International students coming to Canada: Why more students are experiencing culture shock

More international students who are coming to Canada for the first time are facing the culture shock. Living in a place with a vastly different culture can lead to disorientation, causing many to feel lost.

Tizy Varghese, an international student at Fanshawe shared her experience about moving to Canada.

“I come from Mumbai, which is a busy city in India. When I came to Canada it was really hard for me to adapt to the climate and living here, but as an international student I am surviving,” Varghese said. “I was really excited about being in a new country and was dreaming of snow but after a point of time I was [suffering from] depression and loneliness but the studies and everything keeps you going and busy.”

According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE), culture shock refers to the feeling when one experiences a cultural environment that is different than what they are used to.

“To manage the Canadian culture wasn’t difficult for me, I am just going with the flow, but some slangs are different here from India,” Varghese said. “It’s an ongoing experience, I am not sure if I have learned everything about Canada because it will take time for anyone to learn the new culture and their practices.”

Language is certainly one barrier to communication across cultures, but not the only one. Arriving in Canada for the first time can also lead to stress for students in regards to non-verbal communication according to the CBIE.

“As an international student, honestly, I felt London was a bit racist, I have experienced a little bit but not like in a harsh manner which is the only problem I faced here,” Varghese said. “Also, the transport here is very different compared to the place where I come from, it took me some time to learn the transport system here.”

According to CBIE, experiencing culture shock is completely normal, when you have traveled a long way to arrive in Canada, leaving behind not only family and friends, but also the culture you have grown up with. Culture shock is particularly common in the early part of your Canadian journey, and overtime you will come to be more comfortable with your life in Canada.

“Being organized, responsible and adapting everything from the rules and regulations to the lifestyle in this country is key to success, you should always be ready for any kind of change,” Varghese said. “I haven’t decided my future goals yet, I am just going with my studies, probably I will try settling down here but am not sure about my future as of now I’m concerned about completing my course with good academic standing.”

International students always are encouraged to take advantage of the regular orientation sessions and ongoing counselling services offered by the college, where you can obtain valuable information about Canada and ask questions about living here. Then you will be prepared to cope with the differences you encounter.