Studying in Canada...is it worth it?

Yesterday, I had my PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) approved! This is a big moment for me and many international students. Before I dive into job hunting, I want to take a moment to reflect on the decision that changed my life.

Like many others, it all started with a crazy idea: “What if?” Little did I know what that crazy thought would entail, so I packed my bags and hopped on a plane to Canada.

The first week or so felt like a classic tourist trip.I even forgot for a few days that I had my whole life packed into just 20 kg of belongings in this foreign country, and most of them were art supplies (maybe not the smartest choice, but hey, I was really excited to start school).

After the honeymoon phase in Toronto, things got pretty tough. If someone tells you finding a place as a student is easy, they’re lying. Navigating the housing market in Canada isn’t simple. There are many reasons why, so I’ll list the ones I experienced firsthand. I’ll go into more detail in another post:

• Rent is expensive in Toronto.

• As a newcomer, you’ll find that you miss a lot of requirements.

• Unless you want to pay more, sharing is the cheapest option.

• Landlords and roommates can be hit or miss.

• If you look for a place at the beginning of the school year, you'll face a lot of competition.

  
  

Once you settle in, the fun part begins! I came to study Illustration, and of course, I didn’t choose it for the money, so I enjoyed every class. However, making friends was another story. You’ll need to be ready to speak like a toddler even if you think you’re proficient in English. Sometimes you’ll find your vocabulary isn’t as wide as you thought, and that’s okay. People here are generally super nice and will help you out. As a shy person with social anxiety, making friends was tough, but my classmates and teachers were always kind, and after a few months, I made it!

Finding a job was a different challenge. Many students underestimate how much time school takes and rely (like I did) on having a stable part-time job. I had support to cover my full tuition each semester, so my husband and I worked to pay rent, food, and other expenses. Even with both of us working, some months were tough. I definitely recommend bringing twice as much money as Canada says you need—trust me, it's for your own good.

After finishing my 4 semesters and completing college, I had to apply for the PGWP. The amount of paperwork is insane. For my study permit, I paid an agency to help me, but by the time I finished college, I felt confident navigating the immigration process on my own. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, but remember, every case is unique. No matter what you read online, your case will probably be different, and processing times can vary a lot. My application took about 3 months, and I was anxious due to all the changes Canada made during that time, but in the end, it was ALL WORTH IT!

Back in my home country, I left a job I hated and everything else to pursue the dream of becoming an artist. I had a lot of support from my family, my husband, and many friends. My life changed 180°, and I had the best and worst experiences ever.  My life changed 180 ° and i had the best and worst experiences ever, as i say every case is different, but i will say: it was 10 times harder than i though would be and i'd do it all over again.