Be open to new experiences, seek help from your peers and university resources, and be patient...

Anonymous

A frozen brook in the town of Antigonish. Captured on January 28, 2022. Copyright @art_nouveau___

As an international student from South Africa, I had always been fascinated by the beauty and culture of Canada. So, when I got accepted into StFX University, I was thrilled to embark on this new journey. However, little did I know that it would be a rollercoaster ride filled with challenges and opportunities.

Upon my arrival in Antigonish during the winter of 2021, I encountered a few problems that caught me off guard. The biggest challenge was the cold weather, which I wasn't used to back in South Africa. I struggled to adapt to the low temperatures and snowfall, which affected my daily routine. Additionally, I found it challenging to find affordable accommodation as there were limited options available, and the rent was higher than I expected. Lastly, language barriers were also a problem, as I struggled to communicate with the locals, which made it difficult to get around and make friends.

However, despite these challenges, I managed to overcome them by seeking advice from my peers and making the most of the resources available at the university. My advice to future international students would be to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally before arriving in Canada. Be open to new experiences, seek help from your peers and university resources, and be patient with yourself as you adjust to a new environment. With determination and resilience, you can overcome any challenges and thrive in your academic journey at StFX University.