As an international student, learning about an institution's quality and reputation from student testimonials is very important for making an informed decision. Nobody can guide you better or give you a more honest picture than a student who has studied there and lived the experience. As someone who regrets skipping this crucial step, I will share my student life at York University School of Continuing Studies, so that you have all the answers you need and can confidently make the right decision for your career and education.
Starting my second post-graduate certification at York University School of Continuing Studies (SCS) has been an interesting experience. After completing a post-graduate certification in Public Relations, I chose to study digital marketing. In total, I have 2 years of studying experience as SCS.
Let's begin with aspects I loved about my journey at SCS:
Connectivity and Convenience
One of the standout features of York University is its own subway station. This connectivity was a prime reason I chose to study here. The convenience of having a subway station on campus is unparalleled and makes commuting much easier.
Break Room: My Favourite Spot
One of my favourite places on campus is the Break Room, a space with arcade games, pool tables, a small bar, and lots of board games. Although it’s far from the SCS building, it’s a great place to unwind and socialize. The Break Room is the one place where I truly feel like a student, and it offers an honest chance for friendships to blossom.
Student Insurance
SCS offers student insurance through Guard.me, which provides excellent coverage for the duration of the program for a fee of CAD 400. This insurance covers a wide range of medical services, giving students peace of mind. International students tend to fall ill due to severe changes in climate, food and lifestyle.
During my first summer, I suffered from an unknown allergic reaction. I had to visit a doctor almost everyday for a week for my condition. I also had to go to the ER once. My bills amounted to nearly $3-4k but the insurance completely covered it, including my Uber expenses. Most places the doctors directly charged the insurance, and for the rest I simply submitted copies of my payment and within few weeks the company reimbursed all the amount. I give credit where credit is due, and I believe the insurance plan recommend by the school (also part of the tuition fees) is a great plan to have.
Let's now take a look at the challenges I faced at SCS:
Surprise Surprise.....
SCS is NOT really a part of York University
Be aware that York University and York University School of Continuing Studies are not the same. While York University has great services, an amazing student life, lots of clubs, events, lovely professors, and truly great reviews online, SCS is fairly new and just an extension of the university. It operates as a detached body on campus with different management, reputation, and quality. Since this fact is not clearly communicated in their marketing. This detachment can be misleading and leaves students feeling isolated and cheated.
Curriculum and Learning Experience
Programs at SCS aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the field. While some courses are insightful and engaging, others can be less inspiring, depending largely on the professor. Most teachers are visiting faculty and not full-time staff, making it difficult to establish a connection. Unfortunately, students do not get to choose their courses or professors, so it's a bit of a gamble. Sometimes you get lucky with an excellent professor, and sometimes you don’t.
Classmates: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Classmates can be a concern too sometimes. I got lucky with my current marketing course and found truly dedicated comrades. However, in my last Public Relations program I had students who had no background in the field and had taken admission because they thought it was a creative writing course. We barely could learn from each other because they were not enjoying what they were learning. It also made me think about how did they land the admission considering we all have to submit a Statement of Purpose which allows the University to filter students who are truly eligible for the program. On a different note, there is barely any diversity in the class.
Diversity
International students move abroad hoping to study among people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. My class in both the programs has had more than 90% Indians. It totally defeats the purpose of anyone moving abroad for foreign exposure. Do not be surprised if the only White person in your classroom is your Professor. At least this promises that there will never be room for racism. The overwhelming majority of the Indians will actually leave the professor feeling more vulnerable than anyone else.
Career Services, Mental Health, and Safety Support
SCS offers career services, including the Ten Thousand Coffees program for networking, mentorship, and resume reviews. They also have the Keep.meSAFE app for mental health support and a safety app for emergencies. However, despite these resources, many students, including myself, barely use it. These tools are not well advertised and are typically only mentioned during orientation, never to be discussed again. As a result, they often go forgotten and unused.
Fitness and Recreation
Staying active is personally important to me , and York University's Tait McKenzie Centre provides excellent facilities to support this. The gym offers a range of fitness equipment and access to the pool and various fitness classes for a nominal fee of CAD 22 plus tax per month. Membership also includes equipment rentals for sports like badminton, tennis, and football. However, it's worth noting that SCS students pay this fee monthly, whereas undergrad students pay a one-time fee for the entire year. This discrepancy in charges is simply unfair.
Job and Placement Support
Unfortunately, the program does not promise any opportunities for job placements. There are no job fairs for the SCS students where they can meet employers. After the program, you are on your own.
Some programs may offer co-op, but students have to pay a fee to be a part of it. Again, paying the fee does not guarantee that you will land a position. If you do get lucky and get hired, your tenure will be unpaid. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, international students normally do not have the luxury to work for free to develop skills because it directly impacts their survival.
Conclusion
York University's School of Continuing Studies offers flexible and comprehensive programs ideal for working professionals or those seeking a less intense academic experience. The career services, mental health support, and fitness facilities add value to the overall experience. However, the lack of faculty interaction, community building efforts, and fair pricing are areas that need improvement.
For future students, it is essential to manage your expectations. SCS is a great choice for those looking for a balanced approach to further education, but if you are seeking an intense course with a rich student life experience, you might want to explore other options. Overall, my journey at SCS has been a mix of highs and lows, and while I have gained valuable knowledge and skills, I believe my expectations could have been better met elsewhere.
