My Journey at York University School of Continuing Studies.
The beautiful campus of York University where stars are made.
Choosing where to pursue my study was a huge decision for me as an international student. In addition to giving me the information and abilities I required, I was looking for a program that would offer me a nurturing environment that would enable me to succeed as a student in a foreign nation.
I looked into a number of choices, and York University's School of Continuing Studies caught my attention. Their curriculum on Digital and Content Marketing looked like the ideal fit for me; it covered all the important facets of contemporary marketing, which I was excited to learn more about. Beyond the academics, though, York's standing as a friendly and diverse university community also made an impression on me. I had to quickly apply, that was on 17th June 2023, and I was able to submit all the required documents and also paid the application fees and SOP video, I was so happy the day I received my offer letter of admission, that my application was approved, I was so excited so I had to go further to make the necessary payments, which is for the first school fees deposit to secure the admission and then paid up the rest before the Program started on January 2024. On 20th November 2023 I got my study Visa approved by the IRCC which made the whole process easy for me.
Fast forward to 23rd of December 2023, when i arrived in Canada via "Air Canada", At Pearson Airport 2, I had to undergo all the airport immigration/security checks as at 8:25pm at Night after that, I had to board an Uber that took me to the Airbnb apartment which i reserved earlier. When I left the Airport, I was feeling so cold because it was Winter, that was the first time I experienced Winter in Canada (A different country). It was so cold outside that night, I arrived safely at the Airbnb apartment and i had to visit the York University Campus location the next day. It was such a wonderful experience. This blog post is a reflection on my journey and some advice for students are considering a similar path in the nearest future.
Transitioning to life as an international student, studying at York University:
Alt text- Photo of Juliet and My friend Joy.
It was definitely an adjustment to come to Toronto and begin my studies at York, but the institution provided me with great support during this transition. My immigration paperwork was handled by the international student services team, and they also put me in touch with campus resources to help me settle in. The faculty made it very easy for me to navigate through all the resources and necessities i require for this course. Although we were doing much of in-class activities which were very interesting. I really enjoyed all that and also coming to classes was fun to me because i had the opportunity to meet and get to know my fellow students. I was able to meet a lovely friend by her name is Joy, she is from Vietnam so kind and caring, whom i always love to make photos with whenever the classes are over. Sometimes we visit my favorite spot, which is the Osmow's & McDonalds restaurant during break time to have breakfast and sometimes to have coffee together.
The speed at which I was able to establish relationships and create a community really pleased me. York University's student groups and extracurricular offerings provided excellent chances for me to get engaged and connect with like-minded individuals. In the Continuing Studies program, the small class numbers also made it possible for me to truly get to know my teachers and fellow students.
Discovering a Passion for Digital Marketing:
I was anxious about the technical aspects of the curriculum when I initially started the Digital and Content Marketing degree, but I was also excited. But because of the way the curriculum was set up, I was able to progressively improve my abilities and self-assurance.
Through the practical assignments and case studies, I was able to apply the concepts I was learning to actual situations. The classes on analytics, SEO, and social media marketing particularly appealed to me because they all fit in well with my desire to work in the field of digital marketing.
As my time at York University draws to a close, I am immensely appreciative of the opportunity. I've developed not just a strong skill set in marketing, but also as a person. I'm thrilled about the clear career path the program has helped me find, and the contacts I've made will surely be helpful as I move forward.
Campus and Facilities:
Alt text- A complex in York University
York University is such a big campus; I have been studying for the past 8 months now, there are so many facilities inside the campus to explore. In the school of continuing studies, they have help desk to attend to every questions. They have a Subway station and bus stops which make it for students to commute, also they have a huge library and bookstores, the library has the book on every topic and subject. Students enjoy moving around the campus and take beautiful pictures because of the nice views and many activities that happen within the campus, and it makes student to be very much active and punctual. With this you can never get bored in the campus.
Practical experience:
In the digital and content marketing program I get to learn, practice and know more about Content creations, Email marketing, how to use Canva, HubSpot, Analytics, Marketing skills, social media management and so many more. Which also helped to make the journey a smooth and easy one for me. The quality teaching i have experienced so far is so lovely, the professors such as Tim Campbell-Smith and Leigh Mitchell, Andrew Temes genuinely care about the students and try to help us as much as they can in their capacity, they made sure we asked questions whenever we got confused.
Moreover, I would like to give Professor Tim a Ten over Ten, (The professor who made us write this blog.) he makes the class lively, and I enjoy all his lectures. And he pays proper attention while teaching to be sure all students are following up.
Alt text- Students at Professor Tim's Class
Student Support team:
York University Support system is very much active and ready to respond to any questions, direct and guide students on how to take care of things. Especially on emails, they respond fast, I feel they are very good at their job, they are professionals. They always make sure all students are right on track. They are good at giving proper instructions/ guidelines.
My Advice for Future Students:
My candid advice for future students who are enrolled or about to be enrolled in York University School of Continuing studies is that they should stay Motivated, Continuing education can be challenging but maintain positive mindset and celebrate your progress. Remind yourself of your goals and the long-term benefits of your investment in your education.
Also seek out mentorship connect with faculty members, alumni or industry professionals who can offer guidance and insights about your chosen field. Their experience and advice can be tremendously helpful
My feedback:
York University’s School of Continuing Studies has so been an extremely beneficial experience for me. I will recommend York University’s school of Continuing studies to any international student / local student who is searching or looking for University to go for further studies or advance their career.
It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the information I have gained, and I am confident the knowledge and experience I have gained will serve me well in the future.
For more information, visit York University School of Continuing Studies