5 Tips for Thriving as a Foreign Student

Immigrating to a new country to further your education can be a daunting and flat out frightening task. Though entering a brave, new world is exciting, you will also encounter many roadblocks and hard emotions along the route that must be overcome. Students from countries all around the world migrate to Canada in the search of a great education and welcoming country in which to settle. Following these tips will help you thrive as a foreign student.

1. Canada is Full of Helping Hands

Leaving your country may feel like you are slicing a hole in your safety net, but Canadians always have the doors of their communities wide open, ready to welcome immigrant students. Do not be afraid to ask for help; Canadians are more than willing to assist newcomers. Acquaintances and good friends are a critical component of success when you leave an old life behind to build another.

2. Do What You Know

When seeking employment as a new resident of Canada, stick to what you know. Add your skills to the Canadian workforce, while skipping the stress of completely learning a new task, by going after positions of employment that you are familiar with. With everything in your life drastically changing, it will be nice to take a break from the chaos and ease into a job in which you perform well.

3. Learn about the Country

Before you arrive in Canada, take the time to learn about the country. Everything from culture to climate can affect how you adapt to the country. You do not want to arrive only to be surprised to discover that there are “only two seasons,” and both can feel quite cold. After learning about the country itself, get to know the community in which you will be settling. Social media offers many opportunities to meet others in your new area who share common goals and interests.

4. Stay in School

Do not forget your reasons for moving to Canada as a student. Set the goal of staying in school and make your dream of graduating from a Canadian university a reality. If you find that you are overwhelmed with settling in and begin to see your grades suffer, be sure to speak with a trusted advisor or school official on how your schedule could be changed to help you thrive better as a new immigrant and student.

5. Avoid Debt

Start and stay on the right track as a new Canadian resident by remaining debt free. Settle for purchasing only your needs until you are secure enough to do otherwise. Always keep enough funds saved to return to your mother country in an emergency or if you are missing home. Avoid real estate debt by finding a roommate and renting a home together.

Before you arrive as a new immigrant, it is important to have a good understanding of the country and town in which you will live. Hiring a professional from Canadian University Real Estate will ensure that you are finding the perfect home. For more information, visit our resources page.