“Canada, eh? You’re all ‘oot’ and ‘aboot’ in America eh?” –the resounding questions that follow me around campus. Being a foreign student in America certainly presents itself with a whole host of challenges, opportunities, moments of confusion and moments of laughter.
Choosing to go to university abroad is a huge choice that may involve leaping out of your comfort zone. Moving to another country often means doing so alone, and with little support. While most of my friends were leaving to McGill, or other Canadian schools, I was headed south, to a city most of them only knew about from The Wire. Once I got here, however, I had the opportunity to explore a new culture first hand, and make amazing friends who had experience far different than my own.
Though my moose, my igloo and I are often on the receiving end of jokes amongst friends, as a Canadian I feel compelled to apologize. But as a foreign student, there are a few things to keep in mind that I wanted to share:
1. The international students’ office will be your friend
Though you may not even consider yourself truly international (I know I don’t given the proximity of Canada and America), this office will have all your resources to make sure you’re both here legally, and can choose to remain, work, and study legally as well. Adherence to international law is generally a positive.
2. Plan ahead
Though this may be true of all students, it is especially so for those who live far away and cannot readily access forgotten belongings. It is important to remember that when you live abroad you may find yourself dealing with a government office and missing documentation, which always takes several additional weeks more than anticipated to get figured out. Get your passport EARLY.
3. Learn about America
With a currency different to your own, a political situation that makes little to no sense, and a drinking age that seems unreasonably high, it’s worth knowing where you’re living. Becoming fluent in these areas will help you get adjusted to your area, and, hopefully, keep you out of trouble
4. Embrace America, but keep your home close to your heart
At the end of the day, you may spend four of the best years of your life in this new, adopted country, so you’ll find yourself developing a new found sense of pride for it—embrace it! But remember to also keep your home close to your heart. As much as those around will mock your country of residence, take the jokes in stride and make some yourself. It will only make you more proud of your home.
As a freshman I ventured into a new city, new environment and met a new group of people. I was faced with the fact that I was about (read: aboot) to reside in a new country. Though I frequently got lost at airports, and nearly lost my student visa, there was also an immense sense of pride every time I could tell someone I am Canadian.