There are a number of Canadian Lifestyle adjustments that international students face upon coming to study in this great country. From the food, culture and weather, there are a few things that you’ll need to get used to!
The harmonious living style and peaceful co-existence international students enjoy in Canada is tied to the students’ understanding of the Canadian lifestyle. So as a prospective international student in Canada, there are facts about Canadian lifestyle you should get informed of before arriving to Canada.
Apparently, Canada is amongst top 10 countries in the world that has continuously witness increasing number of international students yearly. This is due to the quality of education, improved healthcare, beautiful environment and vibrant economy, also the friendly bilateral policies Canada has with many countries NAFTA and beyond.
Considerably, the Canadian lifestyle is worth emulating by international student having the intention to stay back after completing academic programs. You’ll need to master the act of co-existence with the regular Canadians to be able to find your footing.
Additionally, you may find some of the Canadian lifestyles difficult to cope with but you gradually you will get adapted to it. Canadians love cultural diversity and enjoy celebrating it when necessary.
Progressively, this article will discuss some Canadian lifestyle and facts any intending international student to study in Canada should know.
In this article
1. Many Immigration policies
The first point of call or contact as international student in Canada is the Canadian immigration office or officers.
Possibly, on arrival you could detect certain Canadian lifestyle and facts through manner of approach and discharge of responsibilities by immigration officers
A Canadian immigration officer is very friendly, tolerating and has respect for human but won’t tolerate immigration frauds. So as an intending international students in Canada ensure you follow due application process to obtain all relevant immigrating documents.
Student visa, passport and study permit, are immigrating documents, check our study in Canada guide for details on how international students can come to Canada for educational purposes.
2. 2 Different Languages
Communication is very important in any environment because without proper interaction there can’t be understanding or peaceful coexistence.
Generally, Canadian lifestyle in relation to official communication revolves around two languages which are English and French language.
Statistically, about 59% of Canadians has English language as mother tongue while while 23% has French language as mother tongue. The remaining 18% has other languages other than English or French language as their mother tongue.
Language differences in Canada is a fact an international student in Canada should understand because learning activities will be conveyed through these languages. It is expected that every international student should be able to read, write and speak either English or French language.
In line with Canadian government law’ every institutions in Canada require all international student to provide proof of language proficiency. The language proficiency proof can be obtained through different accredited language testing.
Other languages spoken in Canada include Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Panjabi, and Tagalog. Inuktitut, Cree, and Innu/Montagnais are the most common Aboriginal languages in Canada.
3. Many Education Options
Essentially, Canadian lifestyle around quality education can’t be underestimated by any country globally, owning to their record breaking achievements. It is more reason why most government sends their students to acquire knowledge in advance courses in Canada continuously.
Notable facts international students should know in terms of Canadian lifestyle and schooling in Canada are stated below:
- Most Canadian institutions accept international students in their programs especially University.
- Canadian Universities and other institutions run three semesters which are fall, winter and summer. Fall starts from September and end in December or January, winter starts from January and end in April. The summer starts from April or May and end in July.
- International student pay higher tuition fee than the domestic students in Canadian institutions.
- International students with Study permit and are registered as full-time Students can work up to 20 hours weekly. They can work on full-time basis during holidays.
- International students enjoy some specific Scholarships, bursaries and student loan to ease their academic programs.
- International students can apply for work permit to work after graduation and possibly apply for Permanent residence visa.
4. Differentiating between Provinces and Territories
In Canada there are ten provinces and three territories, listed below with links to resources for immigrating, working or studying in them.
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Yukon
Canadian province and territories are united by a federation whose administrative office is situated in Ottawa, however, there could be slight differences in Canadian lifestyle across each province but lot of things in common. Here few facts intending international students in Canada may grab about some provinces in Canada
- Ontario is the province with highest number of international students, nearly 50% of the entire Students in Canada.
- Alberta is the cheapest province for international student to study.
- Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Quebec and Ottawa are the top best cities international student residents and study in Canada.
5. Varying Social Values and Norms
Canadian lifestyle is undoubtedly filled with lots of social activities to engage on during the day, night, winter or summer. Canada is significantly a big country with every provinces have social activities like entertainment, cultural festivals and lots more.
Regardless the city or province you live in Canada you will find at least 10 things to do for fun. You can find out more details on things to do in different cities or provinces socially in Canada from here.
You can visit some places to get to know more about Canadian lifestyle along social activities like:
- A visit to International Percussion Festival
- Catch a glimpse of activities Gault Nature Reserve
- Exploring Banff National Park
- A stroll along the Quebec Bridge.
- Explore the Louise-Carrier Gallery
6. Small Population
Canada population is 38 million persons which is considerably a moderately populated country in global Population index. It is the fourth largest by land mass and second largest Country by total area. Approximately, 73% Canadians are white while about while the rest are black, this is due close boundary shared with USA.
Relatively large Immigrant population
Immigrants make about 21% of Canada total population which is an indication that immigration finds Canadian lifestyle and environment comfortable. Below are some facts for international students by population in Canada.
- China and India are the two countries with highest number of international students in Canada.
- Canada is ranked 4th in terms number of international students.
- The following universities below have the highest population of international students in Canada.
- University of British Columbia.
- McGill University.
- Concordia University Montreal.
- Simon Fraser University.
- University of Alberta.
- University of Windsor.
- Dalhousie University.
- York University.
7. Canadian Etiquettes
Considering the fact that in Canada is predominantly Christian Country though with more than 10 different religions.
There are bound to be slight differences in each Canadian lifestyle in line with religious beliefs and practices. Also culturally there could be slight differences too because Canada is a multicultural country, citizens and immigrants appreciate their cultural diversities.
Canadians values are evident in their belief in equality diversity, and respect for all individuals. Cities with most cultural destinations in Canada are Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto and Ontario.
8. Peculiar Weather and Climate
It is very important it understand Canada climate as international students in Canada because this already part of Canadians lifestyle.
They know the kind of weather they have and it unpredictable nature especially in some regions of the country.
The northern Canada climate is unfriendly because it is harsh so lots of Canadians lives in the south nearby US border.
In Canada most places experience four yearly which are Spring which is from March to May. Summer runs from June to August while Fall runs from September to November and Winter is from December to February.
The coldest season lasts from December to March while the hottest season is from June to August. So the best time to visit Canada as is from September to November. Canadians are used to this lifestyle already so an international student in Canada you need to study the season. And tips on how to manage each of the season while you are there for academic programs.
Frequently Asked questions
What are the Canadian lifestyle international students should learn?
These are some Canadian lifestyle international students should learn
- Ensure you check weather forecast updates, because weather is unpredictable and unstable in Canada so learn it as a lifestyle.
- Learn to take off your shoes lifestyle before entering a Canadian house as an international student in Canada.
What are the best 5 universities in Canada?
According to times higher education ranking in 2022 ranking, the following are the top 5 universities in Canada.
- University of Montreal
- McMaster University
- McGill University.
- University of British Columbia.
- University of Toronto.
Which Canadian Universities has the highest the international students?
Universities listed below are the top friendliest universities in Canada to international students.
- University of British Columbia.
- McGill University.
- Concordia University Montreal.
- Simon Fraser University.
- University of Alberta.
Conclusion
Conclusively, Canadian lifestyle is very welcoming lifestyle and worth emulating as an international student in Canada. Hopefully you find this article useful and worth sharing with friends and families that might be in need.
