“Canada is the land of dreams and hard work”, this is what I have heard and read since my days in college in India and I have always wanted to come to Canada, become self-dependent and cherish the opportunities Canada has to offer. In the third year of my engineering, I started to look for colleges and universities that offered courses in digital marketing, the reason why I chose marketing was that I am always fascinated by the creativity and power of persuasion that revolves around marketing and how it had become a necessity of every business. So, as I was reading about different courses, the Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing at York University caught my attention. It offered the exact combination of skills and knowledge I wanted to gain, I instantly decided to opt for this certification.
alt text: Large, red letters spell out "YORKU SCS" with light bulbs embedded in each letter, displayed against a dark wall.
Preparing for the Transition
Moving from one country to another for higher education is a significant life change. The transition from college life in India to York University in Canada presented unique challenges and opportunities. This blog aims to share my journey, insights, and tips to help fellow international students navigate this exciting yet daunting transition.
Firstly, having the documentation right was super important. I saw a lot of videos on YouTube about the visa and immigration process. I made sure I had my certificates from my college in India, my Driver’s license extract and other documents needed for a smooth transition to a new place. Then I also started to look for accommodations and weighed the pros and cons of living on campus or somewhere I could get a cheaper room. YouTube helped me a lot to answer any questions I had about the process, accommodations, culture, weather, and clothing.
Arrival in Canada
Then, a month later there I was at the airport, starting this journey with a lot of mixed emotions, mostly scared, and ready to start a new life. When I arrived at Toronto Airport, it was a feeling I still couldn’t find words to describe, one of my friends back from school times came to pick me up and trust me when I say this, having someone you know and them coming there just to pick you up is a big relief. We went to see the CN Tower on our way to my Airbnb which I already had booked for my stay for the intial days. I decided to come a few days before the college began so that I could acclimatize to the weather and get familiar with the city a little bit. It is better to come before so that you can prepare yourself and get comfortable with the social and cultural differences.
alt text: A girl in a white winter jacket, blue jeans, white snow boots and brown earmuffs standing on a lightly snow-covered ground by lake Ontario on a cloudy day.
Settling in the City
I spent my first few days exploring Toronto. The city's lively environment, diverse culture, and friendly people made me feel very welcome. I visited the main attractions of the city including the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and Kensington Market. This exploration not only helped me understand and know the city better but also helped with my initial homesickness.
The most difficult part about settling in was definitely finding accommodation. Since I was a student at the School of Continuing Studies, I had to opt for off-campus accommodation since there is no accommodation for SCS students other than the Quads which is expensive. I spent a good amount of time on Facebook Marketplace to get a cozy apartment. I had a few friends in the city, so we all decided to move in together.
Starting at York University
The first day at York University's School of Continuing Studies was a combination of excitement and nervousness. The campus was big and sophisticated, with modern facilities. Orientation day was quite beneficial. The York International Student Club organized campus tours, meet-and-greet sessions with different people, and all the knowledge about the different clubs, and the events they organize for international students at York University. It was an amazing experience.
The first day of my classes made me realize that this program was well-structured, all the courses in this program were well thought about and relevant to the current world. The teachers were industry professionals who shared their real-world expertise in the classroom. The classes were really interesting with a perfect balance of theoretical and practical knowledge. The practical assignments and projects were particularly beneficial, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios which I found very different from the education back in India where the main focus is on theoretical knowledge.
The classroom was a blend of students from all over the world, but the majority were Indians, each bringing a lot of different experiences and backgrounds. Some were recent graduates, and some had already worked for a couple of years in the marketing industry creating a dynamic, enriching and inclusive academic experience, which was very much different from what I have seen in India. I got to learn a lot from the professors as well as my classmates.
Reflecting on the Journey
My journey, like any other, was not without its hurdles. Initially, adjusting to the Canadian educational system which encouraged critical thinking and active engagement in the classroom, was tough since I have always been a shy kid. Cultural differences, as well as the cold winter weather, posed challenges too. However, these obstacles were growth opportunities. I learned to manage my time effectively, balancing academics, part-time work, and social activities. I also developed resilience and adaptability, which are invaluable life skills. The support from professors and my classmates was instrumental in overcoming these challenges.
As I approach the end of my certificate program, I can't help but reflect on my journey with a mix of pride and gratitude. The experiences, knowledge, and skills I've gained at York University have truly changed me. I feel confident and ready to dive into a career in digital marketing, and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
My Advice to the Future Students
Those who intend to study abroad, especially in Canada, should begin their preparations early. Research thoroughly to find the right course and university that align with your goals. The educational approach here is different from what you might be used to; while India focuses heavily on theoretical knowledge, Canadian institutions prioritize practical, real-world applications. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—your professors and classmates are valuable resources, and they’re there to support you. Engage actively in your studies, but also make sure to embrace the experience. Explore, connect with people from different backgrounds, and enjoy every moment of this transformative journey.