International students’ guideline

Nahid Taheri
Team Member

re you a new international student

here? Are you starting to get
confused? The best way to find your way is
to stay with us for the next few paragraphs.
We are going to provide you with some
pieces of useful advice about how to live
in Prince George, study at UNBC, and have
fun!

While studying in a foreign country there
are many experiences that an international
student faces head-on. This issue comes
from cultural, social, and educational
differences. Besides the culture shock, it

is predictable that the education system

is different in Canada compared to your
country. Additionally, there are some more
distinctions that an international student
should learn how to deal with, such as
weather and climate changes. Today, we
will share some guidelines on how to be a
successful student at a Canadian university.

Culture Shock

When you arrive here as an international
student, without a doubt you are the
happiest person in the world. Everything
looks new and different, which makes you
excited. After this, however, you might
become homesick, because you miss

your parents and your hometown. You
may find the way Canadians live, their
behavior, their food, and lots of other
things strange. Do not be worried about
that; it is inevitable. You should remember
that you have to help yourself, since no
one else can do that. Be in touch with
your family, and share your experience
with them. Make friends, not only with
students from your country, but also with
local students. They really can help you to
get to know your new environment. Get
involved with volunteer programs, student
societies, clubs, and other activities. You
have a chance to find new links, improve
your English, and also have a fun life.

FYI: UNBC offers free wifi, so you do not
have any problems getting online when
you are on campus. If you are living in
town, you can get internet from Shaw

or Telus, which usually offer student
discounts. To get a cellphone, there are
different mobile companies and the plans
start at about $20 per month. You can also
use the postal service (Canada Post). A
typical international letter costs about $3
and takes one to three weeks to deliver.
Check the time zones before you call!

University Services

By checking the UNBC website, you will
find all the benefits and facilities which
are offered by the university under the
services tab. Do not be afraid of going

to the library, copy center, or even the
international students office and asking
questions. The people are nicer than
you think here, and everyone is ready to
help. Additionally, there are two student
societies. One of them is for undergraduate
students (NUGSS), and the other one is
for graduate students (NBCGSS). Check
with whichever applies to you whenever
you are unsure about anything.

Personal Health and Safety

By entering Canada, you can register
for a Canadian Health Care Card, which
gives you the benefit of being able to use

clinics and hospital services. There is a
monthly fee for that, but if you do not
get it, the cost of any kind of medicine
would be much more expensive. For
vision and dental services, you have to
check about your insurance. You are
automatically registered for a student
plan offered by your student union.

As a matter of safety, I have to say that
Canada is a nonviolent and safe country. If
you find any problem on campus, call 3333.

The security officers are on duty 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year. If you are in town, call
the police, ambulance, or fire department
at 911 in any emergency situation.

Money Matters

As a student you are eligible to work
unlimited hours on-campus. In addition,
after six months you can work outside

too. It is really easy to find a job in or
outside of the university. Check the student
job postings on the UNBC website.

Climate

Check regularly for weather forecasts,
dress warmly enough, and always
carry an umbrella. You will needa
good winter jacket, gloves, a warm
hat, a scarf, and boots for winter.

UNBC Life 5

Point: Individual homes and some
apartment tenants pay for the heat
they use, whether it is gas, oil or
electricity powered. Verify if heating
costs are included in a rental unit,

or whether you are responsible for
your own bill. Pay bills on time to
avoid having the service shut off.

Language Problems

Being among people who speak English
regularly can be challenging at first. You
may not understand the local accent
immediately. Give yourself time to get
used to the local accent. Canadians might
not understand you right away. You also
have your own accent. Speak slowly and
don't be shy about asking others to speak
slowly if you are having a hard time
understanding them. Canadians use a lot
of slang in their speech and it might take
you some time before you understand

all of it. Humour and sarcasm are a basic
part of Canadian English. This should

be interpreted as a sign of friendliness,
not disrespect. If you don't understand
something, simply ask the meaning of it.

City Services

Prince George is an active city of about
75,000 people, the largest in northern
British Columbia. It is a young, lively
city with over 175 local recreation clubs,
ranging from canoeing and martial

arts, to choral singing and theatre. You
can enjoy playing soccer in an outside
field and swimming in beautiful lakes

in summer, and try hockey and ski in
winter. The city offers public transit to
and from UNBC regularly throughout the
day, and it is free for students (just show
your student card after you have paid for
the year). There are also two swimming
pools which are free for students as well,
as is the Northern Sports Centre. Cinema
tickets are half price on Tuesdays.