Ways for international students to make the most of summer break
Credit to Author: Geneviève Beaupré and Susan Qadeer| Date: Wed, 03 May 2023 14:28:40 +0000
In Canada, the post-secondary academic year typically comprises of two semesters and runs from September to April or May. While many international students opt to take courses in the summer months (as a third semester), others may use this scheduled break (May through August) for relaxation or travel, or to prepare for the academic year ahead and to explore career paths.
If you need to take a break from school, summer is a good time to do something completely different and refresh yourself for the coming year. Here are suggestions on what some students have found helpful to get into better academic, career, personal or financial shape for the next year.
1. Make money so you can work less or not work at all during the school year. Based on the type of permits and IRCC guidelines, many students might be able to work off-campus and even full time during regularly scheduled breaks between academic sessions. You could use this opportunity to get work in an area you think you might want to eventually work in, to try it out.
2. Catch up with friends and family you haven’t been able to spend as much time with while in school. If you decide not to travel to visit family back home, you could use this time to build your build your network and establish social ties in Canada. This could also be an excellent opportunity to seek out and talk to professionals in your field of interest to learn more about specific careers.
3. If you have an interest or hobby that you have had to put on hold while at school, the summer will give you a block of time to pursue it. You could learn to cook, which will save you lots of money. Make sure you have mastered a few quick recipes that you don’t mind eating often.
4. Review material to prepare for courses that build on previous learning. By going over this material you will find that it is easier to follow lectures and to grasp new information. If you lack sufficient academic background to take on a specific course, consider taking a preparatory course or prepare on your own through self-study.
5. Register for a course, possibly even a tough or demanding course, in the summer so you can spend more time on that one subject. This will help to lighten your course load next year and possibly boost your grade point average.
6. If you have significant doubts about your academic program or career goals, seek out help in exploring your options. Post-secondary staff could be your first contact and schools typically offer career counselling services during the summer months. The summer gives you time to research, get advice, seek counselling, and take interviews.
7. If you don’t like your current living situation, consider moving during the summer when you are free from the pressure of academics. Your living environment could have a huge impact on your performance during the school year.
8. Strengthen good habits such as getting into a regular sleep schedule, daily exercise and making healthy food. It may take you a few months to solidify these habits.
If you have a problem with academic weaknesses, depleted stamina for school, money worries, an upsetting housing situation or an unhealthy lifestyle, you have some time in the summer to tackle this. The summer break is an opportunity to makes things better. Make the most of it!
The post Ways for international students to make the most of summer break first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
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