Hey Iranian! If you want to apply for postgraduate studies at York University, this blog is for you!

Before enrolling in York, be sure to read this post, it will definitely be useful for you. Starting on an educational journey can be both exciting and daunting. My time at York School of Continuing Studies has been a mix of triumphs and challenges that have profoundly shaped my career path. Here, I share my experiences, insights, and personal recommendations for prospective students considering this program.

What you need to know!

Are you an Iranian looking to improve your career by updating your marketing knowledge in the virtual world or get a study visa from the Canadian Embassy and hope to work for three years after graduation and then apply for PR? If so, this blog is for you! After spending 8 months studying at York University in Toronto, I gathered information that you won't find in any immigration guide or from the average graduate student. Here's a look at what you can expect and how you can get the most out of your experience at York University.

My story

I personally immigrated to this country to improve my skills and advance my career as I have been working in traditional marketing for many years and need an update. Before Canada, I had lived in Germany for a while and because I had problems learning German, I did not choose that country to continue my studies. As an English teacher in the past years, I taught part-time in famous Iranian educational institutions such as Safir, so English was a priority for me. On the other hand, many of my language students were working and studying in Toronto, so I had many friends here and chose to immigrate to this country. After researching online and various forums on Google about universities in Toronto, I came across York University's School of Continuing Studies. In the following, I will share my personal experiences with you and I hope it can help you.

Here are three useful links that I used and they’re for digital marketing communities where you can find information relevant to studying and immigrating to Toronto:

Google Group for Digital Marketing:

• Digital Marketing: Google Digital Marketing Community

Reddit Communities:

• r/DigitalMarketing: Digital Marketing Subreddit
• r/ImmigrationCanada: Immigration Canada Subreddit

I remember the first day I was worried about the snow day that determined my orientation. I must inform you that orientation day will be one of your most interesting days. A luxurious hall with a dining table and a waiter has been prepared for you, and the officials will provide you with sufficient information about all the university departments and the rules and details of the course you are going to take. You will have the chance to meet your new international friends. I will never forget the walking tour of the York University campus. An administrator named Todd, who oversees the course I'm taking, took us inside the courtyard and showed us all the different parts of the university, from the shops and the library to the different buildings, the sports stadium , amazing restaurants and finally the SCS building. Todd is a very attractive person. I will not forget that he joked with one of his colleagues with a snowball during this walk and I was excited to see that the professors of this university are friendly people.

Experiencing the York Strike of 2024 from the Sidelines

During my time at York University, the 2024 strike was a significant event that affected many students across the campus. However, one of the things that stood out to me was how the School of Continuing Studies remained committed to ensuring that our education continued without interruption. While some faculties were heavily impacted by the strike, my program and instructors stayed fully operational, providing us with the stability and consistency we needed to stay on track.

I was relieved to see that my courses proceeded as scheduled, and my instructors were just as engaged and supportive as ever. This not only reinforced my trust in the program but also highlighted the dedication of the School of Continuing Studies to its students. The strike was a major event at York, but thanks to the continuity of my program, I was able to focus on my studies without any setbacks.

Good news for Iranian students

1. Based on the links below, this university is registered on the Ontario eligible universities website, making your application more valid than applying to a regular college.
   https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-universities
   https://osap.gov.on.ca/SchoolSearchWeb/search/eligible_schools.xhtml
2. If you came to Canada and applied for a work permit for Iranians, even though you paid 15,000 dollars at once to register for this course, the cost of the domestic course should be calculated with this work permit and you can get the amount back. Contact the university and they will refund you the $3000 difference. However, this refund will be made after two semesters have passed.

In the case of the certificate given at the end of the course, an academic year is mentioned, but the start and end dates of your studies are included. Note that the Digital and Content Marketing program at SCS is a graduate degree and this course will not help you if you want to apply for PR based on Ontario student streams. You need at least a master's degree from a university in Ontario that is not located in Toronto.

Build your team

The interaction with peers and the dynamic learning environment were incredibly rich. However, some students worked a lot part-time, which may have affected their participation in team projects. After the first semester, be smart and choose classmates who are both quirky and good at teamwork for more success. Working with classmates, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives, provided a strong network and a deeper understanding of global marketing strategies. Group projects, such as developing a digital marketing master plan, strengthened my communication and teamwork skills and effectively simulated real-world scenarios.

A Friendly Overview of my Instructors:

Let me share my personal insights about the instructors I've learned from. Here they are:

• Doris Montanera: Doris is not only an award-winning writer but also an incredibly kind and approachable person. She's a fantastic resource for any assignment questions you might have, and her expertise is top-notch.
• Tim Campbell-Smith: Tim brings a lot of energy to his classes with his social media savvy and cool tattoos. He’s great at pushing you to think deeper with his thought-provoking questions, making his sessions both lively and insightful.
• Melyssa Lipsey: Melyssa has a wealth of experience—over 30 years in marketing and advertising! Her classes are filled with real-world examples and her extensive knowledge in both traditional and digital marketing offers a comprehensive view of the industry.
• Leigh Mitchell: Leigh is the founder of Bee Happy HR & Marketing Co. and excels at making connections. Her classes are engaging, often featuring fun activities like painting and using Legos, which make learning enjoyable.
• Rahim Kachi: Rahim is incredibly knowledgeable and a great connector. He helped us network on LinkedIn, which was crucial in finding full-time job opportunities and preparing for interviews.
• Heath Applebaum: With 15 years of teaching and 25 years in the marketing field, Heath’s classes are rich with practical examples. His mentoring and career coaching have been incredibly valuable in navigating the job market.

Tips for Future Students

1. Research Thoroughly: Before committing, read reviews on platforms like Reddit and Google Maps. Knowing the strengths and potential weaknesses of the course can help set realistic expectations.
2. Utilize Free Resources: Supplement your learning with free online resources like HubSpot Academy and Coursera to stay current with marketing trends without additional costs.
3. Engage in Networking: Connect with instructors and peers. Building a strong network can provide opportunities and support beyond the classroom. Participate in discussions, group projects, and extracurricular activities to maximize your learning experience.
4. Stay Updated: Follow industry leaders on social media, attend webinars, and subscribe to newsletters. Being a lifelong learner will help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving marketing field.
5. Apply Knowledge: Put what you learn into practice immediately. Whether through personal projects, internships, or freelancing, applying your skills solidifies theoretical knowledge and enhances your portfolio.

Final Thoughts

The York Strike of 2024 was a challenging time for many students, but I’m grateful that the School of Continuing Studies maintained a stable and supportive learning environment throughout. If you’re considering this program, you can be confident in the school’s commitment to your education, even in the face of broader disruptions.

While I came into the course with a solid foundation in marketing from my bachelor’s degree, I found the program exceptionally valuable for deepening my knowledge in digital marketing and content creation. The course is designed to keep you updated with the latest trends and strategies, which is crucial in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. It also offers excellent opportunities for networking, which can be a significant advantage if you plan to work in Canada after graduation.

Overall, this program is a great investment for those looking to stay current and make impactful connections. As you consider this path, make sure to assess how it aligns with your career goals and personal strengths.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this blog or any personal experiences you’ve had with York University. Feel free to share your comments!