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Your smooth
transition and easy adjustment from life in Oman to being an international
student in the U.S.A. is important. As much as possible, you want to feel
and make Canada your second home while you are there. Get to know as much
about the country you will be in for the next couple of months or years.
Below are some helpful topics compiled by the Cultural Office to assist
you. There is much, much more to learn about the Canada. We wish you all
the best in your new adventure, and we invite you to share your experience
with us: write to culturaldivision@omani.info-
We wish you all the best!
Preparing for Canada
Careful planning for your study in Canada is essential in making your
whole experience abroad a success. With so many things that need to be
planned, you need to start as soon as you get accepted at your school
of choice. Make sure that you make use of a timetable to keep your schedule
on track. As with your schools requirements, make sure to check out its
website for the latest information for new students. Remember, our goal
is to help you have a smooth transition in your move from Oman to Canada.
In this section, we have covered 4 main areas that you need to address before you leave from Oman.
Insurance – Medical treatment is very expensive in Canada. Be sure to be prepared
by getting the appropriate health insurance that will cover you in case
you need medical attention.
Phone Cards – Keeping in touch with family and friends
back home is important. The easiest and most convenient way to do it is
by buying phone cards.
Travel – Studying abroad may require a certain amount
of traveling. Booking flights and making transfer arrangements is not
a problem. Check here for more information.
Visas - One of the most critical areas for your study
abroad. Our visa information section will give you the information you
need to know.
Insurance
Canada is a socialist country. This means that every Canadian had access
to decent health care which is funded by each provincial government. The
public system covers visits to doctors and specialists, as well as some
hospital stay and procedures, but it does not cover dental costs, nor
prescription drugs, which many Canadians pay for though private insurance
policies. Because the system is administered by the provinces, the requirements
for international students to access health care differs drastically across
the country. Generally it can be said that international students have
good health services available to them at a minimal cost, but at a cost.
Health insurance must be arranged before your arrival in Canada. This
may be as simple as registering yourself in the provincial insurance coverage
or a compulsory enrolment in your university's health plan. Look below
at the provincial guidelines of the province you wish to study in.
Newfoundland
In Newfoundland international students must find private health insurance coverage, as they are not allowed to register for the provincial health plan. Schools will have an arrangement with one insurance provider which you may be registered for automatically once you enroll. Each school may have a different carrier, but at Memorial University, as an example of the costs you will face in addition to tuition, coverage for a year for a single student is $480.
Nova Scotia
Universities and colleges in Nova Scotia will provide you with an international student health plan, at a cost of approximately $500 a year. This is compulsory unless you can provide proof of coverage by a recognized hospital or medical insurance carrier. You may be able to enroll in the provincial plan if you are in Nova Scotia for more than 13 months and are not absent for more than 31 days of that period. With proof of your status as a student in Nova Scotia, you can apply for Medical Services Insurance in the thirteenth month of your stay.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, health insurance is available through your college or university. Coverage will be equivalent to what the province's residents are eligible for, including doctor's visits, some specialists and limited hospital services. At the University of New Brunswick, the cost is $275 per year, and can be pro-rated if the student is not intending to be in the province for an entire year. The student unions of most schools will have a supplementary coverage which includes prescription medications and dental fees, which can cost you up to $200 a year.
Prince Edward Island
Basic coverage is purchased from a private health carrier through each school, which entitles international students to similar coverage as provincial residents. All international students are enrolled once they register as full-time students. Within the first four weeks of your school year, you will have the choice to "opt out" of this basic health coverage if you have your own private insurance. These premiums will be comparable to the $500 international students pay in other provinces. Basic coverage is topped up by another plan available through the student union. All costs can be pro-rated according to the length of time you will be in P.E.I.
Quebec
In Quebec you are not eligible for the provincial health insurance. In its place, each school will require that you enroll in their University Health Plan, which covers doctor's visits, some hospitalization and specialized services. The services vary by school. The approximate cost is $500 a year for a single student, $1000 for a couple and $2000 for three or more people. If you work in the province (even on-campus) you can apply for Quebec Medicare. The health insurance board is called la regie de l'assurance-maladie du Quebec (RAMQ).
Ontario
In Ontario an international student, you are not covered by provincial health insurance and the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) is compulsory for all foreign students, at an approximate cost of $450 per year. This health insurance is province-wide, for all international students in the province and covers basic medical services. Additional coverage can be bought through student union plans.
Manitoba
Foreign students in Manitoba are eligible for provincial health insurance from the first day of arrival in the province at a cost of $453 a year for a single student. This assumes you will be in the province for more than six months of the year. The fee is paid to the university along with tuition, when it is applied directly to the province.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan you are eligible for medical insurance through the province from the day of your arrival at no cost, as long as you arrive in Saskatchewan directly from your country of origin and have not been in another Canadian province longer than three months. You will need to apply through your International Student Office to register and your card will be issued within a month. Optometrists, dentists, medication and ambulances are not covered.
Alberta
Alberta Health Care is accessible to international students at premiums which are paid on a monthly basis. At present, these are $34 per month for a single student, $68 for a family and are to be paid for the full year. University student unions will have their own additional plans with private carriers to offset the costs of dental visits, medication and ambulance services.
British Columbia
If you will
be in B.C. for more than six months you are required to enroll in the
Medical Services Plan at premiums of $36 a month for an individual, $64
for two people and $72 for three or more. Full access to medical services
will not be granted immediately: the waiting period for processing will
take the balance of the month in which you arrived in the province, plus
two months to process. For this three month period you should purchase
private health insurance, which your school should assist you in finding.
After living in the province for more than twelve months, you can apply
for premium assistance, whereby you will not have to pay full fees. You
must contact Medical Services if you plan to be out of the province for
more than two months.
Calling
cards are the cheapest and easiest way for you to stay in touch with your
loved ones around the world. Prepaid calling cards are good because there
are no monthly bills, you simply pay for a set amount of time and then
use it. You can easily get a prepaid card from any local convenient store
or gas station. There are also options of buying credits over the internet
or phone. Also, you can also inquire from the vendor if they have cards
specifically for calls to Oman or the Gulf Area because you usually get
better deals for these.
With so many differing cards to choose from it can be hard to decide which
is the best card for you. Below is some useful information for you to
look for when deciding which card to get.
Connection fees
Some cards have a connection fee, which can be very expensive and may
mask the real price of calls. When you see adverts promoting only 1 cent
a minute, be sure to check that the connection charge is reasonable. When
selecting a card, think about how long you will be using it and how often
you will be using it. It may be beneficial to get a card with a connection
fee, it the price per minute is low and you will be on the card for long
lengths of time.
How are the rates calculated
Be sure to check that the rate on the card is calculated per minute and
that if it is not per minute, make sure the rate is reasonable. Some prepaid
calling cards charge in 3, 4 or 5 minute increments, so if you only use
one minute, you are charged for 3, 4 or even 5 minutes.
Re-Charging
Find a card that is easy to recharge and that you can recharge if you run out of credit on it. Some cards are set so that you cannot recharge, however this may be an option you will want. Also, make sure that it is easy to recharge your card, be it over the phone or over the internet. You don't want to have to wait hours or even days for your credit to be active on your card.
Travel
Information
Education is a continuing process. It extends far beyond what you
learn in the classroom. Experiencing an overseas adventure is really an
education in itself. Taking care of all the details with regards to school
admissions, getting enrolled, dealing with immigration…
By most international students’ accounts, all the preparation is worth
it for what lies ahead; their quality U.S. education. But of course, an
overseas education will not be complete without traveling-- seeing the
beauty of the United States outside the boundaries of the classroom.
The best time to explore the country is before or after the academic semester
or during the school official breaks. These official school breaks include
the Fall break, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Break; check your own
school’s calendar for specific vacation dates.
Plan Ahead
Planning your general itinerary is important before you leave Oman for
the U.S. If you are on a budget, it is wise to take advantage of lower
costs by purchasing your travel tickets in advance. Try to use different
modes of transportation such as airplanes, trains, busses and automobiles
to get the most out of your travels – and keep within your budget.
Temporary Accommodations
Once you have completed you travel itinerary, consider your options for
accommodation. Perhaps, the best way for a student traveler to save is
to stay in a youth hostel, where men and women sleep separately in dormitory-style
rooms. Hostels are way cheaper than most hotels and this gives you the
chance to meet other travelers from around the world. The official website
of American Youth Hostels is http://www.hihostels.ca
One general rule you should consider when looking for a place to stay
is that lodging situated a few miles out of the city are typically less
expensive than ones in the heart of downtown. In comparison to hotels,
motels are also a cheaper alternative and usually located near main thoroughfares.
Here is a listing of the top motels, along with their toll-free telephone
numbers you can contact:
- Best Western International: 1-800-528-1234
- Econo Lodges: 1-800-424-6423
- Budgetel Inns (US, Canada) 1 800 428 3438
- Westin Hotels and Resorts (US, Canada) 800 228 3000
- Travelodge International: 1-800-255-3050
Getting a Visa and Student Authorization
Only once you have been accepted to study at an eligible Canadian institution you can begin your application for a student authorization i.e Student Study Visa. Your application will go through Citizenship and Immigration Canada, by way of your nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate. The best place to get all your information on this procedure is directly from Immigration Canada's web site: www.cic.gc.ca. Citizens of many countries require a visitor's visa, as well as the student authorization to study in Canada. A listing of those countries is available at Immigration Canada's web site.
Get An Application for a Student Visa
At Immigration Canada's site you can also get the application that you will need to submit to the Canadian authorities. You must print the form, read it carefully and answer all the questions. It can be returned to a Canadian Embassy, high commission or consulate. Canadian consulates will also supply them. If your internet access is limited, you may want to contact the embassy before you intend to submit your application to ensure you are clear about the requirements.
Give it Three Months
You should begin your application for student authorization at least three months before you intend to begin school. If you do need a visitor's visa, apply for it at the same time as your student authorization and they will be issued together.
To Submit an Application You will Need Three Things:
- a valid passport
- a letter of acceptance from a Canadian institution
-
proof that you have enough funds to cover tuition and living costs in
Canada
(this can either be a letter from your parents/ financial supporters,
a letter from your bank, an up-dated bank statement, or a scholarship/fellowship
contract)
Plus
Apparently, if you support you application with a letter of reference from someone important in you community ( a religious leader, a member of government, a doctor etc.), then your request will be looked upon favorably. When you apply from some countries, the consulate will also ask that you supply them with the results of a medical examination.
To Study in Québec
If you are accepted to an institution in Québec, you will need to receive a Certificate of Acceptance of Québec (certificat d'acception or CAQ), before seeking a student authorization from Canada. To get this, you must contact Québec's ministry of immigration, the ministère des relations avec les citoyens et de l'immigration. The process varies depending on where you are applying from, as the Quebec ministry has international offices in Austria, France, Hong Kong, Mexico, Monaco and Syria. If you reside in any of these countries you will send your application form there or submit it in person. If you live in the U.S., Greenland or St.-Miquelon, you may send your application directly to Montreal, along with a copy of your letter of acceptance, $100CDN, proof of health insurance and evidence of sufficient funds. From any other country you will also submit your application to the Montreal office, but without health insurance documents or evidence of funding.
Student Visa Fees
The current fees for student authorization processing is $125, while a visitor's visa will be either $75 or $150 for single or multiple entry visas respectively. If you plan to study in Canada for a long period then the multiple entry visa will be worth the cost, as you might have opportunity to visit the United States while you are here. These fees must be submitted with your application to begin the process.
To Maintain Your Status
Once you enter the country, you must be sure to inform the Canadian authorities if any of the information on your student authorization changes, or if you need an extension. Circumstances where this applies are as follows:
-your authorized period of study will end soon
-a change in your course of study or institution
- if you seek employment off-campus
-or if you terminate your studies
It is the
student's responsibility to keep Immigration informed about these changes.
Canadians takes its education seriously. Canada spends more per capita on its education system than any other country in the G-7 and is among the top three countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Canadian universities are internationally known for their high quality of teaching and research. A degree from Canadian universities is considered to be equivalent to those from American and other Commonwealth universities and is recognized worldwide. Most universities offer a broad range of courses and a full range of degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and can also offer certificates and professional degrees.
Ranked as number one in the World
According to a United Nations survey, Canada has been considered to be one of the best places in the world to live. For the past several years, Canada has been consistently top in the survey that evaluates the quality of life in 174 countries, using over 200 performance indicators. Canada has been notably exceptional for its access to education, high life expectancy (due to its universal health care system), and low crime and violence rates. Furthermore, Canada’s largest cities Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal have been recognized as world class cities in which to live and work, for their high marks in cleanliness and safety, for their cultural activities and attractive lifestyles.
High Standard of Living
Standard of living in Canada is regarded as one of the highest in the world. Home ownership among Canadians stands at a whopping 65 percent, with a higher percentage owning durable goods, such as automobiles, washing machines, television, computers, telephones and refrigerators.
Amongst G7 Nations (Canada, Italy, Germany, France, UK, US, Japan), Canada has the best cost of living. (Source: World Competitiveness Yearbook, 2000, IMD).
Welcoming Environment
Canada has been known to be a country of immigrants. Almost all of the world’s ethnic groups are represented in Canada and the tradition and policy of encouraging multicultural diversity roots from this. Accordingly, a wide variety of ethnic foods and recreational activity associated with specific cultures are available throughout the country. Clubs, informal clubs and associations representing a multitude of ethnic backgrounds are also easily accessible. International student advisors at schools can help students get in touch with such groups.
All major urban centers have a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums. Canadian cities provide numerous parks, gardens and beaches for public use, as well as excellent sports and recreation facilities
Beautiful Environment
For the Canadians, their natural environment is very much valuable. In Canada, there are currently 39 national parks and national park reserves located in every province and territory. In addition, each province and territory has designated areas as provincial parks, wilderness areas, ecological and nature reserves.
Canada has one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world. Students who come to Canada will experience its great outdoors: from the lush coastline of British Columbia, the majestic Rocky Mountains of Alberta, the big skies of the prairies, to the 'maple sugar country' in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence and the rugged hills and picturesque coastline of the Atlantic provinces.
A Safe Place To Study
One of the many reasons why international students choose to enroll in Canadian schools is its reputation of being a safe, just and peaceful society. The crime rate in Canada has been falling steadily over the past decade. Canada's crime rate for 1999 hit the lowest level in 20 years, falling for the eighth year in a row according to Statistics Canada. The overall national decrease was five percent, with Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia leading the way. The crime rate also dropped in the nine largest metropolitan areas of Canada. Unlike its US neighbors to the south, firearms are strictly controlled and generally are not permitted in Canada.
A Bilingual Nation
Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages, English and French. The vast majority (75 per cent) of Canada's French-speaking inhabitants live in the province of Québec, which is located in the eastern part of the country but there are French-speaking communities throughout the country.
Internationally,
it is estimated that some 800 million people speak English and 250 million
speak French. As a bilingual nation, Canada offers superior English as
a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) training
for students wishing to learn either or both languages.
As you embark on a totally new experience, it is best to expect that things will certainly be quite different from the way things are at home. But all you really have to do is be flexible, learn how to adjust to your environment and most importantly, prepare and brace yourself for change.
As you journey on to fresh and new experiences, you will also encounter many stumbling blocks and challenges. Although you may feel at a loss sometimes, maybe confused or even unsure about studying in a totally different country, just try to keep in mind that different people have different values, different belief systems and a distinctive way of doing things. Although you might feel that so many things have changed, affecting all the different aspects of your life, remain strong and focused in your goals. Contact relatives and friends within Canada who will surely offer some form of comfort. Look for a new source of support. You must be able to find in the environment that surrounds you, a support system that will help you and guide you through your learning experience in Canada. Ask for advice and surely words of wisdom will come from both new and old friends and family who care.
The end of
the year nears, snow lines the street, its shopping season once again
and trees decked with dazzling ornaments and lights are everywhere. Most
of your school mates are eager to head home for vacation and there is
nothing more you’d want to do than be on the first flight out of
the desolate place you’re in and journey to the warmth of your own
home and country. You yearn to be near family and friends but time or
maybe your resources simply won’t allow you. Maybe it’s more
practical to stay in school and spend the season in seclusion. All you
hope to do is sleep. You are upset and feeling lonely that you cannot
go home too.
Even if it has been some time since you first stepped into Canada, the
occurrence of culture shock normally doesn’t take effect until months
or maybe even a year after. Despite feeling that you’ve already slowly
adjusted to the way of living in the country, you still fall prey to culture
shock. But it isn’t anything abnormal, it happens, even to strong,
resilient individuals.
In the moment that we spend long periods of time in a culture that is different from our own we will almost always experience culture shock. It happens when our own culturally determined behaviors, some of which we may not even be aware of, don't get us the results we expect; this produces a sense of psychological disorientation.
Possible signs that you are experiencing culture shock:
- You are easily irritated, frustrated and you can’t seem to concentrate. You are easily bored, you prefer solitary and withdraw from your usual social activities. You also tend to sleep, drink or eat a lot.
- Culture
shock could affect your relationships, leading to marital stress, or
tension and conflict with other family members and friends. You could
become hostile or unfairly stereotype Americans around you. The high
level of discomfort that culture shock often brings could make you physically
ill.
But while you cannot avoid experiencing a very human reaction, you can manage the effects of culture shock.
- Get to know the country you are in, its people and places. Learn and discover as much as you can about the culture of the community in which you will be living. Remain open to new ideas and experiences without compromising your own beliefs and attitudes.
- When in doubt, ask questions. Talk to locals about their country. Talk to other international students about their experiences.
- Most importantly,
use the support services available to you at your school, college or
university. Talk with your International Student Adviser (ISA), teachers
and professors, other counselors and administrators. Don't feel that
it's not important enough to discuss with them, and don't be embarrassed
about seeking help. With timely and caring advice, you will soon be
ready to enjoy your experience completely!
Be prepared to open yourself to NEW experiences; be prepared to learn, not only in the classroom, but in your interactions with NEW people everyday.
What are Canadians Like?
Ask someone
virtually anywhere in the world to describe a Canadian and they will likely
use such adjectives as "friendly," "peaceful," "polite"
and "modest" to describe.
Very few live in igloos in the Far North. Not every Canadian speaks French,
one of the official languages. For that matter, not all speak English,
the other official language. Though the majority of French speakers -
called francophones - live in Québec, there are substantial groups
in many other provinces as well.
Occupied
by aboriginal people for thousands of years, settled by the British and
French hundreds of years ago and built by generations of immigrants who
have come here from all over the world, Canada is distinct. And so are
its people, who have been shaped and influenced by a physical environment
unlike any other.
As Canada's greatest literary critic, the late Northrop Frye, said, "There
would be nothing distinctive in Canadian culture at all, if there were
not some feeling for the immense searching distance, with the lines of
communication extended to the absolute limit" that "has no real
counterpart elsewhere."
It is Canada's "land that anchors our sense of who we really are," wrote Canadian journalist and author Peter C. Newman, adding that "a favorite rationalization for Canadians' sense of identity is our climate: six months of winter followed by six months of bad sledding."
Sometimes, there is a grain of truth in a stereotype.
The country's
climate and huge expanse have helped shape our sense of individualism.
For some, their nearest neighbor lives several kilometers away.
Established in 1867 as a nation without war or rebellion, Canada has become
home to people who often fled oppression and persecution. As a result,
individual rights and freedoms have become highly treasured values for
Canadians, have shaped the culture and are enshrined in a Charter to protect
those values from violation.
To be Canadian means to respect differences in gender, race, national
or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, physical or mental abilities,
and sexual orientation. Canadians are dedicated to educating people to
open their minds to differences, beginning with their youngest children.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees everyone fundamental freedoms: of conscience and religion; of thought, belief, opinion and expression; of peaceful assembly; and of association. Completing these constitutional safeguards are other legislative measures, such as employment equity that ensures that Canadians have equal access to opportunity.
Canada is a country encompassing so much diversity represented by people from practically every country on the planet. The one day that brings so many Canadians together each year is its country's birthday, July 1, when tens of thousands of people crowd on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and more flock to Canada Day celebrations in other cities and communities from coast to coast and in the North.
An integral part in your stay in Canada is your interaction with other people. You will encounter new faces coming from places so you must be ready to introduce yourself in a positive way. The most common people you will probably meet are fellow students, professors and other people both on- and off-campus.
Usually, one of the first on-campus social activities that an international student would be part of is “The International Student Orientation Program,” which is traditionally coordinated by the Admissions Office or the Office of International Programs. Although the approach may be different from school to school, the essence of the program is very much the same – to introduce the international student to each other and to campus life. Most often, the topics include immigration, academic advising, computer and library resources, telephone services, public safety, medical services, transportation around the area, banking options. During this orientation, students can also learn about upcoming school activities and tours around local attractions.
In addition to the International Student Orientation Program, many schools designate a “Student Activities Center” where you would have the chance to choose and join different school organizations such as student government, school newspaper staff, different athletics group, course specific organizations, chorale and many more. There will surely be a few organizations that will suit your interests!
Developing Deeper Friendships
Most of us if not all, are excited with getting to know new people and making more friends. Ironically, many international students have found that they and not their American counterparts should be the ones who must be more assertive if a friendship is to develop. Here are some outlooks of Canadian social life, in the point of view of an international student like you.
The most common phrases that Canadians use in greeting each other are “Hi” and “How are you” and “How’s it going”. Even people you don’t know might say these phrases while passing you on the street but don’t seem to bother waiting for your answer. You might get the impression that they are superficial or perhaps even rude but in reality this kind of greeting is considered very friendly.
Along the same lines, people may ask your name and country where you were born; they may seem interested for a few minutes, but then go and speak to someone else. This may seem to contradict their initial friendliness, although it is not meant to. The fact that they made an effort of striking up a conversation with you already shows their good intention.
Many may find that it is easy to have a lot of “acquaintances” on campus, who share your passions and interests. However, you will realize that it will take time and effort if you want to build a strong, lasting friendship. Also, to be able to fully appreciate another person’s culture is to be open to understanding it. One may have different set of values, customs and practices from another but in the end, respect for each other is what matters.
Different Ways of Communicating
Almost every Canadian has an email account. Why? Because it’s the easiest, most convenient and fastest form of communication available. Most campuses across the U.S. are wired to the internet which in-turn makes it accessible to its students. If you still do not have an email account, it will just take you minutes in signing up for one. The most popular email services are Gmail and yahoo mail. As a matter of fact, e-mail plays an important role in the social lives of many Canadians-- as they send and receive messages regularly with friends and family.
Socialization is one of the most important aspects of your international experience. According to the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, socialization is most strongly enforced by the school, the family, and peer groups. It is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society’s cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization continues throughout an individual’s lifetime -- and your experience in studying abroad will challenge you to develop your "people skills" even further.
In finding a housing alternative in your stay, there are basically 2 main choices: It’s either you live on-campus or off-campus. Choosing one over the other has its pros and cons. It is recommended that new students apply to a dormitory initially to familiarize themselves with the area and then decide later on if this is the best option.
Moving into a dormitory is fairly simple. Basic utilities such as water, electricity and telephone are most likely included and ready to use. Each university has its own policies on local and long distance phone calls: research on it once you arrive on campus.
On the other hand, arranging accommodations off-campus may be a bit more complicated. Some housing plans do not include utilities in the rent. If this is the case, you must contact the utility companies and request them to turn on the electricity and telephone service for you. Don’t hesitate to contact your landlord for further information.
For your long distance telephone service, you may also be given different calling plans to choose from. The plan that you will decide to use will depend on how often you plan to call back home. If you think you’ll be calling back home often, it is wiser to subscribe to the plan with more minutes because the price per minute will be much lower. You may also call the customer service representative of your carrier to ask for discount plans, particularly for international connections. To find out more about other long-distance calling options, please visit the section on phone cards. Also, soon after you register for your phone service, you will receive 3 free telephone directories: the white pages (listing local residents alphabetically by name), the blue pages (government listings), and the yellow pages (business listings and advertisements).
Many households have telephone answering machines, which record messages from callers when no one answers the phone. You may purchase an answering machine for about $25. Another option is to request that the telephone company provide an electronic answering service, for which they charge a small monthly fee.
In most cases, the least expensive way to keep in touch with far-away friends and family is via e-mail. Again, each school has its own policies and procedures for accessing the Internet. If you choose to access your own e-mail off-campus, you can expect to pay about $20 per month to an Internet Service Provider.
Student residences across the country offer a wide variety of living situations. At some schools with older campuses you will be housed in beautiful Victorian edifices, complete with hardwood floors and scenic views of the campus, while at others you will live in the equivalent of an apartment building, with cinder-block walls and elevators. You may share a room with one or two other people, or have your own room and live en suite with a few others, or your own room off a long hallway. Even on a single campus there are great differences between certain residences. Each residence has a reputation that precedes it: some are "party dorms" where historically people stay up to all hours making noise, and some are quiet, where most of the residents have a studious attitude in common. You may share a large bathroom with a whole floor of students, or with only a few other people in your suite. For the most part, graduates and undergraduates will not share residences as generally different attitudes towards living and academics prevail with each. Residences may also allow you access to a common room, extra study rooms, some type of shared kitchen and maybe even a television or computer facilities. For the most part residences are only available to single students, without spouses or children.
Mmmmmm Cafeteria Food
If you choose to live on-campus, in most cases you will be required to buy a meal plan which entitles you to meals in the school's cafeterias. The food offered in these cafeterias will not be the best sampling of local cuisine: cafeterias cook for large numbers of people with different likes and dislikes and that means taste and quality are often left out of the mix. In addition, international students not used to cafeteria food, might find the selection even more difficult to adjust to. There are two things to be said for cafeteria eating: one, it's convenient (after a long day of classes and labs and before you sit down to write a paper, usually the last thing you want to do is cook yourself a meal); and two, everyone else is doing it, so it doesn't usually seem that bad.
Dining Options
These meal plans do vary across the board as well. In some cases you will just pay a lump sum along with your "rent" which will entitle you to three meals either five, six or seven days a week. In others, you will be given an option to pay for one of a number of plans, based on the number of meals you plan to eat. In other places you will pay for the use of a debit card, where meal credits will be deducted from your account. Often with these you are not limited to eating in the residence cafeteria, but can use your card at a number of cafés and restaurants on or around the campus. Plans such as these supposedly work better because you are in greater control of what and how you eat, but sometimes leftover credits (as you pay for all your credits at the beginning of the semester) are impossible to get back or transfer, so you end up paying for what you don't use, exactly the problem that these plans set out to solve. Any information you receive from the school about meal plans should outline their program and its costs clearly. You will not save money by buying the plan, so if you do have the option to choose how many meals you buy, and you feel confident that you will have time and a place to prepare some of your own meals, choose a less complete plan.
Why bother living on-campus then?
The best reason to sharing your living space with hundreds of other students, some like-minded and some not, is exactly that: sharing space with so many people of different backgrounds gives you a place to make many friends and even more acquaintances. This is especially useful if it is your first year in a place, as it can help ease the uncertainty and isolation you may be feeling about being so far from home. Also, living on-campus will save you hours of commuting time, which you would have wasted if you have lived off-campus.
How to Apply to Residences
When you initially ask for information and an application to be sent to you from the university or college admissions office, you should ask for information about residences to be included. You will receive some type of brochure with information on it, and pictures of typical rooms and as well as an application for a housing. Your application should be completed and promptly returned before the deadline, usually to a separate address than your university application. This application should include on it a questionnaire about your personality, your living habits, your likes and dislikes. Completing this information will only help you to be placed in a situation that best suits you. Ending up in a dorm full of party-goers will not make you happy if you are a serious student who requires quiet time to study. Residence administration offices are usually sympathetic and attentive to student needs when placing them, as it is only further hassle to process room change requests halfway through the semester. Often they will put international students together in one room or on one floor. If you have been accepted into a residence, you will be required to send a deposit to keep your place.
The Other side: Off-campus living
Finding accommodation off-campus is entirely the responsibility of the student. If you have not been accepted to residence or have decided that it does not suit your needs or your family, you must be prepared to brave the housing market. In some cities and towns there is no shortage of affordable places to live as a student, while in others, finding an apartment takes weeks or months of serious scouting, as well as a flexible budget. But even if you don't have a flexible budget, living in your own apartment (once you find it) can give you a flexible lifestyle, not governed by institutional rules and regulations, and it is for this reason that so many students choose to live this way.
What your institution can do to help
Every school should be able to help in some way. Smaller institutions that may not offer you their own listing service of apartments and roommates with at least be able to send you to the Housing Office of a larger school. These housing offices will be a great source of help for you: not only do they have a comprehensive listing of available housing in the city, but the landlords who advertise their properties in these offices are accustomed to renting to students. Furthermore, every office has a staff which is available to give you limited help, by way of guiding you through the listings, or setting you in the right direction (i.e. do you need a whole apartment to yourself or just a room to rent in shared house?). In addition to listing vacant apartments, university housing lists roommates also. You will find that sharing an apartment with other people, even just one other, will reduce the amount of rent you pay, as well as other utilities like electricity and phone bills, which are not always included in the monthly rent you pay to the landlord. Phones should also be provided for you at the office to make calls to landlords to arrange a time to view apartments. In some housing offices, they will even provide internet access by which to search university listings or city-wide listings for rentals. These offices cannot, however, provide guarantees of quality, as they do not view each listing. That part is up to you.
Other places to look
Every city has real estate listings in its local papers, which are usually up-to-date, if not always that detailed. Check these and any associated web sites, which may have different listings than the paper versions.
Walk Around
Finding a place to live in a city you know well is tough, but looking in a city or town you don't know at all is even more difficult. People will tell you of good and bad neighborhoods to live in and you can usually trust them about the bad ones, but the good ones might be far out of your budget. It is best to see for yourself what each area looks like and if it is up to your standards. This might even be as simple as taking an afternoon to walk around the areas close to the campus or even getting on a bus and looking out the window en route. If you pick one area where you think you might like to live, maybe based on the fact that many other students live in the area, or that there is a population of people of your nationality living there, take time to look around the area carefully, as you may see houses or apartments with rental signs outside or paper flyers on telephone poles, at bus stops, in neighborhood community centers or libraries.
The process
There are a number of steps to take to secure a place to live off-campus.
1. Search listings for possible leads. Be sure to consider location in this initial phase. Cheaper housing is usually located farther from the school itself, but there is no use getting an only slightly cheaper place very far from campus because you will spend more money and time on public transportation than is worthwhile.
2. Call the landlord at the phone number provided. If you get an answering machine, leave a message with a phone number where you can be reached, but be prepared to call back, as many landlords do not return these messages. If you speak to someone, ask as many questions as you can now, as it will save time later. The housing office may provide you with a list of questions you should ask, or write out a list yourself. Ask about the price, the exact location, how far it is to public transportation, the size of the room/apartment, how many other people you will be sharing with and in what capacity, which rooms will be shared, ask about safety in the house and in the neighborhood, ask about the condition of the house, has it been renovated recently, ask about appliances (you may need to buy your own fridge and stove in some cities), and any other hidden costs. If you like what you hear for the most part, arrange a time to see the place.
3. View each apartment. Ask any questions you haven't already. Look in all the closets and small spaces for evidence of bugs or mice. Reconfirm the price. Be prepared to supply references (a friend, any family in the country, someone at your school who will vouch for you) and be prepared to write a check for rent plus deposit. If you are definitely interested you may be able to sign a lease immediately. It is a good idea to see a few apartments before settling on anything.
4. Make a decision.
5. Sign a lease. In most cases you will need to sign a one-year lease, even if you only plan to be in the country for eight months it may be necessary to take on a longer lease and make other arrangements to sublet your apartment when you will not be there. Some landlords will be sympathetic and only ask for an eight- month contract.
Timeframe
What appears to be a simple and easy process could take three days, or it could take a month. Determination is essential. You will have to make a lot of phone calls and be persistent.
In the Meantime
You must arrange for a place to stay while you are looking for somewhere more permanent. This could be a hotel (an expensive option), a boarding house, or with a relative. An International Student Center will be able to help you find a temporary place to stay.
Another Living Option: Homestays
At some universities and colleges, usually those in smaller cities or that have either short term or smaller programs may offer homestay living arrangements to foreign students. This means that you will be placed in the homes of families who live close to the school. These people offer space in their homes and some meals for a sum of money. You will live in their home, possibly along with another student like yourself, eat meals with the family and generally abide by the rules of the house. These programs are not common, but are usually arranged through university housing and you should inquire there about this option.
Careful planning is both necessary and wise. You will be required to prove to the university, to the consular officer (the person at the Canadian Consulate who issues visa stamps), and perhaps to the Canadian Immigration Service that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (housing, food, clothing, etc) and health insurance, as well as university's tuition and fees.
So how much money will you need? You can get a general idea about expenses by looking at catalogs or application information provided by the university. Remember, however, that tuition rates vary tremendously. State (public) universities are generally, but not always, less expensive than private institutions. Some private institutions may be able to offer scholarships that state schools cannot.
The cost of living in different parts of Canada also varies. In general, living in urban areas (in or near a big city) is more expensive than living in smaller towns or rural areas. Renting an apartment in a big city can cost twice as much as it does in a smaller town because there is such high demand for housing in large Canadian cities. Likewise, food, clothing, entertainment, and other living expenses may be more expensive in a city.
Budgeting is a continuous process. At this stage, work on a "big picture" budget that will include tuition, room and board, transportation, and living expenses. Later you can be more specific, taking into consideration all the additional expenses of moving and settling in. One very important factor in the "big picture" budget is health insurance, which can be as little as $1,000 annually for an individual or as much as $5,000 for a family.
Canada’s currency is based on a decimal system, with one dollar ($1 or $1.00) equal to one hundred cents. Coin currency is used for amounts less than or equal to two dollars; the most common coins and their equivalencies follow:
one
cent or 0.01 dollars
five cents or 0.05 dollars
ten cents or 0.10 dollars
twenty-five cents or 0.25 dollars
fifty cents or 0.5 dollars
One dollar
Two dollars
Paper currency is most often circulated in the amounts of $5, $10, $20, $50 or $100. The slang term for a dollar bill is a "buck" -- so $50 may be referred to as "fifty bucks."
The most common denominations that is being used are twenty-five cents, $1, $2, $5, $10, $20. The $20 bill is the commonly dispensed bill in ATM machines. $50 and $100 bills are rarely used for purchases made in local stores.
Within the first few days of your arrival, you may want to open a checking account with a bank nearby campus. You may directly deposit traveler’s checks for free in most cases, or arrange for a wire transfer from your home bank for a fee of about $35. Typically, you may make an unlimited number of additional deposits or withdrawals thereafter. Be sure to always have sufficient funds in your account to cover all outstanding checks; if you "overdraw," the bank may impose expensive fees. Also be aware that there is usually a waiting period of a few days before you may withdraw the money you deposit, as a way for the bank to protect itself from fraud.
You will
most likely need some form of identification to open a checking account.
The bank representative may ask you for your Social Security Number. If
you do not have one, fill out an IRS Form W-8, which the bank can supply.
Most banks offer a number of different types of checking accounts. One
might bear interest if you maintain a minimum balance; another might provide
a limited number of free checks. Learn about all options before deciding
which type of account is best for you.
Many college students appreciate the convenience of a MAC (Money Access Card) or ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) card. The card allows account holders to make deposits, withdrawals and other transactions at any time -- 24 hours a day -- through machines located throughout campus and shopping districts. If you have an ATM card from a bank in your home country, ask whether the U.S. bank will honor it; some Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) cross national borders, while others do not. As a safety precaution, most ATMs limit the daily withdrawal amount to $300. If you happen to lose your ATM or MAC card, report it immediately to your local bank office.
Writing a check is simple. The dollar amount is written twice: once using numerals ($67.32 for example) and once using words (sixty-seven dollars and 32/100). Draw one horizontal line through any unused space after the words, to prevent someone from adding extra digits.
Once per month, the bank typically mails the account holder a statement of all transactions. It is important to make sure that their records match your records, to ensure that no errors were made by them or by you. If you have a question about your account, contact your local bank office.
Generally, retail stores accept checks only if they are drawn on an in-state bank. Be prepared to show some form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, student I.D., or passport (though you may not want to carry such an important document with you all the time).
One payment option accepted nationwide is the credit card. As a matter of fact, you may find it difficult to make certain purchases without a credit card. You need one to place an order by phone, to rent a car, or buy airline tickets in most instances. A credit card is also a good idea if you want to maintain good financial records, as your monthly statement will serve as a reminder of how you’re spending money.
A credit card may turn into a very expensive payment option, if you are not able to pay the balance on the account within the specified grace period -- typically between 20 and 30 days. Be careful to read all of the details of the credit card offer before committing to it; some companies offer a special low introductory interest rate (perhaps 2.9%), but then increase it dramatically (to about 18.9%) after that introductory period. Also know the structure of the credit card company’s annual fees, such as how much and when they charge it to your card. As usual, learn all you can before you make a decision.
Some companies are reluctant to issue credit cards to international students, as they do not have an established credit history in the country. If you already have a major credit card from your home country (like Visa or MasterCard), bring it with you; after the bank reviews your credit limit on the foreign card, they may be more likely to offer you a credit card. Banks with which you have accounts are also more likely to accept your request for a credit card.
Debit Cards, or Bank cards as they are being commonly referred to is another option. When you open an account, you will most likely get a bank card which you can use to withdraw money from an ATM and you can also use it, like a credit card to make purchases. Unlike credit cards the money is instantly taken from you account, so if the money is not there it will get rejected.
For students new to Canada, this is a great way to pay for things until you can establish credit.
How
to obtain a drivers license
To know more details on how to get a drivers license in Canada, please
access the Official Website of the Motor Vehicle Department (DMV) in your
area. The site www.dmvwebsites.com
can provide you with links to each Canadian regions DMV websites.
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