Is studying abroad really worth it?
The most meaningful year is the first one, it provides the very foundation of your academic journey. From the moment you begin to meet new people, surrounded by an entirely new environment, you are immediately overwhelmed with excitement. It is scary to make that kind of change in your life, leaving your family, friends, and everything you know behind, but the potential for opportunity and the experiences makes it completely worth it. It teaches you so many things, not only academically but personally, too! At Acsenda, I learned about Canadian traditions and values, including indigenous rights and environmental responsibility. It is this holistic understanding that opens your eyes, providing the necessary tools to grow and succeed in a new country.
Even though is hard at the beginning, you will get used to it. You will find your way through each obstacle and each victory; and eventually, when you finally do find that level of comfort, your next goal will be to achieve your objectives.
People will help you, they will come and go, but it is important to remember that there is always someone else to meet and learn from. This perspective will ensure that you never feel alone, always having someone to pass time with and enjoy. You will probably encounter people from different cultures, and that will help you to understand more of diverse traditions, customs and beliefs that people preserved through time from their home country; this could turn out to be something very valuable for your life, just to create more connections along the way and from different backgrounds which makes it even more special.
From the academic perspective, it is definitely going to be tough arriving in a country where the language is not your first, therefore it is important to practice as much as you can! There are many ways to improve your English in Canada and although it will not be easy (yes, like everyone you will struggle at times), eventually you will start getting the hang of it and find the confidence to speak freely without self-judgment, guilt, or shame.
As for work, be prepared to climb the ladder, especially if you do not have past work experience. However, there are benefits to start from the bottom, too! It can be motivating, inspiring and you look forward to the future while adopting values such as humility and respect for others. While you climb your way up you will find better opportunities that will help you thrive in the business world, even though it could feel like an eternity to get there.
In the end, you will be able to achieve what you were looking for in the first place and the obstacles will have been worth it.
For more information about the Canadian experience and doubts before arrival, please contact Acsenda School of Management. Also, in case you are ready to take the next step, here is the Canadian Government website where you could find more information regarding studying in Canada as an international student.