Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

Study abroad and the Development of Intercultural Maturity

Source: Journal of International Education in Business | Image Credit: AOK

A study was recently conducted in the hopes of determining whether or not international students were able to increase their intercultural maturity during a short-term study abroad program. The program lasted nine days but data received from the student participants was promising.

The travel abroad students were observed to have successfully improved their interpersonal, intrapersonal and cognitive skills within the limited time of their programs suggesting that study abroad programs can increase the development of intercultural maturity.

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Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

Using Digital Communications to Get Students to Study

Source: Inside Higher Ed | Image Credit: Smarty Mobile

Research conducted at the University of Toronto suggests that mobile apps built to send study reminders to students failed to have much impact on how much time they actually spent studying. A group of students that received the notifications studied longer than a group without them but, according to researchers, not by a meaningful amount. While researchers remain confident that this type of technology can help students to a greater extent than what was indicated, they admit that many students would need to see positive results before changing their study habits.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

5 Tips to Help Bust Stress While Studying

Sources: Nickelodeon, Study International

Results of a recent survey suggest that 64% of students rate their stress level while studying at 7 out of 10. Leading causes of stress among students were due dates, exams and the need to balance school work with personal time. Students studying abroad face even more challenges when taking into account factors like culture shock and being away from home. So to help everyone better manage the stresses they might be facing, here are some tips.

Communicate Your Emotions: Writing about your feelings can help manage stress. Sometimes though, you might just need someone to listen to you. Don’t hesitate to contact family and friends back home if you’re in need of someone to share with.

Remain Organized: Managing your schedule allows you to take control over your time. By making sure there is time to spend with friends and not leaving work to the last minute, you can better navigate your busy course syllabus.

Take Care of Yourself: Eat healthy, sleep well and get regular exercise. While these things might seem simple, they each are vital in helping our bodies and minds manage stress and maintain themselves.

Be Mindful: Maybe you don’t practice yoga. That doesn’t mean you can’t still find a quiet place to relax and unwind for a while. It is important to give your brain a break now and then.

Take It In Stride: A little pressure can be a source of motivation. Learn how to use it to propel you forward. Remember not to push yourself too hard though.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

The Importance of Cross-Cultural Communication

Source: Aishwarya Sadasivan, Study International

International students who study abroad in Canada, or in any foreign country, should be mindful of remaining respectful and unbiased when interacting with people that have backgrounds different from their own. Developing a sense of appreciation of other cultures allows students to better cope with culture shock and view the world from alternative perspectives. Overseas students who actively try to improve their communication skills are also said to be able to better understand and express themselves to others.

Culturally Diverse Campus Tours

Canada Campus Visits allows prospective international students the chance to better their cross-cultural communication skills through our campus tours. Students from around the world take part in our tours and over the course of 10 days together have the chance to experience a new country, share stories and build lasting friendships with one another.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

How International Students Interact on Campus

Sources: Fast Company, Study International

Colleges and universities are more than just places to study. They act as places for students to network and establish some of the most important relationships of their lives. However new research shows that many students are failing to venture outside of their cultural circles or away from others who share their field of study. While foreign students are likely to interact with others who come from countries overseas, only a small percentage of them were seen to socialize with domestic students. This is unfortunate because one of the best ways to learn about a new country is by getting to know the locals.

Higher learning institutions should to put a greater emphasis on groups and activities that encourage diversity among their students. Overseas students must also put forth an effort to build relationships with students from different academic and cultural backgrounds. By getting to know each other, we all gain a better understanding of the world and can truly claim that diversity is our strength.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life, Canada, Study and live in Canada

Top 5 Reasons to Study In Canada

Source: Universities Canada

A group of students completing their post-secondary education in Canada was recently interviewed about how they enjoyed studying in the country. The group was also asked to discuss the reasons that made them choose Canada as an international education destination. They explained, in the above video, that Canada is known for offering educational programs that are recognized globally at rates that are more affordable that other countries. Canada also boasts a safe, multicultural society with colleges and universities that strive to see their students succeed.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

Keeping Your Cool While Studying Abroad

Source: Disney, Study & Go Abroad

Spending time abroad is fun but can be difficult to do when you’re trying to complete your education in a new country. Your study abroad experience may not always go as smoothly as you expect but here are a couple of tips to keep you as stress free as possible.

Swap your Scenery: Whether it’s a coffee shop, on public transit or in a park, don’t be a afraid to come out of your room to study in a new environment. A bit of fresh air never hurts when cramming for a test.

Seek Help When You Need It: New countries and new campuses make for new challenges galore. Should you need assistance with anything, your friends, student counselors and faculty members are usually more than willing to help. Those closest to you want to see you succeed so never be afraid to reach out to them.

 

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life, Canada

Staying Safe While Studying In Canada

Source: Study International

Universities, colleges and Canadian law enforcement agencies are encouraging international students to stay alert in response to recent scams targeting those who are new in Canada. Criminals have been found wrongfully impersonating officials and threatening foreign students with deportation or arrest unless certain demands are met.

Authorities suggest that those who may be contacted in such a way get in touch with their local police station to determine whether or not the message is legitimate. On-campus international student offices can also provide assistance with these situations. Canadian institutions aim to maintain the safety and well-being of students and will do their best to support those involved.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life

Ways To Be A Social Butterfly While Studying Abroad

Source: Study International

Regardless of their age, students always want to have friends to rely on at school. This can be even more important for international students than most because they may need people in their life who can help them maneuver through a new country and culture. One article suggests these steps to making friends while you study abroad:

  • Don’t place too much pressure on yourself
  • Meet as many people as you can
  • Do what you like doing
  • Don’t be afraid of trying new things
  • Embrace and enjoy the experience

Do you have any suggestions that you think should make this list? Let us know in the comments so we can help everyone choosing to study in Canada come out of their shell and feel comfortable as soon as they arrive.

Also, if you’d like to be friends with us on social media, check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Canada Campus Visits Campus Life, Study and live in Canada

Applying to University Overseas: What to Consider

Source: Times Higher Education

Choosing to study abroad can be almost as stressful as it is exciting. If you don’t prepare yourself for what your upcoming adventure will have in store for you, things might not go exactly as you hope. One article suggests a number of things you might want to look at before submitting your application.

Different countries may have colleges and universities with application systems that you’re not used to. Some are based on academic achievement while others may take into account letters of recommendation or an entrance essay.

Many institutions have core values that set them apart and are meant to appeal to their students. Some are more focused on creating world citizens who make a difference, while others strive to mold students with excellent grades.

By taking the time to look into the institutions where you may want to complete your education, you will be better off when you finally decide to apply. With Canada Campus Visits, you can attend several campuses on tour with us and get a feel for each of them. You can experience student life in Canada and empower your decision making before applying to schools. Reserve your spot with us and let us help simplify your application process.