Thinking of studying in Canada? It is one of the most popular destinations today for this purpose.

However, when making a decision, it is essential to know the experience of someone who has already had the experience, this way you can resolve doubts and take useful examples of what you should and should not not to do.

(You might be interested in: Do you want to study in Canada? Here’s what you need to know).

Estefanía Albornoz, a 33-year-old Colombian who decided to immigrate to Canadatold EL TIEMPO how he managed to study in this country and achieve one of his biggest dreams.

This Colombian is a social communicator and journalist from the Autonomous University of the Caribbean and has been working in digital marketing in Colombia for 10 years. However, her desire to remain curious was much greater and led her to make the decision to emigrate from the country.

“I didn’t leave Colombia because I didn’t have any opportunities, nor because I was unhappy (…). Simply, since I was little, I always felt that I wanted to explore and live in another country. In fact, since I was very little, my dream was like that of the show called ‘Trotamundos’ and for me it was the maximum before the concept of being a digital nomad became popular”, said expressed the young woman.

It was in 2021 that Estefanía made the decision to go to Canada, consulted a migration agency to review her possibilities of studying in this country and, since April 2023, the communicator has been living in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, where he is working on a master’s degree in business administration.

(You might be interested in: Canada: these are the reasons why it is a country so open to welcoming migrants).

Here are some of the tips he shared with EL TIEMPO:

Have a cushion for possible expenses

Money is one of the most important points during the migration procedures, as it is necessary to prove the funds. It is for this reason that many people end up going into debt to achieve this.

This Colombian, who is in Canada, says that acquaintances who also emigrated to this country and pay very high interest on loans that allowed them to justify income, however, do not recommend doing so.

“Funds can be demonstrated in multiple ways: many people take out loans and pay them back. I don’t recommend doing it because I have colleagues who have done it and are suffering now. You need resources to be able to come, but it is better to make a ‘mattress‘. So there are people who ask for them (credits), leave the money in the bank, they approve the visa and then return it, because the interest is super poisonous, but here they are around their necks, ”explains Albornoz.

With having a “cushion”, the Colombian refers to having savings before the start of the migration process and which are not credits with banks. She says that even with Icetex, it would be a good option, because she has the option of paying the interest after finishing her studies. The Colombian warns that everyone should review the options according to their case.

Work for international students

From October 7, 2022, international students cannot work a full day (40 hours), but only part-time in Canada. This means that the resources they can acquire are reduced, and as a result, they have few options for obtaining money.

“I personally think that working part time is not enough to surviveNormally they tell you that you earn minimum wage and the fact that you can work part-time, that is up to 20 hours a week, does not mean that your employer is going to give you 20 hours”, explains Estefanía.

This is how he advises those who are interested that, as far as possible, they can apply for better paid jobs, but above all, that can apply for jobs related to the studies they are doing in the countrysince he assures that Canadians particularly appreciate the experience they have in the country for much higher positions or simply to pass the hiring filters.

“You have to change your mind a lot, especially when you’re already a professional and you’ve worked in a field. You have to forget that you are going to work in the same profession, you are not going to become a manager, you have to start from scratch, whatever. Work experience is very important in Canada,” Estefanía told the newspaper.

(You might be interested in: Do you want to study in Spain? Find out how to normalize Saber test results).

Reduce purchasing costs

Considering the above, it is necessary to bear in mind that the most important thing is to reduce costs.

Estefania points out that before making the decision to go to a Wallmart, one of the largest chain stores in the world, it’s best to go to a Dollarama, Dollar Tree or, look on Facebook Marketplacewhere you can find used furniture in perfect condition or even completely new at good prices.

“Don’t try to buy everything new, the truth is that you spend a lot of money as soon as you get established and going to cheaper places helps a lot,” says the Colombian.

Put fear aside and otherwise do things with fear

Making the decision to leave your country, temporarily or permanently, is a difficult decision. Many people usually go through something cataloged by experts called ‘Mourning Mourning’ in which stages of adaptability to the new place are passed in which anger, sadness and confusion may be felt at first.

However, there is another important and very necessary part which is to enjoy the process and a new experience such as migration.

“I prefer to say that I tried and that it turned out badly, than to say that I never dared. That’s my philosophy (…) Seeing everything with new eyes and not losing that ability to be surprised and always looking for connections,” suggests Estefanía.

In addition, the communicator says that it is necessary to seek help from mental health professionals, in fact, she says that several universities in this country offer free advice.

Finding a balance between commitments and new experiences

In this regard, Estefania assures that, like everything in life, you have to prioritize, but without forgetting to have fun.

“It must be remembered that the life of studies and work is the priority. You can’t miss classes, because you can’t afford to lose your status, ”explains the communicator.

Although she opposes that it is necessary to meet, socialize and have fun, especially when one is a student of this country, since with the card you can access different types of entertainment for free.

Likewise, he advises to be very attentive to the status pages, in which they publish free events, this allows to be aware of the celebrations and parties of the place.

Finally, he recommends using social media and even dating apps to make friends and meet new people, taking into account safety precautions.

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LAURA CAMILA RAMOS CONDE

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