Before enrolling in York, be sure to read this post, it will definitely be useful for you. Starting on an educational journey can be both exciting and daunting. My time at York School of Continuing Studies has been a mix of triumphs and challenges that have profoundly shaped my career path. Here, I share my experiences, insights, and personal recommendations for prospective students considering this program.
What you need to know!
Are you an Iranian looking to improve your career by updating your marketing knowledge in the virtual world or get a study visa from the Canadian Embassy and hope to work for three years after graduation and then apply for PR? If so, this blog is for you! After spending 8 months studying at York University in Toronto, I gathered information that you won't find in any immigration guide or from the average graduate student. Here's a look at what you can expect and how you can get the most out of your experience at York University.
My story
I personally immigrated to this country to improve my skills and advance my career as I have been working in traditional marketing for many years and need an update. Before Canada, I had lived in Germany for a while and because I had problems learning German, I did not choose that country to continue my studies. As an English teacher in the past years, I taught part-time in famous Iranian educational institutions such as Safir, so English was a priority for me. On the other hand, many of my language students were working and studying in Toronto, so I had many friends here and chose to immigrate to this country. After researching online and various forums on Google about universities in Toronto, I came across York University's School of Continuing Studies. In the following, I will share my personal experiences with you and I hope it can help you.
Here are three useful links that I used and they’re for digital marketing communities where you can find information relevant to studying and immigrating to Toronto:
Google Group for Digital Marketing:
Reddit Communities:
I remember the first day I was worried about the snow day that determined my orientation. I must inform you that orientation day will be one of your most interesting days. A luxurious hall with a dining table and a waiter has been prepared for you, and the officials will provide you with sufficient information about all the university departments and the rules and details of the course you are going to take. You will have the chance to meet your new international friends. I will never forget the walking tour of the York University campus. An administrator named Todd, who oversees the course I'm taking, took us inside the courtyard and showed us all the different parts of the university, from the shops and the library to the different buildings, the sports stadium , amazing restaurants and finally the SCS building. Todd is a very attractive person. I will not forget that he joked with one of his colleagues with a snowball during this walk and I was excited to see that the professors of this university are friendly people.
Experiencing the York Strike of 2024 from the Sidelines
During my time at York University, the 2024 strike was a significant event that affected many students across the campus. However, one of the things that stood out to me was how the School of Continuing Studies remained committed to ensuring that our education continued without interruption. While some faculties were heavily impacted by the strike, my program and instructors stayed fully operational, providing us with the stability and consistency we needed to stay on track.
I was relieved to see that my courses proceeded as scheduled, and my instructors were just as engaged and supportive as ever. This not only reinforced my trust in the program but also highlighted the dedication of the School of Continuing Studies to its students. The strike was a major event at York, but thanks to the continuity of my program, I was able to focus on my studies without any setbacks.
Good news for Iranian students
In the case of the certificate given at the end of the course, an academic year is mentioned, but the start and end dates of your studies are included. Note that the Digital and Content Marketing program at SCS is a graduate degree and this course will not help you if you want to apply for PR based on Ontario student streams. You need at least a master's degree from a university in Ontario that is not located in Toronto.
Build your team
The interaction with peers and the dynamic learning environment were incredibly rich. However, some students worked a lot part-time, which may have affected their participation in team projects. After the first semester, be smart and choose classmates who are both quirky and good at teamwork for more success. Working with classmates, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives, provided a strong network and a deeper understanding of global marketing strategies. Group projects, such as developing a digital marketing master plan, strengthened my communication and teamwork skills and effectively simulated real-world scenarios.
A Friendly Overview of my Instructors:
Let me share my personal insights about the instructors I've learned from. Here they are:
Tips for Future Students
Final Thoughts
The York Strike of 2024 was a challenging time for many students, but I’m grateful that the School of Continuing Studies maintained a stable and supportive learning environment throughout. If you’re considering this program, you can be confident in the school’s commitment to your education, even in the face of broader disruptions.
While I came into the course with a solid foundation in marketing from my bachelor’s degree, I found the program exceptionally valuable for deepening my knowledge in digital marketing and content creation. The course is designed to keep you updated with the latest trends and strategies, which is crucial in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. It also offers excellent opportunities for networking, which can be a significant advantage if you plan to work in Canada after graduation.
Overall, this program is a great investment for those looking to stay current and make impactful connections. As you consider this path, make sure to assess how it aligns with your career goals and personal strengths.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this blog or any personal experiences you’ve had with York University. Feel free to share your comments!