Study Abroad

9 Amazing Things to Expect as an International Student in Canada

June 29, 2023

Things to expect as an international students in Canada — An International Student exploring a scenery in Canada

So, you’re dreaming of studying in Canada and want to know what to expect as an international student in Canada.

You’re not alone.

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students, and that’s for good reasons.

It has world-class education, multicultural diversity, and stunning natural beauty. But what can you expect as an international student in Canada?

How will your life change when you land in the land of maple syrup and hockey?

We know you have a lot of questions and emotions about studying abroad. You may be excited, curious, nervous, or even scared. And that’s totally normal.

Studying in a new country is a big decision and a huge adventure. You may wonder if you’ll fit in, make friends, learn the language, and cope with the challenges.

You may also have some myths or misconceptions about Canada that we should demystify.

According to Canadian Bureau for International Education, 95% of international students recommend Canada as a study destination.

That’s a pretty impressive statistic. Don’t you think?

But what makes Canada so great for international students? What amazing things await you in this friendly and welcoming country?

In this blog post, we’ll reveal nine (9) amazing things to expect as an international student in Canada.

These things will make your study experience unforgettable, enriching, and rewarding.

You’ll discover why Canada is more than just a place to get a degree – it’s a place to grow, learn, and have fun.

Ready to find out?

Let’s get down to business!

Table of Contents

9 Amazing Things to Expect as an International Student in Canada.

✍️Diverse Cultural Environment

One of the Awe-inspiring things you can expect as an international student in Canada is to explore diverse cultures and languages.

Canada is a multicultural country where people from different backgrounds and ethnicities live harmoniously.

As an international student, you can learn from your classmates and friends with different perspectives and experiences.

You can also discover rich and varied linguistic heritage in Canada, which has two official languages (English and French) and many indigenous languages, such as Cree, Inuktitut, Ojibwe, and Mi’kmaq.

Some regions also have their own dialects or accents, such as Quebecois, Acadian, or Newfoundland English.

So, whether you choose to study in a bilingual city like Montreal or Ottawa or immerse yourself in a single-language environment, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills and appreciate the diversity of Canada.

✍️ Experience Four Distinct Seasons

Another fascinating thing about studying in Canada is that you can experience four distinct seasons.

Canada has a variety of climates and landscapes, depending on the location and time of the year.

For example, in the winter, you can enjoy the snowy mountains and frozen lakes, and try activities like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snowshoeing.

In the spring, you can witness nature coming back to life, with flowers blooming and birds singing.

You can also visit famous gardens and parks like the Butchart Gardens in Victoria or the High Park in Toronto.

can also soak up the sun and enjoy the warm weather during the summer.

You can go hiking, camping, kayaking, or swimming in some of the stunning natural scenery in Canada, such as the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, or the Thousand Islands.

You can also check out some festivals and events that celebrate Canada’s culture and diversity, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, the Calgary Stampede, or the Toronto Pride Parade.

In the fall, you can admire the changing colors of the leaves and feel the crisp air.

You can explore some historic sites and museums that showcase Canada’s history and heritage, such as Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the Old Quebec City, or the Canadian Museum of History.

You can also enjoy seasonal delicacies like pumpkin pie, apple cider, or maple syrup.

✍️Access world-class education and research opportunities.

Canada is home to some of the best universities and colleges in the world, offering high-quality education and cutting-edge research facilities.

Whether you want to study engineering, business, arts, or health sciences, you will find a program that suits your interests and goals in Canada.

You will also benefit from the international recognition and reputation of Canadian degrees and diplomas, which can open up many doors for your future career.

Studying in Canada is not just a great way to learn new skills and knowledge; you’ll also experience the diversity and innovation of Canadian culture and society.

✍️Enjoy a high standard of living and safety.

Canada is not only a stunning and diverse country but also one of the most livable and peaceful ones globally.

According to various rankings and indicators, such as the Human Development Index, the Global Peace Index, and the Quality of Life Index, Canada consistently scores high in health, education, income, safety, and happiness.

As an international student in Canada, you can benefit from the excellent health care system, the reliable public transportation network, the generous social services, and the respect for human rights and diversity.

You can also experience rich cultural and linguistic diversity in Canada, which serves as a home to people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and languages.

You can learn from and interact with people with different perspectives and values and broaden your horizons, and feel safe and comfortable in your new home away from home.

✍️Make lifelong friends and connections.

One of the best things about studying in Canada is that it gives you the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

You can join various clubs and societies on campus, volunteer for a cause you care about, attend events and workshops, and even participate in exchange programs with other universities.

These are all great ways to expand your network and make new friends who share your interests and passions.

Having a diverse and supportive social circle can enrich your life in many ways. You can learn from each other, explore new perspectives, and celebrate your differences.

You can also help each other with academic and career goals and personal challenges.

And you can have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime.

✍️Discover amazing natural wonders and wildlife.

As an international student in Canada, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most incredible natural wonders and wildlife on earth.

Canada is home to 20 Unesco World Heritage Sites, 48 national parks, and countless lakes, mountains, forests, and glaciers.

You can marvel at the majestic Niagara Falls, the largest waterfall by volume in North America, or visit Banff National Park, where you can see turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife.

You can also witness the magical northern lights, a natural phenomenon that lights up the sky with green, purple, and pink hues.

Canada is also a great place to see some of the most iconic animals on the planet, such as polar bears, moose, beavers, and whales.

You can even spot the rare and sacred spirit bear, a white subspecies of the black bear that lives only in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Canada is committed to protecting its natural resources and biodiversity through various environmental initiatives and policies.

You can learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved as a student by visiting local museums, joining conservation groups, or volunteering for eco-friendly projects.

✍️Enjoy a variety of cuisines and delicacies

Canada has a rich and diverse food culture that reflects its history and geography. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines and delicacies from different regions and cultures, such as:

Poutine: a dish that originated in Quebec, consisting of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. You can find different variations and toppings of poutine across the country, such as bacon, pulled pork, or lobster.
Maple syrup: a natural sweetener that is made from the sap of maple trees, which are abundant in Canada. Maple syrup is a staple of Canadian cuisine and is used to flavor many dishes and desserts, such as pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, bacon, candies, cookies, and butter.
Butter tarts: a traditional Canadian dessert that is made from small pastries filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, eggs, and sometimes raisins or nuts. They have a rich and gooey texture and are often served warm or cold.
Nanaimo bars: a no-bake dessert that is named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, where it was first created. It consists of three layers: a chocolate-coconut base, a custard filling, and a chocolate topping. It is a popular treat for holidays and special occasions.
Smoked meat: a type of cured beef that is smoked and sliced thinly. It is similar to pastrami but has a distinct flavor and texture. It is usually served on rye bread with mustard and pickles. It is a specialty of Montreal, where you can find many famous smoked meat delis.

These foods are just some examples of the delicious and diverse dishes and foods that you can taste and try in Canada. By trying these foods, you can learn more about Canada’s heritage and identity while enjoying a satisfying meal.

✍️Take advantage of scholarships and work opportunities.

Studying abroad can be expensive, but Canada offers many ways to help you fund your education and living expenses.

You can apply for scholarships, grants, and loans from various sources, such as the Canadian government, your home country, your university, or private organizations.

Some of these awards are based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.

You can also look for work opportunities while you study, such as co-op programs, internships, or part-time jobs.

These can help you gain valuable skills, experience, and connections in your field of interest.

Plus, you can earn some extra money to cover your costs. To be eligible for most of these opportunities, you need to have a valid study permit and meet certain requirements.

You can check the official websites of the Canadian government and your university for more information on how to apply.

✍️Have fun and create unforgettable memories.

Finally, the most amazing thing to expect as an international student in Canada is to have fun and create unforgettable memories.

Canada is a beautiful and diverse country that offers many opportunities for learning, adventure, and personal growth.

Whether you want to explore the natural wonders of the Rockies, the cultural richness of Quebec, or the vibrant cities of Toronto and Vancouver, you will find something that suits your interests and passions.

You will also meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, and make lifelong friends along the way.

As an international student in Canada, you are not only pursuing your academic goals but also your dreams and aspirations.

You are taking a bold step to challenge yourself, broaden your horizons, and discover new possibilities.

Additionally, you are contributing to the global community with your unique perspectives and talents. You should also be proud of yourself and celebrate your achievements.

Some of the experiences and stories that students have shared with us include traveling across the country by train, learning how to ski or snowboard, celebrating Thanksgiving and Halloween with their host families, volunteering for local charities, joining clubs and societies on campus, and graduating with honors and awards.

These are just some examples of how students have made the most of their time in Canada, and how they have enriched their lives with fun and meaningful activities.

Conclusion

We know how you feel. You’re excited, nervous, curious, and maybe a little scared.

You’re about to embark on one of the most amazing adventures of your life: studying in Canada.

You’ve probably been dreaming about this for a long time, and now it’s finally happening. But you also have a lot of questions and doubts.

Will you fit in? Again, will you make friends? What about the weather?

Will you like it? How do you handle the academic challenges?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every international student goes through these emotions at some point.

And trust us, it’s worth it.

Canada is a wonderful country with so much to offer: diverse cultures, beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and world-class education.

You’ll learn so much, not only in the classroom but also outside of it. You’ll experience new things, meet new people, and grow as a person.

That’s why we wrote this article for you: to show you some of the amazing things you can expect as an international student in Canada.

We hope it helped you get a glimpse of what awaits you in this amazing country. And we hope it inspired you to take the leap and pursue your dreams.

You have what it takes to succeed. And you have the courage, the passion, the curiosity, and the ambition. You have a bright future ahead of you.

Moreso, Canada is ready to welcome you with open arms.

So go ahead and pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. You’re almost there!

Don’t hesitate to contact us, or drop a comment should there be any questions, suggestions, or concerns.