My journey as an international student at York School of Continuing Studies has been filled with challenges, achievements, and unforgettable experiences. Adapting to a different culture and navigating the new learning environment has been rewarding and transformative. In this blog, I will share my personal experience of traveling overcoming obstacles, and offer valuable advice to future international students facing similar international student challenges.
Personal experience as an international student at York School of Continuing Studies
Initial thought and challenge
When I first arrived at York, I was blown away by the size of the campus and the diversity of the student body. The early days were difficult as I was plagued by homesickness, cultural differences, and the pressure to excel academically. These are common challenges faced by many international students. However, a supportive faculty and welcoming student body made the transition easy. The provision of orientation sessions exclusively for international students proved very useful, as they provided important information about the school, academic standards, and local customs.
Campus Life and Social Interaction
York's demanding academic program helped me to form a solid study routine and improve my time management abilities. Both the extracurricular and educational offerings gave students a well-rounded education. I became involved in a lot of groups and organizations throughout my life, which helped me meet people and advance my career. I was able to connect with other students facing comparable difficulties as an international student by joining a variety of student organizations, particularly those for foreign students. This fostered a spirit of support and camaraderie that proved to be really helpful in my first few months.
York professors are not just well-informed but also personable, frequently going above and above to support pupils. The hands-on, collaborative style of the classes which prioritized debate and group projects—aided in my development of critical thinking and cooperation abilities. Furthermore, York provides an extensive array of workshops, events and seminars covering everything from professional growth to academic writing. These are quite helpful for overseas students who want to fill up any gaps in their education regarding vocational preparedness.
Personal and professional development
My development both personally and professionally was substantially enhanced by my stay at York. My horizons were expanded by meeting new people and getting to know them via meaningful conversations. My success in my job has been facilitated by the information and abilities I have acquired here. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds has sharpened my cross-cultural communication skills, an asset in today’s globalized job market.
Additionally, York's emphasis on experiential learning gave me practical experience in my field of study and allowed me to participate in internships and fellowships Not only did these opportunities for my career not only develop but they also gave me a clearer understanding of my career path and the skills I needed to succeed. Employment services at York including working on resumes, interview preparation, and career fairs have been instrumental in helping me secure these opportunities.
Advice for future international students
Getting used to the new environment of learning and culture
• Be receptive: Be open to learning from others and accepting of diverse cultures. Every conversation is an opportunity to gain new knowledge, be it about Canadian culture or the other cultures that other international students represent.
• Request assistance: Make use of the resources at your disposal, including student support groups, academic advisers, and counseling services. York provides academic tutoring, mental health support, and language aid programs, among other amenities catered to foreign students. Never be afraid to ask for assistance when you need it.
Infrastructure and support systems in York University
• Academic Help: Make use of workshops, writing centers, and tutoring programs. York's libraries serve as repositories as well, offering quiet study areas, technology loan programs, and books and periodicals.
• Social support: Get in touch with new people and create support systems by joining clubs and organizations. You may find a lot of student groups catering to international students, which provide events and activities aimed at making you feel more comfortable. Engaging in these activities may make a big difference in your life and strengthen your feeling of community.
Inspiration and drive
• Keep an optimistic outlook: You will overcome the early difficulties and become stronger as a result of the experience. Overcoming these obstacles as an international student will strengthen your resilience because every problem is an opportunity to learn.
• Get Involved: Get involved in campus activities to make the most of your time at York. Participating in extracurricular activities not only enriches your university experience but helps you build connections that can prove valuable in your future career.
Conclusion
It has been an amazing experience for me to attend York School of Continuing Studies as an international student. My social and intellectual experiences have helped me become a more self-assured and well-rounded individual. I urge upcoming pupils to seize the opportunity, ask for assistance when necessary, and love the experience. Despite the difficulties faced by foreign students, your time at York will serve as a springboard for an exciting future brimming with opportunity and progress.