As one of the millions of international students from India, I often ponder whether the investment of my father's hard-earned money is truly worth it. As someone who once considered pursuing a master's degree in India, I know firsthand how incredibly hard—or almost impossible—it can be to crack any competitive exam with the sheer amount of competition. This reality leads many of us to leave the country, following in the footsteps of family members who "made it" in the West, earning a six-figure salary, owning a house, and driving multiple cars.
Did I choose York University because the fees were relatively lower? Because I received the offer letter in just 15 days? Or because the agent called me every day, pushing me to pick this school due to the commission they would receive? I was skeptical too. Here's my experience if you are in the same boat.
I am Aneri Modi, pursuing a postgraduate certificate in Digital and Content Marketing. After completing a Marketing Management program at Sheridan College, and examining job postings online, I realized the growing demand for Digital Marketing skills. After doing some research and comparisons, I chose the Digital and Content Marketing course at York University's School of Continuing Studies. I was attracted by its favorable tuition fees for international students and York’s esteemed brand image in comparison to other diploma colleges.
Why did I pick the course that I did?
I selected the Digital and Content Marketing program at York University’s School of Continuing Studies because I wanted a program that closely aligns with my background in Marketing Management and supports my career aspirations. After completing a Marketing Management course at Sheridan College, I had the opportunity to do a social media marketing co-op with Peel Regional Police. There, I was given full freedom to experiment with their social media channels, creating engaging content and producing many viral videos. As a Gen-Z, social media marketing comes to me naturally but other skills like SEO/SEM, email marketing, copywriting etc is something that I need to learn and these skills are so integral to a well- rounded career in Digital Marketing. This experience underscored the importance of a well-rounded digital marketing education.
To my surprise, not many DLI-approved universities offered a comprehensive program like York’s. Many institutions only provided specialized courses in areas such as social media marketing, brand management, or media management. In contrast, York’s program stood out because it covers a broad spectrum of essential digital marketing skills.
Skills like SEO/SEM, Paid Ads, Social Media Marketing, Hubspot, Email Marketing, Hootsuite, Content Planning and Analysis, Content amplification and User Engagement and Automation etc.
Course Load and Professors
At Sheridan College, we had multiple subjects, typically 5-6, being taught simultaneously, along with numerous tests, assignments, and presentations. Balancing all of this in a group setting, alongside our part-time jobs, was really a struggle. I didn’t expect York SCS to include all these integral subjects with a perfect balance of group and individual assignments. Having two subjects for the first half of the semester and the remaining two for the second half allows me to actually focus and learn what's being taught. Instead of just finishing assignments for the sake of it, I do them to genuinely learn.
Throughout this journey, I have had professors who are excellent teachers. Tim Campbell Smith, for instance, is incredibly enthusiastic in the morning and one of the very few teachers who can keep students’ attention throughout the lecture. He is a great professor overall. Another professor I really appreciate is Andrew Temes. His teaching efforts show that he genuinely cares about his students. He often brought in guest lecturers who were seasoned industry professionals, providing opportunities to make connections, ask relevant questions, and learn a great deal. Additionally, Leigh Mitchell is another exceptional professor who makes her classes engaging through activities like learning marketing with LEGO, newsletters, and storytelling. Her tips on marketing are also quite helpful, and she keeps her classes dynamic and informative.
Professor Tim Campbell Smith at York University's School of Continuing Studies teaches in a manner that combines enthusiasm with engaging, interactive methods. In this video, he is talking about using AI ethically in your assignments.
How's the Infrastructure?
I would be lying if I said it's amazing because, frankly, it's just a building with few amenities. The building has washrooms, a water filter, an overpriced vending machine, and a coffee-making robot. Beyond that, the primary focus inside is learning. The concrete structure doesn’t exactly scream fun, and that’s pretty much what you get—most of the enjoyment comes from when the professor is being funny. There’s no gym, no clubs, no student council, and no activities or events, which likely explains why the fees are lower compared to other colleges.
On a positive note, the university does provide quiet rooms, prayer rooms, and lactation rooms for students and faculty, highlighting its consideration for diverse needs and practices. These facilities contribute to a supportive and accommodating environment. The classrooms are decent, with comfortable chairs and spacious rooms. Despite the building not being very large, I don’t think I’ve explored the entire facility myself.
My Classmates
I don’t have much to say about the class environment itself, but it’s interesting to note that the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) often feels like an extension of Northern India, particularly Punjab. My class is composed entirely of immigrants, which was a bit of a surprise. We also have classmates from Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Vietnam. Starting life from scratch with no established support network is daunting and forces you to become independent, whether you’re ready for it or not.
You can see the determination in everyone as they juggle cooking, managing jobs, and commuting—though, to be honest, Canada’s transit system is surprisingly poor for a developed country. While Canada’s PR efforts paint a picture of Canadians as exceptionally kind, my experience has shown a more complex reality. When you see your classmates, it becomes clear that everyone is in the same boat—each of us has moved here with the goal of advancing our careers and making a better life for ourselves. You are the sum of the people you surround yourself with, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by extremely hardworking, kind, and driven individuals.
My Two Cents:
- I wouldn’t advise picking a diploma college if you’re early in your career. Diplomas can be valuable for advancing your career if you already have a decent amount of experience in your home country—they help you update your knowledge and adapt to new changes. However, if you’re a fresh graduate considering a diploma as a substitute for a master’s program or trying to save money, it might not be the best path. In my case, I was trying to save money and follow in the footsteps of my cousin, who moved to Canada in 2013 and found success here.
- If you’ve already decided to enroll in a diploma program, make the most of it. Engage in networking, ask questions in class, and pursue certifications in areas you want to advance in. For instance, York SCS offers access to HubSpot Academy, which can be a great resource.
- Seeking feedback is crucial. I personally struggled with writing last semester, which involved multiple blog assignments. I reached out to my professor for feedback on my writing to identify areas for improvement.
- Enjoy the process by meeting people with similar goals and ambitions. Make friends and participate in group projects to see diverse perspectives from those with different experiences. I’ve found that I’ve made lifelong friends through this journey.
- Attend classes regularly and take notes during lectures. Professors often provide valuable tips and pointers that may not be available in the slide decks. Writing things down helps with retention. If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you’re worried about sounding stupid, approach the professor during breaks or after class to clarify your doubts.
Conclusion
For those considering a diploma program, it’s essential to evaluate whether it aligns with your career goals and background. Engage fully with the resources, network actively, and seek feedback to maximize the benefits of your education. If you’re already enrolled, embrace the journey, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.
