Three things to consider when studying in Canada

Three things to consider when studying in Canada

Canada is a fantastic place to study – as the second biggest country in the world, there’s a
whole variety of educational opportunities for every type of course. It’s also one of the most
educated countries in the world, with 60% of the population holding a university degree.

Therefore, you can be sure you’re going to have a valuable experience, with highly qualified
lecturers and institutions that set you up for success.

So, that’s the educational side ticked off. But what else do you need to consider when
deciding if studying in Canada is right for you? Here are three things to bear in mind.

Cultural differences
Depending on where you call home, you might find some differences between where you
live and Canada. For example, proper etiquette is to shake hands with someone when
meeting them for the first time, rather than going in with a big hug. Small talk is important to
build connection, and you should always be polite – swearing isn’t generally considered
appropriate in day-to-day conversations. It’s also important to be on time, so that you don’t
keep other people waiting.

You’ll generally mix with a diverse range of people during your time in Canada, and you
should be equally friendly and welcoming to all. If you come from a more conservative
country, be aware that the LGBTQI+ community is valued and prominent in Canada, and so
you’ll need to be open to mixing with new people in a positive way.
 

Permit practicalities

Canadian student visa requirements say that you must have a minimum of CA$10,000 in
your account (or CA$11,000 in Quebec), on top of your tuition fees. The permit allows you to
study in Canada for more than six months, and is also an essential requirement for getting a
part-time job without also having to get a work visa. The student visa allows you to work for
20 hours a week during term-time to support yourself, and full-time during breaks.

If you’re studying in Canada for less than six months, you don’t need a student visa.
However, you will need to apply for a work permit, or have the funds in your bank account to
support yourself. You’ll need to have this sorted before you arrive.

Managing homesickness

Moving abroad, even temporarily, is a big thing. It’s exciting, but it can also feel challenging
at times, especially when you’re away from your support system and you’re feeling a little
overwhelmed by your studies. Understanding that it’s totally normal to feel homesick and
doing what you can to prepare before you arrive can help your studies go as smoothly as
possible.

If you’re someone that likes to keep in touch, you could arrange a regular call with your loved
ones so you always know when you’re next going to hear from them, for example. But just
bear in mind that always thinking of home might stop you from fully embracing your
Canadian experience – so don’t overcommit. A video call once a week can be a great way to
share your news, but doing one every day may stop you from saying yes to social
opportunities. Making new friends in your classes and around campus can really help you
feel settled, so be prepared to put yourself out there and socialize in whatever way you
prefer.

An exciting new chapter

Hopefully, this blog will have given you some indication of whether studying abroad in
Canada might be right for you. If you’re feeling excited about the opportunity, then get
researching – Canada might just be your new temporary home.

Amari Cooper, Guest Author