It was a warm April day. I was struggling with my two giant suitcases and my cat as I arrived at my new home. “This is it, we made it,” I murmured. The panorama was undeniably different from home—everything seemed a little sadder. There was no grass or flowers (yet), no one spoke Spanish, and the food was less rich and diverse, among many other things. In an attempt to settle into the house, I set up my cat’s litter box and proceeded to try to set up her water fountain. I failed and tried again but wasn’t able to do it. It occurred to me that back home, my dad (an engineer) took care of all those technicalities that were difficult for me. That’s when I realized that my dad was no longer around to help me, nor would he be anytime soon. I found myself crying uncontrollably in an empty apartment with no one to reach out to. Although today, almost a year later, I can say that even though moving has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life, I would have liked to know a couple of things beforehand.
Life in Canada as an international student is often bumpy and you’ll constantly be reminded of the disadvantages of your position. As young adults immersed in the world, you and all university students will likely experience financial, emotional, and academic concerns. But you’ll carry a higher burden for being an outsider.
Right now, I’m sitting on campus at the University of Ottawa, wondering if it’s really worth it to be 4,000 kilometres away from my family, longing for the breakfasts, the laughs, the joint existences… I work for little more than a minimum wage salary and am only allowed to work a certain number of hours. And yet, I’m stubborn and insist on paying all my expenses by myself. Of course, not every month I make it. I feel guilty when I have to ask for tuition fees from my father and, once again, I wonder if I must study so far from home.
As international students, we take on so much stress financially that it soon turns into emotional and mental exhaustion. But I’m here to affirm that it is indeed worth it. Learning to live in a new country on my own has taught me things that college never would have. Having moved is now a part of my identity because it has made me the person I am and brought me lessons that will serve me for a lifetime. Living so far away from home used to terrify me, but today it is precisely that which gives me an immeasurable sense of freedom. If you’re considering becoming an international student, I won’t deny that it is emotionally draining. But the good experiences outweigh the bad ones and you will not regret your decision.
P.S. If you are a local student, please be empathetic and recognize that your reality differs immensely from ours. Hug your nearest international student!