By admin 
Which of the following reasons were the basis for your decision to come and study in Canada: the opportunity to learn a new language, the chance to study in one of the top-ranked countries in the world in terms of education, discovering new career prospects, creating an international network, learning a new language, a taste for adventure, improving your skills, etc. Whatever the reason, admit that it is the realization of a dream. However, there will be no shortage of difficulties and obstacles. Also, in this article, you will be entitled to seven proven tips to promote your full and complete student integration. In the meantime, let’s talk about the challenges that await you.
Succeeding in integrating and adapting, quite a challenge!
Beyond the euphoria of the beginning, successfully integrating and adapting represents a challenge for more than one newly arrived international student. Indeed, you will encounter one of the following obstacles: new Quebec accent, the hectic pace of studies, lack of family and friends, harsh winter, lack of information, etc. In these conditions, how do you get through it? As founder and former president of the Congolese Association of Students of the University of Sherbrooke, I offer you seven tips for integrating well and better adapting to your new living environment:
1. Be part of the student association of your home country present on campus
You are new and you desperately need to get in touch with your student association leaders as soon as possible. It is their responsibility to facilitate your welcome and integration into the campus. They are essential, and rightly so. Indeed, they can supervise and advise you on many subjects, including studies, student jobs, African grocery stores, churches, etc. What about the second advice?
2. Make your course outline an ally
The pace of studies in Canada is hectic. It is not easy to find your way around when you have just arrived. The success of a session begins on the first day of classes. The fact is that, from the first week, all the professors will come to present their course plan to you. This document contains all the subjects that will be covered during the session. It is a contract between you and the professor and the action plan for both your work and your exams. Take the time to familiarize yourself with it. Now let’s come to the third tip.
3. Familiarize yourself with the Quebec accent (if you are studying in Quebec)
As soon as you got off the plane, you noticed that Quebecers have a different accent than yours. As a result, you have difficulty understanding all the words. This is normal. Also, I suggest you watch a few videos on YouTube about Quebec expressions. Also, read the most commonly used Quebec expressions online. This is a good start. You can also make friends with a Quebec student through your educational institution’s sponsorship, twinning or mentoring program. In this regard, ask student services. This is the best way to learn. The fourth tip is even more interesting. Now let’s talk about the fourth tip. It’s even more interesting.
4. Take a bus tour of the city with a former student
You have noticed that Canadian cities are vast. There are places that will take you months or even years to discover. To start, focus on the key places: immigrant meeting places (churches, mosques, African grocery stores), the city center, community organizations, shopping centers, etc. Or take a tour of the city by bus along the main arteries of your city. Let’s move on to the fifth tip, you will find it really relevant.
5. Be strategically present on social networks
There are all kinds of student groups on Facebook. Don’t hesitate to ask to be part of one. Only, it must be related to your needs, interests, values, skills, etc. Have a specific objective before doing it. The best Facebook group that I suggest is Accompagnement Études Canada. It is a real springboard for your educational, professional and entrepreneurial success in Canada. Try it, and you will judge for yourself by the relevance of the topics covered. Now let’s look at the sixth tip.
6. Consider getting a job on campus
It is true that the first session is devoted to familiarizing yourself with the school system as well as acquiring new lifestyle habits and behaviors. However, I suggest that you also start thinking about working part-time. In fact, according to 2013 data from the Institut de Statistique du Québec, 42% of Quebec university students aged 15 to 24 work part-time. This is above the Canadian average, which is 36.6%. If you want to work on campus, contact the Student Life Service at your educational institution. The agents at this service can help you create a resume. Then, apply for the Work-Study certificate to apply for jobs on campus. To work, consider places like the Cultural Center, the Call Room of your institution’s Foundation, the Service Center, etc.
7. Stay open, proactive and curious
Finally, I invite you to remain open to everything. Put your prejudices in your bag, explore new ways of doing things. Likewise, remain proactive: in other words, be the first to approach people to greet them, exchange and request information, ask questions. Finally, be curious about what is happening on your campus, in your student association or in the city.