Canada Preparation Guide

Table of Contents

1. Before you leave

   Clothing
   Luggage
   Visa Logistics
   Insurance
   Budget
   Accommodation
   Arrival Details
   Driving
   Electricity
   

2. When you get there

   Travel
   Communication
   Cash
   Holidays/Shopping Hours
   Studying in Canada
   Surviving Winter
   Some notes about Canadaian culture
   

3. Culture Shock

   What is it?
   Suggestions for dealing with Culture Shock
   How to Get Used to a New Country Quickly and Comfortably
   

Clothing

Before leaving for the Canada make sure that you are carrying proper woolen clothing because the winters in Canada is extremely severe.

The following clothing is necessary:
a) Woolen overcoat
b) Woolen gloves
c) Leather jackets
d) Woolen socks
e) Woolen caps
f) Thermal wear
g) Sweaters
h) Boots
Even carry your casual wear like jeans, shirts and T-shirts

Luggage

Confirm with the airlines your ticket is booked with how many kilos of luggage are you officially allowed to carry so that you don't face any problem at the airport.

Visa Logistics

When you have received your official letter of acceptance from the Canadian university, you should immediately begin procedures to obtain your Student Authorization. A visitor visa may also be required. These documents are available from the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Depending on the visa office, you will either receive your Student Authorization before departing for Canada or you will receive a "Letter of Introduction" to present to a Canadian Immigration officer at the place where you first enter Canada (port of entry). If the Canadian visa post has been issued you a "Letter of Introduction", the immigration officer at the port of entry will issue your Student Authorization. At the visa office, ask for a copy of the booklet "Studying in Canada, Facts for Foreign Students," published by Employment and Immigration Canada for more information.

Under no circumstances should you leave for Canada until you have obtained either your Student Authorization or your Letter of Introduction from a Canadian visa office abroad. If you also require a Visitor Visa be sure it is in your possession before departing for Canada. Before completing immigration procedures at a port of entry, ensure that you are in possession of a valid Student Authorization and that all the information on it is correct. It is not possible to change from "visitor status" to "student status" once you have entered Canada.

Documentation
Be sure you carry all of the following information on your person. Do not pack it in your baggage.

• Valid passport.
• Student Authorization/Letter of Introduction (issued by Canada visa post).
• Visitor Visa (if required, not to be confused with your Student Authorization).
• Original letter of acceptance from your university
• Proof of funds available (e.g.: bank draft, transfer, letter of credit, scholarship or assistantship letter or other proof).

Insurance

Every province has specific regulations. Students who attend schools in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan are covered by the provincial health insurance plans. In Alberta and British Columbia, students pay roughly $35 per month for that coverage. There is no charge in Saskatchewan. In all three provinces, students should register as soon as they arrive.

In all other provinces, students must buy health insurance from private companies. Annual fees vary from $360 in Manitoba to $590 in Ontario. Some universities include health insurance in their registration fee.

Budget

Accommodation (sharing an apartment)	$3 480
food	$2 400
clothing	$ 500
	$ 408
bus pass ($47 per month x 12)	$ 564
textbooks, typing, supplies	$ 900
miscellaneous**	$1 560
Total***	$9 812

* please see section under health insurance
** miscellaneous is postage, laundry, pharmacy supplies, telephone, dental costs, recreation, entertainment, etc.)
*** total does NOT include tax or tuition and thesis costs

There are single students, such as those living in shared accommodation on campus, who are able to live on less than this estimate, while others require more. If, as a single student, you do not want to share accommodation, budget an additional $2 500 per year in living expenses.

This estimate is only a guideline. It will permit an adequate but far from luxurious standard of living. Your first month will be expensive because of settling-in costs such as paying an extra month's rent as a damage deposit and purchasing warm clothing, textbooks and supplies. Do not purchase textbooks until after the first class in each course. Keep in mind that the above figure does not include any money for returning home or visiting other parts of Canada or the United States. Nor does it make allowance for the 7% Goods and Services Tax (G.S.T.) that is applicable in Canada.

Accommodation

Most universities offer a variety of on-campus residences. Accommodations may range from traditional two-person dormitory rooms to suites with private baths to apartments. The typical room is furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and dresser for each student. Residence halls usually feature lounges for studying and socializing, recreation areas, laundry facilities, and a convenience store. In most cases, meal plans may be purchased in addition to the room for an all-inclusive plan. Most students choose to live on-campus in their first year, and later move off-campus in shared accommodation in senior years. Your university will usually keep a listing of all housing on and around campus that is available to students.

Arrival Details

If you are not able to make use of the telephone registration system from your home country, we encourage you to arrive about two weeks before class to complete registration procedures. (If you arrive early make certain you have sufficient money to cover your living costs.) This will also allow you to get to know your way around the University and the city and to find suitable housing while there is still a variety of accommodations from which to choose. Early arrival will also make it possible to have free time to participate in planned social events, make new friends and attend orientation.

The best time to arrive, if your travel arrangements permit, is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. University offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. The University is closed over the winter break (December 25, 2000 - January 1, 2001).

If you are arriving for September classes and your first landing point in Canada is at the Vancouver, Toronto, or Halifax airport, look for the representative from the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). From approximately August 16 to September 8, CBIE representatives will meet students arriving on international flights. They will be seated at a special Overseas Students Reception Desk close to the immigration area wearing blue armbands with the words "Overseas Students Reception/Etudiants d'Outremer." They will assist you with your onward travel and notify the international centre if you have special problems. If you are visiting another country on your way to Canada, check with the appropriate consular office before you leave to determine what documents are required. Even if you are only in transit, you may require a visa.

Be sure to inform your E.C.O councilor and your university contact about your flight arrival information.

Driving

If you intend to drive a car in Canada., you should obtain an International Driver's License in your country before coming to Canada. You must be at least 21 years old and have a major credit card to rent a vehicle in Canada. In North America, traffic is on the right-hand side of the road, opposite the British system.

Electricity

Canada operates on 120 volts, 60 Hertz (or cycles per second) and the Canadian electrical outlets take only the plugs with 2 straight pins (same as the US model), not the round ones. Remember to bring adapters for hair dryers, shavers, etc. if you want to bring your own from India.

Travel

Air Travel
Airlines provide the principal means of travel across Canada, although buses and private cars dominate passenger travel over shorter distances. You have probably come to the U.S. by air and are reasonably familiar with the procedures of international travel. Schedule information, ticket reservations and all other arrangements can be made by telephone. For most Canadians, economy fare provides a comfortable flight. Be certain that you understand any conditions that may be attached to the purchase of a ticket. Especially important are the conditions surrounding the granting of refunds, cancellations or "no-shows" (failure to take a reserved flight or to cancel) and luggage regulations.

Train Travel
Canadians who want to reach their destinations quickly do not take the train if there is an alternative. The advantage of rail travel is that one can enjoy a better view from the train and the accommodation is much more comfortable. The average speed of Canadian trains is 70kph although there is speedier service in the Windsor-Montreal corridor. In Canada, passenger service is handled by VIA Rail. Students with an International Students Identity Card receive a 40% discount on fares.

Bus Travel
The least expensive way to travel is by bus. Bus travel is generally comfortable and offers express service between major cities. Information about fares, schedules and special rates are available at bus stations and through travel agents.

Pedestrians
In all Canadian cities, people on foot have the right of way. Even so, it is essential to check for approaching traffic before crossing the street. While in a downtown area, cross at the traffic lights or at the crosswalk. Traffic laws prohibit jaywalking (crossing the street illegally or recklessly) or disobeying traffic signals. If police apprehends you, you may receive a warning or be fined.

Hitchhiking (soliciting rides from drivers by holding out your thumb) is not illegal except on major highways BUT IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED. It is not uncommon to hear of instances of assault, robbery and rape involving hitchhikers.

Communication

Telephones
Canadians are constant telephone users and talk more on the telephone than any other people in the world. Customers are usually charged a basic rate for monthly service plus a one-time charge for installation. Long distance charges are itemized separately on a monthly account. Local calls are free with payment of the flat service fee. The full amount is due upon receipt. Do not pay for any charges that are not understood. Call the phone company and ask for more information.

If the telephone is registered in your name, you are legally responsible for any charges incurred. If you are sharing accommodation with other people and a dispute should occur over phone charges, you will be held accountable. It is not unusual that a deposit be asked for to cover the cost of anticipated long distance calls. This deposit could be as much as $500 and is usually returned after a six month period provided that the telephone bills are paid in full.

Long distance calls are competitive. There are various telecommunications companies competing for your long distance dollar. The four most common are Bell Canada, AT&T Canada, Sprint Canada, and ACC. Compare the prices offered by all these firms and choose the one most suited to your needs.

The most cost effective way to make international calls are sometimes to buy prepaid long distance cards, where the rates can sometimes be a fraction of the cost of regular phone calls. These can be obtained often in convenient stores and in various stores on campus (usually where all the international students hang out)

It is possible to direct dial long-distance calls from the U.S. to most overseas cities. Instructions and information about the most favourable times and rates are usually listed in the front pages of the telephone book or you can contact the operator for help by dialing "0".

Telephone Directory
Use your telephone directory to save time and travel by calling people or businesses in advance to confirm arrangements for appointments or the availability of items.

Postal Service
Canada Post has introduced the use of postal codes for addresses in Canada which allow letters to be sorted by machine. It is not unusual for letters to be returned if the postal code is missing. The post office has designated a special department to handle all customer calls concerning postal codes. The code is written below the street address, like this:

Mr. Joe Smith
11704-166 Ave
Kingston, Ontario
K7L 3N6

Be sure to give your family and friends at home your complete and correct address.

Email
Canada has fast and reliable access to the internet. There are numerous providers in the market, offering anything from 10 hours to unlimited access, cable to dial-up modems for home access. Often, the same company that provides your telephone service also provides your internet access. Universities will more than likely give you access to the internet with your tuition fees. There usually are computer labs dedicated to students to work on their projects and stay in contact. Just be sure to remember your password!

Cash

The currency in Canada is the Canadian dollar ($). There are coins and paper bills. The coins are 1, 5, 10 and 25 cents. There is also a one dollar coin called the "Loonie" for the duck that is on it, and a two dollar coin called the "Two-nie." The $2 coin has a polar bear on it. The paper currency (or bills) is in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. The $1000 bill has just recently been discontinued.

When you arrive, try to have at least $50 (Canadian or U.S.) in cash. A currency exchange service is usually available at the airport from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. We also recommend that you carry enough cash, travellers cheques or bank drafts to cover at least your first month's expenses. Because of extra costs in the first month (like rental damage deposits and books) this can amount to $1,000 or more for a single student.

If you are depending upon meeting financial requirements through money you will receive in Canada, be certain that the money is available upon your arrival in your city of study. For example, most departments do not pay out graduate assistantships at the end of the month. This means if you start on September 1, you will receive your first pay cheque at the end of September. If you need an "advance " on your first cheque, contact your department before you arrive to see if this can be arranged.

Banks and Bank Machines
There are several main banks in Canada. Most have bank machines (or automatic tellers) at each branch, and many other places as well, such as in shopping centres, corner stores or on a university campus. If you bank with one particular bank, you can use any other bank's machines (at a $1 service charge) as they are all on the same system. Bank machines in Canada are on the Plus and Interact system. Using a credit card or bank card in these machines is often the best way to get money, and the best way to get a good exchange rate. You can also buy things in stores with your bank card, as long as there is money in your account (unlike a credit card)

Tipping
The tip, or gratuity, is not usually included in the bill for services. It is expected in many cases that you will tip, as many people live by their tips, not their wages. The following are a few people that are often tipped:

Waiters	15%
Taxi Drivers	10%-15%
Pizza Delivery	$1.00
Hair Stylists	15%-25%

Holidays/Shopping Hours

Official Holidays

These are national holidays that schools and businesses shut down for.

New Year's Day	January 1
Good Friday	Varies (usually in April)
Easter Monday	Varies (banks and civil services are losed, but shops and offices are open)
Victoria Day	May 24 or the Monday before it; celebrating Queen Victoria's Birthday
Canada Day	July 1; celebrating Canada's birthday
Civic Holiday	First weekend in August
Labour Day	First Monday in September
Thanksgivingy	First Monday in October; giving thanks for a good harvest
Remembrance Day	November 11, remembering Canadians who died fighting in wars
Christmas Day	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26

Unofficial Holidays

There are festivities that don't give you a day off from work, but they are just fun things that are deeply rooted in the culture:

Groundhog Day	February 2; superstitious tradition that determines the remaining length of winter
Valentine's Day	February 14, a day for people in love
St. Patrick's Day	March 17, the patron saint of Ireland
April Fool's Day	April 1, a day for practical jokes
Halloween	October 31, children dress up in costumes and go door to door for candy

Office Hours
Most offices open from 9 to 5 pm or 8:30 to 4:30 pm. Some close during lunch, but most of them have a receptionist there to take messages. Lunch hour is generally from 12 to 1 or from 1 to 2 pm.

Store Hours
The majority of stores are open 7 days a week, but this is still fairly new, so some of them are still closed on Sundays. Generally, the opening hours are as follows:

Monday to Wednesday	10 am to 6 pm
Thursday and Friday	10 am to 9 pm
Saturday	9 am to 5 pm
Sunday	10 am (or 12) to 5 pm

Average Prices of Commonly Purchased Goods
Note: All prices listed in Canada

Books

Paperback	$7.00
Newspaper	$1.25
Magazine	$4.00

Clothing

Winter coat	$ 150.00
Sweater	$ 70.00
Running shoes	$ 80.00
Jeans	$ 50.00
Skirt	$ 40.00
Winter Boots	$ 80.00

Entertainment

Concerts	$ 8-80 (depending on the band)
Movies	$ 8.00 (4.00 on Tuesdays)
Bar cover charge	$ 2.00 - 10.00

Food and Drink

Coke (can from a machine)	$ 1.00
Coke (2L from a store)	$ 1.30
Milk (4 L)	$ 3.19
12 eggs	$ 1.75
Bread	$ 1.25
Butter	$ 3.5

Miscellaneous

Cigarettes	$ 5.50
Film (36)	$ 10.00 - 15.00
Chocolate bar	$ 1.00
Haircut	$ 10 - 30
City bus one way	$ 1.60

Postage

Canada	$ 0.46
Overseas	$ 0.90

Travel

Toronto to Montreal return trip train	$120
Vancouver to Toronto return trip plane	$400

Studying in Canada

Class participation is expected in North American universities. Junior-level courses are usually larger classes (300 +) , however most senior-level courses are taught in classes of less than 30 students. In senior-level courses, it is expected that there is class discussion over the course material, and it is common for students to disagree with the professor. The ability for a student to come up with original material and personal conclusions is paramount in the North American education system. Often, students spend many hours outside the classroom researching from various sources to support their thesis. Students that can support their thesis well, even if it is not in alignment with the professor, do the best in this system. If you come from a system different than this, expect a few months to adjust to the new style of teaching and learning.

Surviving Winter

Everyone has heard about Canada's cold and snow. Winter in Ontario runs usually from late November to early March. Temperatures during this time will often reach -20 Celsius. It is important to take precautions to avoid the negative effects of the cold. The main precaution taken by most Canadians is to go outside as little as possible. When you do have to go outside for long or if you are finding even short periods in the cold difficult to handle keep these simple tips in mind.

Don't take chances with the winter cold. Get into the habit of listening to the weather forecast on a local radio station at the beginning of each day and dress accordingly. Warm, winter clothing should not be considered a luxury. You will need it to ensure that you stay healthy and enjoy life.

Seek advice from individuals who are familiar with the climate. Canadians like to talk about the weather, and in general are very willing to give you advice on getting through the winter. Look for comfort and simplicity in clothing. Ideally, and in order to withstand slush, snow, sleet and rain as well as the sand and salt used on icy sidewalks and roads, winter boots should be waterproof, warm, lightweight and stain repellent.

Winter clothing essentials might include a down (or polyester) coat or parka, mittens or gloves, and a wool hat or earmuffs. The layered look is not only fashionable but also an extremely effective way of insulating the body. Try wearing a woollen sweater over a cotton shirt or a pair of corduroy pants over cotton "longjohns" (long underwear) and you should feel warmer. Don't worry about how strange you may look; your main goal of keeping warm will be accomplished.

Eat breakfast! You will be warmer if your body has some fuel to burn.

If your skin and scalp become dry and flaky because of the cold and dry heat indoors, try using a moisturising cream and conditioner. As well, drinking water regularly will help prevent dehydration.

Sunlight reflecting off snow on sunny days may damage your eyes or skin. You can protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and your skin by using sunscreen.

Take into consideration the wind chill factor. High winds blowing on a cold day lower the temperature even further and a temperature of -20o Celsius with a wind of 16 kilometres per hour can feel like -25o Celsius.

Be alert to frostbite. Ears, fingers, toes or cheeks that have been exposed to freezing temperatures for even a short period of time may be severely damaged. If any part of your body should lack feeling or become pale or slightly blue, seek medical help immediately.

If you do become stranded in the cold (for whatever reason), don't hesitate to seek help. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be life threatening!

Some notes about Canadan culture

"We are Canadian because every other country isn't. There is no one thing that defines this country. What makes Canada are ten unique provinces, two territories, thousands of unique towns, millions of fascinating people and more languages than you can shake a stick at."

-Adrian Raeside from "Raeside's Canada"

What is it?

The Adjustment Process in a New Culture

Cross Cultural Adjustment Cycle
Each stage in this process is characterised by "symptoms" or outward and inward signs representing certain kinds of behaviour.

Honeymoon Period
Initially, you will probably be fascinated and excited by everything new. Visitors are at first elated to be in a new culture.

Culture Shock
The visitor is immersed in new problems: housing, transportation, food, language, and new friends. Fatigue may result from continuously trying to comprehend and use the second language. You may wonder, "Why did I come here?"

Initial Adjustment
Everyday activities such as housing and going to school are no longer major problems. Although the visitor may not yet be perfectly fluent in the language spoken, basic ideas and feelings in the second language can be expressed.

Mental Isolation
Individuals have been away from their families and good friends for a long period of time and may feel lonely. Many still feel they cannot express themselves was well as they can in their native language. Frustrations and sometimes a loss of self-confidence result. Some individuals remain at this stage.

Acceptance and Integration
A routine (eg. Work, school, social life) has been established. The visitor has accepted the habits, customs, food and characteristics of the friends, associates, and the language of the country.

Return Anxiety, Reentry Shock, Reintegration
These stages should be mentioned, even at orientation, because of the very important part they play in a visitor's stay in a new culture. It is interesting to note that Reentry Shock can be more difficult than the initial Culture Shock.

Suggestions for dealing with Culture Shock

• Keep in touch with friends and family at home
• Try to look for logical reasons why things happen. This may help you view your host culture in a more positive light.
• Try not to dwell on the negative things about your host culture and don't hang around people who do.
• Make an effort to restore communication by making friends in your host culture.
• Keep your sense of humour!
• Set small goals for yourself as high expectations may be difficult to meet.
• Speak the language of the country you are in and don't worry if you sometimes make a fool of yourself doing it!
• Take care of yourself by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating properly, and doing things you enjoy.
• Try to fit into the rhythm of life in your host culture. Adjust to their time schedule for meals and work.
• Find out where people meet and socialise. Make an effort to go to those places and observe.
• Draw on your own personal resources for handling stress. You've done it many times before and you can do it again!

How to Get Used to a New Country Quickly and Comfortably

Explore

Get a sense for the physical environment:

• Go on a tour of your locale.
• Find a colleague to show you around.
• Find a friend and do your own walking tour
• Take a walk around your neighborhood.
• Note locations of shops and post offices and when they are open.
• Look for recreational areas such as parks or sports facilities where you could relax or rejuvenate yourself.

• Observe people's behaviour
• How do they greet each other?
• How do they line up for a bus or train? How do they seat themselves in it?
• How do people behave in shops?
• How do people behave walking on the street?