1. STUDENT’S LIFE IN CANADA
Canada, world’s second largest country in terms of geographical area with its scenic
beauty, divergent and vibrant culture, amicable people and tolerance towards
multiculturalism, has become a respectable chic for international students who are
looking Canada as a study abroad option. Hence we want to familiarize the students
with the basic features of Canadian life.
Canada is a microcosm of cosmopolitan culture because of the influence of not only
the British and French traditions during the colonial era but also the effect of other
cultures since time immemorial. Hence, knowing the culture and traditions of
Canada is as essential as the law of the land. The following features of the Canadian
society become an integral part of the lives of students who come to study in
Canada.
Cultural Adaptation
Every student who comes to study in Canada experiences cultural adaptation in
stages though the length of adaptation may vary from individual to individual. In
the first stage, a student of overseas education in Canada feels optimistic, excited,
attracted and adventurous. A feeling of frustration and disappointment is
2. experienced in the second stage. In the next stage, students feel self-assured,
independent and self-controlled. The fourth stage comforts the mind and lets it
accept the new culture.
Work Culture
Students who come to study in Canada need a study permit to work on campus but
no separate work permit is required if the institution is publicly funded. Full-time
students can also work off-campus but permitted to work up to 20 hours per week
during the term and full-time during holidays.
Education
International students enjoy the support and attention of the professors and
university staff during their stay and especially in their education. Later, the
students recognize the international standards of the Canadian education system
when they enter the job market.
Social Security
In Canada, students enjoy a peaceful, safe and orderly life. As soon as they arrive
at the airport, they need to fill the SIN – Social Insurance Number to work in Canada
and to be safe there.
Food & Cuisine
The Canadian food is an inheritance from the British and French ancestry. It offers
a diverse set of dishes catering for every taste. International students enjoy this
Canadian epic food which includes world-renowned Poutine, delicious & versatile
Bannock, traditional Butter tarts, Nova Scotian Lobster rolls, Saskatoon berry pie,
crispy Beavertails, split Peasoup, Maple taffy-a sugary sweet candy are a few to
name the Canadian traditional food and cuisine.
Social Behaviour
A new place always demands alacrity. Hence students who went to study in Canada
advised calling 911 in an emergency situation. If you are robbed, do not argue or
fight but try to protect your body. If you are a victim of a crime, report it to the
police irrespective of its significance. In the society, be cautious towards strangers
3. and avoid high crime rate areas. If you are returning late utilize the walk-home
service from the campus.
Hospitality Industry
Students get a great opportunity to experience the tourism industry in Canada since
it offers incredible sights such as Niagara Falls, Western Rockies, northern lights in
Canada’s Arctic, red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island and long-stretched
prairies which are worth exploring. These kinds of chances can be enjoyed by only
students of overseas education in Canada.
Monetary Transaction
Students can open an account at any Canadian bank or find out whether your
current bank has established partnerships in Canada. Most stores accept cash,
credit card and debit cards. Cheques, which are issued by banks when you open
bank account, are ideal for larger amounts such as rent and bill payments.
However, internet banking is widely accepted mode of payments.
Healthcare
Canada has developed a unique health-care system because of joint federal and
provincial government efforts. Each territory manages health care for its region,
covering all citizens for hospital and physician care. Medical-insurance plans are
made available to international students by all Canadian post-secondary
institutions. It is highly advised that you buy travel health insurance from the
Canadian educational institution you plan to attend.
Climate
Students enjoy the climate of Canada in four distinct seasons: Spring which lasts
from March to May; Summer from June to August; Fall begins in September and
ends in October; and Winter is from November till February. The temperatures in
the far north sometimes soar above 0°C. Students are advised to listen to the
weather report regularly on a radio or check the Internet.
4. Accommodation
Most of the students prefer on-campus residence since it allows them to make
friends which generally enables a combined study and smoother social transition.
Dormitories have a shared kitchen, bathroom, and laundry services.
Entertainment
International students in Canada have access to a wide variety of fun activities such
as cinema, theatre, television and radio and newspapers. Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation, Canadian Television and Global Television are major Canadian TV
networks in English. But newspapers are a great way to know the contemporary
happenings in a city. The Globe and Mail and The National Post are two national
dailies.
Recreational Activities
Students of overseas education in Canada also savour Canadian’s fondness for
playing and watching sports. Hockey, cross-country, alpine skiing, hiking,
snowboarding, swimming, baseball, tennis, basketball, golf, soccer and curling are
popular sports and recreational activities in Canada.
Political System
Students who went to study in Canada experience a different kind of political
system compared to the one in their homeland. The Canadian governance system
is a constitutional monarchy and a federal state with a democratic system of
government.
Queen Elizabeth II (Head of the State)
Prime Minister (Head of the Government)
Each province has a premier who leads its legislature which looks after education,
health care, driver’s licences and labour standards in the provinces.
For more information please call our expert @ 9205590713 or visit www.global-
opportunities.net to register online.