It might be incredibly intimidating to go away to study abroad for a semester or longer. new schedules, schedules, instructors, locations, and pals… It could be really overwhelming. We had no clue what to anticipate when my sister and I were accepted into an exchange programme to study in Canada. He started out so anxious that we had multiple breakdowns on the aircraft. We had no need to be afraid, and we had no idea that participating in an exchange programme to study abroad in Canada would be one of the finest and most fulfilling experiences of our lives to date.
In order to urge you to participate as well as prepare you for what lies ahead, we’ve put together a list of our top six topics you should think about before exams to study in Canada. There will undoubtedly be a few unpleasant shocks along the way, so maybe this list will assist you in getting ready for your vacation.
1. Prepare yourself for cultural shock
The cultural shock was one of the things that stuck with us the most over our four and a half-month journey. We had never been to Canada before, so we weren’t ready for the pronounced cultural differences. We might add that we were astonished by how hospitable Canadians were to us. You will undoubtedly see this for yourself if you choose to study in Canada; however, we felt it would be dishonourable to leave out their generosity from this post.
We were surprised by Canadian culture in general as well as by “student culture,” or university life, in Canada. The interaction between students and the institution itself is one of the things that still delights me (in a good manner) today. There is a great feeling of unity present. Most students would wear clothing with the university insignia to demonstrate their support for the organization. At first, I thought this was really unusual, but as the semester went on, I discovered that I was also proudly sporting the school’s emblem. It not only made me feel like I belonged, but it also motivated me to put forth more effort and achieve my goals.
2. Don’t let home sickness stop you
You’ll undoubtedly experience overwhelm at some point throughout your vacation, and you’ll probably miss your home and your loved ones. This varies for each person, of course. Some individuals may never experience home withdrawal. The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you won’t be totally cut off from your house despite your best efforts to prepare yourself for this. Keep in contact with your loved ones through one of the many available methods.
Participate in every event that International Orientation Week has to offer as soon as you arrive in Canada. You’ll get to know so many new individuals who are in your situation and could even be feeling the same things as you! If your family members don’t already have Skype, you should set it up for them before you go so you can simply stay in contact.
3. Organize your money
It’s crucial to set up your finances before you depart for your vacation. Always have a little extra cash on hand, not just for unforeseen circumstances but also for vacation. weren’t prepared to spend so much on course materials (some are required and necessary for your courses). We ended up spending about $200 on nine books in all (some students have to buy many more). We were fortunate to be able to divide the cost since we are twins and are enrolled in the same classes. However, for some people, this can constitute an unforeseen extra expense, so it’s crucial to prepare as much as you can for this.
Additionally, you should be aware that many Canadian institutions may charge you for services like a bus ticket as well as health and dental insurance (even if you have already acquired this at home). Try to get in touch with the foreign relations manager before you arrive and get a complete list of costs; this will not only allay your concerns but may also help you prevent any unpleasant surprises. Don’t forget to take the currency rate into account!
4. Become familiar with the university system in Canada
The opportunity to see a new educational system was one of the nicest aspects of our vacation. One thing that really stood out to us was how different the connection between students and professors was. However, we weren’t quite ready for the disparities in work environments between our two colleges. We soon learned that, in terms of curriculum, our Canadian institution operated considerably differently from our domestic one. We attended fewer courses, but we had to turn in more homework and papers. Nevertheless, the grading system served us well; we had never previously earned such excellent marks. You should be aware that your host university may operate differently from your own, that you will need to establish a new work schedule, and that your Canadian institution may have different requirements of you.
5. Bring a lot of warm clothing
Although it may seem obvious, you must prepare yourself by learning about the weather before coming to Canada to study. We were aware that it would be chilly, and everyone kept warning us that it would grow much colder, but we weren’t ready for it. We had never previously encountered a severe Canadian winter (and luckily for us, it was the hottest winter Canada had known in decades). You’ll soon be wearing numerous pairs of socks and tights underneath your pants.
In all seriousness, you should be aware that you will need to invest in adequate winter clothing during your visit, which might be rather expensive. This is necessary. Before travelling, you should check the typical temperatures. If you’re travelling during the autumn semester, I wouldn’t advise purchasing anything before you get there; but if you’re visiting in January, you should have a coat and boots ready to put on as soon as you step out of the airport.
6. Arrange some travel
It’s a good idea to look closely at your location and think about travel options since many overseas students use “reading week” (a week off in the middle of the semester) to travel. Do as much research as you can, looking at articles, reviews, and events. Make the most of your time there since you’re not only there to learn; you’re also there to learn new things about life. There are a lot of opportunities in a large and beautiful nation like Canada; make good plans. You might even be able to visit the US, depending on where you live. Do your homework, including researching any visas or permissions you may need to apply for, and then make sure you follow through.
