1. What prompted you to choose Canada as a destination?
There were few points which made me choose Canada as an option. First, the Government recognised postgraduate diplomas which are focused very specifically to only one stream, eventually help you to specialise in one sector and enhance your skills and abilities. Second, the affordable tuition fees and finally the quality of life in Canada.
2. What attracted you the most about your College?
I chose to pursue Strategic Marketing at George Brown, Toronto because it’s the best course the college had to offer. Another reason was its campus location. It is situated in Downtown Toronto, which is easily accessible to and from every part of the city. Besides, one is able to distinctly see the cultural change between India and Canada here.
3. What were the major academic changes you witnessed in your college?
The syllabus in Canada is more practical oriented compared to that in India, with a lot of emphasis given on live projects, Co-op, Group Assignments etc. For instance, you innovate your own company and products and market them in your own way. Exams are in a multiple Choice Question (MCQ) format, rather than writing long answers to get passing marks. Universities and Colleges here give you liberty to express your views and train you for real time job roles.
4. How did you cope with the cultural differences?
The very important key to cope with cultural differences here is “Networking”, “constant Learning” and taking initiatives to talk to people.
5. Most universities abroad, do not have a systemic notion of placements? What advice would you give students who seek employment post their studies?
Here, only two things can get you a job, first being your networking skills and second being your own personality, your abilities to maintain those networks.
6. Do you think part-time work assists or desists in the overall growth of the student abroad?
Part time work helps you in a great way to accept the foreign culture, gives you confidence as it makes you practice language and understand the market.
7. What advice would you give students who are just starting to study abroad?
I will advise them to gear up for not only moving to a different country but also to be ready for challenging themselves in every front whether it is managing their college life, academics, part time job, cooking food, doing laundry, or constantly trying to understand and absorb the professional lifestyle. I know it’s a lot to manage at one time, but a person who can survive his first 2-4 years successfully in Canada can easily end up a white collar job. Also, a very important thing is to have faith and believe in yourself and never give up in any situation. Keep putting efforts in the right direction. I wish all the students the best of luck for their future.