Canada’s education is top in the world, it ranks high in quality of life and it is very diverse. Understandably, students wanting to secure a promising future wish to study in Canada and spend months researching the to and fro of getting started in a new country. So, put these essentials on the ‘Plan for Studying in Canada’ checklist.
Let us start with the basics. Even though it is basic, it may not be so easy to obtain.
– A passport with an expiry date of more than six months and other official government identification.
– A copy of your medical history and report.
– A letter of acceptance, also called an acceptance letter or offer letter from your college.
– A studying permit. Which is not the same as a student visa. The difference is that a studying permit lets you stay in the country to study, whereas a student visa lets you enter the country.
Your financial plan must be on point to get the study permit. Basically, you have to give proof that you will be able to properly fund your living and tuition expenses.
You would also need the local currency (CAD Canadian dollar). You can exchange it at airport kiosks, foreign exchange desks and private money exchange businesses. Don’t forget about having a Canadian bank account, search for one that provides services for international students.
Health insurance may not be essential in Nepal, but in Canada it is. The government requires international students to have either private or provincial health insurance. Private caters to your specific needs, whereas provincial caters to health basics. You can ask the school’s international student department to find the best insurance according to your requirement.
After you get accepted into a university, you should start planning for your accommodation, preferably somewhere close. There are a few types of accommodation for international students:
– On-campus student residency: Provided by the university, it is recommended for new students, hence its high demand.
– Homestays: You live with a host family in their home for a certain rent amount.
– Apartment or houses: Recommended for later year students who know how to get around and have the budget.
All three are great options although you must consider them carefully before choosing the type of accommodation.
You must also think of your clothing. Canada is mostly-cold with short-warm summer and long-frigid winter. Its coldness must not be undermined, so be sure to pack or prepare for the winter and look up tips on how to stay warm affordably.
And finally, a primary thing you need to check off your list is your expectations of being an international student in Canada. It is not always sunshine and rainbows, as this experience will be new to many students adjusting to the working culture shall be a challenge to overcome. Working in restaurants, call centres, gas stations, etc. along with classes that may vary from 3 days to even 5 days a week, you will need to master the art of time management and work hard yet get paid minimum wage. In some cases, you may even struggle to get a job. Nevertheless, with a winning attitude to help you push and lots of patience, you will definitely get the fruits of your labour.
All these can be hard to do alone, so be sure to take help from communities and links, that is, groups of Nepalese living in Canada in the places you want to study. Establishing a connection with them can be of great help, CAN helps students link up with said groups and also ensure that they have their essentials ready to leap into this new journey.
We are here to answer your queries and assist you to accomplish your dream to abroad study with our expert team.
