15 Biggest culture shocks for students in Canada

Shifting to Canada for your higher studies? Get ready to experience crazy culture shock in Canada. Traveling to a different country is another thing, but shifting and living there for years is a whole different episode; it is important not to judge any country or their citizens but to take time to understand stuff going around. You might be wondering how? Acceptance and adaptation is the key! Getting out of your comfort zone is not an easy job, but trust us, the moments spent in Canada will help you share experiences with your friends who also want to shift to Canada. 

15 Biggest Cultural Shocks for Students in Canada

Stay here because it's time to unravel the mysteries of this diverse wonderland, whether you're trading your city for a master's or bachelor's or you're just curious about life as a student in Canada! In this blog, we are going to talk about 15 examples of cultural shocks in Canada. 

1. No Matter Who You Are, You Are Welcome Here!

Many countries discriminate against their people on the basis of color, class, caste, religion, creed, profession and even sexuality, for that matter. This is not the case in Canada. It welcomes you no matter who you are since it not only supports equality on paper but also practices it quite well. This is the biggest culture shock in Canada for immigrants shifting from countries with heavy discrimination. It is the time for you all to live your lives freely.

2. Land of Many Cultures

Yes! This is something which everyone notices the moment they land in Canada, a beautiful country with a plethora of cultures. The culture shock for international students in Canada when they enter their university can be multiculturalism. You are not alone; you will definitely find people following the same culture as yours. But do not miss this opportunity to make friends and talk to people belonging to different nations, cultures and ethnicities. Do you want to know more about Canada? Check out our 30 fun facts about Canada!

3. Don't be Surprised by Canadian Helpfulness

Do you all know that Canada is one of the most welcoming countries in the world? The culture shock in Canada enters in your life when you notice random people helping you and sharing smiles, making your day better. This is very normal here, but you can take your time if you are not familiar with it. But it definitely will cheer you up when someone compliments you while you are just disappointed with something while getting back home. 

4. Climate Shock is Real

This might not be something new when you hear it first, but after experiencing it, you will not be able to forget it. The biggest culture shock in Canada, you guessed it right, is the climate shock. The temperature here goes wild, be it in winter or summer. In summer, the temperature can go anywhere from 25 to 35°C, and in winter, it reaches - 30°C. People belonging to countries with such climatic conditions might not feel anything, but students from Asian or European countries will definitely notice this Canada culture shock!

5. Ultimate Love for Talking

Are you an extreme extrovert or an introvert? Well, Canada will help you in both situations. If you are an extrovert, then you will find many people here who are willing to approach you or even make friends on the spot. But if you are an introvert, then congratulations, as you will soon be turning into an extrovert since people are quite outgoing here. This is one of the most fun examples of cultural shocks in Canada, for sure.

6. The Way Canadians See Money

Money matters! It does matter a lot everywhere but Canada. The way Canadians see money is definitely inspiring and mind-changing. If you are an Asian, then this must be a major culture shock in Canada for you. If you are someone who is into worldly things, then let us tell you Canada will change you forever because Canadians believe in minimalism. Another major thing is you will see a few beggars here and no slum areas, which says everything about Canada and the Canada culture shock you will face.

7. Unique Canadian Education System

Are you someone who used to miss school because you did not like the way your teachers were? Then this will definitely kick you a little that the education system in Canada is very unique. This might come as a culture shock for international students in Canada since the teaching method here is commendable. Teachers here make sure that every student feels important and valued. You will see yourself working with different teams here and learning way more than ever, which can be a Canada culture shock to those who have studied elsewhere in different countries and educational systems. 

8. Attention to Sports, Meditation, and Many Aspects of Life

Is your schedule a little messed up? Are you not able to pay equal attention to all the aspects of your life? Thanks to Canada, your life will become a lot more balanced here. People in Canada focus on every aspect of their lives, especially physical activities, spiritual activities, and many mindful activities. This can be a culture shock for international students in Canada since different countries naturally prioritize different aspects of their lives.

9. Canadians Respect Your Personal Space

This is true that Canadians will share a smile, approach, or even talk to you. But they also do not forget to respect those untold boundaries and your personal space. Canadians are strictly against sexism, racism, misogyny, body-shaming, or even asking personal questions like "What is your age?". You will never be bullied here, and this is a major culture shock in Canada for many international students who got hurt because of their school or fellow students.

10. Little High Sales Tax

One of the biggest cultural shocks in Canada can be the sales tax here or even the telecom prices, for that matter. Planning to buy clothes or shoes worth AU$100? The final price might touch $130-$150. Don't be shocked since the sales tax is quite high, and the final price might vary from the actual price. Plan your budget well before going out to Canada. Also, do not forget to enjoy a Tim Hortons drink since it is cheaper in Canada.

11. The French Language is Quite Popular Here

There are two official languages in Canada; one is English, and the other is French. Shocking? Well, this is indeed one of the most surprising culture shock examples in Canada. There might be scenarios where you will visit a restaurant or grocery just to end up noticing French titles, French menus, and many things written in French. You can definitely ask someone around you to translate a bit or even learn French. If you’re too shy to ask for help, use the best language learning apps in 2023 to perfect your French and start communicating like a pro!

12. Eat Before Dark

This is more than a culture shock in Canada; this might sound a little upsetting, but it is true. As a student who loves going out at night and loves eating out, you might feel a little disappointed. As the night falls, Canada becomes quieter and quieter. So, if you are planning to go out with friends or on a solo date, do plan to visit the place before 6 for less rush.

13. Space, Space, and a Lot of Space

Canada is one of the biggest countries area-wise in the world, and the number of residents belonging to Canada is also less. That is why Canada offers a lot of space for everyone to roam around. This can be a culture shock for international students in Canada who have mainly seen or are familiar with compact places or cities. Canadians are grateful for the space they have got since they get to breathe clear and fresh air.

14. Uniforms are Not Legally Mandatory

We all have uniforms in schools or even in colleges, for that matter. Right? Well, not in Canada. Canada has no such legal rule like that. Canada is one of the coolest countries to follow such practices. It can be a major culture shock in Canada for immigrants who used to wear school uniforms! 

15. FREE! FREE! Healthcare is Totally Free

Canada is just the most apt country to pursue your studies. Not every country focuses on the health of its citizens as much as Canada does. Healthcare is free for the people living in Canada, which can be like a Canada culture shock for those who pay a bomb in other countries for healthcare. Yes, you heard it right, and it goes for the students who shifted there for higher education. The AHS plan in Canada, which the government provides, benefits almost everyone in Canada. 

Now that you’ve read all about some of the most common examples of cultural shocks in Canada, you can say that you’re all prepared for the big move. It may take time for students to get accustomed to these Canada cultural shocks at first, but once you do, these cultural shocks in Canada won’t be shocks anymore! If the cultural shocks in Canada haven’t intrigued you yet, maybe reading about the top 10  universities in Canada will!