It’s a thoughtful question! As a second-year undergraduate computer science student at a university in Canada (name withheld), I believe I can respond to this. Though I am speaking about my undergraduate experience as an international student here rather than my master’s, do keep in mind that it should still be a worthwhile read.
In my experience, it’s been quite easy to live in Canada as an international student. These are my main justifications:
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1. Canada offers you flexibility:
I can plan my schedule and select my course. I have the option of taking electives in business, the arts, forestry, and conservation, or I can choose to finish my upper-year courses early. In terms of higher education, the US and Canadian systems are fairly similar. In addition, there are plenty of opportunities for us to work with clubs, take part in extracurricular activities like sports, and even conduct undergraduate research.
2. Friendly environment:
I cannot emphasize how easy it is to make friends with Canadians and how eager they are to assist others. I never feel homesick or lonely despite being a student 10,000 kilometers away from home; in fact, I always feel like I’m happier here than I was in my home country. Every day, my friends, who are from all over the world, teach me something new. I have never found it intimidating or stressful to speak with professors or council members one-on-one or to ask them questions because they are also very friendly.
3. Canada’s universities provide excellent international student support:
My school is among the most international universities in the world. I have a strong network of supporters as a result. The school offers assistance with visas, cooperative work permits, and other related matters. They have extensive experience handling complex cases. You can always meet other international students at the school, as they have international student associations in most major countries.
4. They care about your mental health:
Being a first-world, developed nation with an excellent healthcare system, Canada makes it relatively easy to stay well. You can always seek assistance if you’re feeling nervous or stressed out, though, as many colleges also offer support to students dealing with mental health concerns.
5. Access to many of your country’s local foods:
I eat my local dish nearly daily. In addition to buying a lot of it, I cook with ingredients that I find locally. This is because the international community in Toronto is large and easily reached by public transportation.
Therefore, it’s not really that stressful to live in Canada. Here, I get to enjoy every day of my life. Yes, classes can be difficult at times, and you might not achieve the grades you were hoping for, but this is a more relaxed and easier place to study.
You do, however, need to be financially aware.
The most difficult thing about living in Canada, in my opinion, is realizing how expensive it is. Managing all of your living expenses, including housing and tuition, can be financially stressful. Setting weekly spending limits and generally knowing where to find good deals on goods can be very beneficial.
However, I believe the strain on finances is worthwhile. I am aware that I am leaving a top-tier university where I could have gained professional experience and built strong connections in the community. With a work visa, which is an extension of a study permit, I could work here. As long as I work part-time, I am allowed to continue working while I have my study permit. I do not doubt that the abilities I pick up here will enable me to reimburse my educational expenses.
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Read Also:
These are the best universities in Canada with high acceptance rates for international students
List of schools in Canada that can accept HND or 2:2 for MSc
List of schools in Canada that have a 1-year MSc.
