Adjusting to a new country while studying abroad can be difficult. During your transition to Canada you may experience a wide range of emotions. This process is called cultural adaptation and the more equipped you are with recognizing the stages, the better prepared you will be able to adapt to your new environment.
The Honeymoon Phase
This period is when you experience feelings of excitement to explore the new culture, food and traditions that your new home has to offer. You may also look at the pleasing differences between your new environment.
The Crisis Phase
This period is when you may experience feelings of frustration between the differences of your new home. The frustration could come from the difference in communication, academics, culture or even food. During this stage you may experience “culture shock”.
Symptoms of “culture shock”
- Feeling a sense of loneliness, sadness or not belonging
- Changes in your eating habits or sleeping habits
- Feeling a sense of doubt or failure
- Negative feelings about your host country and missing home
- Easily irritated by small inconveniences
- Feelings of isolation and less interaction with other people
- Recurrent illness
The Recovery and Adjustment Phase
With time you eventually feel a sense of belonging to your new home. You will become more aware and confident with your surroundings and feel more comfortable. During the adjustment phase you learn from your experiences and become self confident, self motivated and have a new appreciation for cultural sensitivity. Your curiosity will lead you to become open to making new friends and exploring new places. This may even include practicing the customs and traditions of your new home and incorporating them with yours.
Re- Entry Shock
When you go back to your home country, things may not be the same when you left. The cultural adaptation cycle often repeated itself when you are away from your home country for an extended period.
Tips
- Get help when you need it
- Talk to your professors, TA/GA or someone you trust
- Explore the city and the surrounding areas
- Keep in touch with home
- Get involved and join student groups
- Make use of the University resources and workshops
- Make friends with people from different cultures
- Stay active
What to expect when meeting the Immigration Officer
When you arrive in Canada the border services officer will:
- ask to see your passport or travel documents
- ask you a few questions and
- make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada
For more information on what to expect when meeting the Immigration Officer and which documents you will need click the link above.
The International Student Centre has a program to help you be fully prepared for your arrival to Canada. Learn more.
There are four different seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall.
- Winter lasts from December 21st until March 19th. It is the coldest time of the year with temperatures that generally stay below 0 degrees Celsius. With the colder temperatures comes snow and ice. During these months you will want to make sure that you dress warmly with winter boots, a winter coat, mittens, a scarf and a winter hat.
- Spring covers March 20th until June 20th. The weather starts to warm during the spring months and there is often a lot of rain. You will not need the winter clothing to keep you warm, but you may need to have some rain boots, an umbrella and a spring jacket.
- Summer goes from June 21st until September 21st. These are usually the warmest times of the year. Temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius to over 30 degrees Celsius. Many people use pools during these months and a lot of people have air conditioning on. It is important that you wear sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from the powerful sun. You will also want to make sure that you drink a lot of water and keep hydrated. The radio and television may share warnings about the heat and/or the smog.
- Fall lasts from September 22nd until December 20th. During fall the weather starts to get cool again. The leaves on the trees change colours and will start falling from the trees. This season may be rainy, and sometimes will even have a bit of snow. You may need your umbrella and your warm winter clothing for different parts of the season.
Source: https://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-94_metric_e.html
Visit off-campus housing to find resources about what to consider when looking for a rental, how to be a good roommate, how to read your lease, safety information and much more.
Community Legal Aid (CLA) offers legal services to low income and vulnerable people to avoid, prepare for and overcome poverty law problems, achieved through a combination of community development and action. CLA provides competent and professional legal services including summary legal advice, full legal representation, and community legal education.
Location
443 Ouellette Avenue, 2nd Floor, Windsor, ON
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm
Phone: 519 253 7150 - Please call for an appointment