Best Advice from International Students to Canada
Good advice can come from many sources, but there is no better source than from an international student who is already studying at a Canadian university or college. Here are some of the top pieces of advice from peers who have experienced life in Canada.
Get outside your comfort zone – this is by far the most often mentioned advice to incoming international students. If you want to enjoy yourself and have a truly great cultural experience in Canada, you need to meet new people, especially from other countries. You need to do new things, like maybe learn to ice stake or another recreation you have never done before.
Explore outside of school – you need to focus on studying but it can’t be your entire life. It is also important to engage with people outside of school friends and university professors. It is when you interact with people outside of the university or college that you face the real Canadian society.
Be a volunteer – Volunteerism doesn’t only help you make new connections, but it gives you experience that looks great on a resume (CV). Canadian employers consider volunteer positions as you learn transferable soft skills that can be used in employment.
Don’t buy winter clothes in your home country – This is particularly true if you come from a climate that is warmer than a Canadian winter. If you come from another cold country like Norway or Russia, then okay, but if you come from a country like Pakistan or Nigeria, then buy that winter coat in Canada. And you don’t need to buy brand names. You can get a warm, good quality winter coat at a reasonable price from Walmart, Costco, or other superstores in Canada. And don’t forget to buy your winter boots, toque, and mitts in Canada too.
Canada has 4 distinct seasons – and each distinct season comes with its own clothing requirements. While you need to buy your winter coat and boots in Canada, this is where some sweaters from back home can come in handy. Sweaters and light jackets can be worn in the Fall (generally late August to mid-October, November) and Spring (March through May) months. Bring some wool sweaters and jackets along when you come to Canada, and you can even use them in the wintertime. Canadians layer themselves which works like thermal wear and will keep you much warmer than that one big parka. Oh, yes, and bring some cotton garments for those lovely summers you will get to enjoy in Canada.
Choose high-demand programs – If you are planning on staying in Canada once you graduate, choose programs which will get you a job when you graduate. Look at websites that point out what jobs are in high demand in Canada and choose a program accordingly. Now if you really want to study English literature, or another not-in-demand program, then do so, but also take some electives that will help you find a job in retail, human resources or with a newcomers NGO, etc.
Have money available – Don’t think you can work for all your education expenses. Yes, you can work part-time as an international student, but it will not cover all your costs. You or your parents need to know that it is going to cost more to live in Canada than back home. This is especially true if you live in a country such as Pakistan where the local currency loses out on the Canadian dollar.
Learn to budget – Financial planning is necessary, so you don’t run out of money. Fortunately, most international centers at Canadian universities offer financial planning events, blogs or online information. Make sure to attend them. And if your university or college doesn’t have them, then check out a community centre where they may be offered for free or for a minimum cost.
Being an international student doesn’t guarantee you a Canadian PR – One doesn’t go from international student to a PR. There is a step in between where you need to work anywhere from 6 months to 3 years depending on the province you are in. This is where the PGWP and provincial PNPs come in or the Federal Skilled Workers program comes in. The pathway to getting a PR is international student + PGWP (PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, etc.) = PR.
Check out Community Centres – Each city will have a community center where there can be all kinds of activities and free resources available. There are support groups for immigrants and volunteer opportunities at some of these centres. It’s a great way to get involved and learn something for a minimal cost.
I think you will agree with me. This advice is invaluable, and you can make good use of it when you prepare to study in Canada. And for extra advice, get it from a Canadian, contact Go 2 Canada Education Services for more real Canadian advice.
Photo courtesy of Cedric Fauuntleroy