Have you ever considered studying at York University School of Continuing Studies? Let me tell you that it is an experience filled with a mix of feelings such as anxiety, and doubt, but also excitement and happiness because of the opportunities for personal and academic growth.

How did I end up at York University School of Continuing Studies?

When I decided to study in Canada, one of the first names that popped into my browser was York University School of Continuing Studies, located in Toronto, Ontario. It’s an institution recognized for its strong academic programs and diverse and multicultural student body.  I was looking to strengthen my knowledge in digital marketing, as well as in data-driven decision-making, and that is why,  after extensive research and comparing different options, I concluded that their Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital and Content Marketing program was a perfect fit for my profile and learning path.

After almost 8 months in the program, I wanted to share my experience with anyone who might be interested in studying at this institution, it doesn't matter if you are an international or domestic student, I'm pretty sure my journey here might help you make an informed decision. So here is a list of the the Pros and Cons I have identified so far:

Pros of being a student at York University School of Continuing Studies

• The Faculty

For me, the biggest advantage is the experienced and knowledgeable faculty. All my professors have had vast exposure to big projects and well-known companies in Canada and worldwide, allowing all of us to learn from their experiences and get to know firsthand the dos and don’ts in the industry. In the beginning, I was a little afraid because of the size of the classes, which can make it challenging for students to receive personalized attention and support from professors, but this has not been my case; I have always received very detailed feedback on class interactions and assignments.

• Multicultural Environment

Another positive aspect is the cultural exposure; I love to travel and get to know different countries, especially those that seem very different from my own, so, learning about my classmate’s traditions, cuisines and lifestyles has been an invaluable and enriching experience for me. Interacting with my peers has also improved my communication skills, developed my English language proficiency and my ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions.

• The Campus

The York University School of Continuing Studies campus offers students a great deal of amenities like food and drink options, a wide range of recreational and athletic facilities, and access to libraries and computer labs. What I have enjoyed the most are the big green open spaces, where we can be in contact with nature just a few steps from classrooms, it always makes me feel like I'm somewhere else and not in the middle of the GTA.

• Networking Opportunities

In my case, being an international student in an in-person program is of great help in terms of networking opportunities; I have created a network on LinkedIn and have learnt different perspectives and how tasks/activities are done in other parts of the world, especially in Canada. Even if you are a domestic student, these networks that are started on campus can later on be helpful in future opportunities, both personal and professional.

Cons of being a student at York University School of Continuing Studies

• Long Commutes

In my experience, the biggest disadvantage is the long commute back and forth. Even though the school has a subway station within the campus, its distance from downtown Toronto can be a point against students with in-person classes and living in or near downtown. These long commutes are time-consuming, tiring, and sometimes can get stressful if the TTC presents any delays on the way to class. For example, on a good day, it takes me one hour and thirty minutes to get to class from home and the same time to get back.

• Limited work availability

The possibility of working while studying the program is very limited, considering that the classes’ times/schedules are not selected by the students but are assigned randomly by the school. In my case, having classes the whole afternoon from Monday through Thursday made it impossible to aspire to have a traditional job opportunity during regular working hours. In addition, the out-of-class workload is enough to keep students busy after classes and even during weekends.

Would I make the same decision again?

If you ask me if I will do it again, the answer is “Yes, in a heartbeat”. As an international student, I have dealt with homesickness, adjusting to a new cultural environment can be stressful and may lead to loneliness and missing loved ones back home, but let me tell you, the rest of the time it is a truly amazing experience, it teaches you to step out of your comfort zone, and to improve your independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

If you are considering embarking on this adventure at York University School of Continuing Studies, it doesn't matter if you were born and raised in Canada or from another country, I would advise you to be ready and open to making the most out of this opportunity, don’t let other people’s negative experiences cloud your decision-making process and if the program truly offers what you are looking for, go for it; I can assure you it is going to be a rewarding journey. Of course, the school has its pros and cons like any other educational institution worldwide, but you are going to meet great people, gain a lot of knowledge from remarkable professors and develop a lot of qualities you may have never thought possible.

Hope to see you soon on campus! :)