Make the best of your experience as an international student

Enjoy what Canada has to offer!

Studying in Canada as an international student is more than just obtaining a degree or diploma; it is an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture, improve your language skills, gain new perspectives, try new things, and meet people from diverse backgrounds, among other benefits.

While spending a lot of your time focusing on school is necessary to be successful, you may miss out if this is all that you do. International student fees are very high – make the best of your experience by also enjoying some of what Canada has to offer.

Meet new people

Some academic programs and some schools are popular among people from the same country. This may mean that a lot of your classmates speak the same language and are from the same or a similar culture. While it is understandable that you may want to stick with what you know and feel comfortable with, meeting classmates from other countries and different cultural backgrounds, and listening to their points of view will expose you to new ways of thinking and seeing the world. This is also a great opportunity to practice your language skills.

One of the easiest ways to make new friends is to join a group of people with similar interests. Most schools have student clubs that range from a focus on academic disciplines to sports, video and board games, and activism such as climate change issues. These clubs are typically open to all students, regardless of their programs or backgrounds.

You can also get involved in the student association or volunteer at events such as your school’s orientation or convocation. Some post-secondary institutions have an international centre which organizes activities such as attending sporting events, going to concerts, city tours, and ski trips.

Get a part-time job

Many international students find it difficult to make ends meet in Canada. Working in Canada, whether on or off campus, gives you the opportunity to learn about the Canadian workplace culture and expectations. In addition to learning new skills and gaining experience, you will also learn workplace etiquette, such as how employees relate and communicate with each other, how they talk with their manager, and how to greet customers, for example. This is particularly helpful if you plan to stay in Canada beyond your studies.

Participate in local events and activities

Spend some time seeing the sights. You may check out museums, art galleries, and local shops. In the summer, there may be festivals, street parties, and other outdoor activities. There are usually plenty of opportunities for music lovers to attend live performances by local artists, both at indoor venues and at outdoor festivals in the summer. A good way to find these events is to look at event listings on your town or city’s website. If you live in a city or town that has restaurants and shops offering food from different parts of the world, take the opportunity to try something new.

Avoid spending the entire winter indoors

Winter is cold and long in Canada. For many people, it is tempting to just stay indoors during this time, but students who don’t venture out will not experience some of the Canadian winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. Winter can feel very long, and some people’s mood can be low. It can help to go outdoors and get some exercise, even if it is just to take short walks. Dressing in layers will help you keep warm and feel comfortable.

Whether you are in Canada for just a few years or planning to stay longer, there are plenty of things to explore and to learn about the country. While Canada's multiculturalism makes it easy for newcomers to stay connected with their own language, culture, food and religion, allow yourself to learn and try new things. You will gain so much more than a transcript and a grade point average.

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