Coming To Canada - Getting The Most Out of Your International Experience

Written By: Cristina Matteis

Starting a new school is a difficult experience for all students, but this experience can be especially scary for international students. Coming to a new country where the language, culture, lifestyle and weather are drastically different than what you are used too, can be a difficult hardship to overcome.

Here are some tips to help you face the challenge of leaving your comfort zone and coming to a new country to pursue your education:

- Attend Workshops: If possible, try to visit the Canadian consulate in your current home country. Many Canadian consulates offer workshops that are designed to help new students prepare for their move to Canada. Another way to experience workshops is through your new college or university.

- Join Social Networks: Join your new school’s Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages. Take time to ask questions to other students and start to build connections with your soon-to-be peers. If you can build friendships with other international students before you even leave your home, you will feel less intimidated about your first day of classes.

- Take a Virtual Tour: Check your new school’s website for a virtual tour of the campus so that you can start to create a mental image of what your new life will look like. You may also want to see if your school has a YouTube channel to help you better visualize life on campus.

- Set a Date: Once you receive your acceptance letter, set your arrival date at least two weeks before your classes start. Make sure you give yourself plenty to time to unpack and explore your new campus. Getting familiar with your new surroundings will be easier before your classes begin and it will give you a chance to find spots around campus where you feel most comfortable.

Once you’ve made the move to Canada, be sure to check out the many opportunities for international students offered on campus. You will find many clubs and extracurricular activities that are especially suited for students in the same situation as you! Knowing that you are not alone is very helpful in overcoming homesickness and fear of the unknown. Remember, in no time at all, your campus will feel like home and your friends and community will become your new family.