ATT International Students!! WELCOME TO CANADA!

Harder than it looks!

Coming to university is big adjustment for everyone, but for international students it can be even more difficult. Starting a new chapter in your life, entering a new country, leaving behind the familiar and starting over in a new place with new people can be a little daunting even for the most well adjusted among us. When I first arrived in Canada I was totally at the mercy of my cab driver and his GPS for finding my way to York.

Thankfully things have changed a little since I first came to York! For the last couple of years The City of Toronto has been running a WELCOME Booth for all international students attending Post Secondary Educational Institutions in Toronto. You might be thinking, "What happens at this Welcome Booth?"

Someone's there to welcome
YOU!

Well if you enter Canada through either Terminal 1 or 3 (which are the main terminals for international arrivals at the Pearson International Airport), you'll find that there is a welcome booth. At this booth
you'll be greeted with a warm welcome to Canada and support as soon as you arrive. You'll get:

• A welcome package with some AWESOME stuff!
• A free call home
• Some info and support related to your campus, destination, public transportation and housing/ accommodation and
• Receive a $20.00 SIM Card for your mobile device courtesy of Rogers Communications. 

Does that sound appealing to you?!? I know I would have really appreciated having this service to welcome me to Canada. So the question that I can tell is on the tip of your tongue is "When do these booths open?"

York's President at the Opening
of the 1st Welcome Booth!

Well these booths will be open in Terminal's 1 and 3 in the international arrivals areas from August 15th to September 8th 2013 from 7am to 11pm.

So if you're coming to Canada over the course of those dates and within those times be sure to stop by
and pick up your welcome package and call home...to let them know that you're already making new friends!!

If you want more info about this service check out this link!

Once you're in Canada and you leave the airport, the welcome doesn't stop there. Once you make it York's Campus, the welcome continues at Frosh Week. This week is specifically designed to welcome incoming students to University life and given you a chance to meet people and make friends before your first day of class. Wanna know more about Social Orientation/ Frosh Week/ O-Week? Check out this link!

As if that's not enough of a welcome to Canada and York...there's also our international student office, info.

Orientation...DO IT!!

York International that has their own welcome and orientation events open for all international students, check out their website for more

If you've got questions about the welcome booths, or frosh week, feel free to comment below I'd love to answer any questions you might have!

Don't forget that your support continues on during the school year, so if you ever need any questions answered or directions stop by the Vari Hall Booth and talk to the RED Zone!

As always remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

Best thing about living in residence? The friends you make!

Juhi and I in 1st year!

Everyone is always saying that you make your TRUE lasting friends in College / University; I can say now, from first hand experience that what they say is true. 
Four years ago I came to York, fresh outta High school as an International Student I knew 0 people. I moved into residence and almost immediately after my parents left me there…all alone…I regretted coming to such a huge school in a different country so far away from home.


After my first residence floor meeting I thought WOW I’m never gonna make it here. I was ready to go back to my room and pack my stuff and GO BACK HOME! Then I heard a knock on my door and my whole university experience CHANGED! I made my first friend!!
 This girl was at my door, asking me about the internet, of all things. I helped her set up the internet, then we went for dinner together and everyday after that. Suddenly we realized we had a lot in common and so we became fast friends. 


As you move from year to year the people you were close with in first year are usually NOT still your friends by fourth year, but she and I were practically family at the end. Four years is a long time to be friends with a person, we laughed, cried and helped each other make it through the challenge that is University.
 She was an International Student just like me, she was from Dubai and I from The Bahamas. Leave it to us to make friends with people who live on opposite sides of the world!

4 yrs later still together!

As I sit here writing this I can’t help but to think of all the things we shared over four years, our first winter with SNOW, our first time on a subway, and of course let’s not forget our first time living away from home on our own. She was really a true friend, we were there for each other whenever we needed anything no questions asked! We took care of each other when we were sick, homesick or lovesick. I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through this journey without her.
And now that she’s moved back home I wish her nothing but the best! I hope she is finds happiness, she is an amazing person and truly deserves the very best that life has to offer. I miss her like crazy! All I can say is THANK GOD for BBM and SKYPE!

There is a STRONG possibility that I might never see her again; but she’ll always be with me, because she helped shape the person I am today. I miss her so much, she was my sister, my mom and most importantly my FRIEND!


The moral of my story...living in residence can be such an amazing experience if you open yourself and take the opportunity that is there!

York's all about helping students succeed...they have some AMAZING resources you've got to check out!

Over 2000 students have visited the RED Zone so far this summer. As they come in, I've noticed that there are a few key questions that have been asked again and again by students in just about EVERY group I've talked to...

Will I be able to handle it?

1. How MAJOR is the difference between High School and University in terms of workload?
2. What kind of expectations are there for students in terms of work quality in University?
and my personal favourite...and the purpose of this blog...
3. Are there ANY services or resources in place that students can access if they need assistance?


I am here to let you know that York is ALL ABOUT helping students succeed! Here are the FREE services that York offers their students to make they feel confident, secure, and supported throughout their time at University!

York's got your back :)

There are 2 MAIN categories of support that York offers Students:
1. Academic Assistance
2. Specialized Student Support Services
**These are just the names that I've given them...they are by no means the ACTUAL tites!**

You CAN do it...but there is help!

Academic Assistance: This is offered to ALL York University students without exception. These services are designed to ensure student success and provide overall support for during the academic year. Academic Assistance Services include:

-Writing Centre: This is a essay writing and editing service that connects students with a Teaching Assistant, Masters Student or Past Professor who act as tutors for the student while completing an assignment. At the WC students bring in a draft of their assignment, hand it in to their tutor who then edit it and offer suggestions and support. The Writing Centre can help students improve their mark by one full letter grade. This is an amazing and underutilized service since most students are unaware that it exists. Well you...yes you...the person reading this now has a leg up on everyone else since now you know that this exists. The Writing Centre is located in South Ross Room 329.

-Learning Commons: For some students the Writing Centre is not a good fit, after all not everyone is comfortable with someone editing their work, especially a past professor. If that is the case then the Learning Commons on the second floor of the Scott Library might be more your speed. At the Learning Commons you can get help and advice on thesis formulation, research, essay structure and citation tips. The Learning Commons is run by Librarians who know what good research is and what makes a good essay.

-Advising (Faculty, College Level): There are two levels of Academic Advising that you can access at York. The first level of advising is at the Faculty level, this is the level that the majority of incoming students will be familiar with, since your enrolment appointments were held at your faculty. The second level of advising is at the College level, this advising is run through specific colleges within a particular faculty, or even across faculties. One form of advising is not better than the other, they just provide a slightly different user experience. Sometimes students prefer going to their college advisor's because they feel more connected to their college community, others prefer to go their faculty. It's more personal preference, the information will be the same regardless.

-Peer-to-Peer Tutoring: All Colleges have their own version of P2P tutoring, where an upper year student is connected with a lower year student and provides them with guidance, support and tutoring. Additionally there are other Peer-to-Peer programs offered via programs, faculties and departments at York. If you find yourself in need of a particular service I recommend heading over to your college to see types of P2P support they have available for you.

You don't have to do it alone!

Specialized Student Support Services: These services are offered to a select subset of the York University Community, students that have specific needs. These services include:

-CDS: Counselling and Disabilities Services have three offices, two at Keele, one located in the Bennett Centre the other in North Ross Room 108 and one at Glendon. These offices offer support for students in the form of personal counselling,  learning skills, learning disabilities, mental health disabilities and finally in the form of physical, sensory and medical disability aid.

-ACMAPS: The Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students offers support for York students that are mature (over the age of 21 at the start of first year) and that are enrolled in part-time study. The ACMAPS office is located at 111 Central Square and they offer support in the form of workshops and advocacy for their students throughout the year.

-CASS: Centre for Aboriginal Student Services, offers specialized support for Aboriginal identified students at York. They are located at 246 York Lanes, they have a newly renovation office space that is open to Aboriginal students. The CASS office has study space, computers, printers and tons of other great services designed to help Aboriginal identified students succeed at York.

-York International: Located in York Lanes Room 200, offers support services for international students at York. This support includes assisting with cultural adjustments to Canada, immigration, financial and other issues. Also York International assists domestic students enter exchange programs to other universities world-wide.

All of the services mentioned here are offered to students free of charge. Take a minute to check out what's available because York has got you covered!

Just landed and feeling a little lost? York University and The Pearson Airport will be there to welcome you to CANADA!

Entering University is an intimidating and scary experience even for the most "prepared" high school graduate. Moving to a new country, leaving behind friends, family and the familiar is another equally intimidating and scary experience. Doing BOTH at the same time can be an extremely overwhelming experience.

Ms. International
Like Pitbull :P

As an international student I did just that. I left behind my home, my culture, my friends and my family to move to Canada for University. Honestly, it was the BEST and most challenging experience of my life. When I first got here I had to deal with the harsh reality that my mom wasn't there to cook and clean for me. I was on my own. There were some growing pains, (like doing LAUNDRY) but eventually I was able to settle in and find my niche. 

For many international students their first glimpse of Canada will be at the Lester B. Pearson International Airport. I can still remember entering the MASSIVE airport and being amazed by how many people were buzzing around.

After clearing customs and collecting my luggage I walked out into the outer waiting area. In movies when people enter this area they are greeted warmly by family and friends excited to see them, this was NOT my experience!! When I walked out into the greeting area I was met by no one, worst of all I had no idea where I was supposed to go. 

I am VERY happy to report that things have changed and International Students are welcomed as soo as they set foot on Canadian soil!!!

Welcome to your home away from home!

The Pearson Airport and The City of Toronto in conjunction with local post-secondary institutions unveiled a "Student Welcome Program" last year which focused on providing International students with a warm welcome to Canada and support as soon as they arrive! The program was such a huge success last year that they have decided to host the program again this year.

What does this "Welcome" look like?
The City of Toronto will set up 'welcome' booths next to the main information booths in both Terminal 1 and 3 of the Pearson International Airport.

At these booths, new International Students will be offered:
-A warm greeting from a current International Student attending an institution in the GTA
-A welcome package
-A free phone call home
-Accommodation and Transportation Support

Does this sound like something you'd be interested in?

Want to know WHEN these booths will be open??
Hours of Operation:
-August 11th- 17th: 7:00am-12 noon and 6:00pm-11:00pm
-August 18th -September 3rd: 7:00am-11:00pm
-September 3rd -10th: 7:00am-12 noon and 6:00pm-11:00pm

If you're looking for more information feel free to check out this link!

If you're an International Student and you have the opportunity to experience this service, let me know what it's like! I'd LOVE to hear about it!

What makes a "successful" student?? It might NOT be what you think!

These days everyone looks at letter grades or a g.p.a. as the only way to measure the "success" of a student. Of course both of these are really important, after all everyone wants to do well, but grades are only one small part of what makes a student succeed at university and at life.

I LOVE this meme!
 He looks so satisfied!

I know what you're thinking...how else can you measure the success of a student if you don't use letter grades or a g.p.a?

Grades aren't EVERYTHING!

I would challenge you to think outside the box a little bit.

Here are a few things that I think make a successful student:

1. I think that a successful student is able to find balance in their life.

Universal symbol for BALANCE!
Yin and Yang

Balance is everything! Knowing your limitations and understanding that you're not superman will help reduce your stress. Accepting that there are only 168 hours in a week will help you learn to prioritize your time. Learning how to effectively balance work, school, family and friends, will make your university experience richer.








2. A successful student should be able to look back on their university experience with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Key to Success?
Why YES thank-you!

This can be achieved by getting involved on campus. I know you've heard me say this before...but that's because it's GOOD ADVICE! Get involved in campus life!

Becoming a member of the York community made my university experience so much richer. I was able to avoid the commuter trap (going to school and then straight home), I was able to give back to other students and I was able to make friends! Accomplishing something as a result of your involvement on campus really makes you feel like you've succeeded at university life.

3. Finally I think that a successful student is someone that is open minded and willing to try NEW things.

University is your opportunity to try new things, and have new experiences. Successful students are those that open themselves up to new people, cultures, beliefs and practices. York is FULL of diversity, there are students from over 155 countries worldwide. There are so many different people with interesting and unique experiences sitting next to you in class, it would be a shame not to get to know them. Being open to meeting new people and trying new things will help to prepare you for the real world, which, thanks to globalization is becoming increasingly interconnected, so don't miss out!

These are just a few things that I think make a successful a student. If you can think of anything else feel free to make suggestions in the comments section!

Lollipop Moments...in the RED Zone!

I know what you're thinking...what the heck is a lillipop moment?? Were you guys giving them away, selling them, buying them...whattt?? Well a lollipop moment happens when you change impact someone's life in a positive way.

Yuuummmm!!!

Here's Drew Dudley...he explains it wayy better than I do... sooo check it out!

I've been having some AMAZING Lollipop moments with students this week...seriously it's been a pretty rewarding experience...for them and for me!!

The other day a prospective international student and her parents entered the RED Zone looking for some information about transitioning to York and Canada as an international student. They were directed to me...since I have first hand knowledge about moving to Canada and starting at York. We talked for almost an hour...about EVERYTHING! We discussed campus life, clubs, international student support and most importantly the sense of community at York. When we were done she looked really relieved and her parents seemed really excited about York.

As they were leaving they said: "When you have a memorable experience it's always best to take a picture. You were really nice and helpful, and we'd really like to take a picture with you, so that we can remember you, do you mind?"

I but felt totally honoured that they wanted to take a picture with me, and that they felt they had an experience they wanted to remember.

I guess they got a lollipop moment from me...and I got one from them!!

You HAVE to experience a moment like this!!

I couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day...knowing that I had helped someone really made me so proud of my  job, my University and the community that exists at York.

If you want to have your very one Lollipop moment you should stop by the RED Zone and talk to the AMAZING RED Zone Student Ambassadors!

$$, Pare, Moola, Dinero, Argent, Pieniądze...However you say it we all need it to pay for school!!

There is nothing more serious to people than there finances. Everyone is concerned with paying bills  and making making ends meet, regardless of where you're from. In this post I'll be covering a few options that International Students can access to pay for University.

Not sure if I mentioned this before but I'm an international student...ok who am I kidding...I totally mentioned that like 1000 times. This time though it's actually super important :)

Diversity @ York U

Unfortunately for my domestic friends this post will probably not be too interesting to you, buttt feel free to read anyway, maybe you'll learn something new??




Going to school is expensive...if you haven't noticed that yet, then you probably will notice it VERY soon. FACT: College and University undergrad's aren't exactly "making it rain"so finding money to pay for school can be a challenge even for the most thrifty among us :P

A couple of things right off the bat that I feel I should let you know...

As International students  Don't qualify for:
-OSAP
-The Ontario Tuition Grant
-RESP's (at least not Canadian RESP's)

Not to be a "Negative Nancy" but here are a few things that we as International Students have to include in our tuition costs.

How can I afford all this?!?

1. Tuition: Usually this is about twice the fee of domestic students.
2. UHIP: Since we haven't been paying in the Universal Health Care of Canada we are REQUIRED by LAW to pay for the University Health Insurance Plan.
3. Shelter: You'll need to live somewhere during your time at York, that can be in on-campus housing, off-campus housing OR if you're super lucky with distant relatives you don't really know but will let you live with them while you're at school.
4. Books and other supplies
TOTAL: CRA CRA CRAZY amounts of cash!

I know what you're thinking..."DO WE GET ANY HELP IN PAYING FOR SCHOOL??"

Well don't worry we do have a few options open to us! All York University Students have access to the Student Financial Profile, which has a listing of all the available Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants. If you want a run down of all that the SFP has to offer check out my "Money, Money, Money..." post from last week.

As international students we also have access to some Aid from the Government of Canada. Now I'm not going to sugar coat this we don't qualify for very much, since we are international students, and therefore haven't been paying into government tax programs. But you might be surprised at what we can access!

One option I'd recommend is to check out the following website: http://www.cicic.ca/389/student-financial-assistance.canada This has a listing of all the scholarships, bursaries and grants available for international students based on country of origin. You'd be surprised at what you might be eligible for, so definitely check it out and apply.

If you remember NOTHING ELSE from this post I want to remember the following resource I give you. Honestly I can't tell you how helpful this resource is for international students. So get a pen and piece of paper and write this down...well actually since you're on your computer BOOKMARK this website and check it OFTEN!!

One of the MANY sessions
they run throughout the school year!

On-Campus Resource:
-YORK INTERNATIONAL

Who are they?
-They are the office whose primary task to help International students navigate, York, Toronto and Canada.
- They can help you if you want to find additional funding for school, if you want to get a job off campus, if you have questions about your status in Canada.
-Most importantly they provide you with your University Health Insurance Card.
-They offer TONS of workshops to help aid your transition into Canada.
-----They have workshops on how to apply for bursaries, off-campus work permits, how to find jobs in the GTA and on-campus and soo much more.

***Here's a link to York International's FUNDING webpage, since this whole post is about paying for school :P***

Where are they?
-They are located at 200 York Lanes.
(They are literally at the top of the stairs on the second floor of York Lanes, you can't miss their office it's so there's a BIG bright colourful display right outside their door!!)

Fun Facts:
-They are maybe the NICEST people on campus (after the RED Zone of course :P).
-The office is staffed with people from all over the world, so they are literally the face of diversity on campus.
-Also they really want to help students succeed. Basically if you have any questions or you find that you need assistance then you should visit York International.

There are tons of options available for International Students, you just have to know where to look, and who to ask for help. If you want any more info, or you have a specific question feel free to post in the comments section.

I hope that my fellow International folks are feel a little bit better about paying for school!