Here at Study In Burnaby, we’re firm believers that studying abroad is a great thing to do. You’ll make new friends, discover a new way of life and learn another language. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any challenges to overcome. Moving away from your friends and family, and regular routine can be difficult. That’s why we’ve put together this article giving you the best tips and tricks to help with moving school and studying abroad.
Get Active
Meeting people is one of the best ways to quickly acclimatize to your new environment. When you study with us here in Burnaby you’ll be one of many international students so you’ll have plenty of new potential friends to meet. By joining one of our sports teams or clubs you’ll quickly meet people with interests similar to yours. Most of our school clubs run either at lunchtime or after school, giving everyone a chance to join in!
Another great way to make new friends, as well as seeing some of Canada, is to go on one of our incredible excursions. These are optional trips to amazing locations like Tofino and The Rockies and they’re a great opportunity to get a real taste of Canada and have some fun!
Stay In Touch
It can be hard to leave your family and friends back home. But just because you’re in Canada it doesn’t mean that you can’t be part of their lives. Thanks to the internet and smartphones it’s incredibly easy to stay in touch with loved ones at home. Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype make staying in touch a breeze.
Your parents will love to hear from you too. You can pick a certain time of day for calling your friends and family so that you don’t feel lonely. Make sure you send them on pictures of all your new adventures!
Speak With Your Teachers
If you do feel lonely and need someone to talk to, please remember that your teachers are here for you. Our teachers are kind, experienced and here to help.
All our secondary schools have a vice-principal of international, an international student assistant (ISA), and 1 to 2 international student liaisons (ISL), as well as school counsellors and youth workers, to provide additional support to our students. If you are finding it hard to adjust, or just need someone to speak to, please come say hi! We’ve been doing this for a long time now and have lots of experience in helping students settle in.
Immersive Yourself In The New Culture
Studying abroad is an adventure! Life in Canada can be very different from other parts of the world so why not embrace it! Check out an NHL game while your here or learn how to ski in one of the nearby mountains or resorts!
Canadian food is also quite different. Have you had a poutine yet? This truly Canadian dish was first created in Quebec but is loved Canada-wide. A classic poutine is made up of fresh french fries, cheese curds and gravy, top it off with some fried onions for extra flavour!
BC also has a rich Indigenous Canadian history and culture. Indigenous Canadians create some of the most beautiful and moving art in the world. Their art has a very distinctive style that features lots of animals and nature. Why not stop by one of the many art galleries and museums with your new friends to see the art for yourself.
One of the best ways to live like a Canadian is by getting involved in the culture here!
Have Fun!
Our international student courses are designed for you to improve your English and have some fun too! When we’re enjoying ourselves and having a good time we’re more comfortable which improves our studies. It’s important to remember that there are many people here in the same situation and they would love to be your friend!
