My Journey as an International Student at York School of Continuing Studies: Insights and Advice
Introduction Transitioning from being the youngest employee at a company to becoming a student again was a unique experience for me. I completed my undergraduate studies early, securing campus placement.
, and worked with the same company for four years. Coming to Canada to study again was a neutral feeling, not exciting or nerve-wracking, which seems scary in retrospect. Here’s a look at my journey and some advice for future international students at York School of Continuing Studies.
The Adventure Begins Arriving in Canada and facing the freezing weather on my second day was quite an adventure. Navigating public transport in -4 degrees with rain from Milton to York University was challenging, but attending the orientation and campus tour made it all worthwhile. A mutual friend, who later became a very good friend welcomed me with cake and a delicious lunch, making me feel at home instantly.
Academic Excitement My excitement peaked with the incredible teaching experience on the first day of my postgraduate course in Human Resource Management. The faculty’s approach was engaging and inspiring. I attended nearly all networking events and explored various university resources, which was immensely beneficial.
Finding a New Home Thanks to a former office senior studying at Schulich, I secured on-campus accommodation, making York University my home away from home. Living on campus allowed me to form deep friendships with students from different departments, making my friends my family away from family. I even landed a sales associate job through one of these friends.
Organic Networking I believe in organically formed friendships rather than forced networking. My friends have supported me every step of the way, and I strive to do the same for them. This supportive environment helped me focus on upskilling and secure two part-time jobs in my field with good pay.
Navigating New Courses After completing my first course, I got another job as a dental receptionist where I worked on weekends saving money for the next course. Although the second course, Post Graduation in Digital Marketing and Content Writing, was outside my comfort zone, it was a valuable learning experience. I managed to secure decent grades and learned the importance of best marketing approaches.
Evening Walks in Nature One of the most peaceful parts of my routine was evening walks around the campus. Being surrounded by nature provided a calming escape from the hectic student life, offering moments of reflection and rejuvenation.
Practical Tips for Newcomers
- Stay Organized: Keep track of important documents, deadlines, and appointments.
- Seek Support: Utilize the resources available at York, such as counseling services and academic advisors.
- Explore the City: Toronto is a vibrant city with much to offer. Take time to explore and enjoy your surroundings.
- Budget Wisely: Managing finances can be challenging. Plan your budget and stick to it to avoid financial stress.
- Embrace Your Natural Self: While working on overall improvements and upskilling, remember to stay true to yourself. Embrace your strengths and work on your weaknesses, but don’t lose sight of who you are. For instance, if public speaking isn’t your strong suit, join a club to practice, but don’t be afraid to leverage your strong writing skills in group projects.
- Guard Against Unnecessary Noise: Everyone will have opinions and advice on what you should do. It's important to guard yourself against unnecessary noise. Focus on what truly matters to you and your goals. For example, while many people might suggest focusing solely on academics, I found that balancing studies with part-time work and social activities was crucial for my personal growth and well-being.
Conclusion My journey as an international student at York School of Continuing Studies has been filled with growth, challenges and memorable experiences. To all future students, embrace this opportunity with an open mind and heart. Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow, and every new experience adds to your story. Enjoy the adventure and make the most of every moment!
Meta Description
Experience the journey of an international student at York School of Continuing Studies. Get insights and advice on navigating academic life, making friends, and balancing work and studies in Canada.
This blog post uses the following medium-tail keyword phrases:
- International student experience at York University
- Study tips for international students
- Navigating York University as an international student
- Making friends at York University
- Postgraduate studies at York University
