All about studying in Canada. Interview with a student

Admission to college, English courses, visa, housing, employment, and adaptation of international students in Canada.

We're excited to share the story of Ekaterina, one of our students who went to study in Canada and has already gained valuable experiences. We met with her in Toronto, and she told us about her first 5 months of living and studying abroad.

Preparation and Relocation

At the time of our meeting, more than a year had passed since Kate reached out to us for a consultation to discuss her plans for studying in Canada. We helped her choose a program, apply, and get her visa. Kate decided to fly to Canada a few months before her studies to take English language courses, as a reason for such an early arrival.

"I was a bit worried that I might not have the opportunity to leave, or the exchange rate could change, or there might be some restrictions..." she explains her decision.

The move wasn't easy: after a long flight, Ekaterina immediately started her English language classes. Despite the fatigue, she enthusiastically dove into her studies, as this was her chance not only to improve her language skills but also to adapt to the new environment.

Border Crossing and First Steps in Canada

One of the common questions students ask is about the border crossing process. Kate says her experience was excellent: she prepared all the necessary documents, and to her surprise, the officer didn't ask her a single question. Ekaterina had her college and language school acceptance letters, accommodation booking, and passport with her.

Kate had booked her accommodation in advance through her language school, which also arranged for her to be met at the airport. This was a real lifesaver after the exhausting flight. At first, she lived in a dormitory, and it's worth noting that student residences in Canada are very comfortable and equipped.

These were cozy apartments where everyone had their own furnished room with coded locks, and shared areas included a kitchen, living room, and bathroom.

For 3 months of language school and residence, Kate paid $5,800 CAD.

Studies: From English Courses to International Business

Kate started her education with online English courses and then continued learning English in Canada. Before her main program, she completed general English, English for university preparation, and business English courses.

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The university preparation course allows students to enter Canadian schools without taking a language test. Kate took this course online. During her studies, there were many essays, presentations, homework assignments, and teamwork with students from different countries and time zones. Face-to-face learning, Kate says, is a bit different but also involves a lot of communication.

After the English courses, she started her main program, Global Business Management, at Georgian@ILAC College. The program is designed for two years, and already in the first year, Ekaterina noticed differences in the approach to education compared to her previous experience back home.

"Here, they throw you right into it: they give you 6 subjects that are somehow related to your program, and you start studying them," Kate notes.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to customize their learning: choosing class schedules and even selecting instructors.

Kate really enjoys her studies and teachers.

Meeting with the client

Challenges and Solutions: Housing, Work, Food, Transportation, and Life in Canada

Life in Canada turned out to be full of new experiences for Ekaterina, but it wasn't without its challenges. Housing in Toronto is a topic in itself. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city starts at $2,000 CAD, which can be financially burdensome for students. Many students team up and rent apartments together.

Kate herself rents an apartment in the suburbs and spends about an hour commuting to school by public transportation.

Local products are very different from what Ekaterina was used to back home.

"I can't just go buy one small chicken breast, I have to buy a whole tray," Kate laughs. "They sell in large packages. If it's a steak, it's a kilogram steak."

As for work, Ekaterina started looking for a job right after beginning her studies, and by the time of our meeting, she was already employed. It's not easy, as students can only work part-time, and not every employer agrees to this. To search, Kate used platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn and found a job at a management company near her place of residence.

"The most important thing here is to be yourself and answer questions honestly," Kate concluded from her job interview experiences.

Transportation in Toronto also gave Kate mixed feelings. On one hand, public transport allows you to get to any part of the city, but on the other hand, the lack of mobile coverage in the subway and frequent service interruptions create inconveniences.

Communication and Integration

Making connections and socializing are key aspects of successful adaptation in a new country. Kate says that an acquaintance recommended a special website for finding friends. There, you can set priorities and find people with similar interests.

"I met several people from Toronto this way, who are now helping me a lot," Kate says.

In her college group, there are also many students from different countries, and although everyone has different cultural and religious views, it doesn't prevent them from finding common ground and supporting each other.

Kate has very positive impressions of Canada. She especially likes the friendliness of people and the abundance of greenery in the city. Therefore, Ekaterina sums up her first months in the new country with positive emotions and confidence that she made the right choice. Although there were challenges, her experience of studying and adapting to a new life proved invaluable.

Meeting with the client

Help with Admission and Visa

If you also want to follow Ekaterina's path and go to study in Canada, we'll be happy to help you at every stage. We'll select a program and institution based on your interests, budget, and previous experience, help with admission, and if necessary, enroll you in online English courses that allow you to enter without taking a language test.

If you want to move to Canada with your family, this is also possible. When enrolling in college, your spouse can get a visitor visa, and when enrolling in a master's or doctoral program, the accompanying spouse will have the right to work in Canada. Children in both cases will be able to attend free school.

After graduation, graduates receive a work permit in Canada and can apply for permanent residence.