Studying abroad is a privilege that not everyone can afford. Students are spending thousands of dollars every year to pay tuition fees and work part-time with their studies. Every year International students contribute more than 22.4 billion dollars to the Canadian Economy which is more than key Canadian Industries such as aircraft, lumber, and automobile parts. In 2022 Canada welcomed 557405 international students and in 2023 this number increased to 900000 international students.

International students not only bring money with them but they are also a source of cheap labor who are playing an integral part in fulfilling the labor shortage. Students are coming to Canada for a better future but to become successful they have to manage their studies, work, and personal life. International students are paying three times the tuition fee when compared to their domestic counterparts. They have an advantage, and 11 out of the top 250 universities in the world are located in Canada. The benefit is the internationally acclaimed degree and acceptance all over the world.

Most of the international students belong to mediocre families and have taken huge loans from the bank to sponsor their studies. They are living away from their families and friends just to be successful in their lives. They don’t have an easy life and struggle till they get their PR. 

Life of an International Student

Safety: Canada is one of the top 10 safe countries in the world according to the Institute for Economic and Peace Sydney. Though it is a safe country there is a rising crime rate in a few cities like Winnipeg, Red Deer, Surrey British Columbia. These cities ranked among the top dangerous cities in Canada because of their high crime rate and incidents of murder. Drug and gang activities are normal in these cities and unsatisfied wallets are another reason for the theft crime. 

Weather

Canada’s cold climate demoralizes many international students because many of them are from Asian countries and are not used to such cold weather. Daytime temperature in the summers can reach up to 35 degrees and during winters it is -30 degrees in some locations, because of the cold weather people are staying indoors, which is the worst feeling of loneliness. According to the Candian Institute of Mental Health, the Cold climate is making them feel lonely and mentally unsettled. sometimes causing seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression. It takes time for the international students to adjust to the climate.

Homesickness

You will miss your home and family when you are hundreds of miles away from home. Many international students are suffering from homesickness which is a serious concern. The sudden change in the environment, lifestyle, food, and community support make them feel homesick. Cultural differences also make it difficult to adjust and lack of interest in the surroundings. As a student you are busy with your studies and work so there are chances that you don’t have many friends. To overcome this you can make friends at school or at your college or can volunteer in some activities and learn about the Canadian culture.

Daily chores 

Life is not easy when you have to manage your personal life and balance studies and work. If you are a beginner then it is difficult to do household activities and make food for yourself. Eating out can be expensive and you cannot afford to take risks with your health. cooking can be a great hobby but it needs patience and practice. There are other household chores that you need to also along with cooking like cleaning, moping, laundry, and washing dishes and clothes. You also have to plan for your grocery shopping and travel bills. It’s difficult to manage everything at first bet, but with time they learn everything.

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Culture

Canada is a liberal country and they are welcoming newcomers with open arms. They give importance to politeness, manners, and behavior. People with good values don’t find it difficult to adjust to their culture because they just want respect and good behavior. Canada has a diverse ethnic culture and you can find people from all the nationalities living in Canada. Canada’s official languages are English and French. So it’s not easy for someone to mix up in the culture when you are coming from a different culture.

Every culture has different ethics and values. Particularly in the way we greet someone and address everyday problems. It’s a Canadian Culture to greet someone with Good morning or good evening and if you are not doing this it is considered as disrespect. Gender and sexuality are not taboo here, they are in their tradition. So respecting everyone and understanding their culture is the best way to mix in their culture.

Academic Pressure

International students studying in Canada may face academic pressure. Academic standards in Canada may differ from those in their home country, and international students may struggle to keep up with the workload or understand the expectations of their teachers. International students may also experience homesickness or culture shock, which can have an impact on their academic performance.

To alleviate academic pressure, international students may seek assistance from their professors, teaching assistants, or academic advisors. They can also participate in study groups or academic assistance programs offered by their university. Furthermore, international students can prioritize their emotional and physical health by taking breaks as needed, seeking therapy, and living a healthy lifestyle. International students can flourish if they balance their academic and personal responsibilities.

Financial Burden

The cost of living in Canada can be high, and tuition for international students is frequently substantially higher than for native students. International students may also have difficulty finding part-time work to support themselves since employers may be reluctant to hire people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

International students in financial need might look into scholarships and bursaries sponsored by their universities or other organizations. They can also hunt for part-time jobs on campus or in their neighborhood. International students can also create a budget and prioritize their spending to live within their means.

Overall, studying in Canada is an excellent experience for international students, but it is not without difficulties. Language problems, culture shock, financial obligations, accommodation, and health care are just a few of the challenges that international students may encounter in Canada. International students, on the other hand, can overcome these difficulties with rigorous planning, comprehension, and preparation. immigration consultant Edmonton can help you grasp the specific immigration programs to discover more about potential job opportunities.

Author’s Bio:

Harinder P Singh contribute to Immigrationnews.blueeye.ca, sharing the excitement of immigration’s promise—a chance for individuals, regardless of background, to create a better life abroad. Beyond writing, I find joy in drawing, cooking, baking, and savoring music.