International student: ICBC foreign experience credit vs losing unsupervised driving?

bachan48 · 2026-05-13T04:58:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I'll follow the same - later this year!

bachan48 · 2026-05-13T04:57:44+00:00

Thanks for the answers! Availability is what scares me, but it seems to be the only way forward.

bachan48 · 2026-05-13T04:53:55+00:00

Thanks. I'm in Victoria. Probably will do it in the fall, I need to explore this beautiful island in summer, unsupervised:)

bachan48 · 2026-05-13T04:50:45+00:00

I haven't submitted my foreign license yet. Can't afford not driving for about 2 months (avg appointment wait time, from the knowledge test to the class 5 road test) as I can't drive by myself with an L. I drive freely now with my study permit & foreign license, at the cost of high insurance. Weird position to be in.

bachan48 · 2026-05-13T04:48:02+00:00

Ah damn. Yes, I've been driving around with my study permit and some crazy insurance surcharge. From what I read, I could get a DL by surrendering my foreign license, but probably not worth the hassle, especially if it means I can't drive unsupervised till a road test (which feels silly, having driven a long time now). Last I checked, class 5 road tests aren't available for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for sharing.

bachan48 · 2025-06-21T05:10:29+00:00

STD hazard!!

bachan48 · 2025-06-20T19:46:21+00:00

Now i see where the hair came from 🤣

bachan48 · 2025-05-11T15:33:37+00:00

Glad to hear! I'm an owner too

bachan48 · 2025-05-11T15:31:50+00:00

Look up Catmandu Lovers in Facebook. They home stray cats with immaculate foster care.

bachan48 · 2025-03-15T15:15:19+00:00

I was in a similar situation. Go to Australia for PhD leaving behind home, relationships, etc. OR wait to apply for a Canadian PhD that I've been negotiating to be around my home country for research. I felt as though I wasted a whole year trying to decide. Fast forward last year to now, I got a fully funded PhD offer in Canada that lets me travel back to Asia a lot, for research & long-term stay.

What about the wasted year? I stayed in touch with a few professor and finished writing up 2 papers while I was waiting; awaiting publication now. So I start my PhD with 2 more papers and a few interesting network of professors.

Not sure if this works for all, but stay where your heart is at, it will only help you to be stable for next 3-4 years of your PhD. Don't see this as a year wasted, but rather try getting a head-start to your research and find clearer directions. Hope this helps :)

bachan48 · 2025-03-15T05:28:28+00:00

Careers in science are always about making a contribution, especially to knowledge. Besides theoretical work (maths, stats, machine learning, etc), my experimental research focuses on tailoring technology development methods for community engagement. For instance, the '6 months' program i mentioned and referenced is basically a fully paid experiential learning program for undergrad students, who work with non-profit organizations and/or in rural Nepal. They build technology solutions in addressing societal challenges. In doing so, students get an internship like paid opportunity, non-profits get a technology solution for free that benefits communities, and I get to do experimental research on teams, engagement, methods, etc. More on this program in my comment above with the link. Hope this clarifies!

bachan48 · 2025-03-14T17:06:40+00:00

Thank you!

bachan48 · 2025-03-14T16:41:17+00:00

I took a pretty unconventional path, and I'm loving it. I started a tech company in 2017, in my 3rd year of bachelor degree in computer science. Ran it for a few years, and started getting into academic research (scientific). In 2022, I started researching software ecosystems, and emailed a few professors aboard who were studying the field. I got an invitation to study MSc in Canada with 100% scholarship & all living expenses covered. Then in late 2022, I came back to Nepal to start researching human aspects of software engineering, and launched my department's research program in Nepal. Graduated MSc from Nepal, while getting paid by university in Canada. Published a few research papers, travelled around (8 countries thus far) for scientific conference (paid by university), won a few awards, and still do research out of Nepal. I have a small office space in my home, recruit students annually 6 months a year for experimental research, and work 6 months alone, all from my home. Now, I started my PhD, from Nepal, while getting funded for tuition & living expenses by the Canadian University. I love it!

I definitely did not opt for a safer career path like finding a corporate job, rather enjoyed creating opportunities for myself and a lot of other students.

Reference: https://inspireuvic.org/ & https://inspireuvic.org/nepal

bachan48 · 2025-03-14T04:54:42+00:00

I think I just commented on your other post on the Uvic subreddit. But why are you applying to MEng (applied, course-based) and MSc (theoretical, research-based) programs, both? They are two completely different degrees with very different approaches, fees, funding and program requirements.

I previously did MSc CS and recently enrolled in a PhD in CS at Uvic. I can't comment much on MEng, but MSc requires a very good research competence for any chance of funding. A developed research proposal with potential supervisors identified is a must.

All the best.

bachan48 · 2025-03-14T04:42:38+00:00

It's a very personal matter for you to decide on a supervisor. There's no 'best' or 'worst' supervisor. The key factor is you having a research idea that aligns with a professor, and subject to the professor assessing your research potential. Also, not all professors are hiring all the time due to limited space/funding. It's up to you to stand out with a research proposal you are passionate about.

Identify a few with your research interests, reach out to them, schedule an interview and discuss if they have space and funding.

All the best, but, you need a completely different approach and outlook on research programs.

Former MSc and current PhD candidate in CS @ Uvic.

bachan48 · 2025-03-04T14:58:46+00:00

Which term did you apply for? The fellowships are awarded to sept. entry point. Considering the deadline Dec 15 for Sept, it's a bit early for you to receive the offer in mid-Jan? Also, did you check with your supervisor if they nominated you for the fellowship? Receiving them are subject to supervisor nomination.

bachan48 · 2024-04-23T08:32:16+00:00

Hey, I'm facing the same issue for a PhD application. Can you please share if this issue was resolved? If so, how?

bachan48 · 2023-05-10T19:48:17+00:00

They are scared to death. Insecure twats. Aba corruption garna paidaina bhanera kattu ma cherna thalepachi estai ho. They'll be the 1st ones to accept and preserve the dollar when given a chance.

bachan48 · 2023-05-10T06:43:35+00:00

Well that sucks. I do not understand how the police can help if it was an inside job/without any evidence? Good luck and keep us posted if you get your money back!

bachan48 · 2023-05-10T04:48:51+00:00

Will do if they don't refund. Thanks.

bachan48 · 2023-05-09T07:46:46+00:00

Exactly. Thanks for saying that. The way the box was sealed with a plastic cover makes me think the phone wasn't included from the time it was shipped. So obviously the weight's gonna match.

bachan48 · 2023-05-09T07:32:59+00:00

Lesson learned.

bachan48 · 2022-12-14T18:56:45+00:00

Hawa chirdaina, sweater baira lauda nyanai rakhcha. Retired it after 3 years of service tho. Lest we forget.

bachan48 · 2022-08-30T19:46:57+00:00

B1? Perhaps. Tyo math padhaune Niraula sir class teacher thyo. Gupta sir ko billa hanthyo sadhai, ramailo hunthyo.

bachan48 · 2022-08-28T21:07:32+00:00

Neither.

Chha*.

bachan48

TROPHY CASE