pre-departure guide for wusc sponsored...

Pre-Departure Guide for WUSC Sponsored

Students

Almost Everything You Wanted to Know about Living and Learning in Canada

but were Afraid to Ask

published byWorld University Service of Canada

© revised 2007

i

Acknowledgements

Much of the work on this orientation booklet comes from pre-vious orientation handbooks developed for the WUSCStudent Refugee Program. Therefore, we would like to extendour gratitude in particular all former WUSC sponsored stu-dents and as well as former and current staff who shared theirknowledge and experience for the making of this guide.

For more information, please contact:Student Refugee Program

World University Service of Canada1404 Scott StreetOttawa, Ontario

K1Y 4M8

Tel: (613) 798-7477or 1-800-267-8699

Fax: (613) 798-0990E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.wusc.ca

Pre-departure Orientation Guide for WUSC Sponsored Studentsii

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Table of Contents

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Chapter 1 — Student Refugee Program: WUSC SponsorshipMembers of a Sponsoring Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Uniqueness of each WUSC Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Goals of the Student Refugee Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Roles and responsibilities under the SRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Processing Timelines for the WUSC Sponsorship Program . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2 — Travelling to Canada What to Bring With You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6What not bring to Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6'Landing' in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6What to do at the airport if your Sponsoring Group is not there . . . . . . . 7Permanent Resident Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7Settling in — the first few weeks in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7First Few Weeks — What You Can Expect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Health Care and SIN Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Orientation to the College or University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 3 — Academic IssuesSome Facts about Canada's Education System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9The Canadian Education System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Transfer of credits from previous college or university . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Number of Courses That Can Be Taken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Services on Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Class Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 10Program Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Transferring Universities or Colleges After the Sponsorship Period . . . . . 10School Semesters/Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Chapter 4 — Canadian Characteristics and Customs Understanding Canadians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12General Weather Information and Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Basic Facts about Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13A brief history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Canada's National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Africans in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Table of Contents

Pre-departure Orientation Guide for WUSC Sponsored Studentsiv

Chapter 5 — Adaptation and Culture Shock Canadian Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Culture Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Stages of 'Culture Shock' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Coping After Traumatic Experiences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17People to Talk To for Counselling and to Find out about Services . . . . . . 17Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 6 — Money MattersBudgeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Accommodation and meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Household Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Textbooks and School Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Personal Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Transportation in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Travel Loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Sending Money Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Credit Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Bank Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Chapter 7 — Daily MattersCommunication Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Telephone Costs and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Phone Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21E-mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Postal Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Buying Food. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 22Common Names for Social Places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Shopping for Clothes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapter 8 — Health CareSigning Up For Provincial Health Care Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Interim Federal Health Coverage (IFH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Hospitals, Private Doctor Clinics and Walk-in Health Clinics . . . . . . . . . 24

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Chapter 9 — After the One-year SponsorshipFinancing Your Education After the Initial Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Government Student Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Summer/Part-time Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Summer Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Scholarships and Bursaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Permanent Employment Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Volunteering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Becoming a Canadian Citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Immigration of Other Family Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Participation in WUSC Activities After the Sponsorship Period . . . . . . . 28National and International Orgazations Working with Refugees . . . . . . . 28

Appendices1–Pre-Arrival Checklists for the Sponsoring Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292–Preparing a Resumé for Employment in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323–WUSC Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344–WUSC SRP Resource Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Table of Contents

Pre-departure Orientation Guide for WUSC Sponsored Students

Foreword

Hello and welcome to the World University Service of Canada's(WUSC) Pre-Departure Orientation Guide for WUSC SponsoredStudents. The objective of this guide is to help you to prepare for

your travel to Canada, to explain the nature of the WUSC Student RefugeeProgram (SRP), and to offer you general information regarding Canada andyour sponsorship. Part of the reason for putting together this guide is thatsponsored students tend to have very high expectations of their life in Canada.Canada is indeed a prosperous, democratic country, but life in Canada can bevery difficult and resettling here requires many adjustments. It is hoped thatthe guide gives you a clearer and more realistic view of the sponsorship andwhat you can expect in coming to Canada.

There are many subjects covered in this guide. Over the years we haveasked several previously sponsored students and sponsoring groups aboutwhat they think should be included in the guide as valuable information.Everyone who responded had different ideas of what information is importantto know before leaving for Canada and during the initial few months afterhaving arrived. For these reasons, we have tried to incorporate as muchinformation as possible. We have included quotes and advice written by pastsponsored students, and these should give you additional insight into thesubjects covered in the guide.

1

Pre-departure Orientation Guide for WUSC Sponsored Students2

WUSC's refugee sponsor-ship began becauseWUSC believes that

effective action must be taken onbehalf of student refugees by theinternational academic community.For this reason, in 1978, WUSCsigned an agreement with theGovernament of Canada to co-ordi-nate a program that allows groups onuniversity and college campuses tosponsor refugees to re-settle toCanada. Each group, called aSponsoring Group (SG) under theWUSC program, raises funds toprovide the means for a student toresettle to Canada as a permanentresident and to attend university orcollege for one year.

A Sponsoring Group, sometimesreferred to as a Local Committee,does more than provide support forone or two individuals. Groups oftencampaign and advocate as otherhuman rights or social justice organi-sations do - to raise awareness,fundraise, lobby or educate, with thegoal to focus attention on refugee ordevelopment issues and the intercon-nectedness of local and global issues.This is a very important part ofWUSC's public awareness cam-paigns.

As Sponsoring Groups workthrough the sponsorship process,they often become more and moreacutely aware of issues facing refugeesand immigrants who come toCanada, and of the situations andcircumstances that prompted a per-son to become a refugee. This knowl-

edge motivates some groups toorganise campus-based educationactivities relating to refugees, interna-tional relations and development.These types of activities are not onlyeducational for those who research,plan and organise them, but for thewider public as well.

To date, almost 1000 studentrefugees have been sponsored by over80 WUSC groups at universities andcolleges throughout Canada. Eachyear between 40 and 45 students aresponsored through the program.Participants have come from over 29countries world-wide.

Members of a SponsoringGroup

A WUSC Sponsoring Group ismade up of students, and sometimesof faculty members or staff, at a col-lege or university. They have signed acontract with WUSC Ottawa andthe Government of Canada to under-take the private sponsorship of arefugee student for at least one year.Members of a Sponsoring Groupraise financial support through theiruniversity/college administration,student unions and fundraisingevents.

Uniqueness of Each WUSCSponsorship

Some of the WUSC sponsoringgroups and institutions are located inlarge urban cities, such as Torontoand Montreal, but others are in smallcommunities in more remote areas.The forty or so students who are

sponsored every year live in differentcommunities across the country.Canada is a large and very diversecountry. That means each sponsor-ship experience is shaped by the aca-demic institution, the geography andculture of the place, as well as by thesupport and friendship given by thesponsoring group. It is very impor-tant to remember that support variesfrom one institution to another andthat each sponsorship is unique.

Goals of the Student RefugeeProgram

The goals of the SRP are to:1. Encourage a greater understanding

of refugee issues, human rightsand international developmentamong Canadian students and fac-ulty;

2. Assist students, whose studieshave been interrupted or restrictedbecause of events in their countryof origin, to come to Canada inorder to resume their studies;

3. Seek the commitment and co-operation of Canadian academicinstitutions by way of grants, feewaivers and accommodation assis-tance; and

4. Provide a means whereby sociallyconscious student groups can worktowards solidarity within the glob-al academic community.

The staff at the WUSC Ottawaoffice co-ordinate and manage theprogram but the main support asponsored student receives is fromhis/her sponsoring group on campus.

WUSC Sponsorship

Chapter 1

Student Refugee Program (SRP):

WUSC Sponsorship

3


The following is an outline of theroles and responsibilities of partici-pants in the WUSC Student RefugeeProgram. The roles will become clear-er to you once you are in Canada.

The Sponsored Student must:

� submit an application to WUSCfrom his/her country of asylum;

� monitor his/her application bycorresponding regularly withWUSC’s local partner organiza-tions in his/her country of asylum;

� undergo necessary language tests,and medical and security checks topass Canadian immigrationrequirements;

� once in Canada, participates withthe Sponsoring Group to planhis/her immediate and long-termfuture;

� answer evaluation questionnairessent by WUSC Ottawa;

� take the necessary steps to becomeindependent once the sponsorshipperiod (normally one year) is over.

WUSC Sponsorship Program Staffin OttawaAs the organization that holds theSponsorship Agreements with theCanadian and Quebec Governments,WUSC Ottawa's major roles are to:

� facilitate the selection and place-ment of refugee students at post-secondary institutions; and to

� guide, train, support and monitorthe Sponsoring Groups to ensuresupport to the sponsored student.

WUSC Ottawa staff also:

� review applications, conduct inter-views with potential candidates,and provide orientation materials

to incoming students;� provide liaison between the various

organisations involved in theWUSC program;

� provide organisational assistance,advice, information and training tothe Sponsoring Groups;

� network with other refugee andimmigrant agencies;

� monitor and evaluate the program;� report to Citizenship and

Immigration Canada, WUSC'sBoard of Directors and WUSC'smembership.

Sponsoring GroupThe primary objective of theSponsoring Group once the spon-sored student has arrived is to providethe emotional, moral and financialsupport to the sponsored student toenable her/him to become independ-ent after the end of the one-yearWUSC sponsorship. A SponsoringGroup has to be flexible, adaptableand responsive. The SponsoringGroup must:� form a group of people who com-

mit to the sponsorship and whoagree to provide the student withfinancial, emotional and social sup-port for the duration of the spon-sorship;

� research and establish a reasonablebudget;

� raise funds to support the studentfor one year (or longer, as the casemay be);

� secure the support of the universityor college;

� review students' files for admissionrequirements and ensure that theselected student meets the univer-sity or college requirements;

� by submitting regular reports,inform the WUSC staff of anychallenges the sponsored studentmay be facing.

Once a student is placed at the insti-tution, the Sponsoring Group must:

� prepare and deliver an orientationfor the student;

� help the student access resourcesand services at the university orcollege and in the wider community;

� help the student become independ-ent by providing support andinformation;

� assist the next year's SponsoringGroup members by explaining thedetails of its institution-specificsponsoring program.

University or College AdministrationA member of the institution’s admin-istration must:

� review student's qualifications withthe Sponsoring Group and deter-mine eligibility for admissions;

� provide on-campus advisors tocounsel the student on academic,financial and other issues.

Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC)Officials at overseas CIC offices (usu-ally attached to a Canadian HighCommission):

� open the students' file;� interview candidates to determine

their eligibility for immigration toCanada;

� organize medical and securitychecks, issue visas and authorisetravel loans;

� liaise with InternationalOrganization for Migration (IOM)

Roles and Responsibilities under the SRP

5

offices to organize travel toCanada.

� liaise with the Government ofQuebec for people settling inQuebec.

Local Canadian (and Quebec)Immigration Offices

� manage the repayment of stu-dents' travel loans;

� provide information regardingimmigration to Canada;

� provide information about localagencies and services that areavailable for new immigrants andrefugees to Canada.

Overseas Partner Organisationsin Countries of Asylum:

� act as a liaison between WUSCOttawa, the students, IOM, andthe overseas immigration offices;

� assist with interviewing candi-dates, organising language profi-ciency tests and delivering pre-departure orientations.

Processing timelines for theWUSC Sponsorship Program

It can take between 14 and 24months to be processed for theWUSC SRP if you are acceptedunder eligibility criteria by WUSC,the academic institution, andImmigration Canada.The length of time from when youapply to the program to the dateyou leave for Canada depends on anumber of factors:

� Immigration procedures: gettingthrough security and medicalchecks;

� for Anglophone candidates,TOEFL test timelines;

� Canadian university or collegecalendar semesters. Usuallysponsored students arrive inAugust to begin school inSeptember when the semesterstarts, or else in December tobegin classes in January;

� other unpredictable factors suchas world events influencingimmigration processing.

WUSC’s Student RefugeeProgramIs unique in that it is the only pri-vate sponsorship program inCanada that includes one year ofpost-secondary studies at aCanadian college or university. Itis also unique in that the sponsor-ing group members are studentsand faculty at these institutions.

Being sponsored through theWUSC program means that youenter into a legal agreement withWUSC, your SG and theCanadian government. It meansthat you have to live in the townor city where your sponsoringgroup is located and remain inschool for the duration of 12months.

WUSC Sponsorship

6 Pre-departure Guide for WUSC Sponsored Students

Your journey to Canada willusually take between 1-3days depending on where

you are coming from, how manyplaces you stop in between, and yourfinal destination in Canada.

If you arrive in Canada and thereare no connecting flights to yourfinal destination, you may end upstaying in a hotel for one night andthen you will catch a flight the nextday. The Immigration officials willmake the arrangements for you; theywill take you to a hotel and pick youup the next day.

What to Bring With You

These items should be packed inyour carry-on luggage and youshould keep it with you at all times.

� Immigration papers from theCanadian Immigration officials

� Certificat de Sélection du Québec(CSQ) if you are going to Québec

� contact names and phone num-bers of your sponsoring groupand WUSC Ottawa

� original transcripts and all originaldocuments related to your previ-ous studies

� other identity papers� contact information for friends

and family (so that you can stayin touch after you resettle)

� important personal items (such asphotographs, letters, music cas-settes, etc.)

� some US dollars for use in transitand in emergencies

What not to bring to Canada

� plants, seeds� animal products (such as ivory,

skins, furs)� firearms

'Landing' in Canada

You will be interviewed by anImmigration official at the first placeyou land in Canada. Most interna-tional flights land in some ofCanada's largest cities: Toronto,Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver.Upon arrival in Canada, you willpass through Canadian Immigration,present your travel documents andfill in a 'landed' card. Once youarrive at your final destination andhave passed through CanadianCustoms and Immigration, you willproceed to the luggage retrieval area.Your Sponsoring Group will meetyou after you have passed throughcustoms and immigration. If youhave to take a connecting flight, findout from an airport or immigrationofficial where to go for domesticflights. Find out too if you have toretrieve your baggage or if it hasgone directly to your final destina-tion. In most cases, you will behelped by immigration or airportofficials and all of this will becomeclearer when you arrive. Don't be shythough, people will be happy to helpyou if you ask questions.

Chapter 2

Travelling to Canada

Before you Travel to Canada, you will have:

� Submitted an application form to WUSC;

� Taken English language tests (TOEFL) if necessary (not forFrancophone students);

� Undergone an interview with WUSC representatives;

� Had an interview with Canadian Immigration officials and undergonenecessary medical tests;

� Received an official acceptance letter from WUSC;

� Had a pre-departure orientation in your country of asylum.

What to Do at the Airport ifYour Sponsoring Group isnot There

WUSC Ottawa makes every effortto co-ordinate with CIC and IOMon when you will be arriving, and toshare this information with yourSponsoring Group. SponsoringGroup members are aware well inadvance of the approximate date youwill be arriving and therefore makeplans to be available to meet you.However, if you are not met by any-one, find an immigration or airportofficial and explain that you arewaiting for your Sponsoring Groupand would like to make a phone call.If you have the phone number forthe main contact person in yourSponsoring Group, you should callhim/her directly. If that person isnot there, you can also call WUSCOttawa. There is an emergencyphone number (listed below) and astaff person will try to contact mem-bers of your Sponsoring Group foryou.

If you do not have Canadiancoins with you, you will either haveto get money changed at the airportor you can call WUSC’s 1-800number which is free of charge. Goto any phone booth and dial the 1-800 number directly.

Monday to Friday (9 am–5 pmEST*):SRP, Senior Program Officer1-800-267-8699, ext. 3680SRP, Senior Program Officer1-800-267-8699, ext. 3656After 5 pm (EST*) and weekends:WUSC Ottawa’s EmergencyNumber(in Ottawa) 1-613-294-4742 or 1-613-612-1008*EST=Eastern Standard Time

i.e. the time in the Quebec andOntario time zone.

Permanent Resident Card

At the airport you will receiveforms to fill out for the PermanentResidence Card. This will be one ofyour main identity cards in Canada.The card is required for all perma-nent residents to re-enter Canadafollowing international travel.

Settling In — The First

Few Weeks in Canada

Meeting your SponsoringGroup

You will be greeted at the airport byyour Sponsoring Group when youarrive in Canada. The SponsoringGroup members will help you settleinto your residence or they will bringyou to a family's home for your firstcouple of days or weeks in Canada.We have encouraged sponsoringgroups to arrange for this type of'home-stay' with a family so that youmeet people during your initialadjustment period. Besides, the resi-dences are generally empty untilschool starts since most students liveoff-campus during the summermonths.

The First Few Weeks —What You Can Expect

In the first few weeks, you canexpect your Sponsoring Group tohelp you:� call or e-mail a friend or relative

and WUSC Ottawa to let themknow you have arrived safely.

� understand the nature of thesponsorship, including informa-tion on your budget.

� by showing you around campusand the local community.

� settle into your student residence,apartment or home-stay.

� register for health care coverageand get a Social InsuranceNumber (SIN).

Your Sponsoring Group is givenuseful checklists to guide them asthey help you with these, and other,important activities. You could bene-fit by reading these checklists duringyour first few weeks in Canada.Please see Appendix 4 for copies ofthese checklists.

Accommodation

By the time you arrive, yourSponsoring Group will havearranged your accommodation foryou. Most WUSC sponsored stu-dents will stay in a student residencefor their first year. Residences atuniversities and colleges vary interms of size of room, and whetherthey are single or double occupancy.Most residences are all male or allfemale but some are mixed. Mostoffer furnished rooms, the use oflounges, television rooms, studyrooms, washing facilities andkitchens.

Some sponsored students arehoused in apartments, either aloneor with others. This all depends onthe arrangements the sponsoringgroup has made with the universityor college, and whether or not resi-

7Travelling to Canada

Advice from a previously sponsoredstudent on what to bring with you“It's nice to bring music, family pictures,and photographs of one's country.These are things that we do not realizewe need when we are back home butonce we reach here we really needthem.”

dence is an option. Some people pre-fer living in an apartment because itgives them more independence. Onceagain, the type of housing you will beliving in depends on the particularsponsorship at your institution andwhat is available.

Food

Your sponsoring group will explainto you how they have arranged foryour food. You will either have ameal plan whereby you will eat yourmeals in a cafeteria on campus, oryou will have to cook for yourself inyour residence or apartment. If youdon't already know how to cook, youwill learn. Your sponsoring group willalso make sure that you have enoughpots and kitchen utensils to enableyou to cook. They will also show youwhere to shop for foods, includingfoods that you are used to eating.

Health Care and SINRegistration

With the help of your sponsoringgroup, you will need to register for:

1. a Provincial Health Care cardthat allows you to see a doctor orgo to the hospital for free;

2. a Social Insurance Number(SIN) which allows you to worklegally and

3. Interim Federal Health (IFH).This is a form of health care cover-age that is separate from provincialcoverage plans. Refer to the CICwebsite (www.cic.gc.ca) for moreinformation.

It is essential that you apply for aSIN card as quickly as possible. Thisis the main form of identification forCanadian residents, and it is requiredin order to work in Canada. It is alsouseful as identification when openinga bank account, etc. You should bringyour immigration papers along whenapplying for the SIN card. A SocialInsurance Number is private andshould only be used for official puposes; in fact, it is a federal offence tolet another person use your SINcard.

You can download the SIN appli-cation form from the Government ofCanada's Human ResourcesDevelopment Canada web site, athttp://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca.

Orientation to the College orUniversity

Prior to the beginning of universityor college classes, there may be anorientation for you on campus.Orientation sessions are meant forinternational students on campus aswell as anyone who has just started

going to university or college.Orientation sessions provide infor-mation on where facilities exist, howto access services, etc.

Also in the first few weeks, youwill want to take the opportunity tolook around the campus and the city.You should have a map, and yoursponsoring group should show youaround. Explore and get to know thecommunity in which you will be liv-ing as this will make life much easierfor you.

Make sure you ask questions.Your sponsoring group doesn't neces-sarily know what information isimportant to you.


9

Some Facts about Canada'sEducation System

� Canada has over 80 colleges anduniversities.

� Each province in Canada managesits own education system.

� Each university or college has itsown admissions requirements andoffers a wide range of programs.

� The Canadian government hasschool loan programs adminis-tered by the provinces which makeattending university or college fea-sible for those who wish to pursuepost-secondary education anddon't have the money to pay for it.

� The majority of Canadian second-ary school graduates go on tosome form of post-secondary edu-cation.

� Approximately 20% of Canadianadults have a university degree.

� Increasing numbers of Canadians

are pursuing degrees on a part-time basis and at an older age.

� Partly due to the fact that manyCanadians pursue a higher educa-tion, a university degree is only thefirst step towards a career and, inmost cases, is no guarantee thatyou will find a job in a particularfield.

The Canadian EducationSystem� Values individual thought.� Encourages students to ask lots of

questions.� Teaches students to think critically

and even challenge, in an appropri-ate manner, different views andideas (even of their professors).

Transfer of credits fromprevious college or university

WUSC tries to place sponsored stu-dents at institutions which offer pro-grams that are appropriate to the stu-

dents' previous education and, hope-fully, preferred area of study.However, due to major differencesbetween educational systems inCanada and in other countries, it isimpossible to guarantee that the aca-demic level at which a student isplaced is at the level the studentwishes to begin pursuing his/hereducation in Canada.

In order to get as many credits aspossible transferred for university orcollege courses you have already com-pleted in your country of origin orcountry of asylum, you should bringas much material as you can (tran-scripts, syllabus, course descriptions,term papers) with you in order toshow the Admissions office.

Even if you have been registeredfor classes before arriving in Canada,you can switch classes during thefirst couple of weeks of school. Thereare deadlines, however. The best per-son to speak to about this and allacademic issues is the academic advi-sor on campus. Talk to yourSponsoring Group about making anappointment with an advisor.

Number of Courses That CanBe Taken

Each province administers its ownStudent Loan program. This meansthat each province has different rulesand regulations regarding the appli-cation and remittance of loans. SomeWUSC sponsored students, forexample those studying in Ontario,can only study part-time during thefirst year in order to qualify for a stu-dent loan the following year. This is aprovincial government requirement.Part-time studies mean that studentstake 1-2 courses per semester.

Chapter 3

Academic Issues

Students in the WUSC pro-gram enter university orcollege at all different levels

depending on their age, level ofacademic achievement, languageability, programs offered at spon-soring group's institution, etc.Students who come to Canada onthe WUSC program should beready to accept a lower level ofeducation than what they havealready achieved in their countryof origin or asylum.

Academic Issues

Thoughts of a previously sponsored student“Do not rely solely on your advisor. He or she may not offer you all you need because

your background is unique and you may not communicate what you want precisely. Begood at making friends who will assist you. Above all, those whom you know throughWUSC will be delighted to help you. Remember the secret of receiving is asking.”


Services on Campus

Many services on campus are avail-able free of charge. There will bemany students who will be attendingcollege or university for the first timeand they too will use these services.Some of these services are —� academic advising/career coun-

selling� language training� essay writing� exam preparation � job search skills: resume writing,

interview preparation � library user sessions � psychological counselling � medical services � computer training

Class Size

At university or college, class sizescan range from 15 to 1,000 studentsin one class. First year classes usuallyhave the most students.

Program Transfers

It is possible to transfer to anotherprogram of study after your firstyear. Most programs require a num-ber of 'elective' courses. If you dochange programs, the courses youtake during the first year, often theelective courses, might count towardsthe degree or diploma to which youare transferring.

Transferring Universities orColleges After theSponsorship Period

Students are free to transfer to a dif-ferent institution after the initial 12-month sponsorship period. However,be sure to speak to an academic advi-sor as not all courses are transferablefrom one program to another.

Canada's education system is veryflexible. To be admitted to Canadianuniversities or colleges there is no dis-crimination on the basis of religion,race, age, or sex, but various programsand institutions require high academ-ic standing to be admitted.

If you are considering moving toanother province, there are severalfactors to consider in making thatdecision. You would need to find out

about transferring student loans,provincial health care coverage,admission into the university or col-lege of your choice and the transfer-ring of your academic credits. Theseare important topics you should dis-cuss with your sponsoring groupbefore you make any decisions.

School Semesters/Terms

Fall term: September to mid-December

Winter term: mid-January to AprilSpring/Summer term: May to

AugustThe term 'academic year' usuallyrefers to the September to Aprilsemesters. At most institutions thereare breaks at the end of December aswell as one week during February,known as 'reading week' or ‘Springbreak'.

Thoughts from previously sponsored students

“I came to my university at the end of August, and after some weeks everythingstarted: assignments, lab reports, quizzes, tests. All of the deadlines bombarded me. Iwas trying very hard not to give up. The first time it was very challenging. But youget used to it after a while. Education in Canada is highly qualified, modern andtechnically equipped. You are really going to enjoy a nice academic time.”

“I understand that things may be difficult where you are right now. However itwill be good if you somehow try to revise or read the materials in your field of studybefore you come. Things might be challenging and confusing, but never give up. Beready for struggling times in class. It is all part of the adjustment as one tries to copewith the new system and place of learning. Putting an effort on academic activitiesduring the first year will help you have confidence in yourself.”

It is a legal requirement ofthe sponsorship to stay in thesame city or town where yoursponsoring group is for theduration of the 12 monthsponsorship.

11

Understanding CanadiansCanada's population is multi-

cultural and diverse. Because ofthis, it can be difficult to general-ize about Canadians. There are,however, some commonly heldvalues and attitudes in Canada.While you're bound to findexceptions to the general ruleswe describe below, you mayfind these descriptions helpful.

Freedom and individualityare very important toCanadians, who are taught aschildren that they are responsiblefor their own lives and destiny.Canadians usually see themselvesas individuals more than as mem-bers of a group or even a family.

Time is also very important inCanada. You will make a goodimpression if you are on time forappointments, meetings, classes, or

social engagements. If you cannotkeep an appointment or are going to

be late, it is polite to inform thosewho will be expecting you.

In most cases, Canadians relate toone another informally and believethat all people are equal. In Canada, itis acceptable for students to ask ques-tions or even disagree with the pro-fessor, if it is done respectfully.Students commonly wear casual attireon campus and use slang amongfriends.

Most Canadians are interested inmeeting people from other cultures,but they often expect you to take theinitiative. A common Canadian greet-ing is "Hi, how are you," to whichpeople usually answer "Fine, how areyou?" A longer answer is not required.

Canadians tend to be polite andapologetic. They say "please" and"thank you" often in social situations.When waiting in line, Canadians tendto line up in an orderly manner andexpect others to do the same. When

Chapter 4

Canadian Characteristics and Customs


This table represents the number of immigrants and refugees whoarrived in Canada in 2005 and 2006 (considered as PermanentResidents).

2005 Statistics 2006 Statistics

Immigrant CategoriesFamily Class 63,352 70,459Economic Immigrants 156,310 138,193Other Immigrants 6,806 10,389

Total - Immigrant Categories 226,468 219,041

Refugee Categories Government Sponsored 7,416 7,310Refugee Claimants 19,935 15,885Privately Sponsored 2,976 3,329Refugee Dependants 5,441 5,946

Total - Refugee Categories 35,768 32,470

Total - Immigrants and Refugees 262,236 251,511

Source: CIC, Facts and Figures 2006 http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pub/facts2006/facts2006_category.html

12 Pre-departure Guide for WUSC Sponsored Students

they interrupt or bump into oneanother, they usually say, "Excuse me."

Privacy is important to Canadians.It is polite to ask about someone'swork or academic major, but it is usu-ally impolite to ask about someone'sage, appearance (e.g., their weight), orstatus (e.g., how much their car costs).

The belief that people are allunique individuals leads to the beliefthat they need time and space tothemselves, and in families it is com-mon for each child to have (or want) aroom of their own.

Many Canadians value "politicalcorrectness," which means they avoidexpressions or actions that could beinsulting to others. Canadians like tothink of themselves as being very tol-erant of different lifestyles and cus-toms. In reality, stereotypes and preju-dice do exist in Canada.

Climate

Canada has four distinct seasons,but the length of the seasons variesfrom one region to the next. In mostplaces spring begins in mid-Marchand goes until mid-May and is charac-terised by increasingly warmer daysbut with cold or cool nights. Summerhas warm to hot days with longerhours of sunlight beginning in May orJune and ending in August orSeptember. During the autumn (or"fall" as it is commonly called), theweather slowly cools again, and day-light decreases each day until theWinter Solstice in December whenthe days start getting longer again.Canada gets precipitation throughoutthe year, in the form of rain or snow,depending on the season.

Canadians have adapted theirhousing and clothing needs to theseextremes in temperature. All buildingsare heated in the winter, usually withoil, gas, or electrical systems that

require very little work. Your sponsor-ing group will provide you with abudget to buy winter clothes to pro-tect you from the cold and the snow.Despite the cold and limited sunlight,winter can be quite enjoyable.

The long hours of sunlight in thesummer also provide the opportunityto enjoy a variety of outdoor sportsand activities.

General Weather Informationand Seasons

Fall — mid-September to mid-November

Winter — mid-November to mid-March

Spring — mid-March to mid-May Summer — mid-May to mid-

September

Note: Weather information is givenfor the southern areas of Canada.Weather information for all ofCanada can be accessed via theWeather Network website atwww.weathernetwork.ca

Month/WeatherSuggested clothing and remarks:November — cool and frosty.

Medium to heavy weight apparel.First signs of snow.

December, January, February — win-ter temperatures. Winter apparel(overcoat, hat, boots, gloves.) Heavysnowfall in most provinces.Excellent months to enjoy the manywinter sports activities.

March — moderate Winter apparelwith somewhat medium-weightwear. Snow begins to disappear;however, outdoor activities can stillbe enjoyed in winter resort areas.

April — milder days but evenings arecool. Medium-weight apparelincluding topcoat. Snow disappears,except in higher mountainous areaswhere conditions are ideal forspring skiing.

May—warm days but cool at night.Medium-weight and summerapparel. The country is green andspring flowers are in bloom general-ly by mid-month (earlier on theWest Coast). Outdoor spring andsummer activities begin.

June—warm. Summer clothing withsome medium-weight apparel forcool evenings. Ideal for all outdoorsummer activities.

July and August—warmest months ofsummer. Light-weight summerclothing. Ideal for enjoying summeractivities.

September—warm days, coolevenings. Light to medium-weightclothing. Foliage takes on fallcolouring toward the end of themonth.

Advice from a previously sponsored student“For the adjustment process, take it easy. Think positively about the new culture andthe weather!”

13

October—cool. Medium to heavy-weight apparel. First touch of frostin the air. Autumn colours at theirpeak early in the month.

Basic Facts about Canada

� Canada is the second-largest coun-try in world (after Russia); it has astrategic location between Russiaand US via north polar route;approximately 90% of the popula-tion is concentrated within 160km of the US border

� The population of Canada is anestimated 33 million people. Thelarge majority of people (69%) arebetween the ages of 15 and 64.

� The average life expectancy for thetotal population is: 80.22 year(male: 76.86 years, female: 83.74years) (2006 est.)

� On average 1.61 children are bornto each woman (2006 est.)

� HIV prevalence: 0.3% (2003 est.)Number of people living withHIV/AIDS: 56,000; number ofdeaths from AIDS-related illness-es: 1,500

� Cultural background: British Islesorigin 28%, French origin 23%,other European 15%, Amerindian2%, other, mostly Asian, African,Arab 6%, mixed background 26%

� Religious background: RomanCatholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3%(including United Church 9.5%,Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%,Lutheran 2%), other Christian4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other andunspecified 11.8%, none 16%(2001 census)

� Language: English (official) 59.3%,French (official) 23.2%, other17.5%

� Literacy (definition: age 15 andover can read and write) total pop-

ulation: 99% male: 99% female:99% (2003 est.)

� Head of State: Queen ELIZA-BETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by GovernorGeneral Michaelle JEAN (since27 September 2005)

� Head of Government: PrimeMinister Stephen HARPER(since 6 February 2006)

� Cabinet: Federal Ministers chosenby the prime minister fromamong the members of his ownparty sitting in Parliament

� elections: none; the monarchy ishereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch on theadvice of the prime minister for afive-year term; following legisla-tive elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of themajority coalition in the House ofCommons is automatically desig-nated prime minister by the gov-ernor general

A brief historyCanada is the country occupying

most of the northern portion ofNorth America. Originally inhabitedexclusively by aboriginal peoples,Canada was founded as a union ofBritish colonies, some of which hadearlier been French colonies. Now afederal dominion of ten provincesand three territories, Canada peace-fully obtained sovereignty from theUnited Kingdom in a process begin-ning in 1867 with its formation andending in 1982 when Canada gainedthe authority to amend its own con-stitution.

Canada is a parliamentarydemocracy and constitutional monar-chy. Canada's head of state is itsmonarch, who is represented inCanada by the Governor General.

The head of government is the PrimeMinister.

Canada defines itself as a bilin-gual and multicultural nation. BothEnglish and French are official lan-guages. In the early 1970s, Canadabegan to adopt policies based on theconcepts of cultural diversity andmulticulturalism. Many Canadiansnow view this as one of the country'skey attributes, but there are critics ofthe multiculturalism policy as well.

A technologically advanced andindustrialized nation, Canada is a netexporter of energy because of itslarge fossil fuel deposits, nuclearenergy generation, and hydroelectricpower capacity. Its diversified econo-my relies heavily on an abundance ofnatural resources and trade, particu-larly with the United States, withwhich Canada has had a long andcomplex relationship.


Canada's National Anthem

English lyricsO Canada! Our home and native land!True patriot love in all thy sons command.With glowing hearts we see thee rise,The True North strong and free!From far and wide, O Canada,We stand on guard for thee.God keep our land glorious and free!O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

French lyricsO Canada! Terre de nos aïeuxTon front est ceint de fleurons glorieuxCar ton bras sait porter l'épéeIl sait porter la croixTon histoire est une épopéeDes plus brilliants exploitsEt ta valeur, de foi trempéeProtégera nos foyers et nos droitsProtégera nos foyers et nos droits

Africans in Canada

How many Africans are there inCanada?

The 2001 Canadian censusreported that about 2% of the totalpopulation is composed ofCanadians of African descent.

How many refugees are there inCanada?

According to 2001 statistics pro-vided by Citizenship andImmigration Canada, out of a totalof 250,346 immigrants, 27,894 wererefugees.

That figure has dropped some-what since September 2001 due to atightening of the Canada-US border,across which many asylum seekerscome to Canada.

What is the history of Africans inCanada?

How did the original Africanswho came to Canada get there? Veryfew came directly from Africa. Manywere transported to Canada from theBritish colonies in North America

and the West Indies or from theFrench controlled West Indies in the17th and 18th Century. Once inCanada, the slaves worked in urbansettings as domestic help. This is incontrast to the slavery as practiced inthe U.S. and the West Indies, whereslaves worked primarily on farms andplantations.

A wave of American slavesmigrated to Canada after theAmerican Revolution during whichthe American colonists fought fortheir independence from the Britishmonarchy. Many African slaves whowere owned by Americans sided withthe British, against the Americans,during the Revolutionary war. Theywere called Loyalists because theywere loyal to the British crown. TheAmerican-owned slaves pledged theirallegiance to the British because theBritish promised them that after thewar, they would be given their free-dom.

At the end of the war, the Britishhelped the Black Loyalists to leavethe United States. About 3,500 wererelocated in Canada and given small

tracts of land by the British govern-ment. The Africans settled in NovaScotia and New Brunswick in segre-gated communities. The land theblacks were given proved to be insuf-ficient to give them with the meansto provide for themselves. Many weredisappointed and left Canada andimmigrated to the British colony ofSierra Leone in West Africa. Duringthe War of 1812, the British offeredto send runaway slaves to Britishcolonies, where they would be free.Many former slaves came to Canadaand lived in the segregated Africancommunities. Runaway slaves, ormaroons, continued to flee to Canadafor freedom. At the time of the CivilWar in America, approximately30,000 maroons were living inCanada. At the end of slavery, manyAfricans moved back to the US.

Another significant migration ofpeoples of African descent to Canadaoccurred between 1909 and 1911.African Americans from Oklahoma,who worked as farmers, moved toAlberta, Canada. A third increase inthe black population in Canada came


in the 1960s, when the Canadian govern-ment removed immigration restrictions,allowing more peoples of non-Europeanorigins to come into the country to liveand work. Between 1960 and 1995,300,000 immigrants from the WestIndies and 150,000 from Africa migratedto Canada. They settled primarily in theeastern cities of Toronto, Montreal andOttawa.

How will I be able to connect with otherAfricans once I am in Canada?

Most Canadian cities have a multicul-tural or intercultural association, if not aspecifically African association. For exam-ple, in Victoria B.C., both theIntercultural Association of Victoria andthe African Heritage Association ofVictoria exist. The African HeritageAssociation is composed of Africans fromall over the continent and hosts variousevents, such as an African fashion and tal-ent show, each year. When you arrive inyour town or city, ask the members ofyour WUSC local committee if theyknow of an intercultural or AfricanAssociation in town. They can direct youto contact the right people.

15Canadian Characteristics and Customs


Canadian Culture

Due to its colonial past, Canadianculture has historically been heavilyinfluenced by English, French, Irish,Scottish, and First Nations culturesand traditions. More recently,Canadian culture has been greatlyinfluenced by American culture, dueto U.S. proximity and the inter-change of human capital. Manyforms of American media and enter-tainment are popular in Canada andhave been successful worldwide.Most cultural products of these typesare now marketed toward a unified"North American" market, and notspecifically a Canadian or Americanone.

Elements of more "distinctlyCanadian" culture have been partlyinfluenced by federal governmentprograms, laws and institutions suchas the Canadian BroadcastingCorporation (CBC), the NationalFilm Board of Canada, and theCanadian Radio-television andTelecommunications Commission(CRTC).

Canadian culture has also beengreatly influenced by more recentimmigration of people from all overthe world. Many Canadians valuemulticulturalism, indeed some seeCanadian culture as being inherentlymulticultural. Multicultural heritageis enshrined in the Canadian Charterof Rights and Freedoms.

National symbolism is influencedby historical and native (especially,natural) sources. Particularly, the useof the maple leaf as a Canadian sym-bol dates back to the early 18th cen-tury and is depicted on its currentand previous flags, the penny, and onthe coat of arms. Other prominent

symbols include the beaver, Canadagoose, common loon, and the RoyalCanadian Mounted Police.

Canada's official national sportsare ice hockey (winter) and baseball(summer), however, hockey is consid-erably more a part of Canadian cul-ture as it is a national pastime. It isby far the most popular spectatorsport in the country. Canada's sixlargest metropolitan areas have fran-chises in the National HockeyLeague (NHL), and there are moreCanadian players in the league thanfrom all other countries combined.Curling and Canadian Football arealso extremely popular sports inCanada, but soccer has now thelargest number of players.

Culture Shock

“Culture shock” is a term thatrefers to the process of disorientationexperienced when encountering anew culture. Culture shock is a nor-mal part of cultural adjustment.Some examples of the emotional andphysical reactions to culture shockare: loneliness, feelings of alienation,constant fatigue, the desire to remainwithdrawn, difficulty holding a nor-

mal conversation, frustration andanger.

Though the stages of cultureshock can be predicted in a fairlyaccurate time sequence, for some peo-ple, the sequence does not begin untilmany months, even years, after theinitial separation from their countryof origin or asylum has taken place.

Symptoms of culture shock arepredictable and common. Sometimes,however, they may and do persist tothe point where individuals can nolonger cope with their environmentor the demands put upon them. Intime, if a person does not receivetreatment, the symptoms may devel-op into real depression, psychoses,and aggressive anti-social behaviour.Most people will overcome cultureshock once they come to understandwhat is happening to them.

Difficulties in adjustment can beexaggerated by experiences withracism or intolerance. This may leadsome people who experience racism,discrimination or intolerance todevelop stereotypes about Canadiancharacteristics on the basis of person-al experience or behaviour of individ-ual Canadians.

Chapter 5

Adaptation and Culture Shock

Advice for a student experiencing culture shock“Try to participate in social activities instead of sitting around your room.

Try to learn about your new country. Understanding the history, geography, poli-tics, religion and cultural norms of a country can only add to your insight into it.Participate in group activities that include Canadian and international students inorder to develop friendships. This will enable you to cope with culture shock, byproviding the place to talk about problems.”

Advice From a WUSC-Ottawa Staff Person“One way of learning new things is to ask for what you do not know or what

you doubt. You will always find someone who is willing to help you. Therefore,don’t wait until you are in a state of mind where you may think you cannot handle sit-uations by yourself and you don’t have anyone to count on.”

17

A note on culture shock — Although culture shock can be chal-lenging and difficult at times, it is alsoan opportunity to learn more aboutyourself and the new culture in whichyou find yourself. The symptoms ofculture shock can be reduced if youtalk about how you are feeling, andthe more you try to engage yourself inthe new culture, the better you willunderstand what is happening aroundyou. Take time to explore your newsurroundings, visit new people andplaces, and ask as many questions asyou need answered!

Stages of Culture Shock

Immediate Post-ArrivalIn the period immediately afterarrival, many people (refugees orother newcomers) are over-stimulat-ed, energetic, full of relief and excite-ment. They may seem preoccupiedwith the fulfilment of immediate andtangible needs like housing, etc.Beneath the euphoria, they may havea tendency for disorientation, someanxiety and confusion of varyingintensity. They may have some physi-cal reactions, such as difficulty sleep-ing, or digestive problems.

At Three to Six MonthsAt this time, they will probably befeeling a strong need to build a newsocial structure to replace the onethey have left behind. They may reactto small difficulties as if they weremajor catastrophes.

After Six MonthsAfter about six months comes thetime of “psychological arrival” orassessment. Some people have a feel-ing of nostalgia for what has been lostand idealize the past. Because this is atime of planning for the future, whichcan be scary, they may also find them-

selves looking longingly to thepast. Possibly everythingseemed easier in the past, and itis difficult for them to look for-ward. Some emotional reactionsat this point are depression,frustration, anxiety, feelings ofdenial and anger. Very little ofthis is in any way expresseddirectly.

After One YearLater on, new realities have tobe faced. Some people attemptto use old ways to cope withpresent problems; some isolatethemselves from the wider com-munity; some adjust to their

professional/academic lives but keeptheir personal lives separate. The mostsuccessful are those who achievemobility between the old and newcultures and both sets of values.Those who are having a difficult tran-sition exhibit some of the characteris-tic features of a “survivor syndrome.”These include: Unusual fatigue, moodswings, feelings of irritation andimpatience, withdrawal, restlessness,inappropriate reactions to trivia,lethargy, headaches, argumentative-ness.

Coping After TraumaticExperiences

People who are refugees some-times encounter difficulties in adapt-ing to Canada because of the emo-tional traumas they have experiencedin the past. There are programs andservices, such as medical or emotionalcounselling, to help people who haveexperienced torture or trauma.

Counselling in these centres isprovided by professionally trainedcounsellors and psychologists.Individual, couples and group coun-selling is available in strict confidence.Talking to a professional is a helpfulway to work out problems, and manyCanadians and newcomers seek coun-selling for a variety of reasons.

Post-Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD)Some people experience PTSD ifthey have in the past undergone trau-matic events in their lives. The char-acteristic symptoms of post-traumaticstress disorders include:� re-experiencing the traumatic event

through recurrent and intrusiverecollection or nightmares, or bysuddenly acting or feeling as if theevent were recurring again;

� numbing of responsiveness to orinvolvement with the externalworld, manifested by less interest, afeeling of detachment from otherpeople, and/or reduced emotionalresponse; or

� other symptoms, such as hyperalertness, insomnia, survivor guilt,depression, anxiety, increased irri-tability, loss of memory or troubleconcentrating or completing tasks,phobic avoidance of situations thatbring back memories of the trau-ma, and worsening of the symp-toms on exposure to situations thatresemble the traumatic event.

Adaptation and Culture Shock

People to talk to for counselling and to find out about services

� WUSC SRP staff in Ottawa

� Community religious leaders

� Community organisations for new immigrants

� Counsellors on campus

� International student advisors on your campus

� Professors

� WUSC Sponsoring Group members

� Refugee resettlement agencies in your town or city

� other student groups on your campus such as the

Muslim Students Society, the Christian Student

Federation, etc.


Budgeting

Your Sponsoring Group will havemade a budget for you in order toensure that the money raised for youwill adequately look after your basicneeds. The amount will vary signifi-cantly across the country, dependingon local conditions, the cost of livingand the resources of the sponsoringgroup.

The following list gives you a gen-eral idea of the things that areincluded in the 12-month sponsor-ship:� Tuition for one academic year� Accommodation and food� Clothing � Household supplies� Textbooks and school supplies� Personal allowance � Transportation

Tuition

Tuition fees are often paid directly bythe institution. Tuition fees vary foreach sponsored student because ofthe number of courses taken and theinstitution's course and administra-tive fees.

Accommodation and Meals

Meals will be covered directlythrough meal programs on campuscafeterias except in cases where youwill have to buy and cook your own,either on weekends or full-time. Ifyou are not covered through mealprograms on campus, you will receivean allowance to cover the costs offood.

Clothing

In Canada, the kind ofclothing you will require isdictated by changes in cli-mate which take placefrom one season to anoth-er. Winter usually beginsin November in mostparts of Canada. Generallyspeaking, winter clothingconsists of a heavy coat ora long jacket (made fromwool or nylon), winterboots, heavy mitts orgloves, and a hat. Youshould go with a memberof your Sponsoring Groupand find winter clothing suitable forthe region in which you will by liv-ing.

Canadian students do not weartheir best clothes to college or univer-sity. Canadian students dress infor-mally, and there is a great variety inthe way people dress as there is nouniform or dress code. However,dress for employment in a privatecompany may require more formalattire, such as a shirt and a tie formen, skirt and blouse for women.Specific clothing and head pieces,such as hijabs, with cultural or reli-gious significance, are commonlyworn.

Before you buy clothing, youshould look for items that are easy tomaintain and wash since it is lessexpensive to do the washing yourself.In Canada, almost every house orapartment building has a washingmachine and a dryer. If the place youare living in does not have these,laundromats are available in mosttowns and cities, and in

university/college residences. Drycleaning is available, but it is veryexpensive.

Household Supplies

Depending on your sponsorship,your budget may include money forspecific household items, such asbedding, kitchen supplies, etc. Thisdepends on where you live and whatthe Sponsoring Group has provided.You will have access to a bed, deskand other basic furniture.

Textbooks and SchoolSupplies

The money allocated in the budgetfor the purchase of books is relatedto your academic program. Eachcourse you take will require you toread specified texts, which will belisted when you register for courses.As new textbooks in a number offields are very expensive, one way ofstretching your book allowance is topurchase second-hand (used) books.There are campus book sales at the

Chapter 6

Money Matters

beginning of each academic yearwhere you may find used textbooksfor your courses. As well, there arebulletin boards where individualsfrequently advertise the sale ofbooks. Similarly, at the end of anacademic year, you may sell thebooks you do not wish to keep.Speak to the members of yourSponsoring Group to ask themwhere you can buy less expensivetextbooks.

Personal Allowance

The allowance you receive isbased on calculations for normal liv-ing costs for students where you arestudying. Canadian students have arelatively low standard of living interms of the rest of Canadian socie-ty.

Your allowance will only coversome small items. You will not beable to afford big purchases like aTV, car, stereo, a complete newwardrobe, holidays or any other lux-ury. You must pay close attention tothe management of your funds untilyou become familiar with the differ-ences in living costs between Canadaand your country of origin or asy-lum.

It may be useful, at least for thefirst three months, to keep a writtenrecord of your expenses. During thisperiod, do not make major purchas-es- winter clothing, furniture, etc.-without first seeking advice frommembers of the Sponsoring Groupor another student who has been inCanada for some time.

Many Canadian students takegreat pride in living as cheaply aspossible, finding used clothingstores, free movies, concerts, andshows, inexpensive apartments, etc.Items covered under “personalallowance” include one or more of

the following: phone, postal services,entertainment, long-distance traveland bus passes.

Transportation in Canada

A transportation allowance may beincluded in your personal allowanceor may be a separate item in yourbudget. For example, if you need thebus to get to university every day, thecost of a bus pass should be includedin the sponsorship budget for you.Two of Canada's largest cities,Toronto and Montreal, have subwaysystems (underground train systems)which cross the cities and connectwith bus systems. Usually the sametickets are accepted on both subwaysand buses. In fact, most places inCanada, except for very small or iso-lated villages, have some sort of bussystem.

In the summer, many Canadiansuse bicycles to get around. You maybe able to find an inexpensive, sec-ond-hand bicycle. Bicycle helmetsare compulsory in some cities. Taxisare a convenient way of travellingfrom one place to another within acity, but they are much more expen-sive than buses and should be usedonly in emergencies. Catching ridesfrom cars and trucks passing by(called “hitch-hiking” in Canada) issometimes illegal and can be danger-ous. It is not common in Canada forvehicles to carry extra passengers tomake some extra money. There isenough public transportation thatthe need is very low.

For long distance travel there arebuses, trains and planes, and, insome cases, 'share a ride programs'whereby people travelling by car to along-distance location advertise toget passengers in order to share thecosts. The type of transportation forlong distance travel depends on the

distance, the time you have and theprice you are willing to pay.

Travel Loan

Through the federal department ofCitizenship and ImmigrationCanada, the Canadian Governmentissues loans to refugees to pay fortheir travel costs to Canada. Theloan includes the cost of the planeticket as well as other administrativecosts associated with processing theimmigration application (such asmedical exams, etc.). You will beresponsible to pay back the loanonce you are in Canada. It is inter-est-free for the first year or sodepending on the amount, but weencourage you to establish a repay-ment routine shortly after arriving.Even small amounts will help reducethe overall amount. SomeSponsoring Groups assist with therepayment of the loan, in full or par-tially, while other students pay itthemselves by using their personalallowance or money they makethrough working.

The loan amount is not calculat-ed until a few months after you land.However, if you would like to get intouch with an immigration officer atthe Collection Services office of CICafter that time, then call toll-free at1-800-667-7301. The immigrationofficer can answer questions youhave regarding your loan.

Your travel loan is not of imme-diate concern to you. However, it issomething to always consider since itis your responsibility to pay it back,and failure to do so in the first fewyears after your arrival in Canadawill result in high interest repay-ment, as well as other more seriousconsequences.

19Money Matters

Sending Money HomeMany sponsored students feel pres-sured to send money home. Theamount of money you will receivemay sound like a lot, but you willonly have enough to cover your basicnecessities as a student in Canada.Do not assume that you will haveenough money in your personalbudget to send money back home.

Credit Cards

All sponsored students are stronglyurged not to use credit cards. ManyCanadians buy goods on credit,which means 'buy now — pay later'.This idea may seem tempting toyou, but be very cautious about buy-

ing goods on credit as this could getyou into serious difficulties when itcomes time to make payments(which will then include interest atapproximately 18-20% per year).You should be aware that interest ischarged on any payment owed andthat the interest accumulates thelonger the payment is deferred. Infact, it is estimated that people whouse credits cards and pay the billslater end up paying four times theamount they initially spent.

Bank Account

It is essential for you to have a bankaccount in Canada. A SponsoringGroup member will assist you to

open an account. Your monthlyallowance will usually be provided toyou in the form of a cheque, whichyou will then deposit into youraccount. A bank account also allowsyou to withdraw money from youraccount by using a debit card at abank machine.


Communication Systems

Telephone Costs and UseAlmost all Canadians have a tele-

phone in their house or apartment.The cost to have a personal phone inone's home is not too expensive. Youcan either rent or buy a phone. Eitherway you have to pay a phone compa-ny a basic rate each month for tele-phone service. Long distance callscost extra and can cost quite a lot ofmoney. It is very easy to end up withan extremely expensive phone bill forlong-distance calls, especially for callsmade to places outside of Canada.Long distance calls within Canadacan be reasonably priced so long asyou register for a "long distance plan"with a telephone company. Somepeople rent or own a cellphone. Youcan ask your Sponsoring Groupmembers for information on tele-phone options once you arrive.

Phone Cards Phone cards are one solution to

high phone bills. They are availablethrough stores and individual ven-dors in all provinces. You buy phonecards in designated amounts, forexample $20.00 (Canadian dollars)and these enable you to place calls toother countries for a certain numberof minutes. Many students usephone cards because it limits theirspending on phone calls.

E-MailE-mail is widely available in

Canada. You will be issued an e-mailaccount through your university orcollege and will be able to use it asoften as you like. E-mail is an excel-lent way for you to communicatewith friends and relatives since it is

available to you as a student. Thereare lots of places at all universitiesand colleges to use computers toaccess e-mail at no charge or lowcost.

WUSC-Ottawa uses e-mail veryoften to communicate with theSponsoring Groups and sponsoredstudents.

Postal ServicesStamps and other postal services

are available at Canada Post outletsat affordable prices.

Although you can find postaloutlets in many places, they are usu-ally located on campuses, in malls, inpharmacies, or in convenience stores.

Buying Food

In Canada, you can buy fooditems from all over the world. Inmajor cities, people can find most ofthe foods that are eaten in othercountries. Foods that are commonlyeaten in Canada are found just abouteverywhere regardless of whether

people live in a small town or in acity.

Many Canadian cities and townshave outdoor markets where freshfruits and vegetables are sold duringthe spring, summer and fall. Whenthe fruits and vegetables come fromthe surrounding region, the prices arenormally quite reasonable. Vegetablesgrown in Canada cost less thanimported ones. Year round, you canbuy fruits and vegetables at super-markets, produce stores, or even atconvenience stores, although at ahigher price.

In coastal areas, such as BritishColumbia and the Atlantic provinces,you can also often find outdoor fishmarkets that sell fresh seafood. Meatmarkets are also common through-out Canada.

Places to Shop for FoodSupermarkets are large grocery

stores which sell a wide variety offood and non-food products. Thesestores usually have the best

21

Chapter 7

Daily Matters

Daily Matters

Warning from a previously sponsored student “Never use your telephone for long distance calls. Those friends you left behind will

not perish, so why the rush and unnecessary expense? I have already lost contact witha friend who came with me. All this young man did was to phone his friends inBritain, Africa and New York. The bill came to $800.00 (Canadian dollars) whichhe could not pay. The telephone company decided to disconnect his line. The point isthat these days he phones me on collect call!! Yet for me, I have never phoned beyondCanadian borders because I am realistic.”

Advice from a previously sponsored student “One of the biggest problems refugee students face when they arrive in Canada is

how to cope with the loneliness and distress due to lack of information about some rela-tives and friends. The best thing you can do is to make friends here and to keep intouch with those relatives and friends you knew in the past. You can also avoid such sit-uations by being busy all the time. Make friends, go to school, get a job, write to yourdear ones and have time for fun.”


prices for canned goods and areusually the only places in winterwhere it is possible to find freshfruits and vegetables. Supermarketsoften have special sales that you canread about in advertisements at thestores.

Convenience Stores — some-times called "corner stores" — areneighbourhood stores (Mac's Milk,7-11, Beckers). Prices are usuallymuch higher than the market orsupermarket, but they are oftenopen 24 hours a day. They are, asthe name implies, convenient.

Ideas for Keeping Food Costs Low� You should become familiar with

the seasonal fruits and vegetablesin Canada since they are lessexpensive during the appropriateseason.

� If you do not have a meal plan ata residence, it is less costly to pre-pare your lunch at home andcarry it with you than to eat yourmidday meals in restaurantsand/or cafeterias. If you share anapartment or a house with oth-ers, it is cheaper to purchase yourfood together in bulk.

� Before you buy your food, plan amenu for what you will eat forthe next few days or weeks. Thiswill help you avoid buying thingsyou don't need, and it will alsoeliminate food waste andspoilage.

� Prices for food vary considerablyfrom one shop to the next. It iswise to compare prices beforemaking your food purchases.Check for sales as well.

� Join a community kitchen or abuying group. A number of peo-

ple come together, and cook largequantities of food to bring home.These are often held in commu-nity centres or neighbourhoodhouses. Not only do you savemoney, but you also have fun andmeet new people!

Food Banks There are food banks in Canada

where people can get a free and verysmall supply of food for a few days.These are for serious emergenciesonly - there should be no need foryou to use these. If you are havingproblems buying an adequateamount of food, talk to yourSponsoring Group members imme-diately.

Eating Out in RestaurantsIf you find it necessary to eat in arestaurant, there are several pointswhich you should consider:� university or college cafeterias are

usually the most reasonableplaces to buy meals since eachitem may be ordered separatelyand there are no tips or servicecharges to be paid;

� there are a large number of 'fastfood' outlets which sell standardfood items, generally at a reason-able price, such as hamburgers,hot dogs and pizza, Asian food,ice cream, fish and chips, etc.However, a lot of this food is notvery nutritious. You should,therefore, ensure that you findadditional ways of balancing yourdiet;

� ask your Sponsoring Groupmembers about "student joints".These are inexpensive restaurantsthat cater to students and studentbudgets.

Entertainment

Some of your monthlyallowance can be used towardsentertainment. Since your allowancewill not be large, you should takeadvantage of the many free forms ofentertainment on campuses and inthe community. As a student, youare usually eligible for price reduc-tions on tickets for films, concertsand sporting events. In addition,your school will probably have anumber of sporting and other recre-ational facilities available to you atno cost or at minimum cost. Manyinstitutions have film societieswhich you can join at a low cost andwhich allow you to view films atreasonable rates. You must showyour student card to receive thesediscounts.

Locally grown vegetables and

fruits are usually cheaper,

fresher, and of better quality.

Grown in Canada

mushrooms, potatoes, garlic,

onions, peppers, lettuce, toma-

toes, celery, cabbage, apples,

grapes, spinach, kale

Not Grown in Canada

pineapple, coconut, mango,

starfruit, grapefruit, oranges,

bananas, avocado

Common Names for SocialPlaces

Bar/Tavern/Beer ParlourCommonly called a 'bar', these

places are very informal. Beer, wineand liquor are served and snacks canbe purchased. A bar will often have aband providing music and entertain-ment. They are open most eveningsexcept Sundays in some provinces.

LoungeA lounge serves beer, wine,

liquor, as well as mixed drinks.Many lounges have entertainment.Usually these are higher priced thana tavern/bar, and are often foundwithin a restaurant.

Dining Room/Dining LoungeA formal restaurant, usually

without entertainment and oftenexpensive.

Night ClubSimilar to a dining room, but

with entertainment and dancing.They often have a cover charge.Some night clubs are also known as“pick-up joints,” which implies thatthey are places to meet single people.

Coffee BarAs the name implies, coffee bars sellan assortment of coffees. Some cof-fee bars also serve teas, juices andlight meals.

Shopping for Clothes

Department Stores Large stores such as The Bay and

Sears offer a wide range of almosteverything but the prices are usuallymoderate to high. One advantage toshopping in these large stores is thatyou are normally able to return mer-chandise which may not be satisfac-tory (usually within a limited periodof time). Upon presentation of yourreceipt, you will be issued a creditnote for another purchase or a cashrefund. Other department stores areK-Mart, Zellers and Wal-Mart. Theyare the same as the more expensivedepartment stores but prices andquality are lower.

Second-Hand Clothes Stores Second-hand or 'used' clothes

stores sell clothes as well as anassortment of household items at amuch cheaper price than first handshops. Often articles sold in secondhand stores are in good conditionand can be purchased at very lowprices. Many students buy most oftheir clothes and furniture at thesetypes of stores. Names includeGoodwill, Salvation Amy and ThriftShops.

Also in Canada is a phenomenoncalled “Garage” or “Lawn Sales.” Inwarm weather, on weekends, youwill find these types of sales.Individuals sell their used items ontheir property to people who pass by.Advertising for these sales is usuallythrough local newspapers and papersigns posted around town. Thesetypes of sales offer an array of itemsat unbeatable prices.

23Daily Matters

Advice from a previously sponsored student“I don't think sponsored students should bring lots of clothes with them

because I found second hand clothes very cheap and more suitable for weather inCanada.”

Canada is a country that pro-vides health care to all citi-zens free of charge through a

universal health care program. Thatmeans that every Canadian or per-manent resident (landed immigrant)has access to hospital and medicalcare regardless of where they live inCanada and how much money theyhave. Health costs are paid for bythe government of the province inwhich people live. You must sign upfor provincial coverage to have accessto free health care.

Signing Up For ProvincialHealth Care Coverage

Each province has a health insuranceprogram under which residentsreceive medical services. Upon arrivalin Canada, your Sponsoring Groupwill help you register for a provincialhealth care card. This is the cardthat you bring when you visit a doc-tor, health care centre or hospital formedical care. Provincial health carecovers you for emergency health careand for yearly appointments to adoctor for a general health check-up.It does not, however, cover prescrip-tion drugs, eyeglasses or dental serv-ices. In some provinces there is awaiting period of three monthsbefore you are registered. Duringthis period you will be coveredunder a federal program calledInterim Federal Health (IFH - seenext section.)

It is illegal to use another per-son's health insurance card. If youlose your card, you should report itto the government health authoritiesimmediately to get it replaced.

Interim Federal HealthProgram (IFH)

IFH is specifically for newcomers toCanada during their first 12 monthsin Canada. IFH is a federally-fundedprogram, one that people have toregister for through their local immi-gration offices. IFH offers coverageduring periods of ineligibility forprovincial coverage (three monthwaiting periods in the provinces ofBritish Columbia, New Brunswickand Ontario). In addition, it pro-vides minimum coverage for dentalcare, eye glasses and prescriptiondrugs. Your Sponsoring Group hasmore information about IFH cover-age, what services and provisions areprovided, and how to apply for it.IFH only covers people for the first12 months that they are in Canada(consult www.cic.gc.ca orwww.fasadmin.com for more details).

Dental Care

Dental care is not free in Canada,except for the minimum coveragethrough the Interim Federal Healthprogram (IFH) for the first 12months. If you require dental care,speak to your Sponsoring Groupwho will help you make an appoint-ment to see a dentist. The cost to seea dentist ranges depending on whereyou go. Before getting any dentalwork done, get a quote for the priceand discuss the cost with yourSponsoring Group.

Hospitals, Private DoctorClinics and Walk-in HealthClinics

If you are sick and have to see a doc-tor, you will either go to a privatedoctor's office (if you have anappointment) or to a walk-in clinic.Most universities and colleges have awalk-in clinic where you can see adoctor. If you have an accident orinjure yourself, you can either go to aclinic or to a hospital, depending onthe severity of your injury. Whenyou do go, you have to make sure tobring your health care card with youor you will not get served.

If you have a medical condition(physical, psychological or psychi-atric) that requires regular care, youshould try to find a family doctor.Talk to your Sponsoring Groupabout finding a doctor who you cansee regularly.

Alternately, speak to WUSCSRP staff in Ottawa if you wouldlike to keep the information confi-dential.


Chapter 8

Health Care in Canada

25

Financing Your EducationAfter the Initial Year

You will be coming to Canada asa permanent resident (by means of aprivate sponsorship) which permitsyou to work in Canada immediately,and receive government student assis-tance after your first year in Canada.Canadian colleges and universitiesare subsidised by the government tohelp keep tuition costs within thereach of the average student. Thismeans that it is possible for you tobecome financially independent fromyour Sponsoring Group after yourinitial year.

The funds for your sponsorshiphave been raised locally through stu-dent and administrative initiatives,and in most cases your SponsoringGroup will welcome a new student ayear after your arrival. After the 12months, in most cases, you will nolonger be supported financially byyour Sponsoring Group. It is possi-ble, however, for you to finance yourcontinued education through yourown initiative, and your SponsoringGroup will help you make the adjust-ment.

In the year after your sponsorshipit is likely that you will need to bor-row government funds. This is typi-cal among Canadian students. ManyCanadian students must get govern-ment administered student loans inorder to complete their studies. It iscommon for undergraduate studentsto have a large loan debt upon com-pletion of their education. The goodnews is that with an education thechances of finding employmentincrease and then you will be in aposition to pay back the loan.

Once your year of assistance iscompleted, you can support yourselfand your education through a combi-nation of student loans and sum-mer/part-time employment, and insome cases, scholarships & bursaries.

Government Student Loans

To supplement a student's earnings,the Canadian Student Loan Programwas established in 1964 to provideloans to full-time students in post-secondary studies. There is a maxi-mum amount of assistance that iscalculated to be sufficient for a stu-dent's standard of living. This meansthat the student will have most of themoney needed for modest housing,as well as sufficient funds for booksand clothing. These maximumamounts are often not enough tocover all costs. As such, a growingnumber of students work during thesummer, and part-time during theschool year, to supplement theamounts provided through studentloans.

A member of your SponsoringGroup will go with you to discussthe details of student loans in yourprovince with a student awards offi-cer during the course of your spon-sorship. Make sure you understandthe regulations before you register assome provinces restrict the numberof courses you may take in your firstyear for receiving student loans thefollowing year. Each province has itsown restrictions on access to provin-cial loans and grants. In someprovinces, such as Ontario, you haveto be a part-time student for one yearprior to accessing student loans.Therefore students going to Ontario

colleges or campuses only take part-time courses during their first year(that is, the year they are sponsoredby WUSC).

You can continue to access gov-ernment student loans until yougraduate. You will be expected to payoff the loan through monthly instal-ments as soon as you are employed,and even so, it may take up to 10years to pay off your loan. It is a veryserious offence not to make paymentson your loan once you have finishedyour education and have startedworking.

For further information on theCanadian Student Loan Program,either visit your student financialassistance office on campus, or con-tact the Canadian government toll-free at 1-800-O CANADA (1-800-622-6232).

Summer/Part-TimeEmployment

Another primary source of fundingfor your subsequent years of studyshould be your own earnings fromthe summer months or from part-time employment. The job marketvaries greatly throughout Canada,but it is usually possible to find somesort of employment. Students typi-cally work in the service industry asmanual labourers, shop clerks, clean-ing or restaurant staff during thesummer or on a part-time basis dur-ing the school year. Even if jobs areavailable, looking for work can take along time and can sometimes be avery frustrating experience.

Some of the Sponsoring Groupsprovide the sponsored student with

Chapter 9

After the One-Year Sponsorship

After One Year Sponsorhip

employment for up to a certainnumber of hours a week. The posi-tions include working in the collegeor university's registrar's office, in acampus library or another clerk-typeposition in an office. The salary isrelatively low — it is usually at anhourly rate that is referred to as"minimum wage" — the lowestamount that an employer can give anemployee per hour by Canadian law.However, even if the salary is low,

the extra income is a bonus for thesponsored students who have theemployment opportunity as part oftheir sponsorship. However, thecapacity to provide employment forthe sponsored student only appliesto a small number of sponsorships.

If your Sponsoring Group doesnot provide a part-time work oppor-tunity for you through their spon-soring structure (and most don't),you can look for work on your own.

Your Sponsoring Group can helpyou to look for employment, but it isyour responsibility to search outemployment opportunities.

Researching available positionsrequires work. You can get someideas of the kinds of jobs availableby visiting student employment cen-tres or checking the 'help wanted'columns in newspapers. Manyemployers prefer not to advertise asthey do not want to be overwhelmedwith applications. Employers tend tohire people who are referred tothem, or job searchers who have theinitiative to apply at their offices andfollow-up on employment prospects.It is therefore worthwhile askingfriends, fellow students and profes-sors about possible job openings.

Summer Employment

Most institutions offer courses in thesummer months ( June – August inCanada), but some students chooseto find part or full-time employmentduring these months in order to savefor the next school year. YourSponsoring Group sponsors you for12 months, including covering thecost of tuition in the summer. It isyour decision. However, most spon-sored students stay in school duringthe summer months in order to getahead academically. Some studentsfind part-time work though, eitheron campus or in the community andthis helps with the transition tofinancial independence.

What Jobs?Although the media often focus

on the lack of employment, jobs doexist, even in tough economic times.Many employers hire students toreplace their full-time employeeswho are on holidays and openingsbecome available because of the sea-

sonal nature of the work. Forinstance, the hospitality industryhires for the summer season, as dolandscape firms, parks and recreationdepartments, camps, painting com-panies, restaurants, etc. Governmentsubsidy programs in many provincescreate incentives to hire students forwork in the summer months.

Do not expect to find a summerjob that is directly related to yourstudies, or even one that pays abovethe minimum wage, especially at theundergraduate level. “Menial” jobsare quite socially acceptable becauseit is expected that students will workin the summer and these types ofjobs are the most plentiful. You musttherefore be willing to take whatevertype of employment is available, forexample, dishwasher, gardener, cook,security guard, cleaner. Canadianstudents work at menial jobs with-out any loss of pride or status. Thereis simple pride in working to putoneself through school.

ResumésMany employers insist on receiv-

ing a personal resumé as part oftheir application procedure, even ifthe initial method of application wasby telephone or application form.The advantage of using a resumé isthat it allows you to present yourselfin a way most flattering to you.Choose a format that suits yourbackground and the type of positionyou are seeking. Student employ-ment centres keep information andsample resumés to help you put onetogether. Many schools also offer ashort résumé writing workshop forfree.

For more information on what toinclude in a Canadian résumé, seeAppendix 2.


Advantages of working part-time during the first year of spon-sorship� A sense of independence� Extra income, even if it is a

small amount per month� Canadian job experience� The opportunity to meet peo-

ple outside of classes, yourSponsoring Group and whereyou live

Disadvantages of workingpart-time during the first year ofsponsorship � Can distract from your studies,

particularly during the first yearwhen you are adjusting to beingin Canada

27

Job Search TipsWhen looking for a job, it is

advisable to look into all places thatyou can think of, and never give up.There are some places that youshould check on a regular basis.These include, but are not limitedto:� Student employment centres on

and off campus� Canada Employment Centres

(Human Resources DevelopmentCanada)

� The Internet – there is an evergrowing number of job searchsites on the Internet

� Government websites – govern-ment departments frequently hirestudents for short-term projectsand for the summer months

� Community centres and neigh-bourhood houses

� Friends and colleagues � Professors� Residence or cafeteria� Notice boards� Contact potential employers

directly

It is highly advised that you visita Career Centre on campus, or evena refugee and immigrant settlementagency in your area. Most conductworkshops and have written infor-mation that can assist you withresumé and cover letter writing, jobsearch skills, interview techniques,and how to use the Internet's jobsearch sites. Like any other country,

there is a "Canadian way" when itcomes to how work and job searchesare conducted. For example, when inan interview in Canada, generallyspeaking you will be expected to "sellyourself ", something which may beunacceptable in other countries.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Lists of possible scholarships andbursaries can be obtained from theoffice of awards and financial aid atyour respective educational institu-tions. It is important to rememberthat scholarships are provided onstrictly academic performance whilebursaries are provided on other cri-teria such as financial need, field ofstudy, etc. At the graduate level ofstudy, financial assistance often takesthe form of well-paying teachingassistant positions.

Summer Language BursaryProgram

The ability to speak both ofCanada's official languages can be atremendous asset when you startseeking employment in certain areasof Canada. The Canadian govern-ment's Summer Language BursaryProgram gives students the opportu-nity to learn either English or Frenchas another language.

The program grants bursaries tostudents across Canada, allowingthem to participate in five-weekimmersion courses in English orFrench at accredited institutions. Formore information, contact the

Department of Canadian Heritageoffice nearest you, as listed in theGovernment of Canada pages of thetelephone directory. You can also askfor information from your campusfinancial aid office.

Permanent EmploymentProspects

Reflecting the great diversity ofCanada, the job prospects vary fromregion to region. Canada has a lot ofsmaller urban centres and rural areasthat are economically depressed andwhere it is difficult to find employ-ment. Canada also has towns andcities that are economically vibrant,with excellent job opportunities forskilled people.

Your job prospects and thesalary you can expect after yourgraduation will vary according toyour program of study. Although nodegree provides you with a guaranteeof finding a job, all degrees are usefulin your job search for they are anindication of your potential.

Volunteering

Most people, whether they areCanadian born or not, who areentering the job market in Canadafind that they need Canadian workexperience to get their first job. Agood way to get experience isthrough volunteering at an organiza-tion, or with a community group,etc. People who volunteer do so inorder to gain valuable experience in aparticular field of interest, to meetpeople, or to help a cause in whichthey believe. Volunteering as a mem-ber of a WUSC Sponsoring Groupor Local Committee is one type ofvolunteering, but there are lots ofother organisations and groups oncampus and in the wider communityat which to volunteer.

After the One-Year Sponsorship

Advice from a previously sponsored student“Try to be serious in your job search efforts. When you hear about any job, con-

sider that you are the most suitable candidate for the position and impress theemployer. Volunteer jobs are useful too. When you start as a volunteer, later youmay fill a vacant, paid position within the same company. In addition, you will getimportant experience for future use.”


Becoming a Canadian Citizen

You can apply for Canadian citizen-ship three years after you have been inthe country. For information, visit theGovernment of Canada's Citizenshipand Immigration website at:www.cic.gc.ca.

Being awarded citizenship involveswriting a test on Canadian historyand participating in a citizenship cere-mony at a Citizenship andImmigration office. Aside from voterprivileges and the right to carry aCanadian passport, a landed immi-grant in Canada has many of the samerights and responsibilities as a citizen.

Immigration of Other FamilyMembers

Also on the Citizenship andImmigration website (www.cic.gc.ca),there is information regarding the pri-vate sponsorship of refugees. You canread about how to go about sponsor-ing other family members to immi-grate to Canada, although it is a longand sometimes tedious process.

Participation in WUSCActivities after theSponsporship Period

The sponsorship period normallyends after 1 year, however, many pre-viously sponsored students remain intouch with their Sponsoring Groupwell beyond the 12-month period.Many students join the SponsoringGroup as a member and help withwelcoming the next student. To havepreviously sponsored students as partof a Sponsoring Group is invaluablesince they can provide advice andguidance to the incoming studentsfrom the perspective of someone whohas undergone a similar experience.

It is up to you whether or not youwould like to continue participating inWUSC activities on campus. Onceyou are in Canada, you will learn

more about the campus-based groupand what activities they are involvedin, and you will have a better ideaabout your time commitments andyour interest in participating withWUSC or other groups.

Please see Appendices 3 and 4 fora list of WUSC publications, as wellas short list of resources from severalrefugee and immigrant agencies.

National and InternationalOrganizations Working withRefugees

The following list of organizationsrepresents only a small handful ofnational and international organiza-tions working with refugees; however,they are listed here since they are themost important in terms of WUSC’sSRP. You may wish to contact themout of personal interest or need, oryou may even decide to get involvedwith one of these organizations.Contact details are provided so thatyou may reach them should youdecide to do so.

The Canadian Council for Refugees(CCR) is a non-profit umbrellaorganization committed to the rightsand protection of refugees in Canadaand around the world, and to the set-tlement of refugees and immigrants inCanada. WUSC is a member ofCCR and is on their listserve. Someof their messages, assessed as relevantto the SRP, are re-posted on theWUSCnet. CCR provides network-ing and information exchange amonggroups working with refugees, andconducts research and policy analysis.For more info, contactwww.ccrweb.ca. For contact names oflocal refugee and immigrant servicingagencies, go to the website and followthe links.

Amnesty International is a well-known organization working to pre-vent the violation of human rightsworldwide. Contact them atwww.amnesty.ca or on their toll-freephone number 1-800-AMNESTY.The site has suggestions on how indi-viduals can take action against humanrights abuses.

The United Nations HighCommission for Refugees(UNHCR)is a non-political, humanitarian inter-governmental organization. Its man-date is to lead and coordinate interna-tional action for the world-wide pro-tection of refugees and the resolutionof refugee problems. Informativematerial on the situation of refugeesaround the world is available from theUNHCR Branch Office in Canada(in Ottawa) –www.unhcr.ca . Ordersor requests to subscribe to Refugeesmagazine, a quarterly magazine onrefugees, or to get pamphlets orbrochures can be made by e-mail to:[email protected] or by phone, 1-613-232-0909.

Centre for Refugee Studies (CRS)is engaged in research on refugeeissues; it informs public discussion aswell as policy development and inno-vative practices by international gov-ernmental, advocacy and serviceorganizations. It also supports teach-ing in refugee and migration studies.Visit their website at www.yorku.ca/crsor for general inquiries you can e-mailthem at [email protected]

Student Action for Refugees(STAR) is a UK-based organizationgiving students the opportunity tolearn about refugee issues, and to raiseawareness and help refugees in a prac-tical way in their local communities.www.star-network.org.ukproviders only: 1-800-770-2998

Checklist 1: Things to Do Before the Student Arrives

Practical Items

�Ensure that accommodation is ready for the student. WUSC tries to arrange for students to arrive two weeks beforethe semester starts, although it is not always possible. If time permits, arrange for a homestay in a family's home for afew days before his/her move into a residence or apartment (however, be sensitive when matching a student to ahomestay).

�Ensure that finances are in place.

�Ensure that the meal plan is arranged or that funds are available to buy groceries and cooking utensils, etc.

�Prepare an orientation kit for the student: it should include city and campus maps, bus/subway information, postalinformation, international student handbook, events calendar, appropriate local ethnic associations, etc.

Organize Welcoming

�Ensure that a small welcoming group is ready to go to the airport or other place of arrival.

�Ensure that Sponsoring Group members are available to accompany the student during the first few weeks for orien-tation tours, registration, shopping trips, etc. Share these responsibilities among committee members since it is toomuch work for one person.

Paper Work

�Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) application form.

�Obtain a Provincial Health Care application form.

�Obtain an Intern Federal Health Form

University Details

�Enroll the student in a campus orientation program. Check with the International Student Advisor to find out aboutspecial orientation sessions for international students, and learn what other programs and services the institution pro-vides.

�Learn about your provincial student financial assistance rules as they will apply to the student.

Appendix 1 Pre-Arrival Checklists for the Sponsoring Groups

Pre-Arrival Checklist for the Sponsoring Groups 29


Checklist 2: Things to Do Immediately After the Student’s Arrival

First Day�A few people should go to the airport to welcome the student. Keep in mind that having too many people could be

overwhelming. Bring a camera but ask if it is okay to record the event. Send copy of the photographs to WUSC!

�Look after his/her basic needs: shower, food, sleep. Keep in mind that you may have to explain things we take for grant-ed (how the taps work, how hot the water is...).

� If possible, let the student call or e-mail his/her relatives or close friends.

�Call or e-mail WUSC staff to let them know that the student has arrived safely.

First Two or Three DaysPaper Work

�Assist the student in filling out the Social Insurance Number Form (SIN).

�Assist the student in filling out the Health Insurance Form.

�Go to the local CIC office with the student to obtain and fill out an Interim Federal Health form (IFH) even if provin-cial health care coverage begins immediately since IFH coverage is more comprehensive (see the IFH section of thisguide, page 22).

�Make sure that the university/college registration is complete and that everything is finalized with the course schedule.Talk it over with the student and explain how the system works.

Daily Life

�Explain the financing of the sponsorship and the monthly allowance, and, in particular, what the sponsorship will cover(and what will not be covered).

�Explain the telephone and postal systems.

� If the student is cooking for him/herself, make sure he/she has the necessary utensils, pots, etc.

� If necessary, assist the student by showing him/her some basic cooking skills.

�People from many cultures throughout the world are accustomed to shopping on a daily basis in open-air markets, wheremost items can be purchased and bargained for in small quantities. These markets differ greatly from the Canadiansupermarket, where most items can be obtained in weekly or monthly quantities. You should explain the “non-bargain-ing” nature of Canadian stores, as well as the advantages of comparison shopping and buying when things are on sale.Explain the concept of self-serve shopping and systems of payment (and remember to explain GST and PST).

�Go to supermarkets or stores to buy food and try to locate shops that sell food that is familiar to the student so thathe/she can cook his/her own particular “comfort food”.

�Explain how to contact and access police/ambulance in an emergency (911). Also point out emergency sirens, since thesesounds may be associated with bad memories for the student. Ask if the student would like to visit a police station orhospital. Explain how these services work in Canada. You may need to discuss rights in the Canadian context, andexplain that police services are mandated and monitored to protect the public.

31

First Week� Accompany the student to open a bank account. The student will need an ATM card. Explain how the card works.

� Part of the sponsorship obligation is to ensure that the student has adequate and appropriate clothing. Please accom-pany the student to buy winter clothing so that you can guide him/her to suitable, affordable stores. Accompanyingthe student on a shopping trip also provides an opportunity for you to introduce him/her to stores where goods canbe bought cheaply (ie. thrift-shops and other second hand stores, bargain shops, etc.).

� Assist the student in finding a place of worship, if s/he desires it.

� Explain social customs of dating, describe acceptable versus unacceptable behaviour, and explain sexual harassment,and let him/her know who to talk to about it should s/he experience it (eg. a counselling service or hotline).

� Show the campus health centre and services to the student. Help the student to find a doctor, and explain the healthcare system and the concept of preventative medicine.

� Go through the Pre-Departure Orientation Guide for WUSC Sponsored Students which was sent to the student andrespond to any questions s/he may have.

� Explain about WUSC on campus and the activities and programs of WUSC in Ottawa and how to get involved.

� Assist the student in contacting Immigration officials regarding the the Travel Loan (see section on Travel Loan, page18).

� Explain the local transit system: routes, fares, bus passes vs. tickets, etc.

� Explain the risks of hitchhiking in Canada (since in some countries it is a very normal means of transportation).

Academic Orientation

� Arrange a session with an academic and career advisor for the student to inform her/him of the options available.This is critical to his/her future academic success.

� Arrange a session with the Student Aid/Award Officer to inform the student of the regulations for federal andprovincial financial assistance for students. This is important at the beginning of the sponsorship because it may makea difference to the student’s course load and his/her future access to loan programs in your province.

� Follow-up with the International Student Advisor about special orientation sessions for international students.

� Explain the use of libraries: How to borrow books, access e-mail/internet.

� Explain where to buy books cheaply, and ensure that the student understands how much money in the budget hasbeen allocated for books and school supplies or understands that books have been donated.

� Make sure the student knows the important deadlines for withdrawing or changing classes.

� Investigate extra English language classes, conversation classes, exam preparation or essay workshops. Give this infor-mation to the student, and follow up on it if it becomes evident that there is a need for these services.

Pre-Arrival Checklist for Sponsored Students


ContentIdentification

� name (on all pages)

� address (permanent and temporary)

� telephone number (home, work) message if necessary

� e-mail address

It isn’t necessary to include your date of birth, sex, marital status, religion, race, citizenship, political affiliations...

Job/Career Objective

� A few lines only. Optional. Can be included on your résumé or in your cover letter.

Education

� diploma or certificate obtained (in reverse chronological order starting with the most recent)

� program of study (including area of specialization if necessary or appropriate)

� period of attendance or date of graduation (actual or expected)

� name and location of the institution (city and province only)

This section could also include (optional):

� academic or special projects, field placements, theses topics

� courses, workshops, additional training

� scholarships, bursaries or academic awards

� languages and computer skills (or other technical skills)

It is not necessary to mention a high school diploma/studies.

Work Experience

� period of employment (starting with the most recent)

� position title

� name and address of employer (city and province only)

� brief summary of the position 's duties, level of responsibility/required skills

� achievements

This section may include volunteer and paid work, field placements, full-time or part-time work as well as sum-mer positions.

Appendix 2 Preparing a Résumé* for Employment in Canada*also referred to as a “CV” or curriculum vitae

33

Additional Information

� extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, hobbies & interests

� memberships in professional associations

� additional languages

� technical (computer) skills

References

� state "References available upon request"

� use separate sheet for references

Presentation� attractive layout

� good quality paper (8½” x 11”)

� document properly typed with no “typos” or grammatical errors

� good use of bold, capitals, italics, underline. ..

� most important information accentuated

� clarity, conciseness, and consistency

� use action verbs

� abbreviations to be avoided

� two to three pages maximum

COVERING LETTERaddressed to the person in charge of hiring (name and position title)

� Introduction: Explain why you are writing, specify the position or type of work you are seeking.

� Development: Explain how your education, skills, knowledge, and abilities relate to the available position;indicate what you have to offer to the employer;explain why you are interested in working for the employer and why you would like to do this type of work.

� Conclusion:Request an interview, indicate what your next step will be and finish with a complimentary closing (Yours sincerely, Yours truly...)

� Your identiying information:Signature, address, phone number, indication that you have enclosed your résumé

Preparing a Résumé for Employment in Canada


Appendix 3WUSC PublicationsWUSC has its own website — www.wusc.ca — which posts information about all of WUSC’s programs. On thewebsite, you will find a number of resources for Sponsoring Groups as well as the Local Committee ResourceCentre and information about the WUSC International Development Seminar.

1. World.Wide.WUSC e-newsletterWUSC communicates monthly with its Local Committeemembers regarding the SRP and other on-campus activi-ties through an electronic newsletter. This communicationis also made available to current and former sponsoredstudents upon request. Contact [email protected] for moreinformation.

2. Fostering Tomorrow’s Global Leadres

[2007, Bilingual]

This new edition of the SRP's evaluation report summa-rizes and analyzes information collected from previouslysponsored students, local committee members and over-seas partners.

3. VIDEO: Once a Refugee

[1998, 20 minutes – Bilingual]

The video describes the history of the WUSC sponsor-ship program. The videographer follows the progress ofhopeful young African refugees in Kenya from the initialapplication procedures, through Canadian immigrationclearance, to their arrival in Canada and first months intheir new country.

4. Human Rights in the Context ofGlobalization. Whose Rights are Right?

The Development Education Kit 1998–99 [Bilingual]

This deved kit is an action kit and resource guide. It ismeant to be a starting point for an exploration of thetheme of human rights in the context of globalization.

5. Development Education Handbooks

Produced by volunteers at WUSC and CCI [English]

This handbook was developed by WUSC in collaborationwith Canadian Crossroads International (CCI). Thehandbook stresses that "Development Education requiresbuilding awareness of global and local issues from theground up and promoting action through reflection, par-ticipation an sharing of visions and values." There are anumber of exercises in the manual for groups to developcritical awareness and skills to engage in issues and takingaction. Although it is a draft document, please contact usto get a copy.

6. WUSC website — www.wusc.ca

For all WUSC related publications and programinformation, go to www.wusc.ca

35

Appendix 4WUSC SRP Resource LibraryThe SRP webpages at – www.wusc.ca/campuses/srp – contains several resources for Sponsoring Groups,Sponosored Students, and Local Committee contacts and activities on campus. WUSC also networks with sev-eral Refugee and Immigrant agencies and thereby receives publications form them which we keep at the headoffice. The following is a general list of the resources we have at the WUSC office in Ottawa. Depending onthe circumstance, these resources are available to be lent out. However, most of these resources are availablefree of charge by writing to the appropriate agency.

1. VIDEO: Who Can beSponsored. PrivateSponsorship of Refugees toCanada

[2000, 20 minutes, English]

The video, produces for the RefugeeSponsorship Training Program, pro-vides Canadians with an n under-standing of the criteria used by theGovernment of Canada to screenrefugee applicants overseas.Featured in the video are interviewswith recently arrived refugees, andthose who are sponsoring them.

2. VIDEO: 50th AnniversaryUNHCR, Global View 1999-2000

[2000, 30 minutes, English]

The video looks back at 50 years ofrefugee work, tracing the evolutionof UNHCR from its modest begin-nings in Geneva and its temporarymandate to today’s worldwide organ-ization which operates in 120 coun-tries and helps more than 22 millionpeople.

3. VIDEO: RefugeeSponsorship: Making aDifference

[1999, 14:15 minutes, English]

The video explains refugee sponsor-ship in the Canadian context.

4. REFUGEES Magazine

[Bilingual]

A journal published 4 times a yearby the UNHCR focussing on globalrefugee issues. WUSC SRP hasback issues from 1992. Recent andfuture issues can be ordered fromthe UNHCR office in Ottawa:[email protected]

5. The State of the World’sRefugees

[Bilingual]

An annual publication by theUNHCR that describes the state ofthe world's refugees. It is very help-ful for statistics and for presentingthe history of refugee movements.

6. Cross-Cultural Awarenessand Conflict ManagementTraining Materials

These training modules werespecifically designed for sponsoringgroups that privately sponsorrefugees.

WUSC SRP Resource Library

World University Service of Canada1404 Scott Street

Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaK1Y 4M8

Phone: 613-798-7477Toll free: 1-800-267-8699

Fax: 613-798-0990Website: www.wusc.ca

pre-departure guide for wusc sponsored...

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