saw the Canadian Club. I stopped to meet everybody, and they shared that they were just here to help any way possible! The Canadian Club has been a vital resource to me and many other students. It was welcoming knowing I had those contacts for whatever I needed. It’s been a great way to get connected to other people and make friends that I’ll hold on to after my time at Palmer!”
Learn more about other Palmer Clubs and Organizations available to students.
