Thread by @JamesAlanOLOO

10 things that shocked me when I came to Canada as an international student from Kenya:

Thread/ 11

1. Winter is COLD. Well, some areas (e.g. in the West coast such as Vancouver) are relatively warmer. My first winter in #Lethbridge, Alberta, the temperature was -20'C. Hair in my nose was frozen. I wore long johns for the first time.

2. School was cool: I was raised in an environment where power relations favor teachers over students. Schooling was teacher-centred. So, I was shocked to see students call professors by first names. Go to pub together.

2. Teacher-student relationship: as an international grad student, I was honored to have teaching assistantship. Great opportunity to teach a course. But the experience was tough at times. Students are more assertive compared to what I was used to as a undergrad student in Kenya

3. Culture defines us. Cultural differences is beautiful. There was culture shock. Accents, different Englishes. If you are from the UK or Africa, you'll realize that Canadians drive on the 'wrong' side of the road. They love hockey. And Tim Horton's. And poutine. Great people🙏

4. Price tags: Listed price is not the actual price, because it does not include tax. If the tag shows $10, you will be asked to pay $11.30 in Ontario (plus federal + provincial tax = 13%) or $10.50 (+ provincial tax = 5%) in Alberta

5. Tips at restaurants (excluding fast food joints): A beauty of Canada is that even in a small town, you will find a good restaurant making home cooked meals & ethnic restaurants (e.g. Chinese or Ethiopian foods). Unwritten rule: extra charge of upto 20% for tips. Be generous.

6. Credit history matters. It affect chances of you getting credit card or loan. Your credit history (record of how you may your debt) from outside Canada does not count. Financial literacy is crucially important because you may need to borrow $ some day - at a good interest rate

7. Size of fridge: A person can fit into a refrigerator in Canada. And, what do they keep in the fridge? Things that ordinarily you don't need to put in a fridge. Like tomatoes or beer. Cheers to warm beer🍺

8. Christmas lights in Canada: The highlight of that wonderful time of the year. Folks drive at night to admire Christmas lights and take selfies

8. Wildlife is very common. Ducks, geese, rabbit, as well as larger animals like deer and moose are - generally - quite common. At the many lakes and rivers, and even in residential areas. NOTE: you need a license to fish or hunt

10/10: International credentials (educational qualifications & professional experience attained outside 🇨🇦) is not always recognized in 🇨🇦. Be prepared to have your credentials evaluated. Additional training may be needed.

I wrote about this for my PhD: ourspace.uregina.ca/handle/10294/6…