Feeling homesick is a common experience for international students, especially those studying in a new country that is very different than their home country. Missing your home, family, and familiar surroundings is normal. Here are some insights into how homesickness feels and potential solutions for international students in Canada.

Symptoms of Homesickness:

• Emotional Distress: Homesickness often manifests as deep emotional distress, a longing for the familiar, and a sense of being disconnected.
• Isolation: You might feel isolated, especially in a new cultural environment where you may not fully understand social cues or language nuances.
• Culture Shock: Adapting to a new culture can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of confusion and frustration.
• Physical Symptoms: Homesickness can also have physical symptoms, such as fatigue, changes in appetite, or difficulty concentrating.

Solutions:

• Build a Support System: Connect with other international students. Many universities have international student organizations or clubs. Make friends with local and international students. Shared experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
• Stay Connected: Use technology to connect with family and friends back home through video calls, messaging apps, and social media. Create a schedule for regular check-ins so you have something to look forward to.
• Explore Your Surroundings: Take the time to explore your new city and country. Becoming familiar with your surroundings can make you feel more at home. Participate in local events, join clubs, or attend cultural activities to broaden your social circle. See what’s on in Pembroke.
• Establish a Routine: Create a daily routine that includes study time, socializing, and self-care. Having a structure can provide a sense of stability.
• Focus on Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Exercise, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness to alleviate stress.
• Seek Counseling Services: The College offers free counselling services to students. Speaking with a professional can provide valuable support and coping strategies.
• Celebrate Your Culture: To feel more connected, share your culture with others. Host cultural exchange events, cook traditional meals, or participate in multicultural festivals.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that adjusting to a new environment takes time. Be patient with yourself and set realistic expectations.

Counselling services Algonquin College Pembroke:

Counselling Services Algonquin College Perth:

https://www.algonquincollege.com/perth/current-students/counselling-services/

When moving to a new country, it is very normal to experience ‘culture shock’

Culture shock can be described as ‘a feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes’

While the experience of culture shock can be a bit distressing at first, there are lots of ways to manage, learn, and overcome it. Culture shock can sometimes come in stages such as the ‘honeymoon’, ‘negotiation’, ‘adjustment’, and ‘adaptation’.

The Honeymoon Stage:

Being in a new place, everything is very exciting! You are eager to explore your new home, meet new people, and try new things. You may even identify similarities between your own culture and Canadian culture.

The Negotiation Stage:

During this stage, reality starts to set in. You may experience feeling of frustration, anxiety, and being overwhelmed by unfamiliarity and different challenges of daily life.

The Adjustment Stage:

During this stage, you begin to adapt to your new environment. At this point, it’s likely that you have developed some coping strategies, made friends, become more familiar with the local way of life, and establish a routine.

The Adaptation Stage:

You are now at a point where you fully embrace your new life in Canada! You feel a sense of belonging, feel comfortable, and feel at home in your new town.

Coping Strategies for Culture Shock: 

• Admitting and accepting that you are experiencing culture shock: it seems simple, but just admitting to yourself that you are feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, or confused and that is okay can help.
• Familiarize yourself with rules and laws in your town: Trying yo understand how and why the locals behave in certain ways can help you overcome culture shock. Visiting your local library and having a conversation with staff or reading your municipality’s website can help you learn more about your new home and the local lifestyle.
• Get involved: There are so many volunteering opportunities available across Lanark & Renfrew that you can be a part of. Joining a sports team, or local club can also help you connect with people and overcome symptoms of culture shock
• Take time to learn the language: Lanark & Renfrew offer several ESL classes and services. Not only will this help you to feel more at home, it will provide you will the opportunity to connect with others who may have experienced and overcome culture shock.
• Ensure you are looking after yourself: Eating well, exercising and ensuring sufficient sleep will reduce the symptoms of culture shock that you may be experiencing
• Explore! People travel from across Ontario to marvel at the natural beauty found across Lanark & Renfrew counties. Take time to go on hikes, visit new places, and explore local towns
• Maintain contact with family and friends at home: ensure that you are regularly speaking with your friends and family at home as they can support you through what you are experiencing. It’s a great idea to try and keep a journal where you can express your feelings and thoughts
• Do things that remind you of home: Cooking your favourite dish or listening to familiar music can help to alleviate feelings of culture shock.
• Make the most of it: Moving to a new country is going to come with challenges, unpleasant moments, and obstacles. But, you’ve got this! All of these things can be overcome. Make the most of the experience. Learn, grow, and embrace all the unique challenges and opportunities your new home has to offer.

Moving to rural Ontario presents a unique opportunity to embrace nature, local culture, and community life, but it also comes with challenges.

The Excitement:

Towns in Lanark and Renfrew Counties, such as Pembroke and Perth, offer beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and welcoming communities. You’ll enjoy fresh air, close-knit interactions, and exploring small-town life.

The Realities:

Transportation options are limited, and essential services may require longer travel times. Amenities like shopping malls, hospitals, or entertainment hubs are typically further away. Rural internet service can also be slower, and cultural diversity may not be as visible as urban centers.

Adjustment Tips:

• Get involved in community activities, clubs, or volunteering to meet people and integrate into the local culture.
• Consider car ownership or plan transportation ahead.
• Take advantage of college support services and local resources like libraries and local clubs.
• Regularly connect with family and friends from home, and participate in familiar activities that bring you comfort, like cooking your favorite meals.
• Rural living offers a peaceful, scenic lifestyle, but planning and adaptation are key to making the most of the experience.

As an Institution, we know that the lack of public transportation in Pembroke is a problem for many international students and residents. The distances make everyday activities such as shopping for groceries or going to work more difficult. However, Pembroke City Council passed a motion to issue a request for proposals to introduce the three-year pilot project for public transportation at the city’s request. So we are waiting for news soon.

•  Alternative transportation methods in rural Ontario: https://liplanarkrenfrew.ca/newcomers/welcome-to-our-community/what-transportation-is-available
• Carpooling with friends

Obtaining your Drivers License:

The process for an international student to obtain a driver’s license in Canada can vary by province or territory, as each has its own licensing regulations.

Learner’s Permit (Class 7 or G1): This is the first stage in the graduated licensing system. Learners are typically required to pass a written knowledge test to obtain this permit. Restrictions may include supervised driving, a curfew, and a prohibition on using electronic devices while driving.

Novice or Intermediate License (Class 5 or G2): After gaining some driving experience with a learner’s permit, individuals can progress to the next stage. This license allows more independent driving but may still have restrictions, such as a limit on the number of passengers or a zero alcohol tolerance policy.

Full or Regular License (Class 5 or G): The full or regular license is typically obtained after successfully completing the requirements of the learner’s and novice stages. With this license, drivers have fewer restrictions, and they can drive independently without supervision.

Resources:

• Drive test Office
• Ottawa Valley Driving Academy
• Driving test Canada Contact
• Driving in Ontario

Why you should file your tax return

International students are encouraged to file a tax return even if they don’t have any income. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has a list of reasons why you should file a tax return.

Most international students completing a post-secondary program in Canada on a study permit are considered residents of Canada for income tax purposes; however taxes are based on an individual’s specific circumstances. It’s very important that you consider the significance of your residential ties to Canada and determine your residency status prior to submitting an income tax return.

For more information about Canadian taxes, please see filing an income tax return as a student on the Government of Canada’s website or contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Filing an income tax return

The tax year runs from January to December each year and the deadline to file an income tax return is April 30 of the year after.

Whether you hire an accountant or complete your own tax return, you’ll need to prepare the following documents (if applicable):

• Social Insurance Number (SIN) or, if you’re not eligible for a SIN, your Individual Tax Number (ITN). To receive an ITN, you must complete Form T1261: Application for a Canada Revenue Agency Individual Tax Number (ITN) for Non-Residents.
• Income tax slips like T4 or T4A (for scholarships, awards, GRS, and bursaries).
• Interest tax slips like a T3 or T5 from financial institutions. Contact your financial institution for a copy if applicable.
• Tuition receipt T2202A. This identifies the number of months you attended college and the tuition you paid. Student Financial Services also has information on tax receipts and where to find them.
• Donation receipts if you made a donation to a Canadian charity.
• Medical receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Rent receipts from your landlord or residence.
• Any correspondence from the CRA if you’ve filed taxes in Canada before, including your past notice of assessments.
• You may have other information slips, receipts, or amounts you can indicate on your income tax return.

Residents of Canada are required to indicate any income earned from both inside and outside of Canada. If you worked in another country, your income tax return, including residency status for tax purposes, could be impacted by a tax treaty.

Once you’ve submitted an income tax return, you should receive a response from the CRA in the form of a notice of assessment. Keep any correspondence you receive from the CRA in a safe place for your records.

Once you’ve filed at least one income tax return, received one notice of assessment, and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), you can create a MyAccount on the CRA website. Your account allows you to receive correspondence from the CRA electronically, set up direct electronic bank deposits for any refunds or benefits you may receive, and keep your personal information, address and banking information up-to-date with CRA.

Resources to help you file

Tax filing help in the city

Pay an income tax professional or accountant to complete your income tax return for you. If you would like a professional tax preparer to do your income tax return, you can search online for a reputable firm in the city. Make sure you verify that the professional you’ve chosen has experience filing tax returns for international students.

Using tax preparation software

You can use tax preparation software to complete and submit your own income tax return online. The CRA website has a list of tax preparation software that you can use. If you’re filing for the first time and/or don’t have a Social Insurance Number, you must print out, sign, and mail your income tax return to the CRA with all of your supporting documents.

Deductions and credits

Deductions: Your income can be reduced to a lower tax bracket by deducting the amount you paid into pension plans, registered retirement savings plans (RRSP), union and professional dues, child care expenses, and other deductions. Moving expenses may be claimed against certain income if you moved for work purposes only and meet other conditions.

Non-refundable tax credits: Residents of Canada receive a basic personal amount of non-refundable tax credits. Tax credits can help reduce the amount of tax that you’re required to pay. You may therefore receive a refund from CRA of the income tax already deducted from your pay. If you were not taxed enough initially, you may be required to pay additional taxes.

If you didn’t have any income in the tax year you’re filing, you most likely have no reason to claim tax credits, other than your tuition fees (as these can carry forward to a future tax year).

The Canada child benefit is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under the age 18.

See the CRA website for an overview of all child and family tax benefits and other tax benefits you may be eligible for based on your situation.

Missed the deadline to file?

The tax year runs from January to December each year and the deadline to file an income tax return is April 30 of the year after. If you miss the April 30 deadline, you can still submit a late income tax return. However, there could be daily interest charges and a late penalty if you owe the government taxes.

Helpful Resources

• CRA Newcomer Toolkit (2024), here
• How to file your taxes in Canada as a newcomer (2024), here