Adapting to student life in Canada

Studying in Canada offers an enriching experience for French students, but requires adapting to significant cultural, climatic, and social differences. This guide, designed for the Tawawa Advisory blog, helps international students make a smooth transition. Here are the keys to integrating quickly.

Cultural differences

French students notice a less pronounced hierarchy in Canada than in France, where professor-student or employee-employer relationships are more egalitarian and informal. Eating habits also differ: Canadians often prefer peanut butter for breakfast and adopt a “BYOB” (Bring Your Own Booze) approach to parties, unlike the convivial French tradition of sharing. In terms of studies, there are fewer courses but they are more demanding, with an emphasis on group work and participatory teaching methods that are appreciated by international students.

The Canadian climate

Canada has extreme regional variations: southern Ontario and Quebec have a humid continental climate with winters at -20°C and summers at +30°C, while the Prairies have even greater variations, with temperatures dropping to -30°C in winter. In the west, Vancouver enjoys a temperate oceanic climate that is mild but rainy, contrasting with the snowy winters of the east. Students should anticipate these rapid changes to avoid thermal shock.

“At Tawaw Advisory, we guide students toward a smooth integration by anticipating these challenges; cultural openness is the key to success in Canada..”Arij El Ghoul, founder

Tips for fitting in

Take part in university welcome activities such as airport shuttles, orientation sessions, and buddy programs, which facilitate meeting new people during the first week. Join student clubs or global communities to practice English or French, and take advantage of libraries that are open 24/7 during exams.

Practical tips

Prepare your wardrobe in layers for weather variations and find out about costs: tuition fees for international students range from CAD$12,000 to CAD$60,000 per year, which is much higher than in France. Adopt Canadian punctuality and courtesy to build strong networks. Tawawa Advisory recommends consulting experts for visas and housing to speed up the settlement process.