Mistakes international students should avoid when studying in Canada

Avoid these cultural taboos while studying in Canada

Canada is the leading country in the world for international students who seek overseas education due to good quality education, brand-name universities, job opportunities and of course its rich melting-pot culture. While Canada is no longer completely monocultural due to its large influx of international students, you need to be very careful about some cultural no-nos in case you want to travel to Canada for your higher studies. But do bear these cultural norms in mind, you may feel very uncomfortable when you are interacting with people from Canada!

7 Things students should avoid at all costs when in Canada as an international student.

We have no doubts that you will be in unfamiliar territory and that at first, you will be unsure how to adapt to these new cultures! So, here’s help! Observe these cultural faux pas to make sure not to experience them while staying and studying in Canada.

1. Do not overlook 15 % gratuity though.

Although, many a time it is inevitable to have a person tipping at a restaurant. Nevertheless, in Canada there is a custom to give a tip to a waiter approximately 15 per cent of the final bill. Under-tipping or no tipping at all is respected as a hugely impolite behaviour. In case you are in doubt, tip more than your regular tip size for a waiter and you will be surprised how much it can put a smile on their faces. Sometimes, a little pat on the back, even if it is a virtual one, can take us a long way.

2. Better avoid the problematic issue to discuss.

Politics; Religion; and Sex, culturally considered the three major controversial subjects in Canada! Political attitude differs at the level of individuals to include tax, gun ownership, drug legalization and other public policy issues. Regarding public debate, Canadians do not like if you express strongly sentiments in public and see it as an open invitation for debate.However, like politics, which is viewed as being private, sex is seen as being private by Canadians, therefore, they can even sue someone for sexual content and exposure. Hence, you should keep your or other people's religious views to yourself. A widely held opinion is that religious differences divide Canada, making it unfashionable for people to talk about religion. Although this is so, it isn’t appropriate for the Canadians to put on their religious tables of affiliation to the public. Those, who try to take their religion everywhere and at every opportunity become annoying and useless.

3. Avoid pointing and staring at strangers

Your index finger may occasionally be used to point at things, but when talking about someone or something in public it is better to avoid pointing or staring at strangers. This is because it is viewed as disrespectful and a kind of leering.Additionally, although making a "V" sign with your index and middle fingers is seen as "peace" in certain nations, this is not the case in Canada. Be careful that making this sign could annoy some people even when you're posing for pictures!

4. Avoid being late to social gatherings or official meetings

Being fashionably late is not cool in Canada! Rather attending social events or professional meetings on time, or even a little early, is appreciated by Canadian people. This implies that you value other people's time and your own. One thing to keep in mind is that they take time very seriously, so when they say 5:00 pm, they really mean it on the dot, being early by more than 15 minutes is also considered presumptuous.If you know you are going to be late, it's best to let people know and arrive no more than 15 minutes late. Anything further without a justification or an apology is considered impolite always. So, if you have a meeting or occasion to attend, it is best to avoid any delay.

5. Do not be rude or confrontational

Nobody (including yourself) likes dealing with an unpleasant or belligerent individual, as it hurts emotionally. If you find yourself triggered for whatever reason, take a moment to calm down and refrain from arguing or acting rudely.Canadians are more inclined to interact with you and maintain respect when you approach anyone with calm and openness because kindness is the key, always works like a charm!

6. Do not be stingy when it comes to gift-giving

In general, Canadians give gifts for holidays like Christmas and birthdays. If you are invited to a celebration, birthday bash, dinner, or lunch at someone’s house make sure to bring flowers, a box of chocolates, or a bottle of wine.As a tradition send flowers before the dinner party if you reside in Quebec. Additionally, if you choose to offer wine, it should be the best you can buy. The most important thing that you should avoid is both white lilies and cash at any cost.

7. Do not publicly display anger

In most nations, it is preferable to resolve conflicts in private rather than in a public setting. After all, making a scene can interfere with people's ability to go about their daily lives which can be very hard for an individual.It’s the same for people in Canada, who often refrain from sobbing or raising their voices in public. Following suit and avoiding outward expressions of rage or any other emotions that can disrupt social interactions is therefore a win-win situation for everyone. There is no good in displaying anger in public or anywhere else. If you are heading to a new chapter of pursuing your higher studies in Canada, then be aware of these taboos! Also, for queries regarding studying in Canada, you can get in touch with our international education experts. They will help you with the course selection, university selection, and admission procedure.