#4 - Zheng Chen from University of British Columbia - Canada Student Network Podcast
- Canada Student Network Podcast
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Beijing to UBC: How Zheng Chen’s Forest-Powered PhD Journey Teaches Us About Growth
What happens when someone leaves behind 25 years of routine and hops a flight to the other side of the world?
You get Zheng Chen—a thoughtful, nature-loving, determined PhD student at UBC who's navigating not just forestry research, but also cultural shock, English learning, and the Vancouver rental market.
Zheng’s story is for anyone who’s ever felt out of place and still dared to chase their next chapter.
Why Zheng Left Beijing: When Routine Isn’t Enough
Zheng lived, studied, and worked on the same street in Beijing for two decades. After finishing his master’s in Nature Reserve Science, he realized he needed something new.
“It was time to try something different—maybe even in a different country.”
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role: job options were scarce, and a career reset felt like the best move.
Why UBC? One Word: Connections
Zheng’s former supervisor gave him options—jobs, U.S. universities, and finally UBC. It was a network of recommendations that landed him the offer.
“It wasn’t a straight path. But with one introduction, and then another, I got into UBC.”
Lesson: sometimes your LinkedIn is more powerful than your GPA.
First Impressions of Vancouver: “It’s Like Living in a Park”
Zheng was stunned by Vancouver’s nature.
Beijing: crowded, concrete, hot summers
Vancouver: green spaces, fresh air, Wreck Beach (yes, the one next to UBC)
“The campus is open! In China, campuses are fenced in. Here, it’s like a forest.”
He spent his first week exploring Stanley Park, downtown, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park—a dream for a forestry student.
Learning English: A Journey of Its Own
Before UBC, Zheng rarely spoke English. His first year wasn’t just about studies—it was about learning how to learn in a new language.
He used:
YouTube
Duolingo
UBC’s Communication Skills Course
“Learning is one thing. Using it is another. You have to talk to real people.”
From textbooks saying “I’m fine, thank you” to real-life slang and accents, Zheng adapted fast.
Living at Westbrook Village: A Hidden Student Gem
Zheng lives in Westbrook, a UBC-partnered housing area close to nature and campus. Unlike some waitlisted student residences, Westbrook was easier to get into.
“It’s like a mini community—quiet, beautiful, and close to everything.”
Social Life: Making Friends Isn’t Easy—But It’s Possible
Zheng admits what many students feel but don’t say: Vancouver can be lonely.
“You meet someone once… and maybe never again.”
Big city life is fast, and people are busy. But short coffee chats, random hangouts, and just saying “yes” more often helps. Zheng suggests not overthinking it—just get talking.
Let’s Talk Forestry: What Zheng Is Actually Studying
Zheng’s PhD thesis focuses on climate change and carbon emissions:
Wildfires and how much CO₂ they release
Transportation, accommodation, and water usage data
Visitor engagement: how much are people willing to pay for a cleaner planet?
“No one likes carbon tax—but it’s part of the job.”
Biggest Takeaway? It’s Not Just About Books—It’s About People
Ready to Listen to Zheng´s Story?
His voice. His energy. The realness.
👉 Catch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you podcast.
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#4 - Zheng Chen from University of British Columbia - Canada Student Network Podcast
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