When 92 Angolan students first stepped off the plane in Calgary last August, most didn’t know what to expect.

But after an intense six months of learning a new language and studying engineering, the largest group ever accommodated by SAIT as part of its Workforce Nationalization Training Program graduated Jan. 29.

The Weal’s Christine Bassit caught up with four of the grads in the days before they flew back to Angola.

Alfredo Miguel Lelo

What will you tell your family about Canada?

I will tell them Calgary was a very nice place, and the people are very kind. I was only here for six months, but I felt like I was home and part of a family.

What did you think about Canadians?

I now feel like I have a family in Calgary. One day, when my first child grows up, I will bring him here.

What did you think of Calgarian weather?

At the beginning it was horrible, but we did our best to face it. I’m excited see Angolan weather.

Would you come back?

Yes. After one or two years, I would like to bring my family.

Miguel Inoiencio
Ambbrosio

What will you tell your family about Canada?

A-It was a good place to live and visit, although the weather is a big challenge. I will tell my family about the people and friends that I met, and I will tell them about the cold weather.

What did you think about Canadians?

(Calgarians) are a bit reserved, but nothing bad. I met lots of nice people.

Did you like Canadian food?

The meat and chicken are almost the same as our country. But I really liked the pizza.

What was your favourite experience?

We went to Nakiska for skiing and that was fantastic. I would like to try more.

Sebastian Afauso (Jomy)

What did you think about Canadians?

Some of the people here are cold, but some people were really friendly and would talk and ask questions about where we came from and were interested in our experiences.

What did you think of Calgarian weather?

I felt like a fish in the fridge. I was frozen. It was sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes enjoyable.

What was your favourite experience?

My favourite was skiing. It was good. I was good at it. I went all the way to a higher level of bronze for skiing.

Would you come back?

I would come back with my children, so they can get an education here. I would stay and watch them study.