If you are an international student studying in Canada, then you know that the process of moving here can be a little daunting. There are so many things to learn about the country and its culture, not to mention all of the administrative tasks that need to be taken care of. In this blog post, we will provide you with 13 helpful tips for international students moving to Canada. Hopefully, these tips will make the transition a little smoother for you!
Start the Visa Process Right Away
This is probably the most crucial tip on the list. If you want to study in Canada, you will need to obtain a student visa. Taking the application process can take several months, so you want to begin it as soon as possible. Make sure you have all of the required documents and information ready before you start the application.
Prepare For Canada’s Extreme Weather
One thing that international students often forget to account for is the extreme weather in Canada. Depending on where you are coming from, the climate here can be quite a shock! Make sure you pack appropriate clothing and footwear for the winter months. It’s also a good idea to invest in a good quality coat or snow boots.
Learn About the Canadian Education System
The education system in Canada is different from what you may be used to in your home country. In order to be successful in your studies, it’s essential to take some time to learn about how things work here. For example, Canada has a college and university system that is different from many other countries. There is also a lot of emphasis on independent learning and research.
Take Advantage of Your Schools Resources
Most schools in Canada have a lot of resources available to help international students adjust to life here. Make sure you take advantage of these! Many schools have international student organizations that can help with things like finding housing and getting settled into the community. There are also often programs and services available to help with things like language barriers or cultural adjustment.
Be Punctual
This is a good rule of thumb for anyone, but it’s significant for international students in Canada. Canadians place a lot of importance on punctuality, so make sure you always arrive on time for your classes, appointments, and social engagements. This will help you to make a good impression and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Make an Effort to Learn English or French
In Canada, the two official languages are English and French. Even if you don’t need to be fluent in both languages, you should at least learn some basics. This will help you with things like getting around the city and communicating with your classmates. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online or through your school’s international student office.
Understand Canada’s Healthcare for Immigrants
One of the most important things for international students to understand is Canada’s healthcare system. This can be a bit complicated, but there are resources available to help you. Make sure you know how the system works and what your coverage includes. This will help you to avoid any surprises down the road.
Learn the Canadian Culture & Manners
Canadian culture and manners are another crucial part of living in Canada. There are certain cultural norms and manners that may be different from what you’re used to. For example, Canadians tend to be more informal in their interactions with others. They also place a lot of importance on personal space and privacy. Learning about these cultural differences will help you to avoid any potential misunderstandings.
Respect Canada’s Laws & Regulations
It’s important to remember that Canada is a different country with its own laws and regulations. As an international student, you need to make sure that you are respecting these. This includes things like not smoking in public places or littering. If you’re not sure about something, it’s always best to ask before doing it.
Explore the Campus & Local Community
One of the best ways to adjust to life in Canada is to explore the campus and local community. This will help you to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings and meet new people. There are often international student organizations that can help you with this. They can also provide you with information about things like local events or attractions.
Carefully Choose Your Living Accommodation
When you’re an international student in Canada, you’ll need to pick your living accommodations carefully. There are a lot of different options available, so it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Consider things like location, cost, and amenities. You also want to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable in your new home.
Learn What’s the Best Way To Travel In Your City
Learning how people travel is great for any international student in any city, but it’s especially important in larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. There are a lot of different ways to get around, so it’s essential to learn about the best way to travel in your city. This includes things like public transit, biking, and walking.
Have Fun!
Last but not least, don’t forget to have fun! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure you enjoy it. There are plenty of things to do in Canada, so get out there and explore. You’ll never forget your time as an international student in Canada.
Although the process of moving to a new country can be daunting, we hope that these tips will make things a little easier for you. If you have any questions or need help with your student permit, don’t hesitate to contact Tkachuk Immigration today. We are here to assist you every step of the way!
