The experience of moving to a new country can be exciting and scary at the same time. For many international students it is regarded as the first time they travel alone, let alone relocating to a new country. Stepping into a new place with no personal or professional support network can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and stress that are far more intense.
The Academic Journey
The beginning of your academic journey is always exciting but along with it comes the struggle of forming new friendships, understanding diverse cultures, and getting accustomed to new teaching methods. You might also face difficulties in creating personal boundaries which further complicates the ability to address problems effectively. These simple things sometimes prove to be challenging in your journey and anxiety can take control of it leading to a decline in confidence.
Sharpening your skillset
The focus then shifts to looking for part-time job employment to support living expenses and be self-sustainable. You realize that it is not easy to tap into the job market and facing rejections adds to this burden of mental stress. You start to understand that just having a good resume will not take you far but building on that effective communication is the key to getting through the Canadian Job market.
Navigating people and places
Honestly, it doesn’t end after learning how to communicate effectively. The real journey begins when you start executing these solutions in your workplace. You realize that people deal with situations very differently than what you had imagined. It becomes essential for you to have effective body language, good etiquette, and an understanding of the politics of people in your workplace.
Trying to balance personal and professional life
Like they say, there is a fine line between personal and professional life and if you don’t create boundaries early on, you will create more hurdles than you can overcome. Coming from places where resources and support are easily accessible, you must now build your network from the ground up. At this stage, you learn how important it is to be able to give and take feedback with confidence. Adapting to constructive criticism is an important skill to learn if you want to grow professionally. Known to all, the Canadian system requires a set of soft skills that cannot be acquired easily on your own.
Taking accountability for your actions
No matter where you go it is impossible to get away without resolving the problems you face, whether it is personal or professional. It is never easy to deal with issues if you are struggling to cope with being independent and self-sustainable and that is the very reason why you should take accountability for your actions. Canadians are known for being honest and building relations that rely on trust, but how do you learn this? Remember, there is always a way out.
Focusing on Mental Health
Many students eventually learn the need for support and begin to figure out options such as campus counseling services. Although these resources are invaluable, opening up to others and conveying personal struggles is not always easy. You start searching for alternative tools that are self-paced in nature to work through these challenges. Training and tools provide long-term strategies rather than temporary fixes, addressing the need for a shift in mindset and equipping you to overcome problems effectively.
Overcoming the challenges
Students seeking targeted solutions to their challenges can benefit from programs like How to Survive and Thrive in Canada by Workright.ca It is an e-course that is specially designed to meet the needs of international students. This training is a self-paced tool that provides practical guidance on overcoming common challenges while nurturing personal growth. For those who are balancing limited budgets, student discounts make these resources even more accessible. You can use the code YorkU50 until 10th December 2024 to avail of the discount.
Taking this course early in your journey prepares you to tackle the challenges that come your way. It gives a roadmap for success and helps you feel less alone. For any international student coming to Canada, it is highly recommended to take advantage of this e-course. It can make a world of difference in your ability to not just survive but thrive in your new academic home.