Studying abroad is an opportunity for personal growth and cultural enrichment, but it also involves increased independence and demands adaptation to different academic systems. How exactly do you manage this transition? Keep reading to find out.

Fostering Independence

Moving to a new country for college means moving away from the support systems that you’re used to. This means you’ll have to learn to be more independent.

Create a Personal Budget: Create a detailed budget that covers the following:

• Tuition fees
• Housing
• Food
• Transportation
• Any other essential expenses.

You may also want to budget for recreational activities, such as:

• Going out to eat
• Watching movies
• Attending concerts

To help you get started on your budget, check out our blog post about the cost of living in Toronto.

Prioritize Your Physical and Mental Health: A range of emotions, both positive and negative, may fill your first year of studying abroad. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your health and take advantage of the many health and wellness resources available to students.

For a complete list, visit our Health & Wellness page.

Ask for Help: Being independent doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. In fact, being independent can mean that you’re brave enough to ask for help from teachers, advisors, friends, and community support groups.

At FCT, students have access to 24/7 mental health support through the keep.meSAFE app, including support from certified counsellors. To access this app, check your student handbook for instructions, visit the front desk, or connect with student services.

Succeeding Academically

Understand the Academic System and Policies: Familiarize yourself with the college's academic system, including course registration, examination rules, and attendance policies.

You will learn about these topics during orientation week, but if you require further guidance, you can reach out to an academic advisor.

Understand GPA

Canadian colleges and universities typically use Grade Point Average (GPA) to measure academic performance in a course.  GPA reflects your overall academic performance and is essential for scholarships, internships, and entrance into graduate programs. GPA is a number between 0 and 4 that corresponds to a grade percentage and letter grade.

Note: This chart does not represent the letter grade to GPA conversion of all colleges and should only be taken as an example.

The Importance of Time Management:

With classes to attend, assignments to complete, and events to enjoy, college life is busy. That’s why its essential to develop effective time management skills. Check out the links below for resources to help you manage all your commitments and responsibilities. 

• Using the Pomodoro Technique for Time Management
• Getting Things Done
• Cold Turkey

Connect with Tutors and Academic Advisors: If you encounter academic challenges, don't hesitate to seek help from tutors or academic advisors. To book an appointment with one at FCT, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the MyFCT Student Portal.
2. Click on “Contact FCT.” 
3. Click “Book Virtual Appointment” under any category. 
4. The “FCT Bookings” form will open. Select the service you want to book.

Conclusion

Studying abroad in Canada is a great opportunity for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and academic success. By embracing independence and focusing on academic success, you’ll be able to make the most of this life-changing experience.