Deciding to pursue further education in a foreign country, is a bold and transformative step. From holding a Master’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations, to being an Account Coordinator at Deluxe (US based media company) for 3 years to finally being a student at York University School of Continuing Studies pursuing a postgraduate degree in Digital Marketing and Content Creation, this blog post is a reflection of my journey where I will share my experiences, challenges and suggestions, hoping to give insights to other international students choosing this path. Just like any other international student, I too took the challenge of adapting to a new culture and educational system. I believe it’s only when you navigate through new experiences and perspectives, you grow personally and professionally.
A few remarkable advantages are listed below:
Availability of Relevant Courses for International Students
York University School of Continuing Studies has a wide range of courses for international students including business, technology, health sciences, media and accounting Explore Our Programs. The aim is to stay updated with the latest industry trends, therefore it's structured to be practical and applicable while incorporating real world scenarios and case studies that enhanced my learning experience. For me, this meant gaining cutting edge skills in Digital Marketing and Content Creation that are directly applicable to today’s job market. Whether you are looking to upgrade your skills in your career or explore a new field, there is something for everyone.
Affordable Fees Structure
The affordable fee structure at York University School of Continuing Studies has been a crucial factor in my educational journey. As we know, one of the key factors when a student is picking a course is the fee structure. And one of the most impressive aspects of York compared to other institutions is the tuition fees, they are low without compromising on the quality of education.
At the same time, York University offers flexible payment options. These options include instalment plans that spread the cost over several months making it easier to manage expenses along with other financial commitments. This affordability and quality of education has made it possible for me and many other students to pursue higher education in a well renowned university without the burden of financial stress.
Not the Typical Class Timing and Program Structure
On my first day of class, a few things really surprised me. First, was the structure of the program or course. Unlike other colleges where the course was a semester long, we completed two subjects in a six-week intense program. Of course, it was difficult because we had back to back deadlines but it also helped me to focus only on two subjects at a time and get the most out of it. This approach helped me grasp complex concepts more effectively. Second, just three hours of class per day and you are free to continue with your day. Also, students have three different sessions, I am in the noon batch from 12 PM to 3 PM. Third, no examination, I know it feels good to hear. Instead of exams, we have many intense graded assignments and sometimes a quiz to evaluate the level of understanding on the topics covered. I appreciate how this gives us a creative and realistic way of using our knowledge from the class.
Positive and Inclusive Learning Space
The faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also incredibly approachable and understanding human beings. The teaching methods by the professors were designed to cater to a diverse group of students, in which many are returning to education after a significant break. They use various learning styles like interactive lectures, group discussions and in class assignments. These approaches not only made learning more engaging but also gave every student an opportunity to put forward their point of view regardless of their background or previous educational experience. This supportive environment played a crucial role in my academic achievements and overall experience.
Industry Connections and Practical Experience
The program's strong aspect was having professors with real-world experience in the business. Instead of teaching from textbooks, they introduced us to new and relevant information in the classroom. At the same time, the professors invited guest speakers who were industry experts and those sessions were very helpful. These sessions were highly relevant because it facilitated the transition from academic knowledge to practical application in the workplace and enabled understanding of current trends and expectations in the job market. I highly recommend to use the best out of these opportunities to network with both your professors and guest speakers.
(Image Alt Text: A picture of all the students with guest speaker Luki)
Work Life Study Balance
Balancing studies with a part-time job is challenging and it is definitely one of the main problems every student faces, including me. There were moments of stress and self-doubt but the support from instructors and peers made everything manageable and kept me on track. The online resources and files that professors never fail to upload on Moodle, just four classes a week with only three hours of lecture per day allowed me to continue my part time work to meet my living expenses, at the same time to study and complete the assignments on time. As a result, I learned to manage my time effectively and prioritize tasks.
Campus Facilities
I think it wouldn’t be fair if I don’t mention the facilities that I accessed, the list is going to be a long one so be ready! Starting with the modern classrooms, they are equipped with the latest technology to enhance your learning experience. Additionally, the campus offers many resources including libraries, computer labs and study spaces, which are very important in a student life. Recognizing the importance of health and wellness, York University provides complete student health insurance. These services ensure that students have access to the student support they need to maintain their physical and mental well-being. The university’s recreational facilities are really good with gyms, sports fields, a gaming area called Break Room and an exclusive mall called York Lane Mall that has multiple stores including a bank available to all students. The campus offers a variety of dining options, ranging from cafeterias to coffee shops like Tim Horton's to fast food chains like Burger King, Subway, Basil Box, M2GO etc. catering to different tastes.
Though I don’t stay here, I know friends who live in the on-campus accommodation called Quad Student Housing at York University. It provides a safe and convenient living environment with various housing options available to suit individual preferences and budgets. It is located on the southern side of York University Keele Campus. Last but not the least, the food bank facility is of great help to students as they can collect their grocery bags every week for free, this helps the students to reduce their expenses.
(Image Alt Text: Winter season with ice on the road at the York campus)
Here are 5 suggestions to all the students thinking of moving abroad:
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new experiences, cultures and perspectives. We have to learn to approach challenges as opportunities for growth.
Stay Organized: Balancing studies with other responsibilities can be challenging but it is important that you stay organized to create a balance between everything.
Networking: Connect with fellow students, professors and professionals in your field as networking can provide opportunities into the industry that you are interested in.
Time Management: It is crucial to prioritize and manage time effectively to balance academic responsibilities, work commitments and personal life.
Prioritize Yourself: Taking care of yourself and your mental health should be your first priority. Setting clear boundaries between work, study and personal time is very important.
Reflecting on my journey here, I can confidently say choosing York was one of the best decisions I've ever made, University jumps five spots to 35th in world in today’s 2024 THE Impact Rankings. The skills, knowledge and connections I have gained are very valuable assets that will benefit me for years to come. If you are considering continuing your education in Canada, I highly recommend York University School of Continuing Studies. It's more than just a university, it's a place where you can grow, connect and achieve your goals.
So are you ready to take the next step in your educational journey? Explore the programs at York University School of Continuing Studies and find the perfect course to help you achieve your goals. Visit our website today York University School of Continuing Studies and start your rewarding journey! Also, if you find this blog helpful, let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
